Owner’s Manuals

Safety First

Safe Operating Rules: Blast Models

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

Know and respect the rules of the road. See Rules of the Road: Buell Models. Read and observe the MOTORCYCLE SAFETY booklets that come with this Owner's Manual. You should also read and know the contents of the MOTORCYCLE HANDBOOK for your state.

Before starting engine, check for proper operation of brake, clutch, shifter and throttle controls. Inspect fuel and oil supply. Also, get in the habit of using the FINE-C method. FINE-C stands for:

FUEL: Check that the fuel valve is in the ON position and there is fuel in the tank. See Fuel Supply Valve Operation: Blast Models.
IGNITION: Check that the key is in the IGNITION position. See Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models.
NEUTRAL: Shift to neutral and look to see that the green neutral lamp is on. See Indicator Lamps: Blast Models. Roll the motorcycle forward and backward to verify that it is in neutral gear. Shifting to neutral feels slightly different than shifting to other gears. The easiest way to find neutral by pushing your foot all the way down on the foot shift lever (to first gear) then lifting the lever slightly up (half stroke).
ENGINE: Set the engine OFF/RUN switch to the ON position. See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models.
CLUTCH: Squeeze the clutch in. See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models.

Do not use aftermarket parts and custom made front forks which can adversely affect performance and handling. Removing or altering factory installed parts can adversely affect performance and could result in death or serious injury. (00001a)

Use only Buell approved parts and accessories. Use of certain "race only" or other manufacturer's performance parts will void your new motorcycle warranty. See a Buell dealer for details.

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

Wheel weights on wheels without spokes contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. (00356c)

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)

Use care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can force gasoline to escape through filler tube. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00029a)

When refueling your motorcycle, the following rules should be observed:

Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine turned off.
Remove fuel filler cap slowly.
Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks when refueling or servicing the fuel system.
Always turn the fuel supply valve to OFF when the engine is not running. This prevents flooding of the carburetor and the surrounding area with gasoline.
Do not fill fuel tank above the bottom of the filler neck insert.
Leave air space to allow for fuel expansion.

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)

Be sure side stand is fully retracted before riding. If side stand is not fully retracted, it can contact the road surface causing a loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00130a)

See Break-in Riding Rules: Blast Models. A new motorcycle must be operated according to the special break-in procedure.

Operate motorcycle only at moderate speed and out of traffic until you have become thoroughly familiar with its operation and handling characteristics under all conditions.

NOTE:

We recommend that you obtain information and formal training in the correct motorcycle riding technique. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation^® offers beginning and advanced rider safety courses. Call 1-800-447-4700 for information.

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)

Know your limits as a rider. Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for existing conditions. Always reduce speed when poor driving conditions exist and/or you feel the driving situation is uncomfortable. High speed increases the influence of any other condition affecting stability and increases the possibility of loss of control.

If you are a novice rider, do not carry a passenger until you have experienced at least two riding seasons, your motorcycle will handle different when carrying a passenger.

Pay strict attention to road surfaces and wind conditions. Your motorcycle may be subject to the following upsetting forces:

Wind blasts from passing trucks.
Holes in the pavement.
Strips of tar used to seal cracked 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.

NOTE:

New riders should gain experience under various conditions while riding at moderate speeds.

Operate your motorcycle defensively. Remember, a motorcycle does not afford the same protection as an automobile in an accident. One of the most common accident situations occurs when the driver of the other vehicle fails to see or recognize a motorcycle and turns left into the oncoming motorcyclist. Riding with headlamp high beam switch on during daylight hours will increase your chances of visibility.

Wear an approved helmet, clothing, and foot gear suited for motorcycle riding. Bright or light colors are best for greater visibility in traffic, especially at night. Avoid loose, flowing garments and scarves.

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)

When carrying passengers, it is your responsibility to instruct them on proper riding procedures. (See Riding Tips for Motorcyclist included in your Buell Owner's Kit.)

Do not allow others under any circumstances to operate your motorcycle unless you know they are experienced, licensed riders and are familiar with the operation of your particular motorcycle.

Protect your motorcycle against theft. After parking your motorcycle, lock the steering head and remove ignition key from switch.

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)

Safe motorcycle operation requires alert mental judgment combined with a defensive driving attitude. Do not allow fatigue, alcohol or drugs to endanger your safety or that of others.

See MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION section. Maintain your motorcycle in proper operating condition in accordance with the Maintenance Intervals chart in this Owner's Manual. Particularly important to motorcycle stability is proper tire inflation pressure, tread condition and proper inspection of wheel bearings and steering head bearings.

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)

Do not operate motorcycle with loose, worn or damaged steering or suspension systems. Contact a Buell 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. (00113a)

Be sure all equipment required by federal, state or local law is installed and in good operating condition.

Use Buell replacement fasteners. Aftermarket fasteners can adversely affect performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00116a)

See a Buell service manual for proper torque values.

Aftermarket fasteners may not have the specific property requirements to perform properly.

Do not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)

Match tires, tubes, air valves and caps to the correct wheel rim. Contact a Buell dealer. Mismatching can result in damage to the tire bead, allow tire slippage on the rim or cause tire failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00162a)

Be sure tires are properly inflated, balanced and have adequate tread. Inspect your tires regularly and see a Buell dealer for replacements. Riding with excessively worn, unbalanced or under-inflated tires can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00114a)

Do not exceed the motorcycle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Exceeding these weight ratings can affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00016e)

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.
GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely carried on each axle.
The GVWR and GAWR are shown on the information plate, located on the frame down tube.

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

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)

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)

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. (00019d)

Observe warnings on labels of brake and battery fluids and cleaning compounds. Failure to follow warnings could result in death or serious injury. (00131a)

Consult a Buell dealer regarding any questions or problems that occur in the operation of your motorcycle. Failure to do so can aggravate an initial problem, cause costly repairs, cause an accident and could result in death or serious injury. (00115a)

Do not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)

Rules of the Road: Buell Models

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As recommended previously, inexperienced riders are recommended to complete the beginner's Motorcycle RiderCourse^® sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation^®. Important tips about riding safety are listed below.

Keep to the right side of the road when riding toward oncoming traffic. Ride to either side of your lane if you suspect oily pavement ahead.
Always sound your horn but do not rely on it to be your only defense against other riders or drivers of automobiles and trucks. Stay alert and use SIPDE when making judgements to take action in traffic. SIPDE stands for: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.
Use your turn signals, and pass on the left side when passing other vehicles going in the same direction. Never try to pass another vehicle going in the same direction at street intersections, on curves, or when going up and/or down a hill.
When you are at street intersections, give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right. Do not assume you have the right-of-way; the other driver may not know that it is your turn.
Always use your signals when preparing to pass a vehicle, turn and/or stop.
All traffic signs, including those used for the control of traffic at intersections, should be obeyed promptly. SLOW DOWN signs near schools and caution signs at railroad crossings should always be observed and your actions governed accordingly.
When intending to turn to the left, signal at least 100 feet (30 meters) before reaching the turning point. Move over to the centerline of the street (unless local rules require otherwise), slow down, enter the intersection of the street and then turn carefully to the left.
Never run through a yellow or red traffic light. When a change is indicated from GO to STOP (or vice versa), slow down and wait for the light to change.
While turning either right or left, watch for pedestrians and animals; as well as vehicles.
Do not leave the curb or parking area without signaling and being sure that your way is clear to enter moving traffic. Moving lines of traffic have the right-of-way.
Be sure that your license plate is installed in the position specified by law and that it is clearly visible at all times. Keeping the plate clean will improve visibility of the motorcycle to other motorists (especially at night).
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, wet or under construction.
Watch for debris such as leaves or loose gravel.
Weather and traffic conditions on the highway dictate adjusting your speed and driving habits accordingly.

Operating this motorcycle in a reckless manner, including performing wheelies, stoppies or burnouts, can lead to parts failure or loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00120a)

Accessories and Cargo: Blast Models

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Improper loading of cargo or installation of accessories can affect motorcycle stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00121a)

Buell Motorcycle Company cannot test and make specific recommendations regarding every accessory or combination of accessories sold, the rider must assume responsibility for safe operation of the motorcycle when installing accessories or carrying additional weight. Use the following guidelines when equipping a motorcycle or carrying passengers and cargo.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) are shown on the information plate located on the frame steering head. GVWR is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle and accessories and the maximum weight of the rider and cargo that may be carried safely. Do not pull a trailer with this motorcycle. GAWR is the amount of weight that can be carried on each axle safely. Do not exceed the GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the frame label.
Keep cargo weight concentrated close to the motorcycle as low as possible to minimize the change in the motorcycle's center of gravity. Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the vehicle and do not load bulky items too far behind the rider or add weight to the handlebars or front forks.
Be sure cargo is secure and will not shift while riding. Periodically recheck load.
Accessories that change the operator's riding position can increase reaction time and adversely affect handling. Only use such items if they are designed and approved by Buell Motorcycle Company, built specifically for your motorcycle and installed properly.
Additional electrical equipment can overload the motorcycle's electrical system and cause an unsafe operating condition.
Large surfaces, such as fairings, windshields, backrests and luggage racks, can affect handling. These items should be designed and approved by Buell Motorcycle Company specifically for the motorcycle model and properly installed.

It is possible to overload your motorcycle's charging system by adding too many electrical accessories. If your combined electrical accessories operating at any one time consume more electrical current than your vehicle's charging system can produce, the electrical consumption can discharge the battery and cause vehicle electrical system damage. See a Buell dealer for advice about the amount of current consumed by additional electrical accessories, or for necessary wiring changes. (00249b)

Buell motorcycles are not designed for sidecar use. Sidecar use with a Buell can adversely affect handling and reduce braking efficiency, which could result in death or serious injury. (00132a)

Keep tail lamp visible at all times. Do not place objects on license plate bracket blocking tail lamp visibility. Low visibility of rider can result in death or serious injury. (00123a)