Riding Safety - Ducati MULTISTRADA 1100 S Use And Maintenance Manual

Riding safety

The points given below are applicable for every day
motorcycle use and shoud be carefully observed for safe and
effective vehicle operation.
A motorcycle does not provide the impact protection of an
automobile, so defensive riding in addition to wearing
protective apparel is extremely important.
Do not let protective apparel give you a false sense of
security.
Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder to make sure
the way is clear. Do not rely solely on the rear view mirror;
you may misjudge a vehicle's distance and speed, or you
may not see it at all.
When going up steep slopes, shift to a lower gear so that
there is plenty of power to spare rather than overloading the
engine.
When applying the brakes, use both the front and rear
brakes. Applying only one brake for sudden braking may
cause the motorcycle to skid and lose control.
When going down long slopes, control vehicle speed by
closing the throttle. Use the front and rear brakes for auxiliary
braking.
Riding at the proper rate of speed and avoiding unnecessarily
fast acceleration are important not only for safety and low
fuel consumption but also for long vehicle life and quieter
operation.
When riding in wet conditions or on loose roadway surfaces,
the ability to maneuver will be reduced. All of your actions
should be smooth under these conditions. Sudden
acceleration, braking or turning may cause loss of control.
When the roadway is wet, rely more on the throttle to control
vehicle speed and less on the front and rear brakes.
The throttle should also be used judiciously to avoid skidding
the rear wheel from too rapid acceleration or deceleration.
On rough roads, exercise caution, slow down, and grip the
fuel tank with your knees for better stability.
When quick acceleration is necessary as in passing, shift to
a lower gear to obtain the necessary power.
Do not down shift at too high an r.p.m. to avoid damage to
the engine from overreving.
Avoiding unnecessary weaving is important to the safety of
both the rider and other motorists.
Do not exceed the legal speed limit or drive too fast for
existing conditions. High speed increases the influence of
any condition affecting stability and the loss of control.
Operate motorcycle only at moderate speed and out of traffic
until you have become thoroughly familiar with its operation
and handling characteristics under all conditions. This is a
very high performance motorcycle, designed and intended
for use by experienced careful riders only!
A new motorcycle must be operated according to a special
break-in procedure (see Running in recommendations).
Warning
Before starting engine, check for proper operation of
brake, clutch, shifter, throttle controls, correct fuel and oil
supply.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under
certain conditions. Refuell in a well ventilated area with the
engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow open flames or
sparks when refuelling or servicing the fuel system. Always
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