KTM 890 Duke R - Owner's Manual > Preparing for use

Advice on preparing for first use

Danger

Danger of accidents A rider who is not fit to ride poses a danger to him or herself and others.

• Do not operate the vehicle if you are not fit to ride due to alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Do not operate the vehicle if you are physically or mentally impaired.

Warning

Risk of injury Missing or poor protective clothing presents an increased safety risk.

• Wear appropriate protective clothing such as helmet, boots, gloves as well as trousers and a jacket with protectors on all rides.
• Always wear protective clothing that is in good condition and meets the legal regulations.

Danger of crashing Different tire tread patterns on the front and rear wheel impair the handling characteristic.

Different tire tread patterns can make the vehicle significantly more difficult to control.

• Make sure that only tires with a similar tire tread pattern are fitted to the front and rear wheel.

Danger of accidents Non-approved or non-recommended tires and wheels impact the handling characteristic.

• Only use tires/wheels approved by KTM with the corresponding speed index.

Danger of accidents New tires have reduced road grip.

The contact surface on new tires is not yet roughened.

• Run in new tires with moderate riding at alternating angles.

  Running-in phase 200 km (124 mi)

Danger of accidents The brake system fails in the event of overheating.

If the foot brake lever is not released, the brake linings drag continuously.

• Take your foot off the foot brake lever when you are not braking.

Info

When using your vehicle, remember that others may feel disturbed by excessive noise.

• Make sure that the pre-sales inspection work has been carried out by an authorized KTM workshop.

  You will receive a delivery certificate when the vehicle is handed over.

• Before riding for the first time, read the entire Owner's Manual carefully.
• Get to know the controls.
• Adjust the basic position of the clutch lever.
• Adjust the basic position of the hand brake lever.
• Adjust the basic position of the foot brake lever.
• Get used to the handling characteristic of the motorcycle in a suitable area before making a longer trip. Try also to ride as slowly as possible to get a better feel for the motorcycle.
• Hold the handlebar firmly with both hands and keep your feet on the footrests when riding.
• Run the engine in.

Running in the engine

• During the running-in phase, do not exceed the specified engine speed.

Guideline

• Avoid fully opening the throttle!

Loading the vehicle

Warning

Danger of accidents Total weight and axle loads influence the handling characteristic.

The total weight consists of: motorcycle ready for operation and with a full tank, driver and passenger with protective clothing and helmet, and luggage.

• Do not exceed the maximum permissible overall weight or the axle loads.

Danger of accidents Improper mounting of cases or the tank rucksack impairs the handling characteristic.

• Mount and secure cases and tank rucksack according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Danger of accidents Carrying luggage alters handling characteristics at high speed.

• Adapt your speed to your payload.
• Ride more slowly if your motorcycle is loaded with cases or other luggage.

  Maximum speed with baggage 130 km/h (80.8 mph)

Danger of accidents The luggage system will be damaged if it is overloaded.

• Read the manufacturer information on maximum payload when mounting cases.

Danger of accidents Luggage which has slipped impairs visibility.

If the tail light is covered, you are less visible to traffic behind you, especially when it is dark.

• Check that your luggage is fixed properly at regular intervals.

Danger of accidents A high payload alters the handling characteristic and increases the stopping distance.

• Adapt your speed to your payload.

Danger of accidents Pieces of luggage which have slipped impair the handling characteristic.

• Check that your luggage is fixed properly at regular intervals.

Fire hazard The hot exhaust system may burn luggage.

• Fasten your luggage in such a way that it cannot be burned or singed by the hot exhaust system.

 

• If you carry luggage, make sure you secure it firmly as close as possible to the center of the vehicle and ensure even weight distribution between the front and rear wheels.
• Do not exceed the maximum permissible weight and the maximum permissible axle loads.

Guideline

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