2004 Yamaha Motorsports SXViper S Owners Manual - Page 52

Hard-packed snow It can be more difficult to negotiate on hard-packed snow as both the skis and drive track do not have as much traction as when the snowmobile is operated on fresh snow. Avoid rapid acceleration, turning, or braking. @ WARNING Drive track damage or failure could result in loss of braking ability and snowmobile control, which could cause an accident. G Always check the drive track for damage or maladjustment before operating the snowmobile. G Do not operate the snowmobile if you find damage to the drive track. @ Operation on surfaces other than snow or ice Operation of your snowmobile on surfaces other than snow or ice should be avoided. Operation under such conditions will damage or result in rapid wear of the ski runners, drive track, slide runners, and drive sprockets. Operation of the snowmobile under the following conditions should be avoided at all costs: 1. Dirt 2. Sand 3. Rocks 4. Grass 5. Bare pavement Other conditions that should be avoided for the sake of drive track and slide runner life are: 1. Glare ice surfaces 2. Snow mixed with a lot of dirt and sand All the above conditions have one thing in common in regard to drive track and slide runners; little or no lubricating ability. Drive track and all slide rail systems require lubrication (snow or water) between the slide runners and the slide metal. In the absence of lubrication, the slide runners will rapidly wear and in severe cases, literally melt away, and the drive track will be subjected to damage or failure. Also traction aids such as studs, cleats, etc., may cause further track damage or failure. CAUTION: @ Ride on fresh snow frequently. Operating on ice or hard-packed snow will rapidly wear the slide runners. @ 7-8