Can-Am DS 90 Operator's Manual page 43

RIDING THE VEHICLE
Downhill Driving
This vehicle can climb steeper slopes that it can descend safely. Therefore, it is es-
sential to assure that a safe route exists to descend a slope before you climb it.
Decelerating while negotiating a slippery downhill slope could "toboggan" the ve-
hicle. Maintain steady speed and/or accelerate slightly to regain control.
Side Hilling
Whenever possible, such operation should be avoided. If necessary, do so with
extreme caution. Side hilling on steep inclines could result in rollover. In addition,
slippery or unfirm surfaces could result in uncontrollable side sliding. Do not at-
tempt to turn the vehicle downhill with the slide. Avoid all objects or depressions
that will intensify the raising of one side of the vehicle higher than the other, thus
causing rollover.
Drop-Offs
This vehicle will "bottom-out" and usually stop if either the front or rear wheels are
driven over a drop-off. If the drop is sharp or deep, the vehicle will nose dive and tip
over.
WARNING
Avoid negotiating drop-offs. Reverse and select an alternate route.
Riding on Snow Covered Surfaces
When performing the pre-ride inspection, pay special attention to locations on the
vehicle where snow and/or ice accumulations may obstruct visibility of the tail
lamp, clog ventilation openings, block the radiator and fan, and interfere with the
movement of control levers, switches and brake pedal. Before starting with your
ATV check the steering, throttle and brake lever and pedal controls for interference
free operation.
Whenever an ATV is ridden on a snow covered drive path the tire grip is generally
reduced causing the vehicle to react differently to control inputs from the operator.
On low grip surfaces, the steering responses are not as crisp and precise, stopping
distances are lengthened and acceleration becomes sluggish. Slow down and do
not "gun" the throttle. This will only result in spinning of the tires and possibly in an
over steering slide of the vehicle. Avoid hard braking. This will possibly result in a
straight line slide of the vehicle. Again, the best advice is t o safely reduce speed in
anticipation of a maneuver so to give yourself time and distance to regain total ve-
hicle control before it spins out of your control.
As you drive your ATV over a loose snow covered surface, snow dust will be
picked up in the wake turbulence of the moving vehicle and transported to contact
and accumulate or melt on some exposed components in cluding rotating parts
like brake discs. Water, snow or ice may affect the response time of the brake
system of your ATV. Even when not required to reduce vehicle speed apply brakes
frequently to prevent ice or snow accu mulation and to dry brake pads and discs.
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SAFETY INFORMATION 41