Turning; Riding Uphill - Yamaha SXV60K Owner's Manual

Turning

For most snow surfaces, "body English" is
the key to turning.
As you approach a curve, slow down and
begin to turn the handlebar in the desired
direction. As you do so, put your weight on
the running board to the inside of the turn
and lean your upper body into the turn.
This procedure should be practiced at low
speeds many times, in a large flat area
with no obstacles. Once you have learned
this technique, you should be able to per-
form it at higher speeds or in tighter
curves. Lean more as the turn gets
sharper or is made at higher speeds.
Improper riding techniques such as abrupt
throttle changes, excessive braking, incor-
rect body movements, or too much speed
for the sharpness of the turn may cause
the snowmobile to tip.
If your snowmobile begins to tip while turn-
ing, lean more into the turn to regain bal-
ance. If necessary, gradually let off on the
throttle or steer to the outside of the turn.
Remember:
Avoid higher speeds until you are thor-
oughly familiar with the operation of your
snowmobile.

Riding uphill

You should practice first on gentle slopes.
Try more difficult climbs only after you have
developed your skill. As you approach a
hill, accelerate before you start the climb,
and then reduce the throttle to prevent
track slippage. It is also important to keep
your weight on the uphill side at all times.
On climbs straight up the hill, this can be
accomplished by leaning forward and, on
steeper inclines, standing on the running
boards and leaning forward over the han-
dlebar. (Also see "Traversing a slope.")
Slow down as you reach the crest of the
hill, and be prepared to react to obstacles,
sharp drops, or other vehicles or people
which may be on the other side. If you are
unable to continue up a hill, do not spin the
track. Stop the engine and set the parking
brake. Then pull the rear of the snowmo-
bile around to point the snowmobile back
down the hill. When the snowmobile is
pointed downhill, mount your snowmobile
from the uphill side. Restart the engine,
release the parking brake, and descend
the hill.
WARNING
@
Side hills and steep slopes are not rec-
ommended for a novice snowmobiler.
@
7-6