Buell XB Series User manual

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Safety First
Safe Operating Rules: XB Models
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Motorcycles are different from other vehicles. They operate, steer, handle and brake
differently. Unskilled or improper use could result in loss of control, death or serious
injury. (00556c)
Take a rider training course.
Read Owner's Manual before riding, adding accessories or servicing.
Wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing.
Never tow a trailer.
Before operating your new Buell, it is your responsibility to read and follow operating
and maintenance instructions in this manual. Follow these basic rules for your personal
safety.
Know and respect the rules of the road. See Rules of the Road: Buell Models. Read and
observe the RIDING TIPS booklet that comes with this Owner's Manual. You should
also read and know the contents of the MOTORCYCLE HANDBOOK for your state.
Before starting engine, check for proper operation of brake, clutch, shifter and throttle
controls. Inspect fuel and oil supply.
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Do not use aftermarket parts and custom made front forks which can adversely affect
performance and handling. Removing or altering factory installed parts can adversely
affect performance and could result in death or serious injury. (00001a)
Use only Buell approved parts and accessories. Use of certain "race only" or other
manufacturer's performance parts will void your new motorcycle warranty. See a Buell
dealer for details.
Avoid spills. Slowly remove filler cap. Do not fill above bottom of filler neck insert,
leaving air space for fuel expansion. Secure filler cap after refueling. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious
injury. (00028a)
Use care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can force gasoline to escape
through filler tube. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00029a)
Cooling fans operate automatically, even when the ignition switch is off. Keep hands
away from fan blades. Contact with a rotating fan blade can result in minor or
moderate injury. (00093a)
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004e)
Wheel weights on wheels without spokes contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. (00356c)
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Do not run motorcycle in a closed garage or confined area. Inhaling motorcycle
exhaust, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas, could result in death or
serious injury. (00005a)
See Break-in Riding Rules. A new motorcycle must be operated according to the break-
in procedure.
Operate motorcycle only at moderate speed and out of traffic until you have become
thoroughly familiar with its operation and handling characteristics under all conditions.
NOTE:
We recommend that you obtain information and formal training in the correct motorcycle riding technique. In the United States, the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation®offers beginning and experienced rider safety courses. Call [phone] for information.
Travel at speeds appropriate for road and conditions and never travel faster than
posted speed limit. Excessive speed can cause loss of vehicle control, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00008a)
Know your limits as a rider. Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for
existing conditions. Always reduce speed when poor driving conditions exist and/or you
feel the driving situation is uncomfortable. High speed increases the influence of any
other condition affecting stability and increases the possibility of loss of control.
If you are a novice rider, do not carry a passenger until you have experienced at least
two riding seasons, your motorcycle will handle different when carrying a passenger.
Pay strict attention to road surfaces and wind conditions. Your motorcycle may be
subject to the following upsetting forces:
1. Wind blasts from passing trucks.
2. Holes in the pavement.
3. Strips of tar used to seal cracked pavement.
4. Rough road surfaces.
5. Rider control error, etc.
These forces may influence the handling characteristics of your motorcycle. If this
happens, reduce speed and guide the motorcycle with a relaxed grip to a controlled
condition. Do not brake abruptly or force the handlebar; this may aggravate an unstable
condition.
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NOTE:
New riders should gain experience under various conditions while riding at moderate speeds.
Operate your motorcycle defensively. Remember, a motorcycle does not afford the same
protection as an automobile in an accident. One of the most common accident situations
occurs when the driver of the other vehicle fails to see or recognize a motorcycle and
turns left into the oncoming motorcyclist. Riding with headlamp high beam switch on
during daylight hours will increase your chances of visibility.
Wear an approved helmet, clothing, and foot gear suited for motorcycle riding. Bright or
light colors are best for greater visibility in traffic, especially at night. Avoid loose,
flowing garments and scarves.
Avoid contact with exhaust system and wear protective clothing that completely
covers legs while riding. Exhaust pipes and mufflers get very hot when engine is
running and remain too hot to touch, even after engine is turned off. Failure to wear
protective clothing could result in burns or other serious injury. (00009a)
When carrying passengers, it is your responsibility to instruct them on proper riding
procedures.
Do not allow others under any circumstances to operate your motorcycle unless you
know they are experienced, licensed riders and are familiar with the operation of your
particular motorcycle.
Protect your motorcycle against theft. After parking your motorcycle, lock the steering
head and remove ignition key from switch.
Safe motorcycle operation requires alert mental judgment combined with a defensive
driving attitude. Do not allow fatigue, alcohol or drugs to endanger your safety or that of
others.
See MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION section. Maintain your motorcycle in
proper operating condition in accordance with the Maintenance Intervals chart in this
Owner's Manual. Particularly important to motorcycle stability is proper tire inflation
pressure, tread condition and proper inspection of wheel bearings and steering head
bearings.
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Perform the service and maintenance operations as indicated in the regular service
interval table. Lack of regular maintenance at the recommended intervals can affect
the safe operation of your motorcycle, which could result in death or serious injury.
(00010a)
Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension
systems. Contact a Buell dealer for repairs. Loose, worn or damaged steering or
suspension components can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result
in death or serious injury. (00113a)
Be sure all equipment required by federal, state or local law is installed and in good
operating condition.
Use Buell replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect
performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00116a)
See a Buell service manual for proper torque values.
Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform
properly.
Do not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling,
which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)
Match tires, tubes, air valves and caps to the correct wheel rim. Contact a Buell
dealer. Mismatching can result in damage to the tire bead, allow tire slippage on the
rim or cause tire failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00162a)
Be sure tires are properly inflated, balanced and have adequate tread. Inspect your
tires regularly and see a Buell dealer for replacements. Riding with excessively worn,
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unbalanced or under-inflated tires can adversely affect stability and handling, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00114a)
Do not exceed the motorcycle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Exceeding these weight ratings can affect stability and
handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00016e)
GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories, and the maximum
weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each axle.
The GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate, located on the frame
steering head.
Do not pull a trailer with a motorcycle. Pulling a trailer can cause tire overload,
reduced braking efficiency and adversely affect stability and handling, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00018b)
Regularly inspect shock absorbers and front forks. Replace leaking, damaged or worn
parts that can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or
serious injury. (00012a)
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which could cause severe burns to eyes and skin. Wear
a protective face shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when working with
batteries. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00063a)
Batteries, battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. (00019d)
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Observe warnings on labels of brake and battery fluids and cleaning compounds.
Failure to follow warnings could result in death or serious injury. (00131a)
Consult a Buell dealer regarding any questions or problems that occur in the operation
of your motorcycle. Failure to do so can aggravate an initial problem, cause costly
repairs, cause an accident and could result in death or serious injury. (00115a)
Rules of the Road: Buell Models
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As recommended previously, inexperienced riders are recommended to complete the
beginner's Motorcycle RiderCourse®sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation®.
Important tips about riding safety are listed below.
Always sound your horn but do not rely on it to be your only defense against
other riders or drivers of automobiles and trucks.
Never try to pass another vehicle going in the same direction at street
intersections, on curves, or when going up and/or down a hill.
When you are at street intersections, give the right-of-way to vehicles according
to local regulations. Do not assume you have the right-of-way; the other driver
may not know that it is your turn.
Always use your signals when preparing to pass a vehicle, change lanes, turn or
stop.
All traffic signs, including those used for the control of traffic at intersections,
should be obeyed promptly. SLOW DOWN signs near schools and caution signs
at railroad crossings should always be observed and your actions governed
accordingly.
When intending to turn, signal at least 100 feet 30 meters before reaching the
turning point. When turning across an intersection, move over to the centerline of
the street (unless local rules require otherwise). Slow down, enter the intersection
of the street and turn carefully.
Never run through a yellow or red traffic light. When a change is indicated from
GO to STOP (or vice versa), slow down and wait for the light to change.
While turning either right or left, watch for pedestrians and animals; as well as
vehicles.
Do not leave the curb or parking area without signaling and being sure that your
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way is clear to enter moving traffic. Moving lines of traffic have the right-of-
way.
Be sure that your license plate is installed in the position specified by law and
that it is clearly visible at all times. Keeping the plate clean will improve
visibility of the motorcycle to other motorists (especially at night).
Ride at a safe speed that is consistent with the type of highway you are on. Pay
strict attention to whether the road is dry, oily, icy, wet or under construction.
Watch for debris such as leaves or loose gravel.
Weather and traffic conditions on the highway dictate adjusting your speed and
driving habits accordingly.
Travel at speeds appropriate for road and conditions and never travel faster than
posted speed limit. Excessive speed can cause loss of vehicle control, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00008a)
Operating this motorcycle in a reckless manner, including performing wheelies,
stoppies or burnouts, can lead to parts failure or loss of control, which could result in
death or serious injury. (00120a)
Accessories and Cargo: XB Models
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Improper loading of cargo or installation of accessories can affect motorcycle stability
and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00121a)
Buell Motorcycle Company cannot test and make specific recommendations regarding
every accessory or combination of accessories sold, the rider must assume responsibility
for safe operation of the motorcycle when installing accessories or carrying additional
weight. Use the following guidelines when equipping a motorcycle or carrying
passengers and cargo.
Do not cover or restrict the air intake screen. Certain accessories, like tank bags,
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may cover or restrict the air intake screen on the airbox cover. This will reduce
power and performance. See the Air Filter: XB Models section for more
information.
Do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the information
plate located on the frame steering head. GVWR is the sum of the weight of the
motorcycle and accessories and the maximum weight of the rider and cargo that
may be carried safely.
Do not pull a trailer with this motorcycle.
Keep cargo weight concentrated close to the motorcycle as low as possible to
minimize the change in the motorcycle's center of gravity. Distribute weight
evenly on both sides of the vehicle and do not load bulky items too far behind the
rider or add weight to the handlebars or front forks.
Be sure cargo is secure and will not shift while riding. Periodically recheck load.
Accessories that change the operator's riding position can increase reaction time
and adversely affect handling. Only use such items if they are designed and
approved by Buell Motorcycle Company, built specifically for your motorcycle
and installed properly.
Additional electrical equipment can overload the motorcycle's electrical system
and cause an unsafe operating condition.
Large surfaces, such as fairings, windshields, backrests and luggage racks, can
affect handling. These items should be designed and approved by Buell
Motorcycle Company specifically for the motorcycle model and properly
installed.
Travel at speeds appropriate for road and conditions and never travel faster than
posted speed limit. Excessive speed can cause loss of vehicle control, which could
result in death or serious injury. (00008a)
Buell motorcycles are not designed for sidecar use. Sidecar use with a Buell can
adversely affect handling and reduce braking efficiency, which could result in death
or serious injury. (00132a)
Do not use aftermarket parts and custom made front forks which can adversely affect
performance and handling. Removing or altering factory installed parts can adversely
affect performance and could result in death or serious injury. (00001a)
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Keep tail lamp visible at all times. Do not place objects on license plate bracket
blocking tail lamp visibility. Low visibility of rider can result in death or serious
injury. (00123a)
©2001-2009 Buell. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Manuals
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Identification
Vehicle Identification Number: XB Models
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See Typical Buell V.I.N.: 2008 Ulysses Models and Buell V.I.N. Breakdown:
2008 Models. The full serial number or Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.)
is stamped on the right front of the frame near the steering head. A Motor
Identification Number is stamped on the left side crankcase near the front of the
engine.
NOTE:
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Always give the full Vehicle Identification Number when ordering parts or making any inquiry about your motorcycle.
Typical Buell V.I.N.: 2008 Ulysses Models
Buell V.I.N. Breakdown: 2008 Models
POSITION
DESCRIPTION
POSSIBLE VALUES
1
Market designation
(WMI code)
4MZ = Buell vehicles originally
manufactured for sale within the United
States
5MZ = Buell vehicles originally
manufactured for sale outside the
United States
2
Motorcycle type code
AX=Firebolt®
DX=Ulysses™
JX=Lightning®Long
KP=Blast®
KX=Lightning®CityX
SX=Lightning®
WX=Lightning®Scg
XX=Lightning®Super TT
3
Engine type
01=492cc
02=984cc
03=1203cc
4
Market configuration
A=Australia
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B=Brazil
L=California
N=Canada
D=Domestic
E=England
R=Europe
F=France
J=Japan
5
V.I.N. check digit
Can be 0-9 or X
6
Model year
8=2008
7
Assembly plant
3=East Troy, WI U.S.A.
8
Model
0=Blast (08)
2=XB9SX (08)
3=XB12R (08)
4=XB12S (08)
5=XB12Scg (08)
6=XB12Ss (08)
7=XB12X (08)
8=XB12STT (08)
9
Sequential number (last
five digits)
Varies
Labels: XB Models
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See Labels: Ulysses Models for safety and maintenance labels which were on
the vehicle when new. If removed, replacement labels may be purchased for
your motorcycle. Refer to Labels: Ulysses Models for label descriptions.
NOTE:
Some labels are available in different languages for destinations outside the U.S.
Labels: Ulysses Models
LABEL
PART
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
LOCATION
1
C0178.5AA
(label set)*
General warning label
Right side of swingarm.
2
Battery warning label
Top of fuse block cover.
3
Frame modification
warning label
Right side of frame above
V.I.N. label.
4
Fuse block label
Side of fuse block cover.
*C0178.5AA is a sheet that includes all the labels above.
Labels: Ulysses Models
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Owner’s Manuals
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Specifications
Specifications: 2008 Ulysses Models
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Engine: 2008 Ulysses Models
ITEM
DATA
Cylinders
2
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Type
Four-stroke, 45 degree V-Twin
Cooling
Air, oil and fan cooled
Bore
3.500 in.
88.90 mm
Stroke
3.812 in.
96.82 mm
Engine
displacement
73.4 cu. in.
1203 cc
Compression
ratio
10.0:1
Valve train
OHV, two valves per cylinder
Valve
adjustment
Hydraulic, self-adjusting valve
tappets
Fuel delivery
Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection
III
Ignition System: 2008 XB Models
ITEM
DATA
Battery
12 volt, 12 amp./hr, 200 CCA
Spark plugs
Harley-Davidson No. 10R12X
Size
12 mm
Gap
0.035 in.
0.89 mm
Torque
12-18 ft-lbs
16-24 Nm
NOTE:
Specifications in this publication may not match those of official certification in some markets due to timing of publication printing, variance
in testing methods, and/or vehicle differences. Customers seeking officially recognized regulatory specifications for their vehicle should refer
to certification documents and/or contact their respective dealer or distributor.
Sprocket Teeth: 2008 Ulysses Models
DRIVE
ITEM
NUMBER OF TEETH
Primary
Engine
38
Clutch
57
Final
Transmission
27
Rear wheel
65
Belt
135
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Capacities: 2008 Ulysses Models
ITEM
U.S.
LITERS
Fuel tank total
(including reserve)
4.40 gallons
16.7
Reserve/low fuel lamp
illuminates at
0.83 gallons
3.1
Oil tank
2.5 U.S. quarts
2.4
Transmission
1.0 U.S. quart
0.9
Transmission Gear Ratios: 2008 Ulysses Models
GEAR
FINAL
OVERALL
First gear
2.648
9.563
Second gear
1.892
6.831
Third gear
1.407
5.080
Fourth gear
1.166
4.211
Fifth gear
1.000
3.611
NOTES:
Overall gear ratios indicate the number of engine revolutions required to drive the rear wheel one revolution.
Final gear ratios indicate the number of mainshaft revolutions required to drive the output sprocket one revolution.
Dimensions: 2008 Ulysses Models
ITEM
IN.
MM
Wheel base
(without rider)
54.1
1374
Seat height
(with rider)
31.8
808
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Ground clearance
(without rider)
6.75
171
Trail
4.8
122
Rake
(steering angle)
23.5 degrees
Rake
(fork angle)
22 degrees
Weights: 2008 Ulysses Models
ITEM
LB.
KG
Weight
495
225
GVWR
950
431
GAWR front
345
156
GAWR rear
685
311
Load capacity
455
206
All measurements include a full tank of gasoline.
NOTES:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and corresponding Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) are given on a label located on the
frame steering head.
Weight is the total weight of the motorcycle including fuel, oil and primary fluid. GVWR is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(maximum allowable loaded vehicle weight). GAWR is the Gross Axle Weight Rating (maximum allowable loaded weight per
axle). Load capacity is the amount of weight (including the rider) that can be carried on the motorcycle without exceeding the
GVWR.
Bulb Chart: 2008 Ulysses Models
BULB
BULBS
REQUIRED
WATTS
AMPS
PART
NUMBER
Headlamps
Bulb (H7)
2
55
4.58
Y0148.1AD
Position lamp
(European models
only)
1
5
0.37
53436-97
Marker
Tail/stop lamp
Replace tail lamp assembly if lamp
Y0401.1AKC
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lamps
fails.
Front and rear turn
signal lamps
(1 bulb each)
4
10
0.74
Y0042.K
License plate
illumination lamp
1
5
0.37
53436-97
Instruments
Turn signal indicator
1
1.12
0.08
Y0163.02A8
Check engine
1
1.12
0.08
Y0163.02A8
High beam
1
0.7
0.05
Y0162.02A8
Oil indicator
1
1.12
0.08
Y0163.02A8
Neutral
1
1.12
0.08
Y0163.02A8
Backlight
2
1.12
0.08
Y0163.02A8
1
0.7
0.05
Y0162.02A8
Low fuel
Replace instrument cluster if low fuel warning
lamp fails.
Tire Data: Ulysses XB12X
Top of page
Match tires, tubes, air valves and caps to the correct wheel rim. Contact a Buell
dealer. Mismatching can result in damage to the tire bead, allow tire slippage on the
rim or cause tire failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00162a)
Use only Buell approved tires. See a Buell dealer. Using non-approved tires can
adversely affect stability, which could result in death or serious injury. (00133a)
Do not inflate tire beyond maximum pressure as specified on sidewall. Over inflated
tires can blow out, which could result in death or serious injury. (00027a)
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Tubeless tires are used on all Buell cast wheels. Tire sizes are molded on the tire
sidewall.
Use only recommended tires (the same as original equipment). Other tires may
not fit correctly, could adversely affect handling, and may be hazardous to use.
NOTE:
Always check tire pressure before riding. Tire pressures listed are with tires cold.
Tires/Air Pressures: 2008 Ulysses Models
TIRE
TYPE
SIZE
SOLO RIDER
AT GVWR
PSI
kPa
PSI
kPa
Front
Pirelli Scorpion Sync
120/70ZR17
34
234
Same as solo
Same as solo
Rear
Pirelli Scorpion Sync
180/55ZR17
36
248
Same as solo
Same as solo
Gasoline Blends: Buell Models
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Your motorcycle was designed to get the best performance and efficiency using
unleaded gasoline. Most gasoline sold is blended with alcohol and/or ether, to create
"oxygenated" blends. The type and amount of alcohol or ether added to the fuel is
important.
Do not use gasoline that contains methanol. Doing so can result in fuel system
component failure, engine damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00148a)
Gasoline containing METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
Gasoline/MTBE blends are a mixture of gasoline and as much as 15% MTBE.
Gasoline/MTBE blends can be used in your motorcycle.
ETHANOL is a mixture of 10% ethanol (Grain alcohol) and 90% unleaded
gasoline. Gasoline/ethanol blends can be used in your motorcycle if the ethanol
content does not exceed 10%.
REFORMULATED OR OXYGENATED GASOLINES (RFG): "Reformulated
gasoline" is a term used to describe gasoline blends that are specifically designed
to burn cleaner than other types of gasoline, leaving fewer "tailpipe" emissions.
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They are also formulated to evaporate less when you are filling your tank.
Reformulated gasolines use additives to "oxygenate" the gas. Your motorcycle
will run normally using this type of gas and Buell recommends you use it when
possible, as an aid to cleaner air in our environment.
Do not use race gas or octane boosters. Use of these fuels will damage the fuel
system.
You may find that some gasoline blends adversely affect the starting, drivability or fuel
efficiency of your bike. If you experience one or more of these problems, we
recommend you try a different brand of gasoline or higher octane rating.
Fuel
Top of page
Refer to Octane Ratings. Always use a good quality unleaded gasoline. Octane ratings
are usually found on the pump.
Avoid spills. Slowly remove filler cap. Do not fill above bottom of filler neck insert,
leaving air space for fuel expansion. Secure filler cap after refueling. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious
injury. (00028a)
Use care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can force gasoline to escape
through filler tube. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which
could result in death or serious injury. (00029a)
Modern service station pumps dispense a high flow of gasoline into a motorcycle fuel
tank making air entrapment and pressurization a possibility.
Octane Ratings
SPECIFICATION
RATING
Pump Octane (R+M)/2
91 (95 RON)
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