2003 Polaris Vegas Owners Manual - Page 13

2003 Polaris Vegas Manual

Page 13 highlights

SAFETY Safe Riding Practices S Reduce your speed when: - The weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions. - The traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space between vehicles or otherwise not flowing smoothly. - You are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle that produces a wind blast in its wake. S To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear brakes together. Improper braking may cause loss of control or may not slow the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Be aware of the following braking facts and practices: - The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle's stopping power, at most. - Consider road conditions before applying the brakes. When the road is wet or rough, or contains loose or other slippery substances, apply the brakes gradually. - Bring the motorcycle to the upright position before applying the brakes, and avoid applying the brakes in a corner if at all possible. When the motorcycle is leaning through a corner, the amount of traction available for braking is reduced, increasing the possibility of the tires skidding when the brakes are applied. S When approaching a curve, choose a speed and lean angle that allows you to pass through the curve in your own lane without applying the brakes. Excessive speed, improper lean angle or braking in a curve can cause loss of control. 11

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11
SAFETY
Safe Riding Practices
S
Reduce your speed when:
-
The weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions.
-
The traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space between vehicles or otherwise not flowing
smoothly.
-
You are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle that produces a wind blast in its wake.
S
To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear brakes together.
Improper braking may cause loss
of control or may not slow the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Be aware of the following braking facts and
practices:
-
The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle’s stopping power, at most.
-
Consider road conditions before applying the brakes. When the road is wet or rough, or contains loose or
other slippery substances, apply the brakes gradually.
-
Bring the motorcycle to the upright position before applying the brakes, and avoid applying the brakes in a
corner if at all possible. When the motorcycle is leaning through a corner, the amount of traction available
for braking is reduced, increasing the possibility of the tires skidding when the brakes are applied.
S
When approaching a curve, choose a speed and lean angle that allows you to pass through the curve in your own
lane without applying the brakes. Excessive speed, improper lean angle or braking in a curve can cause loss of
control.