MV Agusta F4 750 SR 2003 Owner's manual
Information
MV Agusta S.p.A. is committed to a policy of constant improvement; therefore, you may find slight differences between the information provided in this document and the vehicle you purchased. MV Agusta
motorcycles are exported in several countries, in which different rules and regulations (concerning both
the Highway Code and the homologation procedures) are in force. Relying on your understanding, MV
Agusta S.p.A. deems it necessary to reserve the right to change its products and the related documentation at any time and without notice.
Respect and defend natural environment
Everything we do affects the whole planet as well as its resources.
MV Agusta, in order to protect the interests of the community, awakens the Customers and the Technical
Assistance operators to use the vehicle and dispose of its replaced parts respecting the laws in force concerning environmental pollution and waste disposal and recycling.
© 2003
This document may not, in whole or in part, be reproduced without prior consent, in writing, from MV Agusta S.p.A.
Part No. 8A00A3920 - Edition No. 1
Printed in November 2003
Use and maintenance manual
Il presente Manuale di uso e manutenzione è disponibile nelle edizioni in lingua sotto specificate:
This Owner’s Manual is available in the languages listed below:
Le présent livret d’utilisation et d’entretien est disponible dans les éditions rédigées dans les langues
spécifiées ci-dessous:
Die vorliegende Bedienungs- und Wartungsanleitung ist in folgenden Sprachen erhältlich:
Las ediciones del presente manual de uso y mantenimiento están disponibles en los siguientes idiomas:
Codice/Code/Code
Bestell-Nr./Código
Edizione Italiana
Italian Edition
Edition Italienne
Italienische Ausgabe
Edición en Italiano
8000A3920
Edizione Inglese
Edizione Francese
Edizione Tedesca
Edizione Spagnola
Edizione USA
English Edition
French Edition
German Edition
Spanish Edition
USA Edition
Edition Anglaise
Edition Française
Edition Allemande
Edition Espagnole
Edition USA
Englische Ausgabe
Französische Ausgabe
Deutsche Ausgabe
Spanische Ausgabe
USA Ausgabe
- 2 -
Edición en Inglés
Edición en Francés
Edición en Alemán
Edición en Español
Edición USA
8A00A3920
8B00A3920
8C00A3920
8D00A3920
8000A3921
Dear Customer,
We wish to thank you for your preference and congratulate you on purchasing your new F4 SR.
Your choice is a reward for the passionate effort our technicians have put into giving the F4 SR functional and aesthetic characteristics that place it above the finest motorcycles currently available on the
market, making it an exclusive and sought-after item.
If, from a purely technical standpoint, the F4 SR represents an internationally recognized point of reference on account of the innumerable innovations it introduces, its sleek, timeless design wonderfully combines a glorious past with the new millennium.
The combination of these elements, which was made possible by love of detail, passion, and the desire
to realize a technically and aesthetically superior motorcycle, allows the F4 SR to soar above passing
fashions, giving it the privilege of being considered a unique item.
This manual has been drawn up with a view to providing you with a clear and practical guide to operating and maintaining your new motorcycle while safeguarding your warranty rights.
For further information, please feel free to contact the MV Agusta Customer Care Service.
Have a good time!
MV Agusta
Claudio Castiglioni
Chairman
CONTENTS
chap. Subjects covered page
1 GENERAL INFORMATION 10
1.1 Purpose of the manual 10
1.2 Symbols 11
1.3 Warranty Booklet and Service Coupons 12
1.4 Identification data 13
2 SAFETY INFORMATION 20
2.1 Safety 20
2.1.1 Note on tampering 20
2.1.2 Safety rules 21
2.1.3 Installing accessories 23
2.1.4 Vehicle load 25
2.1.5 Modifications 26
2.1.6 Competitions 26
2.1.7 Recommendations for safe riding 27
2.1.8 Protective clothing 30
2.1.9 Suggestions against theft 31
2.2 Safety labels - Location 32
2.3 Safety - Visual and acoustic signals 37
3 CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS 38
3.1 Location of controls and instruments 38
3.2 Sidestand 39
3.3 Handlebar controls, left side 40
chap. Subjects covered page
3.4 Handlebar controls, right side 42
3.5 Ignition switch and steering lock 45
3.6 Gear lever 47
3.7 Instruments and warning lights 48
3.7.1 Warning lights 49
3.7.2 Multifunction display 50
4 OPERATION 51
4.1 Using the motorcycle 51
4.2 Running-in 52
4.3 Starting the engine 54
4.4 Selecting and setting the display functions 56
4.4.1 Selecting the display functions 57
4.4.2 Setting the measurement units 59
4.4.3 Resetting the trip mileage counters 62
4.4.4 Setting the clock 65
4.4.5 Chronometer 67
4.5 Refuelling 76
4.6 Glove compartment 77
4.7 Parking the motorcycle 78
4.8 Preriding checks 80
4.9 Riding 82
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CONTENTS
chap. Subjects covered page
5 ADJUSTMENTS 83
5.1 List of adjustments 83
5.2 Table of adjustments 85
5.3 Adjusting the front brake lever 86
5.4 Adjusting the clutch lever 86
5.5 Adjusting the rearview mirrors 87
5.6 Adjusting the steering damper 87
5.7 Adjusting the front suspension 88
5.7.1 Spring preload 89
5.7.2 Rebound damper (front suspension) 89
5.7.3 Compression damper (front suspension) 90
5.8 Adjusting the rear suspension 91
5.8.1 Rebound damper (rear suspension) 93
5.8.2 High speed compression damper
(rear suspension) 93
5.8.3 Low speed compression damper
(rear suspension) 93
5.9 Headlight adjustment 94
6 MAINTENANCE 95
6.1 Tables of scheduled maintenance and
checks 95
chap. Subjects covered page
6.2 Tools and accessories supplied 105
6.3 Table of lubricants and fluids 106
6.4 Removing/fitting the right-hand side fairing 107
6.5 Checking the engine oil level 109
6.5.1 Topping up the engine oil level 110
6.6 Checking the coolant level 112
6.6.1 Topping up the coolant level 113
6.7 Checking the wear of the brake pads 115
6.8 Checking the brake fluid level 116
6.9 Checking the clutch fluid level 118
6.10 Checking and replacing the tyres 119
6.11 Checking and lubricating the drive chain 124
6.12 Checking the idle speed 128
6.13 Replacing parts - General information 129
6.13.1 Replacing the fuses 129
6.13.2 Replacing the low beam bulb 132
6.13.3 Replacing the high beam bulb 133
6.13.4 Replacing the front turn indicator bulbs 134
6.13.5 Replacing the rear turn indicator bulbs 135
6.13.6 Replacing the rear light and brake light
bulb 136
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CONTENTS
chap. Subjects covered page
6.13.7 Replacing the license plate light bulb 137
6.14 Battery 138
6.15 Cleaning the motorcycle 140
6.16 Prolonged inactivity 142
7 TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHART 143
7.1 Engine problems 143
7.2 Electrical equipment problems 148
8 TECHNICAL INFORMATION 151
8.1 Motorcycle overview 151
8.1.1 Front brake circuit 153
8.1.2 Rear brake circuit 154
8.1.3 Clutch circuit 155
8.1.4 Engine lubrication 156
8.1.5 Coolant circuit 157
8.1.6 Fuel system 158
8.2 Specifications 159
8.3 Accessories 166
8.4 Clothing 167
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INDEX
A
Accessories 166
– installation 23
Adjustments
– clutch lever 86
– front brake lever 86
– front suspension 88
– headlight 94
– rear suspension 91
– rearview mirrors 87
– steering damper 87
– table 85
B
Battery 138
Brakes
– fluid level, check 116
– front brake circuit 153
– front brake lever, adjustment 86
– pads, wear check 115
– rear brake circuit 154
Bulbs, replacement of
– front turn indicators 134
– high beam 133
– license plate light 137
– low beam 132
– rear light and brake light 136
– rear turn indicators 135
C
Chain
– check 124
– lubrication 126
Chronometer 67
Cleaning the motorcycle 140
Clutch
– circuit 155
– fluid level, check 118
– lever, adjustment 86
Competitions 26
Controls and instruments, location 38
Coolant
– level, check 112
– circuit 157
– topping up 113
D
Damper
– compression (front suspension) 90
– compression (rear suspension) 93
– rebound (front suspension) 89
– rebound (rear suspension) 93
Display, multifunction 50
– selecting functions 57
– setting functions 59
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INDEX
E
Electrical equipment, troubleshooting 148
Engine
– lubrication 156
– oil level, check 109
– oil level, topping up 110
– serial number 13
– starting 54
– troubleshooting 143
F
Fuel system 158
Fuses, replacement 129
G
Gear lever 47
Glove compartment 77
H
Handlebar controls
– left side 40
– right side 42
Headlight, adjustment 94
– high beam, bulb replacement 133
– low beam, bulb replacement 132
I
Identification data 13
Idle speed, check 128
Ignition switch and steering lock 45
Instruments and warning lights 48
L
Levels
– brake fluid 116
– clutch fluid 118
– coolant 112
– engine oil 109
License plate light, bulb replacement 137
Location of controls and instruments 38
Lubricants and fluids, table 106
M
Maintenance and checks, tables 95
Motorcycle overview 151
P
Parking 78
Preriding checks 80
Prolonged inactivity 142
Purpose of manual 10
- 8 -
INDEX
R
Rear light and brake light,
bulb replacement 136
Rearview mirrors, adjustment 87
Refuelling 76
Replacing parts, general information 129
Running-in 52
S
Safety 20
– labels, location 32
– recommendations for safe riding 27
– rules 21
– visual and acoustic signals 37
Scheduled maintenance tables 95
Side fairing, right-hand,
removal/refitting 107
Sidestand 39
Specifications 159
Spring preload 89
Steering damper, adjustment 87
Suspensions
– front, adjustment 88
– rear, adjustment 91
Symbols 11
T
Tampering, note 20
Tools and accessories supplied 105
Topping up
– coolant 113
– engine oil 110
Troubleshooting flow chart
– electrical equipment 148
– engine 143
Turn indicators
– front, bulb replacement 134
– rear, bulb replacement 135
Tyres, check 119
– puncturing 120
– replacement 121
V
Vehicle
– identification number 13
– load 25
– modifications 26
W
Warning lights 49
Warranty
– Booklet, Service Coupons and Dealers’
Guide 12
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GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1.1. Purpose of the manual
1
In addition to providing directions on operation and maintenance, this manual contains important information about general safety: READ THE MANUAL OVER CAREFULLY
BEFORE FIRST USING THE MOTORCYCLE.
The manual describes the model with the maximum equipment at print time.
This manual must be considered as a part of your motorcycle.
It must always be kept in the glove compartment, and it must
be included with the vehicle even if this one is sold back to
another owner.
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GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1.2. Symbols
Sections of text that are particularly important in terms of personal safety or possible damage to the
motorcycle are marked with the following symbols:
Danger - Failure to observe these prescriptions, even in part, may pose a serious hazard
to the driver’s and other people’s safety.
Caution - Failure to observe these prescriptions, even in part, may result in damage to the
motorcycle.
The following symbols give an indication of who is supposed to perform the different adjustments and/or
maintenance operations:
Information on operations that can be carried out by the user.
Information on operations that must be carried out only by authorized personnel.
The following symbols are used to provide further information:
The “ ” symbol points out the requirement to use a tool or a special equipment in
order to correctly perform the described operation.
§ The “ § ” symbol refers the reader to the chapter identified by the number that follows.
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1
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1.3. Warranty Booklet and Service Coupons
1
Besides this Use and Maintenance Manual, the vehicle is
accompanied by the following documents: a Warranty Booklet
containing a Warranty and Pre-Delivery Certificate and recommended service coupons, and the MV Agusta Dealers’Guide.
IMPORTANT
The copy of the Warranty and Pre-Delivery Certificate to be
sent to MV Agusta must be filled in by the dealer and returned
to the factory within 10 days from the date of registration.
Every time the vehicle is serviced by a dealer, the user must
produce the Warranty Booklet so that the dealer can fill in the
service coupon and return it to MV Agusta within 10 days from
the date of the servicing.
- 12 -
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
2) engine serial number
1) vehicle identification number
1.4. Identification data
1) vehicle identification number
2) engine serial number
3) homologation data
Motorcycle identification
The motorcycle is identified by the vehicle identification number. When placing orders for spare
parts, in addition to this number, you may be
1
3) homologation data
required to provide the engine serial number, the
colour code and the key identification.
We recommend writing down the main numbers
in the spaces provided below.
FRAME No.:
ENGINE No.:
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GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Here below you can find a description of a vehicle identification number:
1
ZCG F4 01 AA Y V 000000
Manufacturer’s Letter Code
Motorcycle model
Progressive vehicle number
The vehicle identification number must be provided each time you need to contact the MV Agusta
Technical Assistance Service, in order to guarantee the traceability of your motorcycle.
- 14 -
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Motorcycle key identification
Akey is supplied in duplicate for both the ignition and all
the locks. Keep the duplicate in a safe place.
We recommend writing down the key identification number in the space provided below:
KEY No.:
Identification of motorcycle colour combination
The colour code must be mentioned when ordering
body spares. This code can be read on the label placed
on the internal side of the tail piece.
We recommend writing down the colour code in the
space provided below:
COLOUR CODE :
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key identification number
1
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1
5
6
9
11
4 3 2
1
8
10
12 7
- 16 -
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Bodywork parts reference colors
Bodywork parts are painted with the following reference colours:
1. - Front fairing;
2. - Left-hand rearview mirror;
3. - Right-hand rearview mirror;
4. - Air box;
5. - Fuel tank;
6. - Tail section;
7. - Front mudguard:
Color combination A:
CRC F4 Red Painting
(Code PPG 954642)
8. - Fuel tank left-hand side fairing;
9. - Fuel tank right-hand side fairing;
10.- Left-hand side fairing;
11.- Right-hand side fairing;
12.- Undercowl:
Color combination A:
CRC Metal Silver Painting
(Code PPG 954643)
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1
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1
16 17
18 19
13
15
- 18 -
14
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Frame parts reference colors
Frame parts are painted with the following reference colours:
13.- Frame
MV Brutale Metal Anthracite Grey Painting
(Code Palinal 211XH893)
14.- Front wheel rim
Aluminium Grey Painting
(Code Sebino 35204189) +
Clear Painting
(Code Sebino 35209052)
15.- Rear wheel rim
Aluminium Grey Painting
(Code Sebino 35204189) +
Clear Painting
(Code Sebino 35209052)
16.- Right-hand electrical equipment cover
17.- Left-hand electrical equipment cover
18.- Right-hand rearview mirror stand
19.- Left-hand rearview mirror stand
- 19 -
1
CRC Metal Matt Black Painting
(Code Palinal 211E357)
CRC Metal Matt Black Painting
(Code Palinal 211E357)
Metal Bronze Painting
(Code Palinal 211E144)
Metal Bronze Painting
(Code Palinal 211E144)
2.1. Safety
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
2.1.1. NOTE ON TAMPERING
2
Tampering with the noise control system is prohibited. In particular, the law prohibits the following acts:
1. The removal or rendering inoperative, other
than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or
replacement, of any device or element of
design incorporated into any new vehicle for the
purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use.
2. The use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been removed or rendered
inoperative.
Acts presumed to constitute tampering include:
1. The removal or piercing of the exhaust
silencer, the diaphragm, the manifolds, or any
other components involved in the transmission
of exhaust gases.
2. The removal or piercing of any part of the
intake system.
3. Poor maintenance.
4. The replacement of any movable parts of the
vehicle or of any intake or exhaust components with parts or components other than
those prescribed by the manufacturer.
NOTE
If you notice a progressive increase of the noise
level of your motorcycle, MV Agusta recommends
to have your noise control system controlled and
if necessary replaced.
Otherwise, riding with a defective muffler can
subject you to the penalties prescribed by state
and local provisions.
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SAFETY INFORMATION 2
2.1.2. SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE USE
Before riding, carefully read this manual so as
to familiarize yourself with the controls, characteristics, working and limits of the motorcycle. The
manual is aimed at providing information on some
of all the possible techniques and methods required for safe riding.
Do not attach a sidecar, a trailer or any other
accessory to the motorcycle. Failure to observe
this warning may make the vehicle unstable and
cause serious accidents.
To ensure maximum reliability and maintain
the vehicle in perfect working order, it is essential
to perform the servicing detailed in the Scheduled
Maintenance Table and to follow all the instructions provided in this manual. For further information, speak with your dealer, who will have the
necessary technical skills and information to assist you.
MV Agusta continually strives to improve the
quality of all of its motorcycles. Therefore, modifications that improve the performance of the bike
are made as soon as they are developed.
Therefore, your motorcycle may not be described
exactly by the illustrations and text contained in
this manual.
If you find difficulties in understanding any picture or information contained in this manual, contact your MV Agusta dealer to obtain the necessary explanations.
If you find difficulties in reading any information
contained in this manual, contact your MV Agusta
dealer.
In order to avoid compromising handling and
stability of your motorcycle, you should obey the
following warnings:
• do not attach any object to the vehicle;
• do not remove any part and/or component;
• do not modify the vehicle in any way;
• do not wear garments that could adversely
affect control and handling of the motorcycle.
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2
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
Do not ride this motorcycle if you do not pos-
sess a regular driving licence. Failure to heed this
warning constitutes a breach of the Highway
Code, besides posing a serious hazard to the dri-
2
ver’s and other people’s safety.
Do not try to service or repair this motorcycle if
you do not possess the necessary skills.
Motorcycle riding demands your complete
attention. Do not ride if you are ill, in poor physical condition, or because of worry, etc., unable to
concentrate on the task at hand.
When travelling during the day , use the low beam.
Always wear a helmet, even on short rides.
Always wear suitable clothes, especially when
travelling by night (e.g. garments with fluorescent
bands).
When refuelling, switch off the engine and
refrain from smoking.
Since petrol is highly flammable, avoid spilling
the fuel onto the tank and the exhaust pipes when
refuelling.
When refuelling, stay away from the vehicle to
avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Should the fuel
come into contact with the skin or clothes, immediately wash with water and change the contaminated garments.
Do not start the engine in closed places.
Exhaust gases are toxic and can quickly saturate
the air and cause fainting or even death.
Before starting the engine in a closed place,
ensure that the area is well ventilated.
While the vehicle is in motion, always rest the
feet on the specially designed supports.
While riding, always keep both hands on the
handlebars.
To prevent the vehicle from tipping over, never
park it on soft or uneven ground, nor on asphalt
strongly heated by the sun.
Park the vehicle where it is unlikely to be bumped
into or damaged. Even slight or involuntary bumps
can cause the vehicle to topple over, with subsequent risk of serious harm to people or children.
- 22 -
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
Engine and exhaust pipes become very hot
during riding. Always park your motorcycle where
people or children can not easily reach these
parts, in order to avoid serious burns.
Parts at high temperature
Do not cover your motorcycle with a canvas
soon afterwards riding. Before covering your
motorcycle, wait until the engine and the exhaust
pipes have thoroughly cooled.
If your motorcycle has been involved in an
accident, check all levers, wires, hoses, brake
calipers and other main parts for damage. Do not
use the vehicle if you detect a damage that could
adversely affect safety. Have all the main parts
checked by an authorized MV Agusta dealer, in
order to verify the absence of defects and/or
damages that the owner could not be able to
detect.
2.1.3. INSTALLING ACCESSORIES
MV Agusta provides a range of accessories spe-
cially designed for your vehicle. It is essential that
these accessories are installed by an MV Agusta
dealer.
WARNING
Use only MV Agusta original accessories. The use of non-genuine accessories can make the vehicle unsafe by
reducing its handling, stability and the
effectiveness of the braking system. For
this reason, the installation of any nongenuine accessory makes the warranty
null and void and relieves MV Agusta of
all responsibility.
- 23 -
2
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
Every time you apply accessories that affect
the weight and/or the aerodynamic characteristics
of your motorcycle, they must be assembled on its
lower side and near to its center, as much as it is
2
possible. The brackets and the anchor bolts must
be carefully checked after the assembling, to
ensure a stable framework and an unmovable
support for the accessory. In fact, an eventual
breaking of these stands could cause dangerous
situations during riding.
Verify that the assembling of the accessories
does not cause a reduction of the minimum ground
clearance and of the inclination of your motorcycle. Moreover, verify that the assembling of the
accessories does not cause any interference with
the handling of the steering system, with the travel
of the suspensions and/or with the movement of
any other component involved in driving.
Any accessory positioned on the handlebar or
on the front fork can reduce the handling and
adversely affect the stability of the vehicle.
Therefore, the choice of the accessories should
be accurate and restricted to components of light
weight and small dimensions only.
Your motorcycle could undergo lightening or
other instability effects in case of wind blowing
sideways and transversely; this may also happen
when your motorcycle runs into or it is overtaken
by vehicles of great dimensions. Under these conditions, the accessories adversely affect your driving safety, especially if they are incorrectly
assembled or of the wrong type. It is therefore
necessary to pay great attention in choosing and
assembling any accessory.
Some accessories force the rider to drive in an
unnatural position. This may obviously restrict
your freedom of movement and cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Additional electric accessories can cause an
overload of the electrical system of your motorcycle; this could damage the wires, causing danger
of short circuit and electric shock.
- 24 -
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
2.1.7. VEHICLE LOAD
The F4 SR version is designed for use by the rider
only, whereas the F4 SR 1+1 version can also
seat a passenger. To use the vehicle in complete
safety, it is essential that the following maximum
load conditions are never exceeded:
F4 SR 325 kg
F4 SR 1+1 405 kg
These values come out from the sum of the following weights, according to the European standard CEE 92/61:
• weight of the motorcycle;
• weight of the driver;
• weight of the passenger (F4 SR 1+1 only);
• weight of the load and all the accessories.
WARNING: Since the load can strongly
affect handling, braking, performance
and safety characteristics of your
motorcycle, you should always keep in
mind the following warnings.
- 25 -
• NEVER OVERLOAD YOUR MOTORCYCLE! Driving an overloaded motorcycle can cause damage to the tyres, loss
of control of the vehicle and serious
injury. Verify that the total weight (including the weight of the motorcycle, the
driver, the passenger, the load and all
the accessories) does not exceed the
maximum load values specified for your
vehicle.
• Never carry any incorrectly fastened
object on your motorcycle, because it
could move from its position during
riding.
• Steadily fasten the heaviest objects near
the center of the motorcycle, and equally
divide the load on both sides of the vehicle.
• Do not insert any object or accessory
in the spaces on the frame trellis, in
order to avoid interferring with the
movable parts of the motorcycle.
• Before riding, always check the wear
and the pressure of the tyres.
2
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
• Adjust the suspensions according to
the load.
• Even if the motorcycle is correctly
2
loaded, drive with caution and never
exceed 130 km/h when you carry a load.
2.1.5. MODIFICATIONS
MV Agusta suggests neither to remove any origi-
nal device, nor to modify the motorcycle in any
way that could change its shape or its working.
WARNING
Any modifications made to the vehicle
(e.g. alteration and/or removal of components) can make the vehicle unsafe or
unlawful. MV Agusta cannot be held
responsible for any damage to people
and objects subsequent to eventual modifications made to the original conditions
of your motorcycle. Modifying the vehicle
immediately voids the warranty and relieves MV Agusta of all responsibility.
2.1.6. COMPETITIONS
WARNING
Riding the vehicle in competitions
requires considerable skill and experience as well as an accurate setup of the
motorcycle.
MV Agusta has designed a number of special
components for use in competitions and/or sporting events. The use of such components is strictly limited to areas closed to traffic. Failure to
observe this restriction constitutes a breach of the
Highway Code for which MV Agusta cannot be
held responsible.
- 26 -
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
2.1.7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFE RIDING
Besides being a means of transport, your motorcycle is a source of recreation and excitement.
However, the configuration of the vehicle does not
exclude a certain amount of risk. To ensure maximum safety, in addition to scrupulously observing
the warnings and instructions provided in the previous paragraphs, it is essential to take a few
additional precautions.
In particular:
Before starting off
Follow all the directions given in the section “PRERIDING CHECKS”. Conduct an overall check of
all safety-related aspects of the motorcycle.
Familiarizing with the vehicle
The rider’s ability and his mechanical skills form
the basis of riding safety. It is advisable to practise
riding in areas without traffic until you have
become familiar with the vehicle and its controls.
Being aware of one’s limits
When riding, never exceed your limits nor those
imposed by law. Being aware of your limits and
acting accordingly will help you avoid accidents.
Adverse weather conditions
Be very careful when riding in adverse weather
conditions. On wet roads, for example, the braking distance increases as a result of reduced tyre
traction. It is therefore necessary to travel at moderate speed and avoid abrupt braking and acceleration. Pay particular attention when riding on
slippery surfaces such as road markings, manholes, level crossings, bridges, gratings, etc.
Considering that a motorcycle cannot provide the
same degree of shock protection as a motor vehicle, it is essential to adopt a “defensive” riding attitude, particularly in the adverse weather conditions described above.
- 27 -
2
SAFETY INFORMATION 2
Keeping even one foot or hand away from
their designed supports could cause loss of control of the vehicle and increase the risk of accidents. Always keep both hands on the handlebars
2
and both feet on the footrests during riding.
Change gears as necessary to ensure that the
proper gear ratio is chosen in all riding conditions,
allowing the engine to run at optimum speed at all
times. Avoid high gear ratios when travelling at
reduced speed (excessively low rpm) as well as
low gear ratios when travelling at high speed
(excessively high rpm).
Always operate the clutch system when you
change gear, in order to avoid damage of the
engine, of the gearbox and of the transmission.
These components have not been designed to
take the shocking stress caused by the forced
coupling of a gear.
Do not keep the clutch disengaged for a long
time during riding, unless you have to change
gear. Failure to heed this warning may lead to the
overheating and to the abnormal wear of the clutch components.
When rapid acceleration is required (e.g. when
passing), select a lower gear to obtain better
acceleration.
When the motorcycle is being ridden at high
speed, gearing down several times in rapid succession can cause the engine to overspeed. As a
result, the rear wheel may lock, causing loss of
control of the vehicle, as well as damage to the
engine and transmission.
When riding down long hills, reduce the speed
of your motorcycle by closing the throttle and
using a low gear ratio to take advantage of engine braking. Use the front and rear brakes as little
as possible to maintain your speed, in order to
prevent brake overheating and fade.
Special attention should be given to the braking
system, which plays a key role in ensuring safety.
When braking, always take account of the speed of
the vehicle and the condition of the road surface.
- 28 -
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