Indian FTR 1200 - Owner's Manual > Carrying Cargo

Use the following guidelines when attaching cargo or accessories to the motorcycle. Where applicable, these guidelines also refer to the contents of any accessories.

• Keep cargo and accessory weight to a minimum, and keep items as close to the motorcycle as possible to minimize a change in the motorcycle's center of gravity. Changing the center of gravity can cause loss of stability and handling and could cause loss of control.
• Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your motorcycle.
• Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the motorcycle.

  Maintain even weight distribution by checking accessories and cargo to make sure they're securely attached to the motorcycle before riding and whenever you take a break from riding.

  Uneven weight distribution or sudden shifting of accessories or cargo while you're riding may cause difficult handling, loss of control and driving hazards for other motorists (if cargo falls from the motorcycle).

• For riding comfort and to ensure proper ground clearance, adjust rear shock preload. See the Rear Shock Preload (Ride Height) Inspection section for details.
• Do not attach large or heavy cargo such as sleeping bags, duffle bags or tents to the handlebars, front fork area or front fender.

  Cargo or accessories placed in these areas can cause instability (due to improper weight distribution or aerodynamic changes) and could cause loss of control.

• Do not exceed the maximum cargo weight limit of any accessory (see accessory instructions and labels). Do not attach cargo to an accessory not designed for that purpose. Either circumstance could result in an accessory failure that could cause loss of control.
• Always obey posted speed limits.
• Do not attach anything to the motorcycle unless specifically designed for that purpose by INDIAN MOTORCYCLE.

TRANSPORTING THE MOTORCYCLE

If you must transport the motorcycle:

• Use a truck or trailer. Do not tow the motorcycle with another vehicle, as towing will impair the motorcycle's steering and handling.
• Position and restrain the motorcycle in an upright position.
• Do not restrain the motorcycle using the handlebars.
• Loop tiedown straps (from the front) up and over the lower triple clamp, using care to not interfere with wiring and brake lines.

  Place tiedowns as wide apart as possible on the truck or trailer bed for best stability.

• Do not engage the side stand during truck or trailer transportation.

FUEL AND EXHAUST SAFETY

Always heed these fuel safety warnings when refueling or servicing the fuel system.

WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

• Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.
• Always turn off the engine before refueling.
• Always refuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Open the fuel cap slowly. Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.
• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refueling is performed or where gasoline is stored.

WARNING Gasoline and gasoline vapors are poisonous and can cause severe injury.

• Do not swallow gasoline, inhale gasoline vapors, or spill gasoline. If you swallow gasoline, inhale more than a few breaths of gasoline vapor, or get gasoline in your eyes, see a physician immediately.
• If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap and water and change clothing.
• Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time.
• Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area.
• Never inhale exhaust gases.

SAFETY MAINTENANCE

WARNING Failure to perform safety maintenance as recommended can result in difficult handling and loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death. Always perform the safety maintenance procedures as recommended in this manual.

Perform maintenance and repairs promptly. See the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Service Manual or an authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer or other qualified dealer.

• Before each ride, perform the Pre-Ride Inspections.
• Perform all periodic maintenance at the recommended intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance section.
• Always maintain proper tire pressure, tread condition and wheel and tire balance. Inspect tires regularly and replace worn or damaged tires promptly. Use only approved replacement tires.

  See the Specifications section.

• Always ensure proper steering head bearing adjustment.

  Regularly inspect the rear shock absorber and the front forks for fluid leaks or damage. Make any necessary repairs promptly.

• Clean the motorcycle thoroughly to reveal items in need of repair.
• Always ensure all exhaust heat shields are present and in good condition.
• Fasteners must meet original specifications for quality, finish and type to ensure safety. Use only genuine INDIAN MOTORCYCLE replacement parts, and ensure that all fasteners are tightened to the proper torque.

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)

WARNING Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating of your motorcycle can reduce stability and handling and could cause loss of control.

NEVER exceed the GVWR of your motorcycle.

The maximum load capacity of your motorcycle is the maximum weight you may add to your motorcycle without exceeding the GVWR. This capacity is determined by calculating the difference between your motorcycle's GVWR and wet weight.

Refer to the Specifications section of this manual or the Manufacturing Information/VIN label on the motorcycle frame for model-specific information.

When determining the weight you will be adding to your motorcycle, and to ensure you do not exceed the maximum load capacity, include the following:

• Operator body weight
• Passenger body weight
• Weight of all rider's apparel and items in or on apparel
• Weight of any post-production accessories and their contents
• Weight of any additional cargo on the motorcycle

ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE

This vehicle complies with ICES-002, and UNECE Regulation No.

10 requirements.

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