Frozen Water
Traveling frozen lakes and rivers can
be fatal.
Avoid waterways.
If you
are in an unfamiliar area, ask the lo-
cal authorities or residents about the
ice condition, inlets, outlets, springs,
fast moving currents or other haz-
ards. Never attempt to operate your
snowmobile on ice that may be too
weak to support you and the vehicle.
Operating a snowmobile on ice or icy
surfaces can be very dangerous if you
do not observe certain precautions.
The very nature of ice is foreign to
good control of a snowmobile or any
vehicle. Traction for starting, turning
or stopping is much less than that
on snow. Thus, these distances can
be multiplied manyfold. Steering is
minimal, and uncontrolled spins are
an ever present danger. When oper-
ating on ice, drive slowly with caution.
Allow yourself plenty of room for
stopping and turning. This is especial-
ly true at night.
Hard Packed Snow
Don't
underestimate
hard
packed
snow. It can be difficult to negotiate
as both skis and track do not have as
much traction. Best advice is to slow
down and avoid rapid acceleration,
turning or braking.
Uphill
There are two types of hills you can en-
counter — the open hill on which there
are few trees, cliffs or other obstacles,
and a hill that can only be climbed di-
rectly. On an open hill, the approach
is to climb it by side hilling or slalom-
ing. Approach at an angle. Adopt a
kneeling position. Keep your weight
on the uphill side at all times. Main-
tain a steady, safe speed. Continue as
far as you can in this direction, then
switch to an opposite hill angle and rid-
ing position.
A direct climb could present problems.
Choose the standing position, accel-
erate before you start the climb and
then reduce throttle pressure to pre-
vent track slippage.
In either case, vehicle speed should
be as fast as the incline demands.
Always slow down as you reach the
crest. If you cannot proceed further,
don't spin your track. Turn the en-
gine off, free the skis by pulling them
out and downhill, place the rear of the
snowmobile uphill restart the engine
and ease it out with slow even throttle
pressure. Position yourself to avoid
tipping over, then descend.
Downhill
Downhill driving requires that you
have full control of your vehicle at all
times. On steeper hills, keep your
center of gravity low and both hands
on the handlebar.
Maintain slight
throttle pressure and allow the ma-
chine to run downhill with the engine
operating. If a higher than safe speed
is reached, slow down by braking but
apply the brake with frequent light
pressure. Never jam the brake and
lock the track.
Side Hill
When crossing a side hill or travers-
ing up or downhill, certain procedures
must be followed. All riders should
lean towards the slope as required
for stability. The preferred operating
positions are the kneeling position,
with the knee of the down hill leg
on the seat and the foot of the up-
hill leg on the running board, or the
posting position. Be prepared to shift
your weight quickly as needed. Side
hills and steep slopes are not recom-
mended for a beginner or a novice
snowmobiler.
____________
SAFETY INFORMATION
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19
Summary of Contents for 2006 RF series
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Page 91: ...WARRANTY _____________________ 89 ...
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