05/11/15 12:10:28 31MCF660_002 2006 Honda RC51 OWNER’S MANUAL Classic Cycles Technical Resources 05/11/15 12:10:36 31MCF660_003 Introduction Congratulations on choosing your Honda We also recommend that you read this motorcycle. owner’s manual before you ride. It’s full of facts, instructions, safety information, When you own a Honda, you’re part of a and helpful tips. To make it easy to use, worldwide family of satisfied customers the manual contains a detailed list of － people who appreciate Honda’s topics at the beginning of each section, reputation for building quality into every and both an in-depth table of contents and product. an index at the back of the book. Before riding, take time to get acquainted As you read this manual, you will find with your motorcycle and how it works. information that is preceded by a To protect your investment, we urge you symbol. This information is to take responsibility for keeping your intended to help you avoid damage to your motorcycle well maintained. Scheduled Honda, other property, or the environment. service is a must, of course. But it’s just as important to observe the break-in guidelines, and perform all pre-ride and other periodic checks detailed in this manual. Introduction www.ClassicCycles.org 05/11/15 12:10:44 31MCF660_004 Introduction Read the Warranties Booklet (page219 ) You may also want to visit our website at thoroughly so you understand the www.honda.com. coverages that protect your new Honda and are aware of your rights and Happy riding! responsibilities. California Proposition 65 Warning If you have any questions, or if you ever WARNING: This product contains or need special service or repairs, remember emits chemicals known to the State of that your Honda dealer knows your California to cause cancer and birth motorcycle best and is dedicated to your defects or other reproductive harm. complete satisfaction. Please report any change of address or ownership to your Honda dealer so we will be able to contact you concerning important production information. Introduction Classic Cycles Technical Resources 05/11/15 12:10:49 31MCF660_005 A Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this motorcycle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good judgment. You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including: Safety Labels –– on the motorcycle. Safety Messages –– preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING,or CAUTION . These signal words mean: Safety Messages www.ClassicCycles.org 05/11/15 12:10:56 31MCF660_006 A Few Words About Safety You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions. You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions. Safety Headings –– such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions. Safety Section –– such as Motorcycle Safety. Instructions –– how to use this motorcycle correctly and safely. This entire manual is filled with important safety information –– please read it carefully. Safety Messages Classic Cycles Technical Resources 05/11/15 12:11:05 31MCF660_007 Contents These pages give an overview of the Before Riding..................................... 29 contents of your owner’s manual. The first The importance of wearing a helmet page of each section lists the topics and other protective gear, how to make covered in that section. sure you and your motorcycle are ready to ride, and important information about Motorcycle Safety.............................. 1 loading. Important safety information you should know, plus a look at the safety- Basic Operation & Riding................ 39 related labels on your motorcycle. How to start and stop the engine, shift gears, and brake. Also, riding Instruments & Controls.................... 9 precautions and important information The location and function of indicators, about riding with a passenger or cargo. gauges, and controls on your motorcycle and operating instructions for various controls and features. Contents www.ClassicCycles.org 05/11/15 12:11:19 31MCF660_008 Contents Servicing Your Honda...................... 57 Technical Information...................... 195 Why your motorcycle needs regular ID numbers, technical specifications, maintenance, what you need to know and other technical facts. before servicing your Honda, an owner maintenance schedule, and instructions Consumer Information..................... 215 for specific maintenance and Information on warranties, emission adjustment items. controls, how to get Honda service manuals, and... Tips...................................................... 159 ‘‘Reporting Safety Defects’’........ 224 How to store and transport your motorcycle and how to be an Table of Contents.............................. 226 environmentally-responsible rider. Sequential listing of topics in this owner’s manual. Taking Care of the Unexpected....... 165 What to do if you have a flat tire, your Index.................................................... 230 engine won’t start, etc. Quick Reference Handy facts about fuel, engine oil, tire sizes, and air pressures. Contents Classic Cycles Technical Resources 05/11/15 12:11:26 31MCF660_010 Motorcycle Safety This section presents some of the most Important Safety Information................. 2 important information and Accessories & Modifications.................. 5 recommendations to help you ride your Safety Labels........................................... 7 motorcycle safely. Please take a few moments to read these pages. This section also includes information about the location of safety labels on your motorcycle. Motorcycle Safety 1 www.ClassicCycles.org 05/11/15 12:11:31 31MCF660_011 Important Safety Information Your motorcycle can provide many years Always Wear a Helmet of service and pleasure－ if you take It’s a proven fact: helmets significantly responsibility for your own safety and reduce the number and severity of head understand the challenges you can meet injuries. So always wear an approved while riding. motorcycle helmet and make sure your passenger does the same. We also There is much that you can do to protect recommend that you wear eye protection, yourself when you ride. You’ll find many sturdy boots, gloves, and other protective helpful recommendations throughout this gear (page30 ). manual. The following are a few that we consider most important. 2 Motorcycle Safety Classic Cycles Technical Resources 05/11/15 12:11:37 31MCF660_012 Important Safety Information Take Time to Learn & Practice Always pay attention to other vehicles Even if you have ridden other motorcycles, around you, and do not assume that other take time to become familiar with how drivers see you. Be prepared to stop this motorcycle works and handles. quickly or make an evasive maneuver. For Practice in a safe area until you build your other riding tips, see the booklet, You and skills and get accustomed to the Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips and motorcycle’s size and weight. Practice Guide, which came with your new motorcycle (USA only). Because many accidents involve inexperienced or untrained riders, we urge Make Yourself Easy to See all riders to take a certified course Some drivers do not see motorcycles approved by the Motorcycle Safety because they are not looking for them. To Foundation (MSF). See page32 . make yourself more visible, wear bright reflective clothing, position yourself so Ride Defensively other drivers can see you, signal before The most frequent motorcycle collision turning or changing lanes, and use your happens when a car turns left in front of a horn when it will help others notice you. motorcycle. Another common situation is a car moving suddenly into your lane. Motorcycle Safety 3 www.ClassicCycles.org 05/11/15 12:11:43 31MCF660_013 Important Safety Information Ride within Your Limits Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition Pushing limits is another major cause of It’s important to keep your motorcycle motorcycle accidents. Never ride beyond properly maintained and in safe riding your personal abilities or faster than condition. To help avoid problems, inspect conditions warrant. Remember that your motorcycle before every ride and alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and inattention can perform all recommended maintenance. significantly reduce your ability to make Never exceed load limits (page37 ), and good judgments and ride safely. do not modify your motorcycle (page6 ) or install accessories that would make Don’t Drink and Ride your motorcycle unsafe (page5 ). Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride either. 4 Motorcycle Safety Classic Cycles Technical Resources 05/11/15 12:11:50 31MCF660_014 Accessories & Modifications Modifying your motorcycle or using non- Honda accessories can make your Accessories motorcycle unsafe. Before you consider making any modifications or adding an We strongly recommend that you use only accessory, be sure to read the following