Honda Vtx 1300 C Owners Manual

							µ
µ 110/90 19M/C 62H
DUNLOP F24G
170/80 15M/C 77H
DUNLOP K555J front
rear
122
Tires
Servicing Your Honda
The recommended tires f or your
motorcycle are:
Whenever you replace a tire, remember:
Have the wheel balanced after the tire is
installed.
Have the tire replaced by your Honda
dealer if possible.
If you have a tire prof essionally replaced
at a non-Honda f acility, we recommend
that you have the work checked by your
Honda dealer.Important Saf ety Reminders
Do not install a tube inside a tubeless
tire on this motorcycle. Excessive heat
build-up can cause the tube to burst.
Use only tubeless tires on this
motorcycle. The rims are designed f or
tubeless tires, and during hard
acceleration or braking, a tube-type tire
could slip on the rim and cause the tire
to rapidly deflate.
Do not install a radial tire on this
motorcycle. Mixing bias-ply and radial
tires can adversely affect handling and
stability.
03/03/07 13:16:54 31MEM600_131 
						

							LEFT SIDE
(1) side stand spring(1)
123Servicing Your Honda
Side Stand
Saf ety Precautions Ref er to on page . Check the spring f or damage or loss of
tension.
Check the side stand ignition cut-of f
system:
Sit astride the motorcycle and put the
transmission in neutral.
Raise the side stand.
Start the engine.
Pull the clutch lever in.
Shif t the transmission into gear.
Lower the side stand all the way.
The engine should stop as you lower the
side stand. If the engine doesn’t stop,
see your Honda dealer f or service.
Check that the side stand assembly is
working properly. If the side stand is
stiff or squeaky, clean the pivot area
and lubricate the pivot bolt with clean
grease.1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 56
03/03/07 13:17:06 31MEM600_132 
						

							124
WARNING:
Wash hands af ter handling.
Battery
Servicing Your Honda
Your battery is a maintenance-f ree type
and can be permanently damaged if the
cap strip is removed.
Battery Charging,Battery Storage, Your motorcycle has a maintenance-f ree
type battery. You do not have to check the
battery electrolyte level or add distilled
water as you would with a conventional-
type battery.If you do not expect to ride your
motorcycle f or at least two weeks, we
recommend you remove the battery –– or
at least disconnect the battery cables
(negative cable f irst).
Electrical accessories use current from the
battery –– even when the ignition is OFF.
Limited operation also allows the battery
to discharge. If you have electrical
accessories on your motorcycle –– or do
not ride f requently, we recommend that
you charge the battery f requently (see
page ).If you plan to store your motorcycle, see
page .
If your battery seems weak and/or is
leaking electrolyte (causing slow starting
or other electrical problems), see your
Honda dealer.
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds.
127125
03/03/07 13:17:14 31MEM600_133 
						

							The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
125 Battery Storage
Battery
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions
Battery
Charging, Refer to on page .
If you plan to store your motorcycle, we
recommend you remove the battery and
store it where it can be charged at least
every 30 days to maintain its service life.
If you do not remove the battery, we
recommend disconnecting the battery
cables (negative cable first).
You will get the best storage results f rom
removing the battery and slow (trickle)
charging it every 30 days (see
page ).Bef ore you remove the battery, be sure to
read all the inf ormation that f ollows, as
well as the inf ormation on the battery
label. 56
127
03/03/07 13:17:21 31MEM600_134 
						

							µ
´
µ
´ (1)
(2) UNDERSEAT
(3)(5)
(1) wire band
(2) ECM
(3) screws(3)
(4)
(4) battery cover
(5) negative ( ) terminal lead
(6) positive ( ) terminal lead
(7) battery(7) (6)
126
Battery
Servicing Your Honda
Disconnect the negative ( ) terminal
lead ( ) f rom the battery f irst.
Disconnect the positive ( ) terminal
lead ( ).
Pull the battery ( ) out of the battery
box. The battery is located in the battery box
below the seat.
Remove the seat (page ).
Remove the wire band (1).
Remove the ECM (2).
Remove the battery cover (4) by
removing the three screws (3). 1.
2.
3.
4.5.
6.
7.5
7 73
6
03/03/07 13:17:33 31MEM600_135 
						

							(1) ‘‘trickle’’ charger(1)
127 Battery Charging
Battery
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions Charge the battery (see f ollowing
section), unless you have been riding
regularly.
Store your battery in an easy-to-reach
location of f the f loor, in an area
protected from freezing temperatures
and direct sunlight.
Clean the battery box after removing
the battery f or storage. Dry the battery
box and, if paint is missing, re-paint the
area.
Slow charge the battery (see f ollowing
section) once every 30 days.Refer to on page .
Be sure to read the inf ormation that came
with your battery charger and f ollow the
instructions on the battery. Improper
charging may damage the battery. 8.
9.
10.
11.56
03/03/07 13:17:43 31MEM600_136 
						

							128
Battery
Servicing Your Honda
We recommend using a ‘‘trickle’’ charger
( ) f or home charging. These units can be
lef t connected f or long periods without
risking damage to the battery. However,
do not intentionally leave the charger
connected longer than the time period
recommended in the charger’s instructions.
Avoid using an automotive-type battery
charger. An automotive charger can
overheat a motorcycle battery and cause
permanent damage.1
03/03/07 13:17:48 31MEM600_137 
						

							µ
µ
µ
µ
129 General Recommendations
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions Frequent cleaning and polishing will keep
your Honda looking newer longer.
Frequent cleaning also identif ies you as an
owner who values your motorcycle. A
clean motorcycle is also easier to inspect
and service.
Refer to on page .
To clean your motorcycle, you may use:
water
a mild, neutral detergent and water
a mild spray and wipe cleaner/
polisher
a mild spray and rinse cleaner/
degreaser and waterAvoid products that contain harsh
detergents or chemical solvents that
could damage the metal, paint, and
plastic on your motorcycle.
If your motorcycle is still warm f rom
recent operation, give the engine and
exhaust system time to cool of f .
Park in a shady area. Washing your
motorcycle in bright sunlight may cause
the finish to fade because water droplets
intensif y the sun’s brightness. Spotting
is also more likely because surface
water can dry bef ore you have time to
wipe it of f .
Clean your motorcycle regularly to
protect surface finishes.
(cont’d) 56
03/03/07 13:17:57 31MEM600_138 
						

							130Washing Your Motorcycle with a
Mild Detergent
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
High pressure water (or air) can damage
certain parts of your motorcycle.Saf ety Precautions We recommend the use of a garden
hose to wash your motorcycle. High
pressure washers (like those at coin-
operated car washes) can damage
certain parts of your motorcycle.
After cleaning, inspect for damage,
wear, and leaks (fuel, oil, coolant, and
brake f luid).Refer to on page .
Af ter washing, rinse your motorcycle
thoroughly with plenty of clean water to
remove any residue. Detergent residue
can corrode alloy parts. Rinse your motorcycle thoroughly with
cool water to remove loose dirt.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix in a
mild, neutral detergent, such as dish
washing liquid or a product made
especially for washing motorcycles or
automobiles.
Wash your motorcycle with a sponge or
a sof t towel. As you wash, check f or
heavy grime. If necessary, use a mild
cleaner/degreaser to remove the grime. 1.
2.
3.
4.56
03/03/07 13:18:07 31MEM600_139 
						

							131 Spray Cleaning Your MotorcycleServicing Your Honda
Appearance Care
Saf ety Precautions Dry your motorcycle with a chamois or
a soft towel. Leaving water on the
surface to air dry can cause dulling and
water spots. As you dry, inspect f or
chips and scratches.
Start the engine and let it idle f or
several minutes. The engine heat will
help dry moist areas.
As a precaution, ride your motorcycle at
a slow speed and apply the brakes
several times. This will help dry the
brakes and restore normal braking
perf ormance.
If the inside of the headlight lens
appears clouded immediately af ter
washing, it should clear af ter a f ew
minutes of riding.Refer to on page .
Avoid using spray cleaner products on the
tires or suspension components.
Suggestions f or using spray cleaner(s)
f ollow: 5.
6.56
7.
03/03/07 13:18:16 31MEM600_140