Arctic Cat Alterra 90 User manual

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OPERATOR’S MANUAL
ALTERRA 90
www.arcticcat.com
Do not remove this Operator’s Manual from this
ATV according to the guidelines and agreement
with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Read this manual carefully.
It contains important safety information.

Your ATV can be hazardous to
operate.
A collision or rollover can occur quickly, even during routine maneu-
vers such as turning and driving on hills or over obstacles, if you fail to
take proper precautions. For your safety, it is important to understand
and follow all of the warnings contained in this Operator’s Manual and
the labels on your ATV prior to riding.
Keep this Operator’s Manual with this vehicle at all times. If you lose
your manual, contact Arctic Cat for a free replacement. The labels
should be considered permanent parts of the vehicle. If a label comes
off or becomes hard to read, contact Arctic Cat for a free replacement.
Contact Arctic Cat Inc., Service Department, P.O. Box 810, Thief River
Falls, MN 56701, for proper registration information.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS
MANUAL CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Children differ in skills, physical abilities, and judgment. Some children may
not be able to operate an ATV safely. Parents should supervise their child’s
use of the ATV at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they
determine that the child has the ability to operate the ATV safely.
For your safety, it is important all operators be properly trained to oper-
ate an ATV. Training is available: U.S. owners, call 800-887-2887;
Canadian owners, call 613-739-1535.
Pour votre sécurité, il est importante que tout opérateur est formé cor-
rectement pour opérer un VTT. Un cours d’instruction est disponible:
pour les propriétaires canadiens, composez le 613-739-1535.
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by
the following notations:
California Proposition 65
!The Safety Alert Symbol means
ATTENTION! BE ALERT! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
! WARNING WARNING indicates a hazardous sit-
uation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION CAUTION, without the safety alert
symbol, is used to address practices
not related to personal injury.
NOTE: A NOTE provides key information to
make procedures easier or more
clear.
! WARNING
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.

1
!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Division I - Rider Awareness/
Responsibility
Foreword
Congratulations and thank you from Arctic Cat Inc. for purchasing an
ARCTIC CAT®All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). It is designed to provide
superior ride, comfort, utility, and dependable service.
This Operator’s Manual is furnished to make the operator aware of
proper operating procedures. It also includes information about the gen-
eral care and maintenance of your ATV.
Carefully read the following pages. If you have any questions regarding
this ATV, contact an authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer for assistance.
Remember, only authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealers have the knowledge
and facilities to provide you with the best service possible.
• Know all local, state/provincial riding laws,
• Respect your ATV,
• Respect the environment, and
• You will gain the respect of others.
We also advise you to strictly follow the recommended maintenance
program as outlined. This preventive maintenance program is designed
to ensure that all critical components on this ATV are thoroughly
inspected at various intervals.
All information in this manual is based on the latest product data and specifi-
cations available at the time of printing. Arctic Cat Inc. reserves the right to
make product changes and improvements which may affect illustrations or
explanations without notice. Because Arctic Cat Inc. constantly refines and
improves its products, no retroactive obligation is incurred.
You have chosen a quality Arctic Cat ATV designed and manufactured
to give dependable service. Be sure, as the owner/operator of an Arctic
Cat ATV, to become thoroughly familiar with its basic operation, main-
tenance, and storage procedures.
Read and understand the entire Operator’s Manual before operating the
ATV to ensure safe and proper use of your new Arctic Cat ATV. Always
operate the ATV within your level of skill and current terrain conditions.
Division II of this manual covers important information, operator-related main-
tenance, and storage instructions. If major repair or service is ever required,
contact an authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer for professional service.
Some illustrations used in this manual are used for clarity purposes only
and are not designed to depict actual conditions.
Arctic Cat and the ATV Safety Institute recommend that all ATV opera-
tors ride the appropriate-sized ATV according to age.
Protect Your Sport
Parts and Accessories
When in need of replacement parts, oil, or accessories for your Arctic
Cat ATV, be sure to use only GENUINE ARCTIC CAT PARTS, OIL,
AND ACCESSORIES. Only genuine Arctic Cat parts, oil, and acces-
sories are engineered to meet the standards and requirements of your
Arctic Cat ATV. For a complete list of accessories, refer to the current
Arctic Cat ATV Accessory Catalog.
To aid in service and maintenance procedures on this ATV, a Service
Manual is available through your local Arctic Cat ATV dealer.
Category Age (Years) Speed Limitations (MPH) NOTES
Y-12+ 12 or Older 15 - Limited
30 - Maximum
Operate Under
Adult Supervision
T-14 14 or Older 20 - Limited
30 - Limited
38 - Maximum
Operate Under
Adult Supervision
G & S 16 or Older According to
Local Regulations
—

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Table of Contents
Division I - Rider Awareness/
Responsibility
Foreword..........................................................................................................1
ATV Safety Alert ..............................................................................................5
Rider Training Course ....................................................................................6
Hangtag............................................................................................................7
Warning Labels ...............................................................................................8
Warnings.................................................................................................... 9-15
Prevention ............................................................................................... 16-19
Clothing and Gear ............................................................................... 16
Condition of the ATV............................................................................ 17
First Aid and Survival .......................................................................... 18
Active Riding.................................................................................................20
Sound Judgment..................................................................................... 21-22
Those Around You ............................................................................... 21
Environment ........................................................................................ 21
Equipment ........................................................................................... 22
Personal Choices ................................................................................ 22
Load Capacity Ratings Chart .............................................................. 22
Supervision ...................................................................................................24
Taking Responsibility........................................................................... 24
Inexperienced Riders.................................................................... 24
Experienced Riders ...................................................................... 24
Division II - Operation/Maintenance
Parts and Accessories ...................................................................................1
ATV Specifications........................................................................................25
Location of Controls.....................................................................................25
ATV Operation ......................................................................................... 26-31
Basic Operating Maneuvers ................................................................ 26
Starting the Engine ....................................................................... 26
Starting A Cold Engine ................................................................. 26
Handling the ATV (Active Riding Techniques) ..................................... 27
Tips...................................................................................................... 28
General Information ................................................................................32-37
Control Locations and Functions..........................................................32
Shift Lever ............................................................................................34
Carburetor Float Bowl Drain.................................................................34
Oil Level Stick.......................................................................................34
Seat Lock .............................................................................................35
Safety Flag/Bracket ..............................................................................35
Transporting ATV ..................................................................................35
Gasoline-Oil-Lubricant .........................................................................36
Engine Break-In ...................................................................................37
General Maintenance ..............................................................................38-48
Maintenance Schedule.........................................................................38
Shock Absorbers ..................................................................................39
General Lubrication..............................................................................39
Hand Brake System .............................................................................40
Adjusting Brakes ..................................................................................40
Gas/Vent Hoses ...................................................................................41
Protective Rubber Boots ......................................................................41
Battery..................................................................................................42
Spark Plug............................................................................................45
Engine Idle RPM Adjustment ...............................................................45
Throttle Cable Adjustment....................................................................45
Air Filter................................................................................................46
Tires .....................................................................................................46
Wheels .................................................................................................47
Bulb Replacement................................................................................47
Fuse .....................................................................................................48
Storage.................................................................................................48
Preparation For Storage .............................................................................. 49
Preparation After Storage............................................................................50
Limited Warranty .......................................................................................... 51
Warranty Procedure/Owner Responsibility................................................ 52
Arctic Cat Emission Control System Limited Warranty............................ 53
U.S. EPA Emission Control Statement/Warranty Coverage - ATV
(U.S. Only)................................................................................................. 54
Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................... 57
Change of Address, Ownership, or Warranty Transfer.............................57
Maintenance Record .................................................................................... 55
Identification Numbers Record ........................................ Inside Back Cover

3
!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN
BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE.
An ATV handles differently from other vehicles including motorcycles
and cars. A collision or rollover can occur quickly, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and driving on hills or over obstacles, if you
fail to take proper precautions. SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can
result if you do not follow these instructions:
• Parents: It is very important that your child or children understand and follow
the instructions and warnings contained in this manual before operating this
ATV under adult supervision. Also, it is very important that you take time to
watch the Safety DVD (included in the Owner’s Packet) with your child or
children. It contains important operating and safety instructions.
• Read this manual and all labels carefully and follow the operating proce-
dures described.
• Never operate an ATV without proper instruction. Take a training course.
Beginners should receive training from a certified instructor. Contact an
authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-
887-2887 (U.S.) or 1-613-739-1535 (Canada) to find out about the training
course nearest you.
• Never allow anyone under 12 years of age to operate this ATV.
• Never allow a child to operate a Y-12+ ATV without adult supervision and
never allow continued use of an ATV by a child if the child does not have the
abilities to operate it safely.
• Some operators, even at the age of 12, may not be able to operate an ATV
safely; parents should supervise such operator of the ATV at all times. Par-
ents should permit continued use only if they determine that the operator
has the ability to operate the ATV safely.
• Never carry a passenger.
• Never permit a guest to operate this ATV unless the guest has read this
manual and all product labels and has completed a certified training course.
• Never operate an ATV on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks, drive-
ways, parking lots, and streets.
• Never operate this ATV on any public street, highway, or road (even a dirt or
gravel one).
• Never operate an ATV without wearing an approved helmet that fits prop-
erly. You should also wear eye protection (goggles or face shield), gloves,
boots, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and long pants.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this ATV.
• Never operate at excessive speeds. Always travel at a speed which is proper
for the terrain, visibility and operating conditions, and your experience.
• Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
• Always inspect this ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe
operating condition. Always follow the inspection and maintenance proce-
dures and schedules described in this manual.
• Always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests
of the ATV during operation.
• Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain.
Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating the ATV.
• Never operate on excessively rough, slippery, or loose terrain.
• Always follow proper procedures for turning as described in this manual.
Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster
speeds. Do not turn at excessive speed.
• Always have the ATV checked by an authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer if it
has been involved in an accident.
• Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities.
Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger hills.
• Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in this
manual. Check the terrain carefully before you start up any hill. Never
climb hills with slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight forward.
Never open the throttle suddenly. Never go over the top of any hill at high
speed. Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for brak-
ing on hills as described in this manual. Check the terrain carefully before
you start down any hill. Shift your weight backward. Never go down a hill
at high speed. Avoid going down a hill at an angle which would cause the
ATV to lean sharply to one side. Go straight down the hill where possible.
• Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill as described
in this manual. Avoid hills with slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight
to the uphill side of the ATV. Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any hill
until you have mastered the turning techniques described in this manual on
level ground. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
• Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backward when climbing a hill.
To avoid stalling, maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or
roll backwards, follow the special procedure for braking described in this man-
ual. Dismount on the uphill side or to either side if pointed straight uphill. Turn
the ATV around and mount following the procedure described in this manual.

4!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN
BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE.
• Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never attempt
to operate over large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees.
Always follow proper procedures when operating over obstacles as
described in this manual.
• Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces, such as
ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skid-
ding or sliding out of control.
• Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than the
footrests. Remember that wet brakes may have reduced stopping capa-
bility. Test your brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply them lightly
several times to let friction dry out the pads.
• Always use the size and type tires specified in this manual. Always main-
tain proper tire pressure as described in this manual.
• Never improperly install or improperly use accessories on your ATV.
• Never install a twist grip throttle on this ATV.
• Never exceed the stated load capacity for this ATV. One operator only. No
cargo, passengers, or towing.
• Remove the speed limiting safety device on this ATV at your own risk.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, call the
ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887 (U.S.) or Canada Safety
Council at 1-613-739-1535 (Canada).

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!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
ATV Safety Alert
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has concluded that ALL-
TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV’s) may present a risk of DEATH or
SEVERE INJURY in certain circumstances. While accidents may occur
for many reasons:
*** Over 2282 people, including many children, have died in accidents
associated with ATV’s since 2008.
*** Many people have become severely paralyzed or suffered severe
internal injuries as a result of accidents associated with ATV’s.
*** Every month thousands of people are treated in hospital emergency
rooms for injuries received while riding an ATV.
You should be aware that AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE
HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. An ATV handles differently from other
vehicles, including motorcycles and cars. A collision or rollover can
occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers such as turning and driv-
ing on hills and over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precautions.
TO AVOID DEATH OR SEVERE
PERSONAL INJURY:
*NEVER ALLOW ANYONE UNDER 12 YEARS OLD TO
OPERATE AN ARCTIC CAT Y-12+ ATV.
*ALWAYS
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL CAREFULLY
AND FOLLOW THE OPERATING PROCEDURES DESCRIBED.
PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WARNINGS CONTAINED
IN THE MANUAL AND ON ALL LABELS.
* NEVER OPERATE AN ATV WITHOUT PROPER INSTRUCTION.
TAKE A TRAINING COURSE. BEGINNERS SHOULD COM-
PLETE THE TRAINING COURSE DESCRIBED ON PAGE 6.
*NEVERCARRY A PASSENGER OR RIDE AS A PASSENGER
ON AN ATV. CARRYING A PASSENGER MAY UPSET THE
BALANCE OF THE ATV AND MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CON-
TROL.
* EVERY ARCTIC CAT BRAND ATV IS DESIGNED FOR A CER-
TAIN AGE GROUP. NEVER RIDE AN ATV THAT IS NOT
DESIGNED FOR YOUR AGE GROUP. THE OPERATOR’S MAN-
UAL AND LABELS CONTAIN THE AGE GROUP FOR EACH
ARCTIC CAT BRAND ATV.
* NEVER OPERATE AN ARCTIC CAT BRAND YOUTH ATV
WITHOUT PARENTAL SUPERVISION.
* NEVER OPERATE AN ATV ON PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE IS
NOT DESIGNED TO BE USED ON PAVED SURFACES AND
MAY BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.
* NEVER OPERATE AN ATV ON A PUBLIC ROAD, EVEN A
DIRT OR GRAVEL ONE, BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE
TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH OTHER VEHICLES. ALSO,
OPERATING AN ATV ON A PUBLIC ROAD MAY BE AGAINST
THE LAW.
* NEVER OPERATE AN ATV WITHOUT AN APPROVED
MOTORCYCLE HELMET, EYE PROTECTION, BOOTS,
GLOVES, LONG PANTS, AND A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT OR
JACKET.
* NEVER CONSUME ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR
WHILE OPERATING AN ATV.
* NEVER OPERATE AN ATV AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS. GO AT A
SPEED WHICH IS PROPER FOR THE TERRAIN, VISIBILITY
CONDITIONS, AND YOUR EXPERIENCE.
* NEVER ATTEMPT TO DO WHEELIES, JUMPS, OR OTHER
STUNTS.
*ALWAYS
BE CAREFUL WHEN OPERATING AN ATV, ESPE-
CIALLY WHEN APPROACHING HILLS, TURNS, AND OBSTA-
CLES AND WHEN OPERATING ON UNFAMILIAR OR ROUGH
TERRAIN.
* NEVER LEND YOUR ATV TO ANYONE WHO HAS NOT
TAKEN A TRAINING COURSE OR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVING
AN ATV FOR AT LEAST A YEAR.

6!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Rider Training Course
Arctic Cat sponsors a free Rider Training Course to teach ATV riding
skills or to reinforce current riding skills. First-time purchasers without
any previous ATV riding experience will receive a $100.00 coupon from
Arctic Cat through the SVIA/ASI after completing the training course
(U.S. owners only, one incentive). Arctic Cat provides free rider training
courses to appropriate immediate family members per ATV purchase.
Others can take the training course for a small fee. See an authorized
Arctic Cat ATV dealer for details or call [phone] for training
course information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV
SAFETY, call the Consumer Product
Safety Commission at [phone] or
the ATV Distributors' Safety Hotline at
[phone].
Visit the Arctic Cat Inc. website at www.arcticcat.com for additional
product information.

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!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Hangtag
Your Arctic Cat ATV comes with a hangtag containing important safety
information. Anyone who rides the ATV should read and understand this
information before riding.

8!WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Warning Labels
Your Arctic Cat ATV comes with
several labels containing import-
ant safety information. Anyone
who rides the ATV should read
and understand this information
before riding.
The labels should be considered
as permanent parts of the ATV. If
a label comes off or becomes
hard to read, contact your Arctic
Cat ATV dealer for a replace-
ment.
Pour commander des Etiquettes de Mise en Garde gratuites, voyez votre
détaillant de autorisé VTT Arctic Cat pour le numéro de pièce 2436-516.
KM960A