2013 Polaris Vegas 8-Ball Owners Manual - Page 11

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). • If necessary, adjust the rear shock preload. See page 54. Improper preload adjustment can make your motorcycle hard to handle and can cause loss of control. • Before riding, be sure your passenger is familiar with safe riding procedures. An inexperienced passenger may distract you or make movements that cause instability. • 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 rides improperly can shift body weight erratically and cause instability. • Adjust your riding style to compensate for the differences in handling, acceleration and braking caused by the additional weight of the passenger. Protective Apparel Wear protective apparel to decrease the risk of injury and increase riding comfort. • Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards. Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label. Laws in some areas require that you wear an approved helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatalities in accidents involving motorcycles. Statistics prove that an approved helmet is the most effective protection in preventing or reducing head injuries. • Wear eye protection to protect eyes from wind or airborne particles and objects. Laws in some areas require that you wear eye protection. VICTORY recommends that you wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eyewear is kept clean. • All riders should wear bright or light-colored and/or reflective clothing to improve visibility to other motorists. A motorist's failure to see or recognize a motorcycle is the leading cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents. • Wear gloves, a jacket, heavy boots and long pants to prevent or reduce injury from abrasions, lacerations or burns should the motorcycle fall. Wear boots with low heels, as high heels can catch on pedals or footrests. The combination of boots and pants should completely cover legs, ankles and feet, protecting skin from engine and exhaust system heat. • Do not wear loose, flowing clothing or long boot laces, as they can catch on handlebars, levers or footrests, or they can become entangled in the wheels, causing loss of control and serious injury. 9