Starting the Engine

Content Source: 2021 Indian Heavyweight Owner’s Manual (9931551 R01) > Operation Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Starting the Engine

The starter interlock system allows the engine to be started only when the transmission is in neutral, or when the transmission is in gear with the clutch disengaged (clutch lever pulled in). The engine should NEVER start in any gear except neutral if the side-stand is down. See Sidestand.

TIP

If the motorcycle runs out of fuel, prime the system before attempting to restart the engine. See Priming the Fuel System.

Perform the Pre-Ride Inspections. See Before You Ride. Properly secure any cargo.

Straddle the motorcycle and bring it to the fully upright position. Retract the side-stand.

TIP

For the electrical system to be activated with the power switch, the key fob must be within range. See Keyless Ignition.

Move the engine stop/run switch to the RUN position.
Shift the transmission to neutral.
Apply the front brakes. Disengage the clutch (pull the clutch lever fully toward the handlebar).
The motorcycle will be electrically activated by pressing the power switch. Then with the throttle closed, press and release the starter switch to start the engine. The starter motor will crank until the engine starts, but no more than 3 seconds. If the engine does not start, wait five seconds and try again.
If starting a COOL engine, DO NOT open the throttle while starting. Idle speed is computer controlled and idle speed will adjust automatically depending on engine temperature and air temperature. Allow the engine to warm up for one minute minimum at low RPM after starting. Do not run the engine above 2500 RPM. If starting a WARM engine, DO NOT open the throttle while starting.

If either the check engine indicator or the low oil pressure indicator (or display) remains on after the engine starts, stop the engine immediately. Refer to the low oil pressure indicator/display information in the Low Oil Pressure Display section or the Indicator Lamps section.

NOTICE

Operating an engine with a misfire or non-firing cylinder can overheat the catalytic converter, which could result in catalytic converter damage and loss of emission control. DO NOT OPERATE the motorcycle if a misfire or non-firing cylinder exists.

Leave the throttle closed and allow the engine to idle. Idle speed will gradually slow to normal as the engine warms to operating temperature.

TIP

Do not rev the engine or put the transmission in gear immediately after starting the engine. Allow the engine to idle for about 30 seconds after a warm start or at least one minute after a cold start (longer in cold weather). This will allow oil to reach all areas before the engine is put under load.

NOTICE

Do not run the engine at high RPM with the clutch disengaged or the transmission in neutral. Maximum safe engine speed is 5400 RPM. Never exceed the maximum safe RPM as this could result in serious engine damage.

Idle Timer Shutdown Notification

NOTICE

The engine is air-cooled and requires unrestricted air flow to ensure proper operating temperature. Long periods of idling or traveling at very low speeds (such as during a parade) may overheat the engine, resulting in serious engine damage.

To prevent overheating, the engine will shut down after running at idle for a prolonged period of time without user input. At any time during the idle countdown timer period, user input to the clutch/brake levers, or throttle, will end the shutdown sequence. Prior to engine shutdown, notifications will be provided to the user.

For motorcycles equipped with Ride Command, a notification will display a countdown timer to warn that the engine is about to shut off

. After the time has elapsed and the engine is shut off, a subsequent notification will be displayed

. After the engine shuts off, the engine can re-started by pressing the starter switch.

For motorcycles equipped with an instrument cluster (Cruisers), a flashing amber warning light indicator signals the start of the countdown timer

. After the time has elapsed and the engine is shut off, the illuminated indicator will remain solid. The engine can be re-started by pressing the starter switch. After starting the engine, the Check Engine indicator should no longer be illuminated.