KTM 390 Adventure - Owner's Manual > Starting off
- Pull the clutch lever, engage 1st gear, release the clutch lever slowly, and simultaneously open the throttle carefully.
Tip If the engine dies while starting off, only pull the clutch lever and press the electric starter button. You do not need to shift into neutral.
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.
Warning: 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.
Warning: Danger of accidents
An incorrect ignition key position causes malfunctions.
- Do not change the ignition key position while driving.
Warning: Danger of accidents
Adjustments to the vehicle distract attention from traffic activity.
- Make all adjustments when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Warning: 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.
Warning: 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.
Warning: 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.
Warning: 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)
Warning: Danger of accidents
Pieces of luggage which have slipped impair the handling characteristic.
- Check that your luggage is fixed properly at regular intervals.
Warning: 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 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.
Note: 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 The gear positions can be seen in the figure. The idle position is between the first and second gears. First gear is used for starting off or for steep inclines.
- 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.
- Switch off the engine if you are likely to be running at idle speed or stationary for a long time.
- If the engine stalls (e.g. at an intersection), just pull the clutch lever and press the start button. The transmission must not be shifted into neutral.
- If the oil pressure warning lamp lights up during a trip, stop as soon as it is safe to do so 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, an operating safety (warning) message was detected.
Info All warnings which have occurred are displayed and stored in the Warning menu until these are no longer active.
- 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.
See also:
KTM 390 Adventure - Owner's Manual > Checks and maintenance measures when preparing for use
Info Before every trip, check the condition of the vehicle and ensure that it is roadworthy. The vehicle must be in perfect technical condition when it is being operated. Check the engine oil level. Check the front brake fluid level. Check the rear brake fluid level. Check the front brake linings. Check the rear brake linings. Check that the brake system is functioning properly. Check the coolant level. Check for chain dirt accumulation. Check the chain tension. Check the tire condition. Check tire pressure. Check the settings of all controls and ensure that they can be operated smoothly. Check that the electrical system is functioning properly. Check that luggage is properly secured. Sit on the motorcycle and check the rear mirror setting. Check the fuel level.
KTM 390 Adventure - Owner's Manual > Applying the brakes
Warning: Danger of accidents Moisture and dirt impair the brake system. Brake carefully several times to dry out and remove dirt from the brake linings and the brake discs.