KTM EXC 200 XC DE - Manual (Page 38)

ENGLISH
37
Tires, air pressure
Tire type, tire condition, and air pressure level affect the way your motorcy-
cle rides and must therefore be checked whenever you are getting ready to go
anywhere on your motorcycle.
– Tire size can be found in the technical specifications and in the homolo-
gation certificate
– Tire condition has to be checked every time you want to ride your motor-
cycle. Before leaving, check tires for punctures and nails or other sharp
objects that might have become embedded in them.
– Refer to the specific regulations in your country for minimum tire tread
requirements. We recommend you replace the tires at the latest when the
tread is down to 2 mm (0.08 in).
– Tire pressure should be checked regularly on a “cold” tire. Proper pres-
sure ensures optimum driving comfort and extends the life of your tires.
– Do not mount tires which have not been approved by KTM. Other tires
could have adverse effects on the way your motorcycle behaves.
– front and rear wheels may only be fitted with tires having the same tread
layout. Use homologated tires
– For your own safety replace damaged tires immediately.
– Worn tires can have a negative effect on how your motorcycle performs,
especially on wet surfaces
– If air pressure is too low, abnormal wear and overheating of the tire can
result
- Only mount tires approved by KTM on homologated models (see Technical
Data for Chassis). No product liability will be assumed if other types of
tires are used.
Checking spoke tension
The correct spoke tension is very important for the stability of the wheels and
thus for riding safety. A loose spoke causes the wheel to become
unbalanced and before long other spokes will have come loose. Check spoke
tension, especially on a new motorcycle, at regular intervals. For checking,
tap on each spoke with the blade of a screwdriver (see photo). A clear tone
must be the result. Dull tones are indicators of loose spokes. If necessary,
have the spokes retightened and the wheel centered by a KTM dealer.
– Spokes can tear if you continue to ride with them loose. This may lead to
an unstable handling of your motorcycle.
– Excessively tensioned spokes may rupture due to local overloading.The
spokes must be tensioned to 5 Nm.
MAINTENANCE WORK ON CHASSIS AND ENGINE
»
TIRES – AIR PRESSURE
front rear
Off-road 1,0 bar 1,0 bar
Road 1,5 bar 2,0 bar
The rear wheel is remounted in the reverse order. Before tightening the col-
lar nut to 80 Nm (60 ft.lb), push the rear wheel forwards so that the chain
tensioners lie on the tension screws.
– If you don’t happen to have a torque wrench at hand, make sure you have
the tightening torque corrected by a KTM dealer as soon as possible. A
loose axle may lead to an unstable driving behavior of your motorcycle.
– After mounting the rear wheel, keep operating the rear brake until the pres-
sure point returns.
– It is very important to keep the brake disk free from oil and fatty matters,
otherwise the braking effects would be strongly reduced.
– Tighten the collar nut with the required torque. A loose wheel spindle may
lead to an unstable behavior of your motorcycle.