2015 Polaris Victory Vision Owners Manual - Page 13

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. See the manufacturer's label (on the left side of the frame at the steering head). • Direct the passenger to hold onto you or to the passenger hand grips 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. • To obtain the best ride and handling characteristics, adjust the rear shock absorber air pressure. See page 68. • 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. 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. 11