Before You Ride

Content Source: 2021 Indian Vintage Dark Horse / Indian Vintage / Indian Springfield Dark Horse Owner’s Manual (9939979 R01) > Pre-Ride Inspections 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

Before You Ride

To keep your motorcycle in safe operating condition, always perform the recommended pre-ride inspections before each ride. This is especially important before making a long trip and when removing the motorcycle from storage.

WARNING

Failure to perform the recommended pre-ride inspections could result in component failure while riding, which could result in serious injury or death. Always perform the pre-ride inspections before each ride. When inspection reveals the need for adjustment, replacement or repair, perform the service promptly, or your authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE can assist.

WARNING

Read the entire Instruments, Features and Controls section of this manual before riding your motorcycle. A complete understanding of the features and capabilities of your motorcycle is essential to its safe operation. Anything less may result in serious injury or death.

You must be familiar with all instruments and controls to perform the pre-ride inspections.

TIP

During the pre-ride inspections you may use products that are potentially hazardous, such as oil or brake fluid. When using any of these products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the product packaging.

When inspections reveal the need for adjustment, replacement or repair:

refer to the maintenance section of this manual. See Safety During Service Procedures.
refer to the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Service Manual
or see your authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer or other dealer

Electrical Inspections

Turn the power switch on and move the stop/run switch to RUN before performing the following electrical inspections. Turn the power switch off after completing these inspections. If inspection of any electrical item reveals component failure, repair or replace the component before operating the motorcycle.

Item	Inspection Procedure
Headlamp	Move the headlight switch from low beam to high beam to turn the lights on and verify operation of both beams. Start the engine. Switch to high beam. Verify that the high beam indicator comes on and that lamp brightness increases. Press and hold the low beam switch to verify “Flash to Pass” functionality.
Taillights/Brakelight	Verify that the taillights and license plate light illuminate. Verify that the taillight lamps increase in brightness when the front brake lever is applied and also when the rear brake pedal is applied.
Turn Signals	Move the turn signal switch to the left. Verify that front and rear left turn signals flash, as well as the corresponding light on the indicator panel. Move the switch to the center position and push it inward to cancel the signal. Verify that the signals and the indicator light stop flashing. Repeat the procedure for the right turn signals.
Emergency Flashers	Press and hold the turn signal switch in for 1 second to activate flashers. Verify that all four turn signals flash, as well as the lamps on the indicator panel. Turn the flashers off. Verify that all signals and indicator lamps stop flashing.
Horn	Press the horn switch. Verify that the horn sounds loudly.
Neutral Indicator	Place the transmission in neutral. Verify that the neutral indicator lamp illuminates and that the letter "N" displays in the gear position display.
Low Oil Pressure Display	Start the engine. CHIEF MODELS/SPRINGFIELD: Verify that "LO OIL" is not displayed in the MFD. CHIEFTAIN MODELS/ ROADMASTER: Verify that the low oil pressure indicator is not illuminated.
Engine Stop/Run Switch	Start the engine. Move the stop/run switch to the STOP position. Verify that the engine stops.

General Inspections

Item	Inspection Procedure
Engine Oil	Check the oil level. See Engine Oil Level.
Fuel	Check the fuel level. See Fuel Range.
Fluid Leaks	Check the vehicle and the ground/floor for any fuel, oil or hydraulic fluid leaks.
Tires	Inspect condition, pressure and tread depth. See Tire Pressure.
Brake Operation	Inspect pedal and lever movement.
Brake Fluid Levels	Check front and rear brake fluid levels.
Brake Components	Inspect hoses and connections.
Throttle	Inspect hand grip and throttle movement.
Clutch	Check lever operation and freeplay.
Front Suspension	Check for leaks, debris and damage.
Steering	Check for smooth operation by turning handlebars full left and full right.
Rear Suspension	Inspect for leaks. Check shock movement and air pressure..
Ride Height	Make sure shock pressure is adjusted properly for load.
Rear Drive Belt	Check for wear or damage. Check drive belt tension. See Rear Drive Belt Cleaning.
Sidestand	Verify smooth operation, inspect pivot bolt and spring.
Fasteners	Inspect for loose, damaged or missing fasteners.
Mirrors	Adjust for proper rear view.
Trunk/Saddlebags	If equipped, make sure the trunk and saddlebags are properly installed and that lids are securely closed.