Can-Am spyder gs 2008 Operator's Manual page 42

REQUIRED RIDING SKILLS AND PRACTICE EXERCISES
4) Using the Throttle
Purpose
– Become familiar with operating the
throttle.
– Learn to balance throttle and clutch.
Directions
This exercise is similar to the friction
zone exercise, except this time you
will be using some throttle. You will
use the entire straightaway, stopping
only at the ends.
– Start this exercise stopped in first
gear at the beginning of a straight-
away.
– With the clutch lever pulled in,
gently roll on the throttle until the
tachometer reads between 1 500
and 2 000 RPM. Practice holding it
within this range.
– Hold the throttle at this position
while gently releasing the clutch
lever as before. Try not to let the
RPMs exceed 2 500.
– The more quickly you release the
clutch lever, the more quickly you
will accelerate. If you release the
clutch too quickly, the engine may
stall or the vehicle may jump for-
ward.
Applying too much throttle can
cause the rear wheel to spin and
can result in rapid acceleration.
– When the clutch lever is fully re-
leased, the throttle controls your
speed.
– As you approach the end of the
straightaway, roll off the throttle,
pull in the clutch lever and apply the
brakes to come to a stop.
– Without using throttle, turn around
and head
straightaway.
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down the opposite
SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3
2
1
rmo2008-001-046_d
1. Start
2. Roll off throttle
3. Stop
4. Roll off throttle
Tips for additional practice
– Coordinate releasing the clutch
lever and applying the throttle to
start smoothly and to control your
acceleration.
– Once you have mastered starting
on a flat surface, practice starting up
an incline. To do this, keep holding
the brake pedal as you release the
clutch lever until you are in the fric-
tion zone. This will keep you from
rolling backwards.
5) Basic Turns
Purpose
– Get comfortable turning in a con-
trolled manner.
Directions
Riding through turns and curves with
your Spyder roadster is different than
on a motorcycle. The vehicle does not
lean in a turn, so you may need to shift
your body weight to the inside of the
turn to keep a comfortable posture
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4
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