2010 Polaris Vegas 8-Ball Owners Manual - Page 16

Safety Safe Riding Practices Carrying a Passenger Do not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with passenger seat and passenger footrests. To carry a passenger safely: • Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your motorcycle. • Direct the passenger to hold onto you or the seat strap with both hands and to keep both feet on the passenger footrests. Do not carry a passenger who cannot place both feet firmly on the passenger footrests. A passenger who is not holding on properly, or who cannot reach the passenger footrests, can shift their body erratically, which can make the motorcycle hard to handle and cause loss of control. • If necessary, adjust the rear shock preload. See page 90. Improper preload adjustment can make your motorcycle hard to handle and can cause loss of control. • Before riding, be sure your passenger knows safe riding procedures. Discuss any safety information unfamiliar to your passenger. A passenger who is unaware of safe riding procedures may distract you or make movements that make the motorcycle hard to handle. • Adjust your riding style to compensate for the differences in handling, acceleration and braking caused by the additional weight of the passenger. Failure to do so can cause loss of control. 14