KTM 250 XC-F - Manual (Page 18)

GENERAL TIPS AND WARNINGS FOR STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE
»
ENGLISH
17
– Wear suitable clothing when driving a motorcycle. Clever KTM
drivers always wear a helmet, boots, gloves and a jacket, regard-
less of whether driving all day or just for a short trip. The
protective clothing should be brightly colored so that other
vehicles can see you as early as possible.
– Always turn on the light to make sure that other drivers
become aware of you as early as possible.
– Do not drive after having consumed alcohol.
– Only use accessories recommended by KTM. For example,
front panelling can impair the driving properties of the motor-
cycle. Cases, extra tanks, etc. can alter the weight distribu-
tion and thus also impair the vehicles driving properties.
– The front and rear wheel may only be fitted with tires that
have the same profile type.
– The XC/EXC models are designed and dimensioned for 1 per-
son only. Never take another rider along.
– Observe the traffic regulations, drive defensively and try to
look ahead as far as possible so that any hazards can be rec-
ognized as early as possible.
– Adjust your driving speed according to the conditions and
your driving skills.
– Drive carefully on unknown roads or on unfamiliar trials.
– When driving off-road, always have a friend on a second motor-
cycle to keep you company, so that you can help each other
should difficulties arise.
– Replace the helmet visor or goggle lens when scratched or
damaged. if bright light shines through a scratched visor or
lens, the operator will be blinded.
– Never leave your motorcycle without supervision if the engine
is running.
– The XC models are not approved for use on public roads and
freeways.
– When riding your motorcycle, please bear in mind that other
people may feel molested by excessive noise.
Instructions for initial operation
– Make sure the work for the „pre-delivery inspection“ was per-
formed by your authorized KTM workshop. The DELIVERY
CERTIFICATE and SERVICE MANUAL will be handed over
when you pick up your vehicle.
– 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 a 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 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
overheated.
– 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;
distribute 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
comprised of the following components:
– Motorcycle ready for operation and tank full
– Luggage
– Driver with protective clothing and helmet.
– Pay attention to the running-in procedure.
Running in the XC/EXC models
Even very precisely machined sections of engine components
have rougher surfaces than components which have been slid-
ing 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).
The XC/EXC models were uncompromisingly designed for off-
road competition purposes only. “On the road“ approved mod-
els are only allowed on public roads in the original homologated
(throttled) version. Avoid extended on-road rides at full throttle.