KTM 390 Adventure - Owner's Manual > Checking the front brake fluid level

Warning: Danger of accidents

An insufficient brake fluid level will cause the brake system to fail.

If the brake fluid level drops below the MIN marking, the brake system is leaking or the brake linings are worn down.

• Check the brake system and do not continue riding until the problem is eliminated. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

Warning: Danger of accidents

Old brake fluid reduces the braking effect.

• Make sure that brake fluid for the front and rear brake is changed in accordance with the service schedule. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

• Move the brake reservoir mounted on the handlebar into a horizontal position.
• Check the brake fluid level in the level viewer 1.
  • If the brake fluid level is below the MIN marking:
    • Add the front brake fluid.

Adding the front brake fluid

Warning: Danger of accidents

An insufficient brake fluid level will cause the brake system to fail.

If the brake fluid level drops below the MIN marking, the brake system is leaking or the brake linings are worn down.

• Check the brake system and do not continue riding until the problem is eliminated. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

Warning: Skin irritation

Brake fluid causes skin irritation.

• Keep brake fluid out of the reach of children.
• Wear suitable protective clothing and safety glasses.
• Do not allow brake fluid to come into contact with the skin, the eyes or clothing.
• Consult a doctor immediately if brake fluid has been swallowed.
• Rinse the affected area with plenty of water in the event of contact with the skin.
• Rinse eyes thoroughly with water immediately and consult a doctor if brake fluid comes into contact with the eyes.
• If brake fluid spills on to your clothing, change the clothing.

Warning: Danger of accidents

Old brake fluid reduces the braking effect.

• Make sure that brake fluid for the front and rear brake is changed in accordance with the service schedule. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

Note

Environmental hazard

Hazardous substances cause environmental damage.

• Dispose of oils, grease, filters, fuel, cleaning agents, brake fluid, etc., correctly and in compliance with the applicable regulations.

Info Never use DOT 5 brake fluid. It is silicone-based and purple in color. Oil seals and brake lines are not designed for DOT 5 brake fluid.

Avoid contact between brake fluid and painted parts. Brake fluid attacks paint.

Only use clean brake fluid from a sealed container.

Preparatory work

• Check the front brake linings.

Main work

• Move the brake fluid reservoir mounted on the handlebar to a horizontal position.
• Remove screws 1.
• Take off cover 2 with membrane 3.
• Add brake fluid to level A.

Guideline

Brake fluid DOT 4 / DOT 5.1

• Position the cover with the membrane. Mount and tighten the screws.

Info Immediately clean up any brake fluid that has overflowed or spilled with water.

Checking the front brake linings

Warning: Danger of accidents

Worn-out brake linings reduce the braking effect.

• Ensure that worn-out brake linings are replaced immediately. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

Warning: Danger of accidents

Damaged brake discs reduce the braking effect.

If the brake linings are not changed in time, the brake lining carriers grind against the brake disc. As a consequence, the braking effect is greatly reduced and the brake discs are destroyed.

• Check the brake linings regularly.

• Check the brake linings for minimum thickness A.

• If the minimum thickness is less than specified:
  • Change the front brake linings.

• Check the brake linings for damage and cracking.
  • If there is wear or tearing:
    • Change the front brake linings.

Checking the free travel of foot brake lever

Warning: Danger of accidents

The brake system fails in the event of overheating.

If there is no free travel on the foot brake lever, pressure builds up in the brake system on the rear brake.

• Set the free travel on the foot brake lever in accordance with the specification.

• Disconnect spring 1.
• Move the foot brake lever back and forth between the end stop and the contact to the foot brake cylinder piston and check free travel A.

Guideline

• If the free travel does not meet specifications:
  • Adjust the free travel of the foot brake lever.

• Reconnect spring 1.

Adjusting the free travel of the foot brake lever

Warning: Danger of accidents

The brake system fails in the event of overheating.

If there is no free travel on the foot brake lever, pressure builds up in the brake system on the rear brake.

• Set the free travel on the foot brake lever in accordance with the specification.

• Detach spring 1.
• Release nut 2 and use screw 3 to adjust the specified free travel A.

Guideline

Info The range of adjustment is limited.

• Hold screw 3 and tighten nut 2.

Guideline

• Attach spring 1.

Checking the rear brake fluid level

Warning: Danger of accidents

An insufficient brake fluid level will cause the brake system to fail.

If the brake fluid level drops below the MIN marking, the brake system is leaking or the brake linings are worn down.

• Check the brake system and do not continue riding until the problem is eliminated. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

Warning: Danger of accidents

Old brake fluid reduces the braking effect.

• Make sure that brake fluid for the front and rear brake is changed in accordance with the service schedule. (Your authorized KTM workshop will be glad to help.)

• Stand the vehicle upright.
• Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir.
  • If the fluid level reaches the MIN marking 1:
    • Add rear brake fluid.

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