Riding Downhill; Traversing A Slope; Ice Or Icy Surface - Yamaha VK540V Owner's Manual

WARNING
@
Side hills and steep slopes are not
recommended for a novice snowmo-
biler.
@

Riding downhill

When riding downhill, keep speed to a
minimum. It is important to apply just
enough throttle to keep the clutch
engaged while descending the hill. This
will allow you to use engine compression
to help slow the snowmobile, and to keep
the snowmobile from rolling freely down
the hill. Also apply the brake frequently,
with light pressure.
WARNING
@
Use extra caution when applying the
brake during a descent. Excessive
braking will cause the drive track to
lock, causing a loss of control.
@

Traversing a slope

WARNING
@
Traversing
mended for a novice snowmobiler.
@
Traversing a slope requires you to prop-
erly position your weight to maintain
proper balance. As you travel across the
slope, lean your body to position your
weight towards the uphill side. A recom-
mended riding position is to kneel with
the knee of your downhill leg on the seat
and the foot of your uphill leg on the run-
ning board. This position will make it eas-
ier for you to shift your body weight as
needed.
Snow and ice are slippery, so be pre-
pared for the possibility that your snow-
mobile could begin to slip sideways on
the slope. If this happens, steer in the
direction of the slide if there are no obsta-
cles in your path. As you regain proper
balance, gradually steer again in the
direction you wish to travel.
If your snowmobile starts to tip, steer
down the hill to regain balance.
WARNING
@
If you are unable to maintain correct
balance, and your snowmobile is
going to tip over, dismount your snow-
mobile immediately on the uphill side.
@

Ice or icy surface

Operating on ice or icy surfaces can be
very dangerous. Traction for turning,
stopping, and starting is much less than
that on snow.
WARNING
@
When you have to operate on ice or icy
surfaces, drive slowly and cautiously.
Avoid accelerating, turning, and brak-
7-6
slopes is not recom-