Section III

CONTROLS AND OPERATION

 Paragraph
Controls5
Engine prestarting instructions6
Starting the engine7
Stopping the engine8
Operation of vehicle9
Driving precautions10
Stopping and parking vehicle11
Towing vehicle to start engine12
Running‐in new engine (or vehicle)13

RA PD 310201
Figure 4—Controls

5. CONTROLS (fig. 4).

a. Controls are peculiar to the motorcycle. The rider must become thoroughly familiar with the location and use of all control devices before attempting to operate vehicle.

b. Gasoline Valve (figs. 5 and 6). Gasoline valve is located in left tank, forward. Valve is closed by turning to the right, finger tight. Turning to left opens valve. Valve is in normal operating position when turned to left, with valve head down. Lifting valve head releases emergency supply of fuel (3 quarts).

RA PD 310202
Figure 5—Fuel Supply Valve

RA PD 310293
Figure 6—Fuel Supply Valve Positions

c. Throttle. The throttle is controlled by right handle bar grip. Turning grip inward opens throttle, turning it outward closes throttle.

d. Spark. Spark is controlled by left handle bar grip. Turning grip inward advances spark, turning it outward retards spark.

e. Clutch (fig. 7). Clutch is operated by left foot (rocker‐type) pedal, connecting with steel cable, which actuates clutch release lever. Pedal is located on left side of motorcycle above footboard. Forward downward (toe) position of pedal engages clutch. Rear downward (heel) position of pedal disengages clutch. Foot pedal provided with friction device to retain it in either engaged or disengaged position.

RA PD 310204
Figure 7—Clutch Pedal Positions

RA PD 310205
Figure 8—Gear Shifter Lever Positions

f. Service Brake (Rear Wheel). Foot pedal is located on right side of motorcycle at forward end of footboard.

g. Auxiliary Brake (Front Wheel). Auxiliary brake is operated by hand lever located on left handle bar. It is used in conjunction with service brake, as an emergency brake, or for holding vehicle while starting engine on grade. CAUTION: Brake is to be applied lightly and cautiously on wet and slippery roads.

h. Gear Shifter (fig. 8). Shifter lever is located on left tank, forward position, and operates within a guide. Shifter lever guide is notched for positive location of gears and each position is identified, front to rear: “1”—low gear; “N”—neutral; “2”—second gear; “3”—direct high gear.

RA PD 310206
Figure 9—Carburetor Choke Lever Positions

i. Steering Damper. Steering damper is an adjustable friction device to damper turning action of forks, steady front wheel, and prevent wobble in rough terrain or at high speeds, and is located on top of steering head in center of handle bars. Move handle to right to apply desired friction.

j. Foot Starter Crank (fig. 1). The foot starter crank is located on right side of motorcycle. Gear shifter lever must be in neutral position, and clutch foot pedal in forward engaged position, before using foot starter crank. Starter crank normally is in upward position. Straddle motorcycle, place right foot on starter crank, and shift weight of body for forceful downward crank operation to start engine.

k. Ignition and Light Switch. Earlier models are provided with switch lock, later models are nonlocking. Switch is off in straight‐forward position. First position to right is for engine ignition only. Second position to right is for ignition and blackout lights. To use vehicle service lights, depress button to turn switch to third right position.

l. Instrument Panel Signal Lights. Instead of an ammeter and oil pressure gage, signal lights indicate generator charging, and engine oil pressure.

(1) Green light is located on left side of instrument panel. When engine is running, and light is out, it indicates generator is charging.

(2) Red light is located on right side of instrument panel. When engine is running, and light is out, it indicates engine oil is circulating.

m. Carburetor Choke (fig. 9). Choke lever is in full prime position when all the way up, and in normal running position when all the way down.

6. ENGINE PRESTARTING INSTRUCTIONS.

a. Before the engine is started, perform the Before‐operation Service outlined in paragraph 15. Special care must be taken during starting and warming‐up period to avoid unnecessary engine wear.

b. The rider must acquire correct motorcycle engine starting habits, and learn to do the job the quickest, easiest, and most dependable way. The following pointers will be helpful to the beginner as well as to a seasoned rider:

(1) Mount (straddle) motorcycle to obtain firm grip on handle bars.

(2) Leave side stand (jiffy stand) outward to support vehicle while operating foot starter crank with right foot.

(3) Engine starting will be benefited by use of front wheel, hand‐operated brake, to prevent vehicle from rolling or shifting during starting kicks. This is especially helpful if vehicle is parked on an incline or on soft, uneven surface.

c. The procedure outlined below is preparatory to starting either cold, warm, or hot engine:

(1) Place gear shifter lever in “N” (neutral) position (fig. 8).

(2) See that gasoline shut‐off valve is open (fig. 5).

(3) Engage clutch (fig. 7).

(4) Spark control (left) grip must be turned inward to fully advanced position, or nearly so.

(5) Foot starter crank may travel ½ way downward before starting engine. See that a full vigorous starter stroke is used. A vigorous kick, using a full swing (not a jab) of right leg and hip, is correct engine starting practice.

7. STARTING THE ENGINE.

a. Procedure for starting cold, warm, or hot motorcycle engines differs. Therefore, following instructions are used with paragraph 6 c to cover correct procedure in all three cases.

b. Starting Cold Engine. When vehicle has not been operated for some time, and engine is normally cold, follow progressive procedure for easiest starting.

(1) Set carburetor choke lever in full upward (closed) position.

(2) Open throttle wide by turning right grip inward as far as it will go.

(3) Prime cylinders by operating foot starter crank one or two strokes.

(4) Set carburetor choke lever in ¼ to ½ closed position for mild weather starting: ¾ closed (or leave fully choked) for extremely cold weather starting. CAUTION: It is only in extremely cold weather that engine may start best with choke fully closed, and even then it will have to be moved from this position immediately after engine is started.

(5) Set throttle (right) grip to slightly open position.

(6) Turn ignition switch on, first right position.

(7) Start engine with vigorous strokes of foot starter crank.

(8) When engine starts, set throttle for moderate idling speed for warming up, or until ready to set vehicle in motion. Do not race engine unnecessarily.

(9) After engine warms up, and misfires due to an overrich mixture, gradually move choke lever downward. After engine has thoroughly warmed up, move choke lever to fully open (downward) position.

c. Starting Warm Engine. Following instructions apply to engine when halfway between hot and cold. With engine in this condition, carburetor choking must be handled cautiously.

(1) Lift choke lever to first upward position from normal (¼ closed).

(2) Set throttle (right) grip to fully closed (outward) position.

(3) Operate foot starter crank one or two strokes.

(4) Set throttle grip to between ¼ and 13 open position.

(5) Turn ignition switch on.

(6) Start engine with vigorous strokes of foot starter crank.

(7) Soon after engine starts, choke lever must be moved to fully open (downward) position.

(8) Turn throttle grip to control idling speed of engine.

d. Starting Hot Engine. If engine has been shut off for only a brief period and is near normal operating temperature, it is not necessary to use carburetor choke lever. With some engines, depending upon carburetor condition and adjustment, hot starting is easier and more dependable if foot starter crank is operated one stroke before turning ignition switch on.

(1) Close throttle grip by turning fully outward.

(2) Turn ignition switch on.

(3) Operate foot starter crank to start engine.

(4) When hot engine does not start readily after two or three strokes of the foot starter crank, it is usually due to an overrich (flooded) condition, and the proper procedure then is to open throttle wide so that more air can enter: close throttle quickly after engine starts. CAUTION: After engine has warmed up to a normal operating temperature, do not allow engine to stand idling for longer than a 1 minute interval.

e. Starting Engine with Dead Battery. See paragraph 12.

f. Behavior of Instrument Panel Signal Lights. Function of generator (green) signal light depends upon action of cut‐out relay; engine oil pressure (red) signal light depends upon action of oil feed pump. Rider must, therefore, thoroughly understand operating characteristics of both signal lights to judge condition of generator‐battery circuit and pressure in engine oil circulating system.

(1) When ignition light switch is turned to first (right) position, preparatory to starting engine, both green and red signal lights should go on. CAUTION: When switch is turned on, immediately after engine has been primed by cranking, red (oil pressure) signal light may not light at once, but will light after a few seconds, due to oil pressure built up by cranking, and is most likely to be noticed in cold weather.

(2) With engine started and running at medium idling speed, both signal lights should go off. CAUTION: Should oil pressure (red) signal light fail to go off at speeds above idling, conditions must be brought to attention of unit mechanic.

(3) At slow idle speed, or under approximately 20 miles per hour road speed (in high gear), generator (green) signal light will normally flash on and off, because at that speed generator voltage output is very low and unsteady. CAUTION: Should generator (green) signal light fail to go off at speed above approximately 20 miles per hour, generator is either not charging at all, or its current output is not up to normal, and generator should be given attention at once.

8. STOPPING THE ENGINE.

a. Stop engine only by turning ignition and light switch to off (straight‐ahead) position, to prevent discharge of battery through spark coil primary circuit.

9. OPERATION OF VEHICLE.

a. Starting on Level Ground. The engine having been warmed up and checked for satisfactory operation, the vehicle (with operator in riding position) is put in motion as follows:

(1) Transfer body weight to right leg.

(2) Fold back side stand (jiffy stand).

(3) Disengage clutch by depressing clutch foot pedal with heel of left foot.

(4) Shift gear shifter lever into “1” (low) gear position.

(5) Slowly engage clutch by depressing clutch foot pedal with toe of left foot.

(6) When clutch starts to “take hold,” open throttle sufficiently to maintain engine speed.

(7) Accelerate gradually to between 12 and 15 miles per hour in low gear.

(8) Close throttle quickly.

(9) Disengage clutch.

(10) Shift through “N” (neutral) position into “2” (second) gear.

(11) Reengage clutch and accelerate to about 25 miles per hour.

(12) Close throttle quickly.

(13) Disengage clutch.

(14) Shift into “3” (high) gear.

(15) Reengage clutch and accelerate to desired speed.

b. Starting on Uneven or Soft Ground.

(1) If standing on an incline or in loose, heavy ground, more engine power will be required to start vehicle without stalling engine.

(2) It may be necessary to keep vehicle from rolling by keeping pressure on front brake hand lever. Brake pressure is released after vehicle starts in forward motion.

(3) Open throttle and engage clutch at same time to provide power needed for starting, without racing engine unnecessarily.

(4) Motorcycle starts should be made without excessive application of power, with consequent unnecessary spinning of rear wheel.

10. DRIVING PRECAUTIONS.

a. Practice will enable a rider to judge at what rate of speed the motorcycle should be moving before he shifts from a lower to higher gear, and engine should never be permitted to labor unduly, when a shift of gears, higher to lower, would improve operation.

(1) Operator must not look down at gear shifter when shifting gears, but keep his eyes on the road ahead. Do not ride the clutch. The operator’s foot should rest on clutch foot pedal only when he is operating it. When shifting gears, disengage clutch fully to avoid gear damage and shifting difficulties. CAUTION: Many transmissions are ruined through failure to disengage clutch fully when shifting gears.

b. Braking. Rear wheel service brake must be in such condition that medium‐hard application will cause rear wheel to lock. Application of service brake should be gradual, with just enough force to accomplish desired result.

(1) Auxiliary front wheel brake, when used in conjunction with service brake, must be applied with caution, especially on wet, muddy, or slippery roads.

(2) After passing through water, the brakes should be set slightly, and the vehicle operated for a short distance, until sufficient heat has been generated to dry the brakes.

c. Avoid Low Gear Operation. Always operate vehicle in highest gear possible, consistent with tactical situation, speed required, power required, and kind and nature of road substance, to prevent overheating of engine.

d. High Speed Tips. Only experienced riders should indulge in high‐speed riding. A motorcycle operated for long distances at high speed must be given closer than ordinary attention to avoid serious engine overheating with consequent damage. For better motorcycle service, apply the following suggestions:

(1) Develop habit of frequently snapping throttle shut for an instant when running at high speed. This draws additional lubrication to piston and cylinder and assists in cooling engine.

(2) In cool weather, operate engine slowly until it is thoroughly warmed up, to avoid damage to pistons, rings, cylinders, and other parts before oil is warm enough to circulate freely.

(3) If handle bar windshield and leg shields are used, engine is more likely to overheat with continued high‐speed riding. Watch this carefully.

(4) Adjust “steering damper” for best control of motorcycle consistent with riding speed and condition and nature of road.

11. STOPPING AND PARKING VEHICLE.

a. Stopping Vehicle. Rider will make a “restart” easier and quicker if he will apply the following instructions upon stopping vehicle:

(1) Close throttle.

(2) Disengage clutch.

(3) Apply brake (or brakes) to slow vehicle without sliding rear tire.

(4) Just before coming to a complete stop, shift into “N” (neutral) position and engage clutch. CAUTION: If immediate restart is to be made, shift into “1” (low) gear and allow clutch foot pedal to remain in disengaged position. (Rider will be mounted on motorcycle with engine running.)

(5) Continue brake application to complete stop.

(6) After vehicle slows to point where it can no longer be balanced by steering, place left foot on ground to maintain balance until right foot can be removed from brake operating pedal. CAUTION: Do not idle engine longer than 1 minute.

(7) Stop engine by turning ignition switch off.

b. Parking Vehicle.

(1) Lean motorcycle on side (jiffy) stand.

(2) Shift into “1” (low) gear.

(3) Engage clutch so vehicle cannot roll.

(4) Shut off gasoline supply by turning valve (to right) finger‐tight against its seat.

12. TOWING VEHICLE TO START ENGINE.

a. In emergencies when engine cannot be started with foot starter crank, it can be started by towing the motorcycle.

(1) Set gear shifter lever in “2” (second) gear position.

(2) Disengage clutch.

(3) Choke carburetor.

(4) Turn ignition switch on.

(5) After momentum of the towed motorcycle reaches between 10 and 15 miles per hour, engage clutch, and continue procedure until engine starts.

b. Engine Starting with Dead Battery. Emergency engine starting with dead battery can be effected by making use of freshly charged battery, or by towing as outlined above. If vehicle with dead battery is to be towed for engine starting, proceed as follows:

(1) Disconnect battery negative wire from ground on right side of motorcycle.

(2) Tow motorcycle for engine starting.

(3) After engine is started, reconnect battery ground wire to frame to prevent damage to electrical system.

13. RUNNING‐IN NEW ENGINE (OR VEHICLE).

a. A new motorcycle engine or newly overhauled engine must be given proper “break‐in” consideration for at least the first 1,000 to 1,200 miles of service. Failure to do this may result in damage that will put engine out of active service within a short period of time.

b. At the first 250 miles, check front and rear drive chains to make sure they are receiving required amount of oil for ample lubrication. If necessary, have chain oilers adjusted by unit mechanic. Drive chains must be inspected for correct adjustment, and be given attention by unit mechanic as needed.

c. At first 500 miles, drain oil tank and refill with fresh oil. Check front and rear chains (step b above). Thereafter, follow instructions in Maintenance Operation section.

d. After a new motorcycle has been run 500 to 1,000 miles it needs to be thoroughly checked over and any loose screws and nuts tightened. Particular attention must be given engine and transmission mounting bolts and nuts, and to rear wheel mounting socket screws.

e. Following pointers must be observed when running‐in new engine or newly overhauled engine:

(1) Do not exceed 30 miles per hour during first 100 miles.

(2) Do not exceed 35 miles per hour during next 200 miles.

(3) Do not exceed 40 miles per hour during next 400 miles.

(4) Do not exceed 50 miles per hour during next 500 miles.

(5) Avoid use of low gears during break‐in operation as much as possible.