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RIDING YOUR VEHICLE
Mud or marsh lands may be encountered near water. Be prepared for sudden
"holes" or changes in depth. Similarly so, be watchful of hazards such as rocks,
logs, etc., partially covered by vegetation.
R R i i d d i i n n g g o o n n S S n n o o w w o o r r I I c c e e
When performing pre-ride inspection, pay special attention to locations on the ve-
hicle 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 move-
ment of controls. Before starting with your vehicle, check the steering, accelera-
tor and brake pedals for interference free operation.
Whenever this vehicle is ridden on a snow covered drive path, the tire grip is gen-
erally 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 pre-
cise, stopping distances are lengthened and acceleration is also affected. Slow
down and do not "gun" the accelerator. 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 to
safely reduce speed in anticipation of a maneuver to give yourself time and dis-
tance in order to keep control of the vehicle.
As you drive your vehicle over a loose snow covered surface, snow dust will be
picked up in the wake turbulence of the moving vehicle and transported to con-
tact and accumulate or melt on some exposed components including rotating
parts like brake discs. Water, snow or ice may affect the response time of the
brake system of your vehicle. Even when not required to reduce vehicle speed
apply brakes frequently to prevent ice or snow accumulation and to dry brake
pads and discs. While doing so in low risk driving situations you will test for grip
level and keep yourself alerted to how the vehicle reacts to your control inputs.
Always keep brake and accelerator pedals and floor boards free of snow and ice.
Frequently wipe snow off seat, steering wheel, headlights and tail lamps.
The depth of the snow cover may hide rocks, tree stumps or other objects and if
it is wet may totally impede the drivability as the vehicle becomes bogged down
or completely looses traction in slushy snow. Look far ahead and always be
watchful of any visible clues that might indicate the presence of such obstacles.
In doubt steer clear. Avoid driving on any frozen waterways before checking that
the ice will safely support the vehicle, its riders and its load of cargo.
At the end of each ride it is a good practice to clean the vehicle and all moving
components (brakes, steering components, drivelines, controls, radiator fan etc.)
from any snow or ice accumulations. Wet snow will turn to ice during the shut
down period and become more difficult to remove at the next pre-ride inspection.
R R i i d d i i n n g g o o n n S S a a n n d d
Riding on sand or sand dunes is another unique experience, but there are some
basic precautions that should be observed. Wet, deep or fine sand may create a
loss of traction and cause the vehicle to slide, drop off or become "bogged" down.
If this occurs look for a firmer base. Again, the best advice is to slow down and
be watchful of the conditions. Slow down even more when riding with one or
more passengers.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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