Indian FTR 1200 - Owner's Manual > Matte clear coat finish care

Matte finish products are prone to trapping dirt, oils and other contaminants. Always clean this type of finish with warm water and a mild dish-washing detergent. Use a soft sponge to gently rub the surface, then rinse with clean warm water. For stubborn stains such as grease or oil, use a citrus-based cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the area and rub gently with a soft sponge. Allow the cleaner to sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse well with clean warm water.

Repeat as needed.

NOTICE Never use a polishing/buffing wax or any sponge that has an abrasive surface when cleaning a matte finish. These products will buff the matte surface of the finish and result in a glossy finish. Never clean matte finishes with a pressure washer, as this will further imbed contaminants into the clear coat and may damage labels and decals.

STORAGE AREA PREPARATION

Choose a dry, well-ventilated storage location, inside a garage or other structure if possible. The location should have a firm, flat surface and allow enough space for the motorcycle.

WARNING Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions. Do not store the motorcycle in any area (in home or garage) where it could be near open flames, pilot lights, sparks or electric motors. Do not smoke in the storage area.

To best preserve tire condition:

• The storage area should have a relatively constant and moderate temperature.
• The storage surface should be free of oil and gasoline.
• The motorcycle should not be near a radiator or other heat source, or any type of electric motor.

FUEL STABILIZER

Add fresh fuel to fill the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer. Do not overfill.

Ride the motorcycle or start and run the engine for 15 minutes in a well ventilated area to distribute the stabilizer throughout the fuel system.

TIRE INFLATION

Inflate the tires to normal pressure. See the Tire Pressure section for details.

ENGINE PROTECTION

Change the engine oil. See the Engine Oil / Filter Change section for details.

COOLING SYSTEM

Check the coolant level and maintain as recommended by adding coolant to the recovery bottle. See the Coolant Level Inspection section for details.

MAINTENANCE DURING STORAGE

During extended storage periods, maintain tire pressure and battery voltage at the recommended levels.

RODENTS

Mice and other rodents are often the worst enemy of a stored motorcycle. If the motorcycle will be stored in an area where mice are a concern (particularly in rural areas, barns, sheds, etc.) be sure to take extra measures to deter their infestation. This may include placing a screen mesh over any intake or exhaust openings (just be sure to remember to remove them when you take the motorcycle from storage).

PARK AND COVER THE MOTORCYCLE

1. Park the motorcycle in its storage location. Block the frame to take some of the weight off the front and rear wheels.

TIP Starting the motorcycle periodically during storage is NOT recommended. Water vapor is a by-product of the combustion process, and corrosion may result unless the engine is operated long enough to bring the oil and exhaust system to normal operating temperature.

2. Secure a plastic bag over the (cooled) exhaust outlets to prevent moisture from entering the exhaust system.

3. Cover the motorcycle with a cover made from a durable, breathable material designed for storage. Covering the motorcycle helps protect it from dust and other airborne materials. The cover must be of a breathable material to prevent moisture from building up on the motorcycle which can cause oxidation of metal surfaces.

REMOVAL FROM STORAGE

1. Install a fully charged battery.

2. Check the oil level. If the motorcycle was stored in an area subject to wide swings in temperature and humidity (such as outdoors), change the engine oil before starting the engine.

NOTICE During storage, temperature and humidity changes can cause condensation to form in the crankcase and mix with engine oil.

Running the engine with oil that contains condensation can cause engine damage.

3. Inspect the storage area for signs of fluid leaks. Identify and perform service to any leaking components.

4. Remove any intake or exhaust mesh covers installed for rodent protection.

5. Make sure the fuel tank is at least 3/4 full.

6. Perform the pre-ride inspections.

7. Perform a road test.

8. Wash and polish the motorcycle. Wax, polish or apply protectant to appropriate components.

Specifications

2019 FTR 1200

FUEL RECOMMENDATION

For best performance, use only unleaded gasoline with a 91 pump octane minimum (R +M/2 Method) or 95 RON minimum. DO NOT USE E-85 GASOLINE OR GASOLINE CONTAINING METHANOL.

Using E85 or gasoline/methanol blends can result in poor starting and driveability, engine damage and damage to critical fuel system components.

• Gasoline containing up to 10% Ethanol can be used.

In the event that the recommended premium unleaded gasoline is not available and low octane fuel must be used, fill the fuel tank only partially with unleaded regular gasoline, then fill the tank fully with premium unleaded gasoline as soon as possible.

ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION

We recommend the use of INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Full Synthetic 15W-60 Engine Oil for your motorcycle. This oil is formulated with synthetic-based oil and premium engine additive which have physical properties that meet API SM and ILSAC GF-4 specifications.

Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.

If oil must be added in an emergency and the recommended oil is not available, choose only a high-quality 15W-60 motorcycle oil.

Change back to the recommended oil at the first opportunity.

Engine oil for this vehicle needs to be JASO MA compliant.

NOTICE Use of non-recommended lubricants can result in engine damage. Damage resulting from the use of non-recommended lubricants is not covered by warranty.

FORK OIL

We recommend the use of INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Fork Oil for your motorcycle.

BRAKE FLUID

We recommend the use of INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DOT 4 Brake Fluid for both brake master cylinders. DO NOT use DOT 5 silicone fluid.

 

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