Honda Vtx 1800 F Service Manual

42Instruments & Controls
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43
Bef ore Riding
Before Riding
Bef ore each ride, you need to make sure
you and your Honda are both ready to ride.
To help get you prepared, this section
discusses how to evaluate your riding
readiness, what items you should check on
your motorcycle, and adjustments to make
f or your comf ort, convenience, or saf ety.
This section also includes important
inf ormation about loading.
For inf ormation about adjusting the
suspension on your Honda, see page ...................... AreYouReadytoRide .44...

44Protective Apparel
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before Riding
Bef ore you ride your motorcycle f or the
f irst time, we urge you to:
Read this owner’s manual.
Make sure you understand all the saf ety
messages.
Know how to operate all the controls.
You f eel well and are in good physical
and mental condition. Before each ride, be sure:If you must carry an extra helmet while
riding, use a commercially-available
elastic cord, strap, or net to secure the
helmet to the seat.
For your saf ety, we strongly...

Not wearing a helmet increases
the chance of serious injury or
death in a crash.
Be sure you and your passenger
always wear a helmet, eye
protection, and other protective
apparel when you ride.
45
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before Riding
(cont’d) Helmets and Eye Protection
Your helmet is your most important piece
of riding gear because it of f ers the best
protection against head injuries. A helmet
should f it your head comf ortably and
securely. A bright-colored helmet and
ref lective strips can make you...

46Rider Training
Are You Ready to Ride?
Before Riding
Riding Tips A motorcycle riding suit or jacket for
comf ort as well as protection.
Bright-colored and ref lective clothing
can help make you more noticeable in
traf f ic. Avoid loose clothes that could
get caught on any part of your
motorcycle.
Developing your riding skills is an on-
going process. Even if you have ridden
other motorcycles, take time to become
f amiliar with how this motorcycle works
and handles. Practice riding the
motorcycle in a...

Improperly maintaining this
motorcycle or failing to correct a
problem before riding can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always perform a pre-ride
inspection before every ride and
correct any problems.
47 Pre-ride InspectionBefore Riding
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?
Tires
&
Wheels Check the f ollowing items bef ore you get
on the motorcycle: Before each ride, it’s important to inspect
your motorcycle and make sure any
problem you f ind is corrected. A pre-ride
inspection...

48
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?
Before Riding
Leaks,
Loose
Parts
LightsLoad Limits
Cargo
Adjustments Walk around your motorcycle
and look f or anything that
appears unusual, such as a leak
or loose cable.
Make sure the headlight,
brake light, taillight, and
turn signals are working
properly.If you are carrying a passenger or cargo,
also check the following:
Make sure you do not
exceed the load limits
(page ).
Check that all cargo is
secure.
Adjust the rear suspension
(page ) according to
your...

49
Is Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride?
Before Riding
Periodic Maintenance Throttle
Brakes
IndicatorsIf you haven’t ridden the motorcycle in
over a week, you should also check other
items, such as the oil level and other f luids.
See (page ).
Periodic maintenance should also be done
at least once a month, no matter how of ten
you ride.
Remember, be sure to take care of any
problem you f ind, or have your Honda
dealer correct it before you ride. Check these items after you get on the
motorcycle:
Rotate the...

Overloading or improper loading
can cause a crash and you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this manual.
50Loading
Load Limits & Guidelines
Before Riding
Your motorcycle has been designed to
carry you and one passenger. When you
carry a passenger, you may f eel some
dif f erence during acceleration and braking.
But so long as you keep your motorcycle
well-maintained, with good tires and
brakes, you can saf ely carry loads within
the given limits and...

401 lbs (182 kg)
403 lbs (183 kg)
410 lbs (186 kg)
412 lbs (187 kg)
40 lbs (18 kg)(Canada only)
(Canada only) …VTX1800F
…VTX1800C
…VTX1800F
…VTX1800C
51 Load Limits
Load Limits & Guidelines
Before Riding
maximum weight capacity:
maximum cargo weight: Following are the load limits f or your
motorcycle:
includes the weight of the rider,
passenger, all cargo, and all accessories.The weight of added accessories will
reduce the maximum cargo weight you
can carry.
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