KTM 144 SX Motorcycle User Manual


 
ENGLISH
11
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS »
Starting when the engine is cold
1 Open fuel tap
2 Put the gear in neutral
3 Activate cold-starting aid (choke)
4 Leave throttle closed or open it no more than 1/3 and kick down kick-
starter vigorously all the way.
For starting always put on your motorcycle boots to avoid injuries. You could
slip off the kickstarter or the motor could kick back and fling your foot
upwards.
Forcefully kick the kickstarter down the whole way and do not open the
throttle. A kickstart with too little momentum and an opened throttle
increases the kicking back risk.
Check for power transmission at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) before
you actuate the kickstarter. If you depress the kickstarter without feeling
any resistance, power is not being transmitted. This could cause injuries.
Do not start the engine and allow it to idle in a closed area. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness and death. Always pro-
vide adequate ventilation while the engine is running.
Do not ride your motorcycle with full load and do not rev up the engine when
cold. Since the piston warms up and expands faster than the water cooled
cylinder, this might cause engine damage. Always let engine idle until warm
or drive it warm at low r.p.m. speeds.
NOTE:
The highly inflammable components in modern fuels volatilize if left stand-
ing for longer periods of time. If the motorcycle has not been used for over
1 week, the fuel should be drained from the float chamber. The engine will
start up immediately if the float chamber is filled with fresh, ignitable fuel
Starting when the engine is warm
1 Open fuel tap
2 Put the gear in neutral
3 Open throttle to 1/2 and kick down kickstarter vigorously
What to do when the engine is „flooded“
1 Close fuel tap
2
Start engine with full throttle. If necessary, unscrew spark plug and dry it.
3 Once the engine is running, open fuel tap again.
Starting off
Pull the clutch lever. Put the engine into first gear, slowly release the clutch
lever and accelerate at the same time.
Before you start off, check that the main or side stand has been swung
right up to the top. If the stand drags on the floor, you may lose control
of your motorcycle.
Before starting for an off-road tour, it is recommended to additionally secure
the side stand with the rubber band on the air filter box.