Polaris 2016 INDIAN Chief Classic - Manual (Page 10)

8
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Improper use of a motorcycle can result in serious injury or death to you, your passenger and others. To minimize the risk of injury, read and
understand the information contained in this section before operating the motorcycle. This section contains safety information specific to the
INDIAN motorcycle, as well as information about general motorcycle safety. Anyone who rides the motorcycle (operators and passengers) must
follow these safety precautions.
Motorcycling has inherent risks.
You can minimize those risks, but you can’t eliminate them
completely. Even if you’re an experienced motorcycle
operator or passenger, read all of the safety information in
this manual before operating the motorcycle.
• Take a rider education course from the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation or another qualified instructor. The course will
help you develop or refresh your expertise in safe riding
habits through instruction and riding. For information on
Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider education courses in
your area, call 1-800-446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
• Read and understand all information in this rider’s
manual.
• Observe all maintenance requirements specified in this
manual. See the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Service Manual or
an authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer.
Design characteristics affect how you should ride
the motorcycle:
• The motorcycle is designed for on-road use with one
rider (and one passenger if the motorcycle is equipped
with a passenger seat and passenger footrests). Never
exceed the GVWR or the GAWR. Refer to the Specifications
section of this manual (page 143) or the Manufacturing
Information/VIN label on the motorcycle frame for model-
specific information.
• Riding off-road, riding with more than one passenger, or
carrying weight exceeding the maximum weight rating
can make handling difficult, which could cause loss of
control.
• During the first 500 miles (800 km) of operation, follow all
break-in procedures as outlined in the break-in section
beginning on page 76. Failure to do so can result in
serious engine damage.
• Some motorcycles include saddlebags, a windshield, a
trunk, lower fairings or a passenger backrest as standard
equipment. To maintain stability, be prepared to reduce
the operating speed of motorcycles equipped with these
items.
WARNING