KTM 990 - Manual (Page 25)

Instructions for initial operation
– Make sure the work for the „pre-delivery
inspection“ was performed by your author-
ized KTM workshop. The DELIVERY CER-
TIFICATE and SERVICE MANUAL will be
handed over when you pick up your
vehicle.
– Read these operating instructions care-
fully before your first ride.
– Enter the chassis, engine and key num-
bers on page 1.
– Familiarize yourself with the operating
elements.
– Adjust the hand brake lever and foot brake
lever to your most comfortable position.
– The motorcycle is equipped with 2 three-
way catalysts. Leaded fuel will destroy the
catalytic converters. Please use unleaded
fuel only.
– Get used to handling the motorcycle on
an empty parking lot, 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 handlebars with both hands and
leave your feet on the foot rests while driv-
ing.
– 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 overheated.
– Do not make any alterations to the motor-
cycle and always use ORIGINAL KTM
SPARE PARTS. Spare parts from other
manufacturers can impair the safety of
the motorcycle.
– New tires have a smooth surface, which
means that they must be run in to achieve
full grip. For this purpose, ride the motor-
cycle carefully at moderate speed during
the first 200 kilometers with new tires,
tilting the vehicle at different angles so
that all sections are properly roughened.
Tires will not display their full grip char-
acteristics until they are properly run in.
– Motorcycles are sensitive to changes in
the weight distribution. Read the section
on "Accessories and payload“ when car-
rying luggage.
– Pay attention to running-in procedure.
Running in the LC8 engine
Even finely machined surfaces of engine
parts have rougher surfaces than parts that
slide on each other for a long time. Therefore,
every engine must be run in. For this reason,
do not demand maximum performance from
the engine for the first 1000 kilometers (620
miles). The vehicle must be run in at low,
changing performance level for the first 1000
km (620 miles). The maximum number of
revolutions per minute must not go exceed
6500 rpm. Once you have run your engine
in for 1000 km, you may push it to its 9500
rpm limit , i.e. up to the black zone indicated
in the tachometer. Exceeding the above listed
rotations as well as pushing high rpm when
the engine is cold will have an adverse effect
on the life of your engine.
– Wear suitable clothing when driving a
motorcycle. Clever KTM drivers always
wear a helmet, boots, gloves and a jacket,
regardless of whether driving all day or
just for a short trip. The protective cloth-
ing should be brightly colored so that
other vehicle can see you as early as
possible. Your passenger will also need
suitable protective clothing.
– Do not drive after having consumed
alcohol.
– Always turn on the light to make sure
that other drivers become aware of you
as early as possible.
– Drive at a moderate speed for the first few
kilometers of each trip to allow the tires
to reach the necessary operating temper-
ature. Maximum road grip is assured when
the tires are warm.
– The front and rear wheel are allowed to
be fitted only with tires that have the
same profile type.
GENERAL TIPS AND WARNINGS FOR STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE
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