ENGLISH
11
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
– T
HE
SX
MODELS ARE NOT APPROVED FOR USE ON PUBLIC ROADS AND
FREEWAYS
.
– W
HEN RIDING YOUR MOTORCYCLE
,
PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT
OTHER PEOPLE MAY FEEL MOLESTED BY EXCESSIVE NOISE
.
Instructions for initial operation
– Verify that your KTM dealer performed the PREPARATION
OF VEHICLE jobs (see Customer Service Manual).
– Read these operating instructions carefully before your first
ride.
– Familiarize yourself with the operating elements.
– Set the clutch lever, the handbrake lever, and the footbrake
pedal to the positions that are most convenient for you.
– Get used to handling the motorcycle on an empty parking
lot or open space, before starting on a longer drive. Also try
to drive as slowly as possible and in standing position, to
improve your feeling for the vehicle.
– Do not drive along off-road tracks which go beyond your
abitily and experience.
– Hold the handle bars with both hands and leave your feet
on the foot rests while driving.
– Remove your foot from the foot brake lever when you are
not braking. If the foot brake lever is not released the brake
pads rub continuously and the braking system is over-
heated.
– Do not make any alterations to the motorcycle and always
use ORIGINAL KTM SPARE PARTS. Spare parts from other
manufacturers can impair the safety of the motorcycle.
– Motorcycles are sensitive to alterations in the distribution of
weight. If you are taking luggage with you, this should be
secured as close as possible to the middle of the vehicle; dis-
tribute the weight evenly between the front and rear wheel.
Never exceed the maximum permissible laden weight and
the axle weights. The maximum permissible laden weight is
made up of the following components:
– Motorcycle ready for operation and tank full
– Luggage
– Driver with protective clothing and helmet.
– Pay attention to running-in procedure.
Running in the Racing models
Even very precisely machined sections of engine components
have rougher surfaces than components which have been sli-
ding across one another for quite some time. Therefore, every
engine needs to be broken in.
For this reason, do not load the engine more than 50% of its
capacity during the first 3 operating hours. Besides, the engine
speed must not exceed 7000 rpm. Avoid going full-throttle!
In the following 12 operating hours, you may load the engine
up to 75% of its capacity. Use the motorcycle on various types
of terrain (road, easy off-road trails).
!
CAUTION
!
T
HE
400/520 SC/MXC/EXC RACING
MODELS WERE UNCOMPRO
-
MISINGLY DESIGNED FOR OFF
-
ROAD COMPETITION PURPOSES ONLY
. E
VEN
THOUGH THE
EXC
MODELS ARE APPROVED FOR USE ON PUBLIC ROADS
,
THEIR USE ON ROADS IS RECOMMENDABLE ONLY TO A VERY LIMITED
EXTENT
. A
VOID EXTENDED ON
-
ROAD RIDES AT FULL THROTTLE
.
Check the following before each start
When you start off, the motorcycle must be in perfect mecha-
nical condition. For safety reasons, you should make a habit of
performing an overall check of your motorcycle before each
start.
The following checks should be performed:
1 CHECK THE OIL LEVEL
Insufficient oil results in premature wear and consequently
to engine damage.
2 FUEL
Check that there is sufficient fuel in the tank; when closing
the filler cap, check that the tank venting hose is free of
kinks.
3 CHAIN
A loose chain can fall from the chain wheels; an extremely
worn chain can tear, and insufficient lubrication can result in
unnecessary wear to the chain and chain wheels. Excessive
tensioning of the chain will put additional load on the com-
ponents of the secondary drivetrain (chain, bearings of
transmission and rear wheel). Aside from resulting prema-
ture wear, if worst comes to worst the chain may rupture or
the countershaft of the transmission may break.
4 TIRES
Check for damaged tires. Tires showing cuts or dents must
be replaced. The tread depth must comply with the legal
regulations. Also check the air pressure. Insufficient tread
and incorrect air pressure deteriorate the driving
performance.
5 BRAKES
Check correct functioning of the braking system. Check for
sufficient brake fluid in the reservoir. The reservoirs have
been designed in such a way that brake fluid does not need
to be refilled even when the brake pads are worn. If the
level of brake fluid falls below the minimum value, this indi-
cates a leak in the braking system or completely worn out
brake pads. Arrange for the braking system to be checked
by a KTM specialist, as complete failure of the braking
system can be avoided.
Also check the state of the brake hose and the thickness of
the brake linings.
Check free travel at hand brake lever and foot brake lever.
6 CABLES
Check correct setting and easy running of all control cables.
7 COOLING FLUID
Check the level of cooling fluid when the engine is cold.
8 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Check correct functioning of headlamps, tail-lights, brake
lights, indicators, control lamps and horn while the engine is
running.
9 LUGGAGE
If you are taking luggage with you, check that this is
securely fastened.
WARNING
– W
EAR SUITABLE CLOTHING WHEN DRIVING A MOTORCYCLE
. C
LEVER
KTM
DRIVERS ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
,
BOOTS
,
GLOVES AND A
JACKET
,
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER DRIVING ALL DAY OR JUST FOR A
SHORT TRIP
. T
HE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SHOULD BE BRIGHTLY COLO
-
RED SO THAT OTHER VEHICLE CAN SEE YOU AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
.
– A
LWAYS TURN ON THE LIGHT TO MAKE SURE THAT OTHER DRIVERS
BECOME AWARE OF YOU AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
.
– D
O NOT DRIVE AFTER HAVING CONSUMED ALCOHOL
.
– O
NLY USE ACCESSORIES THAT HAVE BEEN RELEASED BY
KTM. F
OR
EXAMPLE
,
FRONT PANELLING CAN IMPAIR THE DRIVING PROPERTIES OF
THE MOTORCYCLE
. C
ASES
,
EXTRA TANKS ETC
.
CAN ALTER THE WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
AND
THUS
ALSO
IMPAIR
THE
VEHICLES
DRIVING
PROPERTIES
.
– T
HE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ARE ALLOWED TO BE FITTED ONLY WITH
TIRES THAT HAVE THE SAME PROFILE TYPE
.
– T
HE
R
ACING MODELS ARE DESIGNED AND DIMENSIONED FOR
1
PER
-
SON ONLY
. N
EVER TAKE ANOTHER RIDER ALONG
.
