Harley Davidson Softail 2021 Safety First User Manual

Safety First

OPRATION

Before operating your new motorcycle, it is your responsibility to read and follow the operating and maintenance instructions in this manual and follow these rules for your personal safety.

• Before starting the engine, review the Pre-Ride Checklist (Page 35).

WARNING
Striking an object, such as a curb or pothole can cause internal tire damage. If an object is struck, have the tire inspected immediately inside and out by a Harley-Davidson dealer. A damaged tire can fail while riding and adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00058b)

WARNING
Travel at speeds appropriate for road and conditions and never travel faster than posted speed limit. Excessive speed can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00008a)

• Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for existing conditions. Always reduce speed when poor driving conditions exist. High speed increases the influence of any other condition affecting stability and increases the possibility of loss of control. Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.
• Pay strict attention to road surfaces and wind conditions and keep both hands on the handlebar grips at all times when riding the motorcycle. Any two wheeled vehicle may be subject to upsetting forces such as wind blasts from passing trucks, holes in the pavement, rough road surfaces, rider control error, etc. These forces may influence the handling characteristics of your motorcycle. If this happens, reduce speed and guide the motorcycle with a relaxed grip to a controlled condition. Do not brake abruptly or force the handlebar. This may aggravate an unstable condition. New riders should gain experience under various conditions while riding at moderate speeds.
• Operate your motorcycle defensively. In an accident, a motorcycle does not afford the same protection as an automobile. It is the rider’s responsibility to instruct passengers on proper riding procedures.
• Do not allow other individuals to operate the motorcycle unless they are experienced, licensed riders and are thoroughly familiar with the operation of the motorcycle.

WARNING
Front and/or rear guard(s) can provide limited leg and cosmetic vehicle protection under unique circumstances.(Fall over while stopped, very slow speed slide.) It is not made or intended to provide protection from bodily injury in a collision with another vehicle or any other object.(00022b)

Steering and Handling

WARNING
Do not operate vehicle with forks locked. Locking the forks restricts the vehicle’s turning ability, which could result in death or serious injury. (00035a)

WARNING
Regularly inspect shock absorbers and front forks. Replace leaking, damaged or worn parts that can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00012a)

WARNING
Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension systems. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for repairs. Loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension components can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00011a)

WARNING
Do not open storage compartments while riding. Distractions while riding can lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00082a)

WARNING
When riding on wet roads, brake efficiency and traction are greatly reduced. Failure to use care when braking, accelerating or turning on wet roads can cause loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury.(00041a)

WARNING
When riding on wet roads, brake efficiency and traction are greatly reduced. Failure to use care when braking, accelerating or turning on wet roads can cause loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury.(00041a)

Accessories and Cargo

WARNING
Do not exceed the motorcycle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Exceeding these weight ratings can lead to component failure and adversely affect stability, handling and performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00016f)

1. GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
2. The GVWR is shown on the information label, located on the frame steering head or the frame downtube.
3. GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each end of the motorcycle.
4. For GVWR and GAWR, front and rear. See Specifications (Page 29).
5. Keep cargo weight concentrated close to the motorcycle and as low as possible.
6. Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the vehicle.
7. Do not load bulky items too far behind the rider or add weight to the handlebars or front forks.

Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.

• Do not exceed maximum specified load in each saddlebag (if equipped).
• Luggage racks (if equipped) are designed for lightweight items. Do not overload racks.
• Make sure cargo is secure. Make sure the cargo will not shift while riding and check the cargo periodically. Accessories that change the operator’s riding position may increase reaction time and affect handling of the motorcycle.
  Large surfaces such as fairings, windshields, backrests and luggage racks (if equipped) can adversely affect on stability and handling.

Tires

WARNING
Be sure tires are properly inflated, balanced, undamaged, and have adequate tread. Inspect your tires regularly and see a Harley-Davidson dealer for replacements. Riding with excessively worn, unbalanced, improperly inflated, overloaded or damaged tires can lead to tire failure and adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00014b)

WARNING
Replace punctured or damaged tires. In some cases, small punctures in the tread area may be repaired from within the removed tire by a Harley-Davidson dealer. Speed should NOT exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) for the first 24 hours after repair, and the repaired tire should NEVER be used over 80 mph (129 km/h). Failure to follow this warning could lead to tire failure and result in death or serious injury. (00015b)

Towing and Trailering

WARNING
Do not pull a trailer with a motorcycle. Pulling a trailer can cause tire overload, damage and failure, reduced braking performance, and adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury.(00018c)

WARNING
Do not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)
Never tow a trailer.

Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.

Fuel and Exhaust

WARNING
Stop the engine when refueling or servicing the fuel system. Do not smoke or allow open flame or sparks near gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury.(00002a)

WARNING
Avoid spills. Slowly remove filler cap. Do not fill above bottom of filler neck insert, leaving air space for fuel expansion. Secure filler cap after refueling. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00028a)

1. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine off.
2. Remove the fuel filler cap slowly.
3. Do not fill fuel tank above the bottom of the filler neck insert. Leave air space to allow for fuel expansion.
4. If fuel tank was completely drained, add at least 1 gal (3.79 L) of gas.

WARNING
Avoid contact with exhaust system and wear protective clothing that completely covers legs while riding. Exhaust pipes and mufflers get very hot when engine is running and remain too hot to touch, even after engine is turned off. Failure to wear protective clothing could result in burns or other serious injury. (00009a)

WARNING
Do not run motorcycle in a closed garage or confined area. Inhaling motorcycle exhaust, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas, could result in death or serious injury. (00005a)

WARNING
Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00004f)

Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.

WARNING
Brakes are a critical safety component. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for brake repair or replacement. Improperly serviced brakes can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00054a)

WARNING
Apply front and rear brakes evenly. Favoring one brake accelerates wear and reduces braking efficiency. Operation with excessively worn brakes can lead to brake failure, which could result in death or serious injury.(00135a)

WARNING
Contact with DOT 4 brake fluid can have serious health effects. Failure to wear proper skin and eye protection could result in death or serious injury.

• If inhaled: Keep calm, remove to fresh air, seek medical attention.
• If on skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.• If in eyes: Wash affected eyes for at least 15 minutes under running water with eye lids held open. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.
• If swallowed: Rinse mouth and then drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control. Immediate medical attention required.
• See Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for more details available at sds.harley-davidson.com

WARNING
DOT 4 brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time, changing the properties of the fluid. Check brake fluid moisture content at every service interval or annually (whichever comes first). Flush and replace the brake fluid every two years, or sooner if moisture content is 3% or greater. Failure to flush and replace fluid can adversely affect braking, which could result in death or serious injury. (06304b) To ensure the brake system is performing to design, check the moisture content of the brake fluid at every service interval or at least annually using a DOT 4 brake fluid moisture tester (part number HD-48497-A or equivalent) following the instructions included with the tool. Flush DOT 4 fluid every 2 years or sooner if the brake system fluid test shows moisture content is 3% or greater. Harley-Davidson recommends using Harley-Davidson Platinum Label DOT 4 Brake Fluid because of its superior moisture and corrosion inhibiting properties.

Battery

WARNING
Batteries, battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. (00019e)

WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which could cause severe burns to eyes and skin. Wear a protective face shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when working with batteries. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00063a)

NOTICE
It is possible to overload your vehicle’s charging system by adding too many electrical accessories. If the combined electrical accessories operating at any one time consume more electrical current than the vehicle’s charging system can produce, the electrical consumption can discharge the battery and cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for advice about the amount of current consumed by additional electrical accessories or for necessary wiring changes. (00211c)
Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.

Hazardous Materials

CAUTION
Prolonged or repeated contact with used motor oil may be harmful to skin and could cause skin cancer. Promptly wash affected areas with soap and water. (00358b)

Maintenance

WARNING
Perform the service and maintenance operations as indicated in the regular service interval table. Lack of regular maintenance at the recommended intervals can affect the safe operation of your motorcycle, which could result in death or serious injury. (00010a)

• A new motorcycle must be operated according to the special break-in procedure. See Break-in Riding Rules (Page 36).
• Proper care and maintenance, including tire pressure, tire condition, tread depth and proper adjustment to steering head bearings are important to stability and safe operation of the motorcycle. See Service Records (Page 211).

Parts and Accessories

WARNING
Harley-Davidson parts and accessories are designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Using non-Harley-Davidson parts or accessories can adversely affect performance, stability or handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00001b)

• Use only Harley-Davidson-approved parts and accessories. Use of certain other manufacturer’s performance parts will void your new motorcycle warranty. See your Harley-Davidson dealer for details.
• WARNING
• Use Harley-Davidson replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00013a)
• See your Harley-Davidson service manual for proper torque values.
• Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform properly.

Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.

WARNING
See the Accessories and Cargo section in your owner’s manual. Improper cargo loading or accessory installation can cause component failure and adversely affect stability, handling and performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00021b)

• Harley-Davidson Motor Company cannot test and make specific recommendations concerning every accessory or combination of accessories sold. Therefore, the rider must be responsible for safe operation of the motorcycle when installing accessories or carrying additional weight.
• Additional electrical equipment may overload the electrical system possibly resulting in electrical system and/or component failure.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

WARNING
If ABS lamp continues flashing at speeds greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) or remains on continuously, the ABS is not operating. The standard brake system is operational, but wheel lock up can occur. Contact a Harley-Davidson Dealer to have ABS repaired. A locked wheel will skid and can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00361b)

WARNING
ABS cannot prevent lockup of rear wheel due to engine braking. ABS will not aid in cornering or on loose/uneven surfaces. A locked wheel will skid and can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00362a)

To operate motorcycles equipped with an anti-lock brake system, see Brake System (Page 96).

RULES OF THE ROAD

• Always sound your horn, use your turn signals and exercise caution when passing other vehicles going in the same direction. Never pass going in the same direction at street intersections, on curves or when going up or down a hill. At street intersections, give the right-of-way. Do not presume you have the right-of-way, as the other driver may not know that it is your turn.
• Always signal when preparing to stop, turn or pass.
• Promptly obey all traffic signs, including those signs used for the control of traffic at intersections. Always obey traffic signs near schools and at railroad crossings.

Download this and other documents free of charge at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.

• When intending to turn, signal at least 100 ft (30.5 m) before reaching the turning point. If turning across an intersection, move over to the centerline of the street (unless local rules require otherwise). Slow down when entering the intersection and turn carefully.
• Never anticipate a traffic light. When a change is indicated from GO to STOP (or STOP to GO), slow down and wait for the light to change. Never run through a yellow or red traffic light.
• While turning, watch for pedestrians, animals, as well as vehicles.
• Do not leave the curb or parking area without signaling. Make sure that your way is clear to enter moving traffic. A moving line of traffic always has the right-of-way.
• Make sure that your license plate is installed in the position specified by law. Make sure that your license plate is always clearly visible. Keep the license plate clean.
• Ride at a safe speed that is consistent with the type of highway you are on. Pay strict attention to whether the road is dry, oily, icy or wet.
• Watch for debris such as leaves or loose gravel.
• Weather and traffic conditions on the highway dictate adjusting your speed and driving habits accordingly.

NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM

Tampering
Removal or replacement of any noise control system component may be prohibited by law. This prohibition includes modifications made prior to vehicle sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser. Use of a vehicle on which noise control system components have been removed or rendered inoperative may also be prohibited by law.

SAFETY SYMBOL DEFINITIONS

These are some of the symbols that you may see on your motorcycle and may accompany safety words, see Safety Definitions (Page 3). The symbols indicate potential safety hazards and avoidance actions to prevent a hazardous situation. The symbols may be present in manuals, instructions, on the motorcycle and/or Parts & Accessory product labels. Refer to Safe Operating Rules (Page 3), the appropriate section in this manual and/or Parts & Accessory instructions for additional safety information.

• Yellow triangle: Safety symbol alerting to a hazard. Refer to Table 2.
• Red circle with line: Prohibition symbol to avoid a situation which may lead to a hazard, personal injury and/or property damage. Refer to Table 3.
• Blue circle: Mandatory action to avoid a hazard resulting in personal injury and/or property damage. Refer to Table 4.

Table 2. General Warning Symbols

SYMBOL	SYMBOL DEFINITION
	General Warning indicating a hazard.
	Crash hazard.
	Electric shock hazard.
	Battery charging hazard.
	Explosive material hazard.
	Corrosive chemical burn hazard.
	Hot surface hazard.

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Table 3. General Prohibition Symbols

SYMBOL	SYMBOL DEFINITION
	General prohibition sign to signify a prohibited action.
	Do not service without proper training or tools. Qualified technician only. Not user serviceable. No user replaceable parts. Refer service to qualified technician.
	Do not touch.
	Keep away from open flame. Avoid smoking, flames, or sparks.
	Do not expose to fire.
	Do not perform action above indicated temperature.
	Never tow a trailer.
	Do not use an extension cord.

Table 4. General Mandatory Action Symbols

SYMBOL	SYMBOL DEFINITION
	General mandatory action.
	Refer to appropriate manual or instructions.
	Take a rider training course.
	Wear a helmet and eye protection.
	Wear proper protective riding gear.
	Wear proper hand protection.
	Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
	Wear proper eye protection.

Table 5. General Information Symbols

SYMBOL	SYMBOL DEFINITION
	First responder cut loop. Emergency Personnel/First Responder use only.
	Protect from rain or wet conditions.

LABELS

See Figure 1 for safety and maintenance labels which were on the vehicle when new. Refer to Table 6.

NOTE
Replacement labels can be purchased for your motorcycle. See a Harley-Davidson dealer. Some labels are available in different languages for destinations outside the United States.

Table 6. Labels

ITEM	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	LOCATION	TEXT
1	14001167	General warning Chrome round air cleaner	Top of air cleaner cover	WARNING: Motorcycles are different from other vehicles. They operate, steer, handle and brake differ- ently. Unskilled or improper use could result in loss of control, death or serious injury. •    Take a rider training course. •    Read Owner’s Manual before riding, adding ac- cessories or servicing. •    Wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. •    Never tow a trailer. For a manual, find nearest dealer at 1-414-343-4056 or www.harley-davidson.com
	14001208	General warning Black round air cleaner
	28012-09	General warning Chrome oval air cleaner
	14000377	General warning Black oval air cleaner
2	15368-01A	Battery warning	On battery strap	WARNING: A connected battery can cause a spark or motorcycle startup while servicing. Death or serious injury could occur. • Disconnect negative cable before servicing. • Keep cable away from terminal while servicing.

Table 6. Labels

ITEM	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	LOCATION	TEXT
3	14000069	Saddlebag load limit	Inside saddlebag (equipped models)	WARNING: Too much weight in saddlebags can cause loss of control. Death or serious injury could occur. •    Do not put more than 15 pounds in each saddle- bag. •    Put equal weight in each saddlebag. •    See Accessories and Cargo section of Owner’s Manual for more information.
4	Not sold separately	Shock absorber label	On shock absorber	WARNING: This assembly contains high-pressure nitrogen gas. Any attempt to disassemble or refill this shock assembly may result in an explosion, causing serious injury. Exposure to flame or puncture may also result in an explosion, causing serious injury. Replacement and disposal should only be done by your authorized dealer.

Reference Links

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