HOME 1.3 FUEL AND OIL FUEL and as much as 15% MTBE. Gasoline/MTBE blends can be used in your motorcycle. Refer to Table 1-4 . Always use a good quality unleaded gas- oline. Octane ratings are usually found on the pump. • ETHANOL is a mixture of 10% ethanol (Grain alcohol) and 90% unleaded gasoline. Gasoline/ethanol blends can be used in your motorcycle if the ethanol content does not exceed 10%. 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) • REFORMULATED OR OXYGENATED GASOLINES (RFG): Reformulated gasoline is a term used to describe gasoline blends that are specifically designed to burn cleaner than other types of gasoline, leaving fewer tailpipe emissions. They are also formulated to evaporate less when you are filling your tank. Reformulated gasolines use additives to oxygenate the gas. Your motorcycle will run normally using this type of gas and Harley-Davidson recommends you use it when possible, as an aid to cleaner air in our environment. 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) • Do not use race gas or octane boosters. Use of these fuels will damage the fuel system. Modern service station pumps dispense a high flow of gasoline into a motorcycle fuel tank making air entrapment and pressur- ization a possibility. Some gasoline blends might adversely affect the starting, driveability or fuel efficiency of the motorcycle. If any of these problems are experienced, try a different brand of gasoline or blended with alcohol and/or ether to create oxygenated blends. The type and amount of alcohol or ether added to the fuel is important.
Engine oil is a major factor in the performance and service life of the engine. Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest temperature expected before the next scheduled oil change. Refer to Table 1-5 . Your authorized dealer has the proper oil to suit your requirements. Do not use gasoline that contains methanol. Doing so can result in fuel system component failure, engine damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00148a) If it is necessary to add oil and Harley-Davidson oil is not available, use an oil certified for diesel engines. Acceptable diesel engine oil designations include: CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 and CI-4. • Gasoline containing METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
Gasoline/MTBE blends are a mixture of gasoline The preferred viscosities for the diesel engine oils in des- cending order are: 20W50, 15W40 and 10W40. At the first opportunity, see an authorized dealer to change back to 100 percent Harley-Davidson oil. gasoline with a higher octane blend. Table 1-4. Octane Ratings ENGINE LUBRICATION SPECIFICATION RATING Pump Octane (R+M)/2 91 (95 RON) GASOLINE BLENDS Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because Your motorcycle was designed to get the best performance some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of and efficiency using unleaded gasoline. Most gasoline is inferior lubricants can damage the engine.
(00184a) gasoline with a higher octane blend. ENGINE LUBRICATION SPECIFICATION RON) Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because mance some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of line is inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a) Pump Octane (R+M)/2 91 (95 GASOLINE BLENDS Your motorcycle was designed to get the best perfor and efficiency using unleaded gasoline. Most gaso Table 1-5. Recommended Engine Oils:
VRSC Models HARLEY-DAVIDSON TYPE VISCOSITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON RATING LOWEST AMBIENT TEMPERATURE COLD WEATHER STARTS BELOW 50° F (10° C) HD Multi-grade Excellent SAE 10W40 HD 360 Below 40° F (4° C) HD Multi-grade SAE 20W50 HD 360 Above 40° F (4° C) Good 1-8 2009 VRSC Service: Mai ntenance