2008 Yamaha Motorsports RS Venture Owners Manual - Page 40

Operation Snow and ice are slippery, so be prepared for the possibility that your snowmobile could begin to slip sideways on the slope. If this happens, steer in the direction of the slide if there are no obstacles in your path. As you regain proper balance, gradually steer again in the direction you wish to travel. If your snowmobile starts to tip, steer down the hill to regain balance. EWS00260 WARNING If you are unable to maintain correct balance, and your snowmobile is going to tip over, dismount your snowmobile immediately on the uphill side. Ice or icy surface Operating on ice or icy surfaces can be very dangerous. Traction for turning, stopping, and starting is much less than that on snow. EWS00270 Dirt Sand G Rocks G Grass G Bare pavement Other surfaces that should be avoided for the sake of drive track and slide runner life are: G Glare ice surfaces G Snow mixed with a lot of dirt and sand All of the above surfaces 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 subject to damage or failure. Also traction aids such as studs, cleats, etc., may cause further track damage or failure. G G EWS00280 WARNING When you have to operate on ice or icy surfaces, drive slowly and cautiously. Avoid accelerating, turning, and braking rapidly. Steering is minimal and uncontrolled spins are an ever-present danger. 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. ECS00350 Hard-packed snow It can be more difficult to negotiate on hardpacked 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, and braking. CAUTION: Ride on fresh snow frequently. Operating on ice or hard-packed snow will rapidly wear the slide runners. ESU11350 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 on the following surfaces should be avoided at all times: Maximizing drive track life Recommendations Track tension During initial break-in, the new drive track will tend to stretch quickly as the track settles. Be sure to correct the track tension and align- 34