Can-Am Commander Electric LSV Manual

LSV
LSV
219 001 084
Read this guide thoroughly. It contains important safety information.
Minimum age: Operator: 16 years. Passenger: 12 years. Keep this Operator’s Guide in the vehicle.
WARNING
T
2013
2013

©

WARNING
YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. A collision or rollover
can occur quickly, if you fail to take proper precautions, even during routine
maneuvers.
For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in this
Operator's Guide and on the safety labels on your vehicle. Failure to follow
these warnings can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH!
Keep this Operator's Guide with the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator's Guide and on-product safety labels could result in an injury
including the possibility of death!
WARNING
This vehicle may exceed the performance of other vehicles you may have
ridden in the past. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new vehicle.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc.:
Can-Am™
D.E.S.S.™
Commander™
This document contains trademarks of the following companies:
– Maxxis Ceros is a trademark of Maxxis International.
tmo2013-007 en JT
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2012 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

FOREWORD
Congratulations on your purchase of
a new Can-Am™ Commander Electric
side-by-side vehicle. It's backed by the
BRP limited warranty and a network of
authorized Can-Am dealers ready to
provide the parts, accessories or ser-
vice you may require.
At delivery, you were informed of the
warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST to ensure
your new vehicle was prepared to your
entire satisfaction.
Your dealer is committed to your satis-
faction. If you need more information,
please ask your dealer.
Know Before you Go
To learn how to reduce the risk of ac-
cident for you, your passenger, by-
standers or other road users, read this
Operator's Guide and all on-product
safety labels before you operate the
vehicle.
Failure to follow the warnings con-
tained in this Operator's Guide can
result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.
Age Recommendation
A person under 16 should never oper-
ate this vehicle.
On-Road Requirement
This vehicle should be used only where
on-road usage is permitted for the Low
Speed Vehicle (LSV) category.
A valid driver's license is required to
drive this vehicle on public roads where
permitted.
Safety Messages
The types of safety messages, what
they look like and how they are used in
this guide are explained as follows:
The safety alert symbol indicates
a potential injury hazard.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
CAUTION Indicates a haz-
ardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction
which, if not followed, could result
in severely damaged vehicle com-
ponents or other property.
About this Operator's
Guide
This Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
of a new vehicle with the various ve-
hicle controls, maintenance and safe
operating instructions. It is indispens-
able for the proper use of the product.
Keep this Operator's Guide in the vehi-
cle as you can refer to it for things such
as maintenance, troubleshooting and
instructing others.
Note that this guide may be available in
several languages. In the event of any
discrepancy, the English version shall
prevail.
Ifyouwanttoviewand/orprintan
extra copy of your Operator's Guide,
simply visit the following website
www.operatorsguide.brp.com.
The information contained in this doc-
ument is correct at the time of publi-
cation. BRP, however, maintains a pol-
icy of continuous improvement of its
products without imposing upon itself
any obligation to install them on prod-
ucts previously manufactured. Due
to late changes, some differences be-
tween the manufactured product and
the descriptions and/or specifications
in this guide may occur. BRP reserves
the right at any time to discontinue or
_______________ 1

FOREWORD
change specifications, designs, fea-
tures, models or equipment without
incurring any obligation upon itself.
This Operator's Guide should remain
with the vehicle when it is sold.
2_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1
Know Before youGo............................................................. 1
SafetyMessages................................................................. 1
AboutthisOperator's Guide .................................................... 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS.......................................................... 8
AvoidFires andOtherHazards.................................................. 8
AvoidBurnsfromHotParts ..................................................... 8
Accessories andModifications ................................................. 8
Electrical Shocks ................................................................. 8
SAFEOPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................... 9
Owner-BeResponsible......................................................... 9
Operator-BeQualified andResponsible....................................... 9
RidingCarefully.................................................................. 10
TerrainCondition ................................................................ 11
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION............................................................ 12
Pre-RideInspectionCheck List ................................................ 12
PREPARE TO RIDE.................................................................. 15
BeforeyouRide ................................................................. 15
RidingGear ...................................................................... 15
AVOID ACCIDENTS ................................................................ 17
AvoidRolloversand Tipovers................................................... 17
Avoid Collisions.................................................................. 17
RIDINGYOURVEHICLE............................................................ 19
PracticeExercises .............................................................. 19
On-Roadand PavedSurfaces Operation...................................... 20
Off-Road Operation............................................................. 20
GeneralRiding Techniques..................................................... 20
MOVING LOADSAND DOING WORK ........................................... 25
WorkingwithyourVehicle...................................................... 25
CarryingLoads .................................................................. 25
HaulingaLoad................................................................... 28
Pulling a Trailer................................................................... 28
IMPORTANTON-PRODUCTLABELS............................................ 29
Safety Labels .................................................................... 29
Compliance Labels.............................................................. 38
VEHICLE INFORMATION
PRIMARYCONTROLS ............................................................. 40
1)SteeringWheel............................................................... 40
2)Brake Pedal ................................................................... 40
_______________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRIMARY CONTROLS (cont’d)
3)AcceleratorPedal............................................................. 41
4)Shift Lever .................................................................... 41
SECONDARYCONTROLS......................................................... 43
1)PowerSwitchandKey....................................................... 43
2)MultifunctionLever .......................................................... 44
3)HazardWarningSwitch...................................................... 44
4)2WD/4WD Switch............................................................ 44
5)ECO ModeSwitch............................................................ 45
6)Rear DifferentialLock Switch ............................................... 45
7)WinchSwitch(Option)....................................................... 46
8)WiperSwitch ................................................................. 46
9)Windshield WasherSwitch.................................................. 47
MULTIFUNCTION GAUGE (ANALOG/DIGITAL) ............................... 48
Multifunction Gauge Description .............................................. 48
GaugeSetup..................................................................... 51
EQUIPMENT......................................................................... 52
1)TiltSteering ................................................................... 53
2)Cup Holders................................................................... 53
3)Passenger Handholds........................................................ 54
4)Glove Box ..................................................................... 54
5)ToolKit......................................................................... 54
6)WinchRemoteControl(Option)............................................. 54
7)Footrests...................................................................... 54
8)Side Nets...................................................................... 55
9)ShoulderGuards.............................................................. 55
10)SeatBelts.................................................................... 55
11)DriverSeat................................................................... 56
12)PassengerSeat ............................................................. 56
13) Winch (Option) .............................................................. 56
14)CentralMirror ............................................................... 57
15)LH SideMirror............................................................... 57
16)CargoBox.................................................................... 57
17)CargoBox Tilt Release Handles............................................ 58
18)Anchoring Hooks............................................................ 58
19)UpperTailgate............................................................... 58
20)LowerTailgate............................................................... 59
21)Hitchsupport................................................................ 59
22)Windshield .................................................................. 59
SUSPENSION....................................................................... 60
Suspension AdjustmentsGuideline........................................... 60
BATTERIES .......................................................................... 62
BatteryConnection Diagram................................................... 62
BatteryBreak-in ................................................................. 62
BatteryLocations ............................................................... 62
BatteryState ofCharge......................................................... 62
4_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BATTERIES (cont’d)
BatteryCharging ................................................................ 63
BatteryOperating Range ....................................................... 64
SPECIALPROCEDURES ........................................................... 65
Whatto doifVehicleRolledOver.............................................. 65
Whatto doifVehicleisSubmerged............................................ 65
TRANSPORTINGTHE VEHICLE .................................................. 66
TransportingtheVehicleon a TraileroraFlat BedPlatform.................. 66
Towing theVehicle Behind aTowVehicle ..................................... 66
LIFTINGANDSUPPORTING THEVEHICLE..................................... 67
Front of Vehicle.................................................................. 67
Rearof Vehicle................................................................... 67
MAINTENANCE
BREAK-IN INSPECTION ........................................................... 70
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE...................................................... 73
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES .................................................. 76
Front andRear DifferentialOil.................................................. 76
Batteriesand ElectricalComponents.......................................... 78
Fuses............................................................................. 78
Lights............................................................................. 79
Drive ShaftBootandProtector................................................. 81
WheelBearing................................................................... 81
Wheelsand Tires................................................................ 82
Suspensions..................................................................... 83
Brakes............................................................................ 83
VEHICLECARE...................................................................... 85
Post-OperationCare ............................................................ 85
Vehicle Cleaning andProtection ............................................... 85
STORAGE ANDPRESEASON PREPARATION.................................. 86
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLEIDENTIFICATION ........................................................ 88
Vehicle IdentificationNumber.................................................. 88
MotorIdentificationNumber................................................... 88
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................... 89
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDELINES ............................................. 96
MESSAGESINMULTIFUNCTIONGAUGE ..................................... 97
_______________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2013 CAN-AM®
COMMANDER ELECTRICSIDE-BY-SIDEVEHICLES......................... 100
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
PRIVACY INFORMATION........................................................ 106
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 107
6_______________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 7

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Fires and Other
Hazards
To reduce the risk of fire or explosion,
follow these instructions:
Fuel
– Special precautions must be taken
when handling or storing fuel con-
tainers in the cargo box
– Use only an approved gasoline con-
tainer to store fuel.
– Never fill the gasoline container in
the vehicle cargo box or on the ve-
hicle - an electrical static discharge
may ignite the fuel.
WARNING
Strictly adhere to these instruc-
tions when handling fuel con-
tainers as gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive.
Electrical System and Batteries
WARNING
Have your battery pack inspected
and voltage checked by a Can-Am
dealer after an accident or a severe
impact.
– Follow this guide's recommenda-
tion and have your vehicle's electri-
cal system inspected by an autho-
rized Can-Am dealer.
– Use only an adequate extension
cord to connect vehicle to electrical
outlet.
Avoid Burns from Hot Parts
Certain components become hot dur-
ing operation. Avoid contact during
and shortly after operation to avoid
burns.
Accessories and
Modifications
Do not make unauthorized modifica-
tions, or use attachments or acces-
sories that are not approved by BRP.
Since these changes have not been
tested by BRP, they may increase the
risk of crash or injury, and can render
the vehicle illegal. For example, modi-
fications such as different tires can af-
fect the center-of-gravity and increase
the risk of rollover.
See your authorized Can-Am dealer for
available accessories for your vehicle.
Electrical Shocks
Do not tamper with the electrical sys-
tem of this vehicle. See an authorized
Can-Am dealer.
WARNING
If a fire occurs with this vehicle,
use only a type ABC, BC or C fire
extinguisher that is meant for use
on electrical fires. Using water or
the incorrect fire extinguisher can
result in serious injury or death
from electrical shock.
8________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES
Operators must be responsible and
use care to avoid accidents such as
rollovers, tipovers, collisions, etc.
Even with vehicle safety features
(such as protective structure, seat
belts, side nets) and protective gear
(such as a helmet), there is always a
risk of injury or death in these acci-
dents. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death, follow the rules in this
section.
Owner - Be Responsible
Read this Operator's Guide.
Always inspect and confirm the safe
operating condition of your vehicle
prior to ride. Always follow the main-
tenance schedule described in this
Operator's Guide.
Never allow anyone to operate your
vehicle unless they are responsible
and can be trusted with this type of
vehicle. Consider supervising new
operators and setting rules and limits
(e.g., whether they can carry a passen-
ger, what they may do with the vehicle,
where they may ride, etc.) for anyone
using your vehicle.
Discuss the safety information with
anyone who will be using the vehicle.
Be sure that all operators and passen-
gers meet the qualifications below and
agree to follow the safety information.
Help users become familiar with the
vehicle.
Operator - Be Qualified and
Responsible
Read this Operator's Guide.
Become completely familiar with the
operational controls and the general
operation of the vehicle.
Take a training course if available (con-
tact an authorized Can-Am dealer to
find out about training course avail-
ability), and perform the practice exer-
cises in
PRACTICE EXERCISES sec-
tion. Practice driving in a suitable area
free of hazards and feel the response
of each control. Drive at low speeds.
Higher speeds require greater expe-
rience, knowledge and suitable riding
conditions.
Be at least 16 years of age.
Be tall enough to be properly seated:
back against the backrest with the
seat belt fastened, to hold the steer-
ing wheel with both hands and still be
able to reach the full stroke of brake
and accelerator pedals with the right
foot and to firmly plant left foot on the
footrest.
Never operate this vehicle after using
drugs or alcohol, or if tired or ill. These
slow reaction time and impair judg-
ment.
Carrying a Passenger
Only carry one passenger. The pas-
senger must be properly seated in the
cockpit.
The passenger must be at least
12 years old and tall enough to always
be properly seated: back against the
backrest with seat belt fastened, hold-
ing both handholds, and feet firmly
planted - right foot on the footrest and
the left foot on the vehicle floor.
Never carry a passenger who has used
drugs or alcohol, or is tired or ill. These
slow reaction time and impair judg-
ment.
Instruct the passenger to read the vehi-
cle’s safety labels.
For off-road operation, never carry a
passenger if you judge his ability or
judgement insufficient to concentrate
on the terrain conditions and adapt ac-
cordingly.
Off-Road Usage
Drive responsibly.
Follow safe operation guidelines.
Wear appropriate safety equipment.
Refer to
RIDING GEAR .
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 9

SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES
On-Road Usage
Drive responsibly, always respect road
traffic laws.
Have a proper driver's license in accor-
dance with local laws when driving this
vehicle on public roads where permit-
ted.
The operator is responsible for the
safety of the passenger and by-
standers. Always follow the safe oper-
ation guidelines and drive safely,
This is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) in-
tended for limited on and off road use.
Check with local laws for limitations on
use.
LSVs provide much less crash pro-
tection than cars. This vehicle is not
equipped with the safety features
(such as airbags) found in cars. If you
are in a collision, you are more likely
to be hurt or killed than in a car. Seat
belts, nets and helmets provide some
protection but will not prevent serious
injury or death if the vehicle is crushed
or the impact is severe.
Even if allowed by local law, avoid ar-
eas with heavy or high-speed traffic. If
you must operate in these conditions,
a helmet may reduce your risk of injury
in a collision.
This vehicle is quiet; other road users
may not hear you. Watch for pedes-
trians and bikers and use the horn as
needed.
Riding Carefully
– This vehicle handles differently
from other vehicles. A collision or
rollover can occur quickly, during
abrupt maneuvers such as doing
sharp turns, acceleration or decel-
eration and driving on hills or over
obstacles, if you fail to take proper
precautions.
– Always go at a speed that is proper
for the terrain, visibility, and operat-
ing conditions, and your experience.
– Never attempt jumps, side slides,
donuts or any other stunts.
– Never attempt rapid acceleration
or deceleration when performing a
sharp turn. This may result in a roll
over.
– Never attempt skidding or sliding.
If vehicle starts to skid or slide,
counter steer in the direction of
skidding or sliding. On extremely
slippery surfaces, such as ice, go
slowly and be very cautious in order
to reduce the chance of skidding out
of control.
– Always be sure there are no obsta-
cles or people behind the vehicle
when you operate in reverse. Pay
attention to blind spots. When it
is safe to proceed in reverse, go
slowly.
– Never try to stop a rollover using
your arms or legs. If you think that
the vehicle may tip or roll, the driver
should keep both hands on the
steering wheel, the left foot firmly
planted on the footrest and the right
foot planted on the floor. The pas-
senger should keep both hands on
the handholds and both feet firmly
planted on the floor.
– Always remember that this vehicle
is heavy! Its pure weight alone may
entrap you should it tip or rollover.
Occupant Restraint System
– This vehicle is designed to carry
one driver and one passenger, both
wearing proper protective gears (re-
fer to the
PREPARE TO RIDE sub-
section).
– The driver and passenger must latch
the side nets and wear the seat
belts at all times when riding.
– Never grab the cage while riding.
Hands can be crushed between the
cage and the ground in a rollover.
Keep hands on the steering wheel
or handholds.
10 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SAFE OPERATION - RESPONSIBILITIES
Terrain Condition
– Always go slowly and be extra care-
ful when operating on unfamiliar
terrain. Always be alert to changing
terrain conditions when operating
this vehicle. Take the time to learn
how the vehicle performs in differ-
ent environments.
– Never operate on excessively
rough, slippery or loose terrain un-
til you have learned and practiced
the skills necessary to control this
vehicleonsuchterrain. Alwaysbe
especially cautious on these kinds
of terrain.
– Never operate this vehicle on hills
too steep for the vehicle or your abil-
ities. Practice on small inclines.
– Always follow proper procedures
for climbing or going down hills as
described in
RIDING THE VEHICLE
subsection. Check the terrain care-
fully before you start up or down any
hill. Never climb or descend hills
with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces. Never go over the top of
any hill at high speed.
– Never attempt steep hills or side
hilling when pulling a trailer.
– Always check for obstacles before
operating in a new area. Always fol-
low proper procedures when oper-
ating over obstacles as described in
RIDING THE VEHICLE subsection.
– Never operate this vehicle in fast
flowing water or in water deeper
than specified in
RIDING THE VE-
HICLE
subsection. Remember that
wet brakes may have reduced stop-
ping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply
them several times to let friction dry
out the brakes.
– Always ensure to properly park the
vehicle on the flattest terrain section
available. Put shift lever in PARK
before leaving the vehicle. Block
wheels if vehicle is parked on an in-
cline.
– Never assume that the vehicle will
go everywhere safely. Sudden
changes in terrain caused by holes,
depressions, banks, softer or harder
“ground” or other irregularities may
cause the vehicle to topple or be-
come unstable. To avoid this, slow
down and always observe the ter-
rain ahead. If the vehicle does begin
to topple or rollover, the best advice
is to immediately steer in the direc-
tion of the rollover! Never attempt
to prevent a rollover with your arms
or legs. You should keep your limbs
inside the cage.
– When riding on paved surfaces,
ensure the rear differential is not
locked. Avoid abrupt inputs to steer-
ing wheel. When turning, avoid
abrupt inputs to brake or acceler-
ator.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 11

PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
Always inspect and confirm the safe operating condition of your vehicle prior to
ride. Always follow the maintenance schedule described in this Operator's Guide.
WARNING
Perform a pre-ride inspection before each ride to detect any potential prob-
lem that could occur during operation. The pre-ride inspection can help you
monitor component wear and deterioration before they become a problem.
Correct any problem that you discover to reduce the risk of a breakdown or
crash. See an authorized Can-Am dealer as necessary.
Before using this vehicle, the operator should always perform the following
pre-ride inspection check list.
Pre-Ride Inspection Check List
Items to be Checked in Key OFF Position
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED INSPECTION TO PERFORM ✔
Charging cable Verify charging cable is disconnected from power outlet.
Tires Check tire pressure and condition. Refer to vehicle label or
SPECIFICATIONS in this guide.
Wheels Check wheels and lug nuts for damage.
Drive shaft boots Check drive shaft boots and protectors condition.
Cargo Load: If you transport a cargo, respect
the maximum load capacity according to your
vehicle and its equipment. Ensure cargo
is properly secured to the rear cargo box.
Vehicle Load: Ensure that total load on the vehicle does
not exceed specifications.
Cargo and load
If you are pulling a trailer or another equipment:
– Check hitch and trailer ball condition.
– Respect the tongue capacity and towing capacity.
– Ensure trailer is properly secured to hitch.
Check if the cargo box is properly latched.
Rear cargo box
Check if both tail gates are properly latched.
Chassis and
suspension
Check underneath vehicle for any debris on chassis or
suspension and clean them properly.
12 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED INSPECTION TO PERFORM ✔
Check if seats are properly latched.
Check side nets for any damage. Have
the nets replaced if any damage is found.
Fasten both side nets and confirm that they latch
securely. Usetheadjustmentstraptotightenthesidenet
as required.
Seats, side nets
and seatbelts
Check seatbelts for any damage. Fasten seatbelts and
confirm that they latch securely.
Accelerator pedal
Press on the accelerator pedal a few times to ensure it
operates freely and it returns to the rest position when
released.
Brake pedal
Press down on the brake pedal and make sure you feel
firm resistance and that it fully returns to position when
released.
Steering Check if steering operates freely by completely turning it
from side to side.
Mirrors Adjust mirrors to your preference
Items to be Checked in Key ON position
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED INSPECTION TO PERFORM ✔
Check operation of indicator lamps in gauge (during first
few seconds of key ON).
Gauge
Check for messages in gauge.
Check cleanliness of headlights, taillights and reflectors.
Check operation of headlights (high and low beams), and
brake lights.
Lights and reflectors
Check operation of hazard warning lights, turn signals and
positions lights (if applicable)
Differential switch Verify differential switch indicator lights cycle though
when differential switch is pressed.
Horn Check horn operation.
Shift lever Check operation of shift lever (P, R, N, H and L).
2WD/4WD selector Check operation of 2WD/4WD selector.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 13

PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
ITEMS TO BE
INSPECTED INSPECTION TO PERFORM ✔
Battery charge Verify level of battery charge is sufficient for planned trip.
Parking brake Shift from park and listen for the release sound of the
parking brake mechanism.
Power Switch Turn the key to the OFF position to verify if motor and
gauge will shut down.
14 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

PREPARE TO RIDE
Before you Ride
Performpre-rideinspectiontoconfirm
the safe operating condition of your ve-
hicle. Refer to
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
subsection.
Driver and passenger must:
– Be properly seated.
– Latch both side nets and fasten seat
belt.
– Wear appropriate riding gear.
Riding Gear
(On-Road Use)
An approved helmet for the opera-
tor and passenger is recommended
when using this vehicle on public roads
where permitted to reduce the risk of
injury in the event of an accident.
For helmet information, refer to
CHOOSING AN HELMET in RIDING
GEAR FOR OFF-ROAD USE
in this
section.
(Off-Road Use)
It is important that the operator and
passenger always wear appropriate
protective clothing and apparel, includ-
ing:
– An approved helmet
– Eye protection
–Boots
–Gloves
– A long sleeved shirt or jacket
– Long pants.
Depending on conditions, anti-fogging
goggles may be required.
1
2
3
4
5
6
rmo2008-001-019_a
RIDING GEAR
1. Approved helmet
2. Eye and face protection
3. Long sleeves shirt or jacket
4. Gloves
5. Long pants
6. Boots (over-the-ankle footwear)
Weather conditions should help you
decide how to dress. To maximize
comfort and avoid frostbites in win-
ter, dress for the coldest weather ex-
pected. Thermal underwear next to
the skin also provides good insulation.
Never wear any loose clothing that
may get entangled in the vehicle or on
tree branches and shrubs.
Helmets and Eye Protection
Helmets protect the head and brain
from injury. Even with the vehicle's
cage and side nets, objects can en-
ter the cockpit and strike the head, or
the head can strike the cage itself or
objects outside the vehicle. Even the
best helmet is no guarantee against
injury, but statistics indicate that hel-
met use significantly reduces the risk
ofbraininjury. So,besafeandalways
wear a helmet while riding.
Choosing a Helmet
Helmets should be manufactured to
meet the appropriate standard in your
state, province or country and should
fit properly.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 15

PREPARE TO RIDE
Ahelmetwithfaceprotectionisabet-
ter choice as it protects also against
frontal impacts. It can also protect
against debris, stones, insects, the el-
ements, etc.
An open-face helmet does not offer the
same protection for the face and chin.
If you wear an open-face helmet, you
should use a snap-on face shield and/or
a pair of goggles. Ordinary glasses or
sunglasses are not sufficient eye pro-
tection for riders. They can shatter
or fly off, and they allow wind and air-
borne objects to reach the eyes.
For winter riding conditions, a stock-
ing type cap, balaclava and face mask
should always be carried or worn.
Use tinted face shields or goggles in
the daytime only; do not use them at
night or in poor illumination. Do not
use them if they impair your ability to
discern color.
Footwear
Always wear closed toe footwear.
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots with
non-slip soles offer more protection
and allow you to plant your foot prop-
erly on footrest.
Avoid long shoelaces that can be tan-
gled in the accelerator or brake pedals.
For winter riding conditions, rubber
soled boots with either a nylon or
leather uppers, with removable felt
liners are best suited.
Avoid rubber boots. Rubber boots may
get trapped behind or between pedals,
impairing the proper operation of brake
and accelerator pedals.
Gloves
Full-fingered gloves protect hands
from the wind, sun, heat, cold and fly-
ing objects. Gloves that fit snugly will
improvegriponthesteeringwheeland
help reduce hand fatigue. Sturdy, rein-
forced motorcycle or ATV gloves help
protect hands better in the event of an
accident or a rollover. If gloves are too
bulky, it may be difficult to operate the
controls.
For winter riding conditions, hands
should be protected by a pair of snow-
mobile gloves which have sufficient
insulation and allow use of thumbs and
fingers for operation of controls.
Jackets, Pants and Riding Suits
Wear a jacket or a long sleeved shirt
and long pants, or a full riding suit.
Quality ATV-type protective gear will
provide comfort, and it can help you
avoid being distracted by adverse en-
vironmental elements. In case of a
crash, good quality protective gear
made of sturdy material may prevent
or reduce injury.
In cool-weather riding, protect your-
self against hypothermia. Hypother-
mia, a condition of low body tempera-
ture, can cause loss of concentration,
slowed reactions and loss of smooth,
precise muscle movement. In cool
conditions, proper protective gear like
a windproof jacket and insulated layers
of clothing are essential. Even while
riding at moderate temperatures, you
can feel very cold due to the wind.
Protective gear that is appropriate for
cold-weather riding may be too hot
when stopped. Dress in layers so that
clothing can be removed as desired.
Topping the protective gear with a
windproof outer layer can prevent cold
air from reaching the skin.
Rain Gear
Ifyoumustrideinwetweather,arain
suit or a waterproof riding suit is rec-
ommended. On long rides, it is a good
idea to carry rain gear. A dry rider will
be much more comfortable and alert.
16 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

AVOID ACCIDENTS
Avoid Rollovers and
Tipovers
This vehicle can handle off-road ter-
rain due to its design (wheelbase, track
width, ground clearance, etc.) As a re-
sult, this vehicle may overturn in some
cornering conditions if proper precau-
tions are not followed.
A rollover or other accident can oc-
cur quickly during abrupt maneuvers
such as sharp turns or hard accelera-
tion or deceleration when turning, or
when driving on hills or over obsta-
cles. Abrupt maneuvers or aggressive
driving can cause rollovers or loss of
control even in flat open areas. If the
vehicle rolls over, any part of your body
(such as arms, legs, or head) outside of
the cockpit can be crushed and trapped
by the cage or other parts of the vehi-
cle. You can also be injured by impact
with the ground, cockpit or other ob-
jects.
To reduce the risk of rollovers:
– Use care when turning.
• Adjust steering inputs accord-
ingly to your speed and environ-
ment.
• Slow down before entering a
turn. Avoid hard braking during
a turn.
• Avoid sudden or hard accelera-
tion when turning, even from a
stop or low speed.
– Never attempt donuts, skids, slides,
fishtails, jumps, or other stunts. If
vehicle starts to skid or slide, steer
in the direction of the skid or slide.
Never slam the brakes and lock the
wheels.
– Riding the vehicle with the rear dif-
ferential in the locked position af-
fects vehicle handling and control.
This vehicle should be driven with
the rear differential in the unlock
position, except for off-road opera-
tion or when conditions are slippery
such as when there is snow or ice.
When differential is locked, reduce
speed for optimum vehicle stability,
control and traction.
During OFF-Road Operation
This vehicle can roll over sideways
or tip over forward or backwards on
slopes or uneven terrain.
– Avoid side hilling (driving along the
slope rather than up or down a hill).
When possible, drive straight up and
down inclines rather than across
them. If you must side hill, use ex-
treme caution and avoid slippery
surfaces, objects, or depressions. If
you feel the vehicle start to rollover
or slide sideways, steer downhill if
possible.
– Avoid steep hills and follow proce-
dures in this guide for climbing and
descending hills.
– Sudden changes in terrain such as
holes, depressions, banks, softer or
harder ground or other irregularities
may cause the vehicle to tip or be-
come unstable. Observe the terrain
ahead and slow down in areas of un-
even terrain.
Avoid Collisions
This vehicle does not have the same
kind of protection for collisions as a
passenger car; for example, there are
no air bags, the cockpit is not fully en-
closed, and it is not designed to meet
collisions requirements. Seat belts
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 17