Excelsior-HENDERSON 1999 HCX, Super X HCX 1999 Riders Handbook
RIDER'S HANDBOOK
A
ll text, photographs, and illustrations in this handbook are based on the most
current product information available at the time of publication. Product
improvements or other changes may result in differences between this handbook
and the motorcycle. Excelsior-Henderson reserves the right to make production
changes at any time, without notice and without incurring any obligation to make
the same or similar changes to motorcycles previously built.
EXCELSIOR-HENDERSON MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
805 HANLON DRIVE • BELLE PLAINE, MINNESOTA 56011 • TELE: 952.873.7000/FAX: 612.656.4204
Copyright©2009 Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. All rights reserved. Excelsior-Henderson,
the X & Bar logo, Super X, the Super X Logo, Rider’s Handbook, X-Twin and Road Crew are trademarks of
Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. Dunlop is a registered trademark of Dunlop Tire Corporation.
Features of the Super X motorcycle are covered by U.S. Patent No. D.406,088 with additional patents pending.
Document part no. 6999-0001 Rev. D Printed in the United States of America
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1999 Super X
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1931 Super X
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Forward
Thank You!
The people of Excelsior-Henderson thank you for purchasing your new Super X
motorcycle. We appreciate your enthusiasm and faith in our products and in us.
Your new Super X is an American-made, premium-quality, heavyweight cruiser. It
combines advanced technologies with a style reminiscent of its ancestors. We have
designed, built, and will support your Super X in the tradition of The
Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company.
i
ii Forward
There’s More to The Rider’s Handbook
The Super X Rider’s Handbook contains information you need to operate
your Excelsior-Henderson Super X safely, responsibly, and with maximum
enjoyment. It also explains the routine maintenance, clea ning, and storage that
will help keep your Super X running and looking great for years to come.
To make the most of your Super X EXperience, this Handbook also includes
stories, photographs, and illustrations from throughout Excelsior-Henderson’s
history. In the section “The Tradition of the State of the Art” the Rider’s
Handbook introduces you to the heritage that is an essential part of the ExcelsiorHenderson EXperience and reestablishes our place in the history of American
motorcycling.
You, the Super X, and the Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing
Company each have a place in the continuing history of American motorcycling.
• As a Super X owner, you make your own contribution to the
Excelsior-Henderson heritage that began over a century ago and continues with
today’s Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company.
• The 1999 Super X bears the rich heritage of the original Super X and its
manufacturer’s history and tradition.
• The Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company is the first
American manufacturer to successfully revive an original American motorcycle
brand.
F
orward
y
J
“It’s not so much the destination that matters, but the journey” —motorcyclists
may understand this better than anyone. When you twist the throttle of your
Super X along an open stretch of highway or through a deep curve, you will
discover the roar of the X-twin™ engine as the road disappears behind you. With
the images and stories of Excelsior-Henderson’s present and past in mind, you will
EXperience the spectacular vision of the journey before you. Enjoy the ride!
From the Hanlon Famil
On behalf of the entire Excelsior-Henderson Road CrewTM, we welcome you to
our family. When you own an Excelsior-Henderson Super X, you own much more
than just a motorcycle, you own an enduring legacy of quality and
performance. You are part of the American dream…and you are part of
our dream. Together we will make motorcycling history as we bring back
the most legendary brand of the past —Excelsior-Henderson.
The Excelsior-Henderson team members are proud you selected the Super
X, as we have designed and manufactured the Super X to the highest
standards. This Rider’s Handbook has been specially prepared and
detailed to show you our commitment to ensure motorcycling fun.
We wish you a safe and pleasurable ride as together we carry forward a
proud tradition that dates back to 1876. So, get ready to throw a leg over
your Super X and join us on the highways of this great country, the United
States of America.
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Dan Hanlon
ennie Hanlon Dave Hanlon
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Contents
Introduction....................................................................1
Read the Rider’s Handbook................................................1
Hazard Symbol and Terms in the Rider’s Handbook.............2
Safety Information ..........................................................5
Safe Riding.......................................................................6
Super X Design Characteristics......................................6
Safe Riding Practices....................................................7
Carrying a Passenger..................................................11
Transporting the Super X ...........................................12
Protective Apparel...........................................................12
Product Modifications ......................................................13
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............................................14
Loading..........................................................................15
Selecting and Installing Accessories...................................17
Gasoline and Exhaust Gases.............................................18
v
Parking ..........................................................................19
Maintenance...................................................................20
Safety and Vehicle Information Labels...............................22
vi Contents
Product Description ...................................................... 27
Instruments and Controls ..............................................35
Reporting Safety Defects.................................................25
Vehicle Components.......................................................28
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)..................................30
Engine Identification Number...........................................31
Key Identification Number ...............................................32
Location ........................................................................35
Key ............................................................................... 37
Fork Lock ......................................................................37
Main Switch...................................................................38
Instrument Pod...............................................................40
Indicator Lights..........................................................40
Headlamp High Beam Indicator.............................41
Check Engine Indicator .........................................41
Turn Signal Indicator.............................................41
Neutral Indicator...................................................42
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.....................................42
Low Battery Voltage Indicator................................42
Low Fuel Indicator................................................43
Speedometer .............................................................43
Odometer/Trip Meter............................................43
Odometer/Trip Meter Function Button ...................44
Tachometer...............................................................44
Fuel Gauge................................................................44
Handlebar Controls .........................................................45
Left Side Handlebar Controls ......................................45
Clutch Lever.........................................................45
Left Mirror............................................................45
Headlamp Dimmer Switch .....................................46
Turn Signal Switch................................................46
Horn Button.........................................................46
Right Side Handlebar Controls ....................................47
Front Brake Lever.................................................47
Throttle Control Grip.............................................47
Right Mirror..........................................................47
Engine Stop/Run Switch........................................48
Emergency Flasher Switch .....................................48
Electric Starter Button............................................49
viiContents
Foot Controls..................................................................49
viii Contents
Pre-Operation Check.....................................................63
Gear Shift Pedal ........................................................49
Rear Brake Pedal.......................................................50
Fuel Cap........................................................................50
Rear Suspension Adjustment............................................51
Location of Adjusters .................................................52
Factory Adjustment Settings........................................52
Adjusters and Their Setting Ranges .............................52
Changing Adjustment Settings .................................... 53
Changing Preload Adjustment................................54
Changing Damping Rate Adjustment......................57
Effects of Rear Suspension Adjustments.......................58
Sidestand.......................................................................61
Saddles..........................................................................61
Fuel...............................................................................64
Fuel Level .................................................................64
Fuel Hose, Rail, and Connections................................64
Evaporative Emission Control System
(California model only)................................................64
Engine Oil Level .............................................................65
Tires ..............................................................................66
Tire Pressure .............................................................66
Tire Condition ...........................................................67
Tread Depth..............................................................67
Drive Belt.......................................................................68
Steering..........................................................................68
Hydraulic Controls — Clutch and Brakes...........................68
Check Hoses and Connections....................................68
Check Front Brake & Clutch Fluid Level.......................69
Check Rear Brake Fluid Level......................................69
Check Clutch Lever Movement....................................69
Check Front Brake Lever Movement............................70
Check Rear Brake Pedal Movement.............................70
Check Brake Pads...........................................................71
Throttle Control Grip and Cables......................................71
Electrical Equipment........................................................72
Engine Stop/Run Switch.............................................72
Instrument Pod ..........................................................72
Headlamp..................................................................73
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Brake Light................................................................73
x Contents
Operation and Riding....................................................77
Maintenance .................................................................95
Running Lights.......................................................... 73
Turn Signals..............................................................73
Sidestand.......................................................................74
Fasteners .......................................................................74
Operating During Break-In Period (First 500 Miles)............78
Fueling and Fuel Fill Height .............................................79
Starting the Engine .........................................................80
Jump-Starting............................................................82
Shifting Gears.................................................................84
Recommended Shift Points..............................................87
Accelerating...................................................................88
Braking..........................................................................89
Stopping the Engine .......................................................90
Parking..........................................................................91
New Motorcycle Break-In Maintenance.............................96
Periodic Maintenance Intervals.........................................96
Engine Oil......................................................................99
Change Oil and Oil Filter............................................99
Check Oil Level........................................................101
Air Filter Element..........................................................103
Drive Belt.....................................................................104
Check Drive Belt Tension .........................................104
Adjust Drive Belt Tension..........................................105
Check Drive Belt Condition.......................................106
Throttle........................................................................107
Check Throttle Control Grip and Cables.....................107
Adjust Throttle Freeplay............................................107
Fuel Hose, Rail, and Connections...................................108
Evaporative Emission Control System
(California model only)..............................................108
Oxygen Sensor .............................................................109
Hydraulic Controls — Clutch and Brakes.........................110
Check Hoses and Connections..................................110
Check Front Brake & Clutch Fluid Level.....................110
Check Rear Brake Fluid Level....................................111
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Add Hydraulic Fluid..................................................111
Check Clutch Lever Movement..................................112
Check Front Brake Lever Movement..........................113
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Check Rear Brake Pedal Movement ..........................113
Check Brake Pads.........................................................114
Spark Plugs..................................................................114
Inspect Spark Plugs..................................................114
Remove Spark Plugs................................................ 115
Replace Spark Plugs ................................................116
Saddles........................................................................117
Tandem Saddle........................................................117
Rider’s Saddle..........................................................118
Battery.........................................................................119
Remove Battery.......................................................120
Charge Battery........................................................121
Install Battery ..........................................................122
Electrical Equipment......................................................123
Replace Fuse...........................................................123
Check Engine Stop/Run Switch................................124
Check Instrument Pod Lights.................................... 124
Replace Instrument Pod Light Bulb............................125
Check Headlamp.....................................................125
Replace Headlamp Sealed Beam Lamp .....................126
Check Brake Light ...................................................126
Replace Brake/Tail or License Plate Light Bulb...........127
Check Running Lights ..............................................127
Check Turn Signals ..................................................128
Replace Turn Signal/Running Light Bulb....................128
Steering........................................................................129
Inspect Steering Movement.......................................129
Inspect Steering Head Bearings.................................129
Tires ............................................................................130
Check Tire Pressure .................................................130
Check Tire Surface Condition....................................130
Check Tread Depth..................................................130
Wheels.........................................................................131
Check Spokes..........................................................131
Remove Front Wheel................................................132
Inspect Front Wheel Bearings....................................133
Install Front Wheel ...................................................134
Remove Rear Wheel.................................................135
Inspect Rear Wheel Bearings.....................................137
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Install Rear Wheel ....................................................138
xiv Contents
Cleaning and Storage..................................................145
Align Rear Wheel.....................................................139
Sidestand.....................................................................141
Fasteners .....................................................................141
Road Test ....................................................................142
Cleaning ......................................................................145
Washing and Drying.................................................146
Waxing, Polishing, and Applying Protectants..............148
Repairing Painted Surface Damage ...........................149
Storage........................................................................149
Preparing for Storage...............................................150
Choose an Adequate Storage Location................. 150
Clean and Protect the Motorcycle.........................150
Stabilize Fuel......................................................151
Protect Engine Components................................ 151
Inflate Tires........................................................152
Remove, Clean, and Store Battery .......................152
Park and Cover the Motorcycle............................153
Maintaining During Storage...................................... 153
Removing from Storage ...........................................153
Our Tradition of State of the Art.................................. 157
Traditions Alive Today ..................................................160
The 1999 Super X ..................................................160
The Company.........................................................166
The Road from 1993 through 1998...............................172
The Trail from 1876 through 1931................................185
1876-1910: The Beginnings of Excelsior...................186
1911-1917: The Joining of Forces ...........................190
1918-1925: Excelsior-Henderson and The Super X....210
1926-1931: The Birth of the “Cruiser” .....................224
Specifications............................................................. 235
Fuel Specifications........................................................238
Engine Oil Specifications...............................................239
Torque Specifications....................................................240
Identification Numbers for Your Super X.........................242
Index ......................................................................... 245
xvContents
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Introduction
Read the Rider’s Handbook
The Rider’s Handbook contains information that is essential to safe riding and
proper maintenance of your Super X motorcycle. Read it thoroughly before you
ride. Understand and follow the procedures in the Rider’s Handbook to keep
your Super X in top condition on the road or in storage. Failure to follow
operation and maintenance procedures may result in injury to you, your
passenger, or damage to your Super X. We want you to enjoy motorcycling.
Following the safety and maintenance procedures will add to your enjoyment, and
keep you riding.
1
2 Introduction
Hazard Symbol and Terms in the Rider’s Handbook
The hazard symbol indicates a potential hazard to you, others, or your
motorcycle. Pay special attention to information in the
!
Rider’s Handbook that begins with this symbol.
The following terms have special meaning in the Rider’s Handbook. Be certain
you understand the meaning of each term, as the terms communicate important
information about the Super X and its operation and maintenance.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could injure you or others.
Caution
Indicates a potential hazard that could damage the motorcycle.
Notice
Emphasizes important information that might otherwise be overlooked.
Notes:
3Introduction
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Safety Information
This section contains information to help you operate your Super X motorcycle
safely and enjoyably while minimizing risk to you, your passenger, and others.
Your ability to safely operate the Super X depends on your judgment and use of
safe riding techniques. Motorcycling has inherent risks. You can minimize those
risks, but you can’t eliminate them completely.
We want to keep you riding. Take the time to read and understand the following
information to help minimize risk and maximize pleasure when operating the
Super X. Even if you are an experienced rider , read this section and the rest of the
Rider’s Handbook before riding the Super X.
• Read, understand, and use the information contained in this section. This
section contains safety information specific to the Super X, as well as
information about general motorcycle safety.
• Read and understand the entire Rider’s Handbook before operating the
Super X; the Handbook contains safety information throughout. Also pay
attention to the maintenance requirements in this Handbook. For professional
technical service specified in the Rider’s Handbook or required by mechanical
circumstances, see the Super X Service Handbook or your authorized
Excelsior-Henderson Dealer.
5
• Read, understand, and use the information in the booklet you received with
your Super X, You and Your Motorcycle — Riding Tips (Excelsior-Henderson
6 Safety Information
document part no. 6999-0008). The booklet contains general information
about safe motorcycle operation and tips for developing safe riding habits.
• Take a rider education course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or
another qualified instructor. The course will help you develop or refresh your
expertise in safe riding habits through instruction and riding. For information on
MSF rider education courses, see the pamphlet you received with your Super X,
Rider Course (Excelsior-Henderson document part no. 6999-0066).
• Until you are thoroughly familiar with the Super X and all of its controls,
practice riding where there is little or no traffic. Practice riding at moderate
speed on varying road surfaces and under varying weather conditions.
Safe Riding
Super X Design Characteristics
The following Super X design characteristics affect how you should ride the
motorcycle:
• The Super X is designed for on-road use with one rider and one passenger. Do
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (see Specifications or the
certification label on the steering head). Riding off-road, riding with more than
one passenger, or carrying weight exceeding the maximum weight rating can
make handling difficult, which could cause you to lose control of the motorcycle.
• In the first 500 miles, operate the Super X according to the break-in procedures
described in “Operating During Break-In Period (First 500 Miles)‚” page 78.
Operating the Super X without following break-in procedures can result in
serious engine damage.
• The Super X is designed not to “dive” when the front brake is applied. “Diving”
is the tendency for the front suspension to compress rapidly when the front
brake is applied. The anti-dive design of the Super X makes braking more
positive and stable than on motorcycles without an anti-dive design. If you have
ridden motorcycles without an anti-dive design, the Super X may initially feel
different when you apply the front brake.
Safe Riding Practices
Follow these general safe riding practices:
• Before you ride, make sure you can operate the Super X safely and properly by
following the recommendations given at the beginning of the Safety
Information section.
7Safety Information
• Before you ride each time, make the checks described in the Pre-Operation
Check section. Operating the Super X without making the pre-operation
checks can cause damage to the motorcycle or result in an accident.
• Know your skills and limits, and ride within them.
• Allow only licensed, experienced operators to ride your Super X, and then only
after they have become familiar with its controls and operation.
8 Safety Information
• Do not ride when you are fatigued or under the influence of alcohol,
prescription drugs, over-the-c ounter drugs, or any other drugs. Fatigue, alcohol,
and drugs can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination, loss of balance, and can
affect your awareness and judgment.
• If your Super X operates abnormally, correct the problem immediately (see the
Super X Service Handbook or contact your authorized Excelsior-Henderson
Dealer). If you continue to operate the Super X in this condition, you are likely
to aggravate the initial problem, increase the cost of repairs, and threaten your
safety.
• The most common cause of accidents involving a motorcycle and an automobile
is the automobile driver’s failure to see the motorcycle. Ride defensively, as if
you are invisible to other motorists, even in broad daylight. Ride where you are
visible to other motorists and observe their behavior carefully, as they may not
see or be aware of you.
• Be especially cautious at an intersection, as this is the most likely place for an
accident. Remember that you are more vulnerable to injury on a motorcycle
than in an enclosed vehicle.
• To prevent loss of control while operating the motorcycle, keep your hands on
the handlebars and your feet on the footrests.
• Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed and riding technique based on road,
weather, and traffic conditions. As you travel faster, the influence of all other
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