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Riding your snowmobile
Getting to know your snowmobile
A snowmobile is a rider active vehicle,
and your riding position and your balance
are the two basic factors of maneuvering
your snowmobile.
Riding your snowmobile requires skills
acquired through practice over a period
of time. Take the time to learn the basic
techniques well before attempting more
difficult maneuvers.
Riding your new snowmobile can be a
very enjoyable activity, providing you with
hours of pleasure. However, it is essential
to familiarize yourself with the operation
of the snowmobile to achieve the skill
necessary to enjoy riding safely. Before
operating the snowmobile, read this
Owner’s Manual completely and under-
stand the operation of the controls.
Pay particular attention to the safety infor-
mation on pages 3-1–3-3. Please read all
warning and notice labels on your snow-
mobile. Also, visit the Go Snowmobiling
website to learn more about snowmobile
safety.
(www.gosnowmobiling.org)
Learning to ride your snowmobile
Before you ride, always perform the pre-
operation checks listed on pages 8-1–8-3.
The short time spent checking the condi-
tion of the snowmobile will be rewarded
with added safety and a more reliable
snowmobile. Always wear the proper
clothing for both warmth and to help pro-
tect you from injury if an accident occurs.
Become familiar with operating your
snowmobile at low speeds, even if you
are an experienced rider. Do not attempt
to operate at maximum performance until
you are totally familiar with the snowmo-
bile’s handling and performance charac-
teristics.
The beginning operator should select a
large flat area to become familiar with the
snowmobile. Make sure that this area is
free of obstacles and other traffic. You
should practice control of the throttle and
brake, and master turning techniques in
this area before trying more difficult ter-
rain.
Set the parking brake and follow the
instructions on pages 7-1–7-2 to start the
engine. Once the engine has warmed up,
you are ready to begin riding your snow-
mobile.
To start out and accelerate
1. With the engine idling, release the
parking brake.
2. Apply the throttle slowly and
smoothly. The V-belt clutch will
engage and you will start to acceler-
ate.
WARNING
@
The operator should always keep both
hands on the handlebar. Never put
your feet outside the running boards.
Avoid high speeds until you have
become thoroughly familiar with your
snowmobile and all of its controls.
@
Braking
When slowing down or stopping, release
the throttle and apply the brake gently—
not suddenly.
WARNING
@
●
Many surfaces such as ice and
hard-packed snow require much
longer stopping distances. Be
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