KTM 890 Duke R - Owner's Manual > Starting off with launch control (optional)

Warning

Danger of accidents Launch control enables very powerful acceleration which may ask too much of a novice rider.

• Only use the launch control if you have the appropriate experience.
• Do not use launch control on public roads.

Condition

The drive mode TRACK (optional) is activated.

First gear is engaged.

The TC indicator lamp does not light up.

Coolant temperature: > 60 ºC (> 140 ºF)
Total riding distance covered: > 1,000 km (> 620 mi)

• Activate launch control in the combination instrument.

  The number of available starts is indicated on the start screen.

• Apply full throttle with the clutch lever pulled.

  The engine speed is adjusted.

  9,000 rpm

The TC indicator lamp flashes quickly.

• Release clutch lever quickly but in a controlled manner.

Quickshifter + (optional)

If the quickshifter + is activated, you can shift up and down without actuating the clutch.

Because there is no need to close the throttle grip, uninterrupted gear shifts are possible.

The quickshifter + uses the shifter shaft position to check whether or not a shift should be initiated, and sends a corresponding signal to the engine control.

If the quickshifter + is disabled in the combination instrument, the clutch needs to be actuated in the normal way for each shift.

Shifting, riding

Warning

Danger of accidents Abrupt load alterations can cause the vehicle to get out of control.

• Avoid abrupt load alterations and sudden braking actions.
• Adapt your speed to the road conditions.

Danger of accidents If you change down at high engine speed, the rear wheel blocks and the engine races.

• Do not change into a low gear at high engine speed.

Danger of accidents An incorrect ignition key position causes malfunctions.

• Do not change the ignition key position while driving.

Danger of accidents Adjustments to the vehicle distract attention from traffic activity.

• Make all adjustments when the vehicle is at a standstill.

Risk of injury The passenger may fall from the motorcycle if they conduct themselves incorrectly.

• Ensure that the passenger sits correctly on the passenger seat, places his or her feet on the passenger foot pegs and holds on to the rider or the grab handles.
• Note the regulations governing the minimum age of passengers in your country.

Danger of accidents A risky riding style constitutes a major risk.

• Comply with traffic regulations and ride defensively and with foresight to detect sources of danger as early as possible.

Danger of accidents Cold tires have reduced road grip.

• Ride the first miles carefully on every journey at moderate speed until the tires reach operating temperature.

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 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 Pieces of luggage which have slipped impair the handling characteristic.

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

Danger of accidents A fall can damage the vehicle more seriously than it may first appear.

• Check the vehicle after a fall as you do when preparing for use.

Note

Engine damage Unfiltered intake air has a negative effect on the service life of the engine.

Dust and dirt will enter the engine without an air filter.

• Never start to use the vehicle without an air filter.

Engine failure Overheating damages the engine.

• If the coolant temperature warning is displayed, stop immediately and take care not to endanger yourself or other traffic participants in the process.
• Allow the engine and cooling system to cool down.
• Check and, if necessary, correct the coolant level on the cooling system while it is in a cooled state.

Transmission damage Incorrect use of the quickshifter+ will damage the transmission.

The quickshifter+ can only be used if the function is enabled in the combination instrument.

The quickshifter+ is not active if you pull the clutch lever.

• Only use the quickshifter+ in the permitted speed range shown.

Info

If unusual noises occur while riding, stop immediately (taking care not to endanger yourself or other road users in the process), switch off the engine and contact an authorized KTM workshop.

• Shift into a higher gear when conditions allow (incline, road situation, etc.).
• Release the throttle while simultaneously pulling the clutch lever, shift into the next gear, release the clutch lever, and open the throttle.

Info

You can see the positions of the 6 forward gears in the figure. The neutral or idle position is between the first and second gears. First gear is used for starting off or for steep inclines.

The operating temperature is reached when 5 bars of the temperature indicator light up.

• After reaching maximum speed by fully opening the throttle grip, turn the throttle back so it is ¾ open. This will barely reduce the speed, but fuel consumption will be considerably lower.
• Accelerate only up to a speed suitable for the road surface and weather conditions. Particularly in bends, do not shift, and accelerate very carefully.
• Brake if necessary and close the throttle at the same time in order to shift down.
• Pull clutch lever and shift into a lower gear, release the clutch lever slowly, and open the throttle or shift again.
• If the engine stalls (e.g. at a crossroads), just pull clutch lever and press emergency OFF switch/electric starter button into the lower position . The transmission must not be shifted into neutral.
• Switch off the engine if running at idle speed or stationary for a long time.
• If the oil pressure warning lamp lights up during a trip, stop immediately and switch off the engine. Contact an authorized KTM workshop.
• If the malfunction indicator lamp lights up during a trip, please contact an authorized KTM workshop as soon as possible.
• If the general warning lamp lights up during a trip, the display shows a message.

Info

Very important messages are stored in the Warnings menu.

• If the ice warning appears in the combination instrument, the roads may be icy. Adjust your speed to the road conditions.
• If the quickshifter + (optional) is enabled in the combination instrument, you can shift up in the speed range shown without pulling the clutch lever.

Info

The minimum engine speed before shifting up in revolutions per minute is shown in the figure.

Pull the shift lever quickly back to the stop without changing the throttle twist grip position.

• If the quickshifter + (optional) is enabled in the combination instrument, you can shift down in the speed range shown without pulling the clutch lever.

Info

The maximum engine speed before shifting down in revolutions per minute is shown in the figure.

Depress the shift lever quickly back to the stop without changing the throttle twist grip position.

Engine traction torque control (MSR)

The MSR is a function of the engine control.

If the engine braking effect is too great, the MSR prevents the rear wheel from locking or sliding away on a sloping position.

To avoid slip of the rear wheel, the MSR only opens the throttle valve as far as absolutely necessary.

The MSR is applied on surfaces, where the friction is to low to open the slipper clutch.

To further increase ride safety, the MSR is slope dependent.

Info

When the ABS or active ABS mode Supermoto is switched off, the MSR is not active.

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