S&S Cycle California V-Series Engine - Manual (Page 4)

4
Pre-ride Checklist
Before riding, or with each tank of gas, confirm that your motorcycle is in good operating condition. The motorcycle owner’s manual has specific
information regarding this subject.
To ensure safe, reliable engine operation:
1- Check oil level in oil tank.
2- Check for oil and fuel leaks.
Starting and Warm-Up
General:
1- Before starting engine, shift transmission into neutral.
2- Never allow engine to exceed 2,500 RPM immediately after cold start. Engine should be run slowly for 15 to 30 seconds. This allows engine to
warm up, and oil to reach all surfaces requiring lubrication.
3- Idling with enrichment device lever in full-out position for longer than 30 seconds is not recommended. Lever may be set in intermediate
position if engine will not run smoothly with it pushed all the way in.
4- Use oil meeting recommendations found in maintenance section of this owner’s manual for expected ambient temperature range and type of
operation.
Cool Engine:
1- Open petcock if it is manual type.
2- Pull enrichment device lever to raised position.
3- Twist throttle one or two times.
4- Close throttle.
5- Turn Key to IGNITION.
6- Turn Engine-Stop Switch to RUN.
7- Press Start Switch.
8- After engine starts, adjust enrichment lever depending on ambient temperature:
a- Below 70°F (21°C) - Push enrichment lever in as engine warms. If idle becomes slow or rough, pull lever up slightly. Enrichment lever should
be pushed in completely after not more than 60 seconds of operation.
b- 70°F (21°C) or Warmer - Push enrichment lever completely in after 10 to 30 seconds of operation.
Warm or Hot Engine:
1- Open petcock if it is manual type.
2- Pull enrichment lever to fully raised position.
3- Turn Key to IGNITION.
4- Turn Engine-Stop Switch to RUN.
5- Press Start Switch.
6- After engine starts, immediately push enrichment lever completely in.
Gear Speed Changes
For normal riding, the recommended acceleration shift points to higher gears while accelerating are shown on the following page. Note, for best fuel
economy, use the smaller numbers in each speed range.
Recommended Acceleration Shift Points
Gear Change Engine RPM Approximate Road Speed 1*
1st to 2nd 1,800 to 2,400 13 to 17 mph (21 to 27 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 2,000 to 2,300 20 to 24 mph (32 to 39 km/h)
3rd to 4th 1,900 to 2,300 28 to 34 mph (45 to 55 km/h)
4th to 5th 2,100 to 2,300 39 to 43 mph (63 to 89 km/h)
* Based on a N/V ratio of 43.3
For normal riding, the recommended shifting procedure to lower gears while decelerating is:
1- Disengage clutch.
2- As motorcycle slows, shift into appropriate gear for beginning next mode of operation.
3- When slowing to a stop, the clutch should be disengaged when:
a- The motorcycle speed drops below approximately 15 mph (24 km/h).
b- Rough engine operation is evident.
c- When the engine is lugging.
The motorcycle should be shifted into neutral if it is going to be shut off or kept at an idle for more than a few seconds.