Honda Vtx 1800 F Service Manual

62
Braking
Basic Operation & Riding
When possible, reduce your speed or
complete braking bef ore entering a turn.
Avoid braking or closing the throttle
quickly while turning. Either action may
cause one or both wheels to slip and
reduce your control of your motorcycle.
Your ability to brake in a turn and to brake
hard in an emergency situation are
important riding skills. We suggest
attending a Motorcycle Safety Foundation
experienced rider training course
(page ) to retain these skills.
When riding in...

63
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
Catalytic Converters Look f or a level parking area. If you
can’t park on a paved surf ace, make
sure the ground surf ace is f irm,
especially under the side stand.
If you must park on a hill, leave the
transmission in gear and position the
rear tire against the curb at a 45 degree
angle.To lower the side stand, use your f oot
to guide it down. Remember that
lowering the side stand with the
transmission in gear will stop the
engine, even if the clutch lever is
pulled...

(1) steering lock (2) ignition key(1)
(2) RIGHT FRONT
LEFT REAR
(2) (3)
(4) holder pin
(2) ignition key
(3) helmet holder(4)
64
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
Use the steering lock ( ), which locks
the handlebar in place. Turn the
handlebar all the way to the lef t. Insert
the ignition key ( ) in the lock and turn
it 180 degrees clockwise. Remove the
key.Use the helmet holder ( ) to secure
your helmet with your motorcycle:
Insert the ignition key ( ) and turn it
counterclockwise to unlock the
holder....

Riding with a helmet attached to
the holder can interfere with the
rear wheel or suspension and
could cause a crash in which you
can be seriously hurt or killed.
Use the helmet holder only while
parked. Do not ride with a helmet
secured by the holder.
65Basic Operation & Riding
Parking
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66Thef t-Prevention Tips
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
If you decide to use an anti-thef t device,
select one of good quality and be sure to
f ollow the manuf acturer’s instructions.
Park your motorcycle in a locked
garage whenever possible. If a garage
isn’t available, park in a concealed area
or in a well-lit area with enough
pedestrian traf f ic to discourage a thief .
Always take the ignition key with you.
Always use the steering lock (page ),
even if you’re parking f or just a minute
or two. A...

67
Riding with a Passenger or Cargo
Basic Operation & Riding
Load Limits,
Loading Guidelines, Your motorcycle is designed to carry you
and one passenger. Whenever you add a
passenger or cargo, you must be caref ul
not to exceed the total load limits for this
vehicle ( page ). Make
sure your cargo is properly secured
(page).
Also consider adjusting the suspension
(page ) f or the extra load.
Be aware that carrying a passenger or
heavy cargo can affect acceleration,
braking, and handling.Bef ore riding...

68Basic Operation & Riding
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69Servicing Your Honda
Servicing Your Honda
Maintenance, replacement or repair of
the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
motorcycle repair establishment or
individual using parts that are
‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards.
Bef ore You Service Your Honda To help keep your motorcycle in good
shape, this section includes a Maintenance
Schedule f or required service, a list of
periodic checks you should perf orm at
least once a month, and step-by-step
instructions for specific...

70
Servicing Your Honda
Servicing Your Honda
Service Preparations
Service ProceduresEngine
Chassis
Electrical Fluids & Filters........................... Component Locations . 85
.................................................. Tool Kit . 91
....................... Owner’s Manual Storage . 92
............................ Storage Compartment . 93
......................................... Seat Removal . 94
.............................. Side Cover Removal . 96...

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71
Servicing Your Honda
Servicing Your Honda
The f ollowing table summarizes the three types of inspections and servicing
recommendations f or your motorcycle. Both the pre-ride inspection and the scheduled
maintenance at the recommended intervals are necessary to assure saf e and dependable
perf ormance. The periodic checks provide additional conf idence in your motorcycle’s
perf ormance.
more of ten if you ride f requently or long distances; or anytime you clean your motorcycle
unless...