Ducati Diavel Owners 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.

Always close the fuel petcock when the engine is not running to prevent flooding of the throttle body. Do not overfill fuel tank (see instructions page 55).

Motorcycle exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Do not inhale exhaust gases and never run the engine in a closed garage or confined area.

Use only ducati approved parts and accessories.

This motorcycle was not intended to be equipped with a sidecar or to be used to tow any trailer or other vehicle.

Ducati does not manufacture sidecars or trailers and cannot predict the effects of such accessories on handling or stability, but can only warn that the effects will be adverse and any damage to motorcycle components caused by the use of such accessories will not be remedied under warranty.

Warning

Do not ride the motorcycle with helmets attached to the hook; the helmets could cause an accident by distracting the operator or interfering with normal vehicle operation.