Ducati DESERTX, Owner'S Manual, Page: 94 / 332

Moving off
1) Raise the side stand until it is horizontal, as
confirmed by the switching off of the warning
light on the instrument panel.
2) Squeeze the control lever to disengage the
clutch.
3) Push down on gear change lever sharply with the
tip of your foot to engage the first gear.
4) Speed up the engine by turning the throttle
twistgrip while gradually releasing the clutch
lever; the motorcycle will start moving off.
5) Let go of clutch lever and speed up.
6) To shift up, close the throttle to slow down
engine, disengage the clutch, lift the gear
change lever and let go of clutch lever. To shift
down, proceed as follows: release the twistgrip,
pull the clutch lever, shortly speed up to help
gears synchronise, shift down (engage next
lower gear) and release the clutch.
The controls should be used correctly and timely:
when riding uphill do not hesitate to shift down as
soon as the motorcycle tends to slow down, so you
will avoid stressing the engine and the motorcycle
abnormally.
Attention
Avoid harsh acceleration, as this may lead to
misfiring and transmission snatching. The clutch
lever should not be held in longer than necessary
after a gear is engaged, otherwise friction parts may
overheat and wear out.
Attention
Prolonged wheelies could deactivate the ABS
system.
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