BRP Can-Am Defender DPS HD10, Operator'S Manual

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SAFETY INFORMATION 27
R RIID DIIN NG G Y YO OU UR R V VE EH HIIC CL LE E
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Before you go out for a ride, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the
handling of your vehicle by practicing in a controlled environment. If possible, it is
also a very good idea to take a more formal training course to sharpen your skills
and increase your knowledge of the vehicle.
Find a suitable area to practice and perform the following exercises. It should be
at least 45 m150 ft by 45 m150 ft free of obstacles like trees and rocks. Once
you’ve selected a suitable permitted location, proceed with the following
exercises.
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Turning is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. It is easier for the ve-
hicle to lose traction or rollover if you turn too sharply, or go too fast. Slow down
when you approach a turn.
–
First learn how to perform slight right turns at very low speeds. Release the
throttle before turning and slowly reapply the throttle when turning.
– Repeat turning exercise but this time maintain the throttle at the level while
turning.
– Finally, repeat turning exercise while accelerating slowly.
– Practice exercises turning on the other side.
Note how your vehicle reacts in these different exercises. We recommend releas-
ing the throttle before entering a turn to help initiate directional change. You will
feel the lateral force increasing with the speed and with your steering input. The
lateral force should be maintained as low as possible to make sure it does not
cause the vehicle to roll over.
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Practice doing U turns.
–
Accelerate slowly and while remaining at low speed, then gradually turn the
steering wheel to the right until you have completed the U turn.
– Repeat U turn exercise with different steering inputs and always at a very low
speed.
– Repeat U turn exercise on the other side.
As mentioned before in this guide, do not ride on paved surfaces as the vehicle
behavior will not be the same, increasing the risk of rollover.
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Practice braking to get familiar with the brake response.
–
Do it at low speed first, then increase the speed.
– Practice braking in straight line at different speeds and different braking force.
– Practice emergency braking; optimal braking is obtained in straight line, with
high force applied, without locking the wheels.
Remember, braking distance depends on vehicle speed, load and the type of
surface. Also, the tires and brakes conditions play a major role.
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The next step involves using the reverse.