Moving Off; Braking - Ducati ST3 Owner's Manual

Moving off

1) Disengage the clutch squeezing the control lever.
2) Push down on gear change lever sharply with the tip of
your foot to engage the first gear.
3) Speed up engine, by turning the throttle twistgrip and
slightly releasing the clutch lever at the same time. The
motorcycle will start moving off.
4) Let go of clutch lever and speed up.
5) To shift up, close the throttle to slow down engine,
disengage the clutch, lift the gear change lever and let go
of clutch lever.
To shift down, release the twistgrip, pull the clutch control
lever, shortly speed up to help gears synchronise, shift
down (engage next lower gear) and release the clutch.
The controls should be used correctly and timely: when
riding uphill do not hesitate to shift down as soon as the
motorcycle tends to slow down, so you will avoid
stressing the engine and the motorcycle abnormally.
Important
Avoid harsh accelerations, as this may lead to
misfiring and transmission snatching. The clutch lever
should not be pulled longer than necessary after gear is
engaged, or friction parts may overheat and wear out.

Braking

Slow down in time, shift down to engine-brake first and
then brake applying both brakes. Pull the clutch lever
before stopping the motorcycle, to avoid sudden engine
stop.
Warning (ST3)
Use both brake lever and pedal for effective braking.
Using only one of the brakes will give you less braking
power. Never use brake controls harshly or violently or you
may lock the wheels and lose control of the motorcycle.
When riding in the rain or on slippery surfaces, braking will
become less effective. Always use the brakes very gently
and carefully when riding under these conditions. Any
sudden manoeuvres may lead to loss of control. When
tackling long, high-gradient downhill road tracts, shift
down gears to use engine braking. Apply one brake at a
time and use brakes sparingly. Keeping the brakes applied
all the time would cause the friction material to overheat
and reduce braking power dangerously. Underinflated
tyres reduce braking efficiency, handling accuracy and
stability in a bend.
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