7-3ESU01272Riding your snowmobileGetting to know your snowmobileA snowmobile is a rider active vehicle, andyour riding position and your balance arethe two basic factors of maneuvering yoursnowmobile.Riding your snowmobile requires skillsacquired through practice over a period oftime. Take the time to learn the basic tech-niques well before attempting more difficultmaneuvers.Riding your new snowmobile can be a veryenjoyable activity, providing you with hoursof pleasure. However, it is essential tofamiliarize yourself with the operation ofthe snowmobile to achieve the skill neces-sary to enjoy riding safely. Before operatingthe snowmobile, read this Owner’s Manualcompletely and understand the operationof the controls.Pay particular attention to the safety infor-mation on pages 3-1–3-3.Please read all warning and caution labelson your snowmobile. Also, read the Snow-mobiler’s Safety Handbook that is suppliedwith your snowmobile.Learning to ride your snowmobileBefore you ride, always perform the pre-operation checks listed on pages 8-1–8-4.The short time spent checking the condi-tion of the snowmobile will be rewardedwith added safety and a more reliablesnowmobile. Always wear the proper cloth-ing for both warmth and to help protect youfrom injury if an accident occurs.Become familiar with operating your snow-mobile at low speeds, even if you are anexperienced rider. Do not attempt to oper-ate at maximum performance until you aretotally familiar with the snowmobile’s han-dling and performance characteristics.Set the parking brake and follow theinstructions on pages 7-1–7-2 to start theengine. Once the engine has warmed up,you are ready to begin riding your snow-mobile.To start out and accelerate1. With the engine idling, release theparking brake.2. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.The V-belt clutch will engage and youwill start to accelerate.WARNING@The operator should always keep bothhands on the handlebar. Never put yourfeet outside the running boards. Avoidhigh speeds until you have becomethoroughly familiar with your snowmo-bile and all of its controls.@BrakingWhen slowing down or stopping, releasethe throttle and apply the brake gently—notsuddenly.WARNING@ Many surfaces such as ice and hard-packed snow require much longerstopping distances. Be alert, planahead, and begin decelerating early. Improper use of the brake can causethe drive track to lose traction,reduce control, and increase thepossibility of an accident.@