2006 Ducati Multistrada 1000 DS Owners Manual - Page 106

Useful information for safe riding Warning Read this section before riding your motorcycle. Accidents are frequently due to inexperience. Always make sure you have your licence with you when riding; you need a valid licence to be entitled to ride your motorcycle. Do not lend your motorcycle to inexperienced riders or riders who do not hold a valid licence. Riders and passengers must always wear appropriate apparel and a safety helmet. Wear proper clothing, with no loose items or accessories that may become tangled in the controls or limit your zone of vision. Never start or run the engine indoors. Exhaust gases are poisonous and may lead to loss of consciousness or even death within a short time. The rider should keep his/her feet on the foot pegs when the motorcycle is in motion. Always hold the handlebars firmly with both hands so you will be ready for sudden changes in direction or in the road surface. The pillion passenger should always hold on to the grab rail on the rear seat with both hands. Ride within the law and observe national and local rules. Always respect speed limits where these are posted. However, always adjust your speed to the visibility, road and traffic conditions you are riding in. Always signal your intention to turn or pull to the next lane in good time using the suitable turn indicators. Be sure you are clearly visible and do not ride within the blind spot of vehicles ahead. Be very careful when tackling road junctions, or when riding in the areas near exits from private grounds, car parks or on slip roads to access motorways. Always turn off the engine when refuelling. Be extremely careful not to spill fuel on the engine or on the exhaust pipe when refuelling. Do not smoke when refuelling. While refuelling, you may inhale noxious fuel vapours. Should any fuel drops be spilled on your skin or clothing, immediately wash with soap and water and change your clothing. Always remove the key when you leave your motorcycle unattended. The engine, exhaust pipes, and mufflers stay hot for a long time. Warning The exhaust system might be hot, even after engine is switched off; take special care not to touch exhaust system with any body part and do not park the motorcycle next to inflammable material (wood, leaves, etc.). Park your motorcycle where no one is likely to hit it and use the side stand. Never park on uneven or soft ground or your motorcycle may fall over. E 7