Polaris Timbersled ST 120 RAW 2019 User manual

2019
Owner’s MAnual
TIMBERSLED® ST 120 RAW

WARNING
Read, understand, and follow all of the instructions and
safety precautions in this manual and on all product labels.
Failure to follow the safety precautions could result in
serious injury or death.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNERS
Read, understand, and follow all of the instructions and
safety precautions in this manual and on all product labels.
Failure to follow the safety precautions could result in
serious injury or death.
For videos and more information about a safe
riding experience with your Polaris vehicle, scan
this QR code with your smartphone.

2019 Timbersled Owner’s Manual
ST 120 RAW

POLARIS® and Timbersled® are trademarks of POLARIS Industries Inc.
Copyright 2018 Polaris Industries Inc. All information contained within this
publication is based on the latest product information at the time of
publication. Due to constant improvements in the design and quality of
production components, some minor discrepancies may result between the
actual vehicle and the information presented in this publication. Depictions
and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use only. No
liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Any reprinting or
reuse of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or
in part, is expressly prohibited.
Loctite® is a registered trademark of Henkel AG & Co.
EK® is a copyright trademark of Enuma Chain Mfg. Co., Ltd.
The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are
provided as translations of the original instructions.
Printed in U.S.A.
2019 Timbersled Owner’s Manual
9928985

Thank you for purchasing a POLARIS vehicle, and welcome to our world-wide
family of POLARIS enthusiasts. Be sure to visit us online at www.polaris.com for
the latest news, new product introductions, upcoming events, career
opportunities and more.
Here at POLARIS we proudly produce an exciting line of utility and recreational
products. We believe POLARIS sets a standard of excellence for all utility and
recreational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of experience
have gone into the engineering, design, and development of your POLARIS
vehicle, making it the finest machine we’ve ever produced.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Low emission vehicles (LEVs)
• RANGER® utility vehicles
• BRUTUS® work vehicles
• SLINGSHOT® three wheel motorcycles
• RZR® sport vehicles
• GEM® vehicles
• INDIAN® motorcycles
• POLARIS POWER® generators
• POLARIS DEFENSE® combat vehicles
• Timbersled® Snow Bikes
For safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle, be sure to follow the
instructions and recommendations in this owner’s manual. Your manual contains
instructions for minor maintenance, but information about major repairs is
outlined in the POLARIS Service Manual and can be performed by a factory
certified Master Service Dealer® (MSD) technician.
Your POLARIS dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your total
satisfaction. Your POLARIS dealership can perform all of your service needs
during, and after, the warranty period.
3
WELCOME

The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual. Your
safety is involved when these words and symbols are used. Become familiar
with their meanings before reading the manual.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in
death to the operator, bystanders or person(s) inspecting or servicing the
vehicle.
CAUTION
SAFETY ALERT CAUTION indicates a potential hazard that may result in minor
personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid vehicle
damage or property damage.
NOTICE
NOTICE provides key information by clarifying instructions.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT provides key reminders during disassembly, assembly, and
inspection of components.
4
WELCOME

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Pre-Ride Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

6

INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR OWNERS AND DRIVERS
After reading this manual, store it with the snow bike for convenient reference. It
should remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
Some of the illustrations and photos used in this manual are general
representations. Your model may differ.
Follow the maintenance program outlined in this manual. Preventive
maintenance ensures that critical components of the snow bike are inspected at
specific mileage intervals. This service can be performed by your authorized
Timbersled dealer.
You and your dealer must complete the registration form included with your
vehicle and forward it to us. This form should be completed at the dealership
upon purchase, and is necessary to ensure warranty coverage.
Protect and preserve your right to ride by joining your local trail riding clubs.
When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined course
for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the vehicle before
allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them proper riding courtesy, and
enroll them in driver’s training and safety courses sponsored by local or state
organizations.
PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Timbersled is committed to supporting an environmental education campaign.
We encourage state and provincial governments across the snowbelt to adopt
rigorous safety training programs that encourage protection of our environment,
including wildlife and vegetation.
Clubs and other organizations are working together to protect our environment.
Please support their efforts and operate your snow bike with consideration for
the protection and preservation of our environment.
INSTALLATION
See your local Timbersled dealer for installation instructions and accessory
attachments.
7
INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
Record your Timbersled’s serial number in the spaces provided.
NOTICE
If installing an aftermarket tunnel wrap, do not cover the tunnel serial number
with the wrap. If the tunnel wrap doesn’t provide an opening for the label,
remove the section of wrap where the label is located.
q
Serial Number
SERIAL NUMBER:
8
INTRODUCTION

SAFETY
OPERATOR SAFETY
Follow the recommended maintenance program on page 39 to ensure that all
critical components on the snow bike are thoroughly inspected at specific
intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Your dealer can perform
this service.
WARNING
Driving a snow bike requires your full attention. DO NOT drink alcohol or use
drugs or medications before or while driving or riding as a passenger. They will
reduce your alertness and slow your reaction time.
Snow bikes are capable of traveling at high speeds. Use extra caution to
ensure operator safety. Make sure your snow bike is in excellent operating
condition at all times. Always check major and vital safety components before
every ride.
All Timbersled snow bikes are designed and tested to provide safe operation
when used as directed. Failure of critical machine components may result from
operation with any modifications, especially those that increase speed or
power. DO NOT MODIFY YOUR MACHINE. The snow bike may become
aerodynamically unstable at speeds higher than those for which it is designed.
Loss of control may occur at higher speeds. Modifications may also create a
safety hazard and lead to bodily injury.
HOST BIKE
The Timbersled Snow Bike system is designed to be attached to a variety of
host bikes. Read and understand your host bike’s operation manual and follow
all safety and maintenance information. Failure to do so could result in serious
injury or death.
STAY CLEAR OF TRACK
Your snow bike is propelled by a revolving track that must be partially exposed
for proper operation.
WARNING
Serious injuries may result if hands, feet, or clothing become entangled in the
track. Be alert when riding, and remain properly seated to stay clear of the
track. Never hold the snow bike up or stand behind it while warming up the
track. A loose track or flying debris could cause serious injury or death. We
recommend having your dealer perform all track service and alignment
procedures.
9
SAFETY

RIDING POSITION
Operating a Timbersled requires skill and balance for proper control. Rider
positions may vary with experience and the features available on some models,
but under many conditions the proper position is to be seated with both hands
on the handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake, and steering control. See your
host bike’s owners manual for proper riding position.
WARNING
Improper riding position may reduce control and could result in serious injury or
death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your vehicle.
RIDER CAPACITY
This Timbersled is designed for a single rider only. Never carry a passenger on
this vehicle.
RIDING APPAREL
HELMET
Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding a
Timbersled vehicle, 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.
Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania bear the ECE 22.05 label. The
ECE mark consists of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the
distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval. The approval
number and serial number will also be displayed on the label.
EYE PROTECTION
Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. Whenever riding
a Timbersled vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles or use a shatterproof
helmet face shield. Timbersled recommends wearing approved Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or
CE. Make sure protective eye wear is kept clean.
CLOTHING
Be prepared, be warm and be comfortable when riding. Be aware of the weather
forecast, especially the windchill, and dress accordingly. See page 22.
WARNING
Avoid wearing loose clothing or long scarves, which can become entangled in
moving parts and cause serious injury. Always wear an approved helmet and
eye protection.
10
SAFETY

SURVIVAL PREPARATION
For your safety, always ride in a group. Always tell someone where you're going
and how long you expect to be gone. If it isn't possible to ride with others, and
you must travel into remote areas, always carry survival equipment that's
appropriate to the conditions you may encounter. Such equipment may include,
but is not limited to: extra clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food and water, a
signaling mirror, a means of building a fire, and a two-way radio or cellular
telephone.
Always carry the owner’s manual on your snow bike. For added protection,
purchase and carry the following items on your snow bike as well:
• Extra Set of Spark Plugs
• Tow Rope
• Extra Oil
• Fuel Deicer
• Winter Survival Kit
• Spare Drive Chain
• Spare Chain Case Chain (if equipped)
• Trail Map
• First Aid Kit
• Tool Kit
EXCESSIVE SPEED
WARNING
High speed driving, especially at night, could result in serious injury or death.
Always reduce speed when driving at night or in inclement weather.
Always observe all state and local laws governing snow bike operation and
speed limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail ahead. If your speed is
40 MPH (64 km/h), your snow bike is traveling about 60 feet (18 m) per second.
If you look back for only two seconds, your snow bike will travel about 120 feet
(36 m). If your speed is 60 MPH (96 km/h), your snow bike will travel about 180
feet (55 m) in two seconds.
Traveling at night requires extra caution. If your host bike is equipped with a
headlight, check headlight and taillight to ensure proper operation, and don’t
over-drive your headlight beam. Always be able to bring your snow bike to a
stop in the distance illuminated by the headlight.
11
SAFETY

DRIVER AWARENESS
Slow down when traveling near poles, posts, or other obstacles. Be especially
alert if you're snow biking after dark. Always be on the alert for wire fences.
Single strands are especially dangerous, since there may be a great distance
between posts. Guy wires on utility poles are also difficult to distinguish.
Make sure the way is clear before crossing railroads and other roads and
highways. The noise of your snow bike will drown out the sound of approaching
vehicles. Look ahead, behind, and to both sides before turning or crossing
railroad tracks or highways. Steep embankments may also hide your view.
Always leave yourself a way out.
Variances in snow depth and/or water currents may result in uneven ice
thickness. You may drown if you break through the ice. Never travel on frozen
bodies of water unless you have first verified that the ice is sufficiently thick to
support the weight and moving force of the snow bike, you and your cargo,
together with any other vehicles in your party. Always check with local authorities
and residents to confirm ice conditions and thickness over your entire route.
Operators assume all risk associated with ice conditions on frozen bodies of
water.
When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined course
for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the snow bike before
allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them proper snow bike courtesy, and
enroll them in driver's training and safety courses.
DISABLED OPERATORS
Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and physical
skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an increased risk of
loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.
12
SAFETY

MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN RIDING
Mountainous terrain operation, even for experienced riders, can present
conditions and situations that could result in serious injury or death. Please
review all of the information about riding in mountainous terrain on the following
pages of this manual.
WARNING
An avalanche can occur at any time, in any conditions and on any slope.
The avalanche information provided in this manual should be considered basic
information and is not intended to replace your participation in an avalanche
safety training course. After reviewing the avalanche information in this manual,
be sure to participate in an avalanche safety training course before riding in
mountainous terrain. The training course will provide more information as well as
the opportunity to practice riding and using proper search and recovery
techniques.
For more information, education, training courses, and links to international
resources, visit www.avalanche.org or scan the QR code with your smartphone
or other device.
GET THE SAFETY GEAR
In addition to carrying a spare belt, spark plugs and tools on each snow bike,
each person in your riding group should wear the recommended snow bike
riding apparel and carry (on their person) the following survival items when
riding in mountainous terrain:
• A digital avalanche beacon with new “fresh” alkaline batteries
• An avalanche probe
• A compact shovel and hand saw
• A backpack (preferably an avalanche air bag backpack)
• Emergency provisions, including the following items:
– Small first aid kit
– Extra pair of gloves
– Extra dry socks
– Tow rope, map, compass/GPS
– Lighter or waterproof matches
– Signal mirror and whistle
– Bottled water
– High calorie snack food
– Compact emergency blanket
– Cell phone
– Radio
13
SAFETY

GET TO KNOW YOUR SAFETY GEAR
Following the safety gear and apparel recommendations will increase your
chances of survival if you encounter an avalanche or become stranded in the
backcountry, but even experienced and properly-equipped snow bikers, hikers
and skiers perish in avalanches or succumb to hypothermia. Using a beacon or
probe for the first time during an avalanche recovery operation, or not knowing
how to deploy your avalanche air bag backpack during a slide, should be
considered UNACCEPTABLE to you and all members of your riding group. It’s
critical that you and all members of your riding group know how to use the safety
gear.
While you may know how to use your gear, you may have to rely on your
riding group to find you in an avalanche. Make sure they know how to use
their gear.
• Dress in layers. Multiple layers of clothing provide the best barrier to cold and
wind. Layers can be removed, but if you start out without enough layers, they
cannot be added later. Avoid cotton materials, which will freeze if they get wet.
• Wear highly visible gear.
• Try on all gear and equipment to make sure it fits and doesn’t interfere with
your riding capabilities. Place all survival aids in your backpack and wear the
backpack at all times. Non-essential items can be stored on the snow bike in
an accessory bag.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s user and maintenance instructions for all
gear. If you have questions about how your gear works, contact the
manufacturer for more information.
• Practice using your beacons, shovels and probes with your riding group in
real-world conditions wearing all of your gear. Have someone hide an active
“transmitting” beacon by throwing it (not walking it) into a snowbank and
timing your group’s search for it.
• Test deploying your gear. If you own an avalanche air bag backpack, check
with the manufacturer’s test deployment guidelines and bottle weight
replacement specifications. Most air bag backpack manufacturers
recommend testing the pack once a year so you know it works and feel
comfortable with the bag and deployment time.
• Make sure your probe and shovel are in good condition and that you know
how to assemble them.
14
SAFETY

GET THE PICTURE
Slopes steeper than 30º are more prone to avalanches, but any slope should be
considered avalanche terrain, even small slopes with trees. Low-angle slopes
are also avalanche terrain if they have steeper slopes above them.
NOTE
The 30º slope graphic is for illustration purposes only. The risk of an avalanche
is always present in mountainous terrain, regardless of slope angle.
Always look for the following warning signs of unstable snow. If you see or hear
any of these signs, riding on or below any slope is dangerous and should be
avoided:
• Recent avalanches
• A “whumpfing” sound under a
snowpack
• Cracks across the top of a
snowpack
• A recent heavy snowfall
• Blowing snow
• Rain
• Rapid warming
GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY
• Before riding, always tell a responsible person (i.e. at the lodge or gas station)
where your group is going.
• Never ride alone. Always ride in a small, manageable group. Riding in a large
group makes it more difficult to track riders or find missing members.
• Go “one at a time”. Only one snow bike at a time should cross, ascend or
highmark a slope. Other riders should watch from a safe location until the
previous rider exits the slope.
• Never park at the base of a slope or at the bottom of a gully or valley. When
parking to take a break or watch other riders, park at the sides of the slope
with the front of your snow bike pointed away from the slope.
15
SAFETY

GET TO KNOW YOUR MOUNTAIN SNOW BIKE
The following information pertains to a deep snow/mountain snow bike. This
type of snow bike is longer and narrower and has a higher center of gravity when
compared to a typical trail snow bike. These features make riding the
backcountry a safer and more enjoyable experience.
The mountain snow bike is slower, has a larger turning radius and will overturn
more easily than a trail snow bike. The skis are designed to float and provide
more lift than trail skis. The track features paddles that pack and shovel snow
rather than dig in and grip the snowpack.
Because Timbersled mountain snow bikes feature tall track paddles, the rear
suspension rails and sliders will sit above the snowpack on a groomed trail.
Always deploy the scratchers and limit high speed operation when trail riding.
Always practice riding your mountain snow bike in a safe, open, flat area before
attempting your first ride in mountainous terrain. This is especially important for
low-elevation riders who are not accustomed to riding a snow bike designed for
deep snow.
Do not ride in mountainous terrain until you are comfortable riding and
controlling your snow bike in deep snow.
• Practice turning, leaning and braking, both on the trail and off the trail. When
you’re comfortable with these maneuvers, practice more advanced
maneuvers in deep flat snow.
• Learn techniques from more experienced riders.
• Practice placing your feet in different locations on the floorboards to learn
where your balance point is while performing turns and other maneuvers.
• Practice traversing through deep snow, which is when you will often need to
steer by leaning your body weight in the desired direction while turning the
skis slightly in the opposite direction.
• Practice using proper throttle control to maintain vehicle momentum and
adequate track speed in deep snow. Everyone gets stuck at some point in
time. If you know your snow bike is becoming stuck, try to turn downhill as
much as you can before the snow bike comes to a stop.
GET THE FORECAST
Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche
and weather forecast. It is important to remember that
overnight weather conditions may have created
unsafe riding terrain that was considered safe the day
before. Visit www.avalanche.org or scan the QR code.
Follow the page links to locate current avalanche
reports and conditions for your area of operation.
16
SAFETY

GET AVALANCHE SAFETY TRAINING
Timbersled recommends you and all members of your
riding group participate in an avalanche safety
course. Visit www.avalanche.org/education or scan
the QR code for education and training resources.
AVALANCHE AWARENESS
Avalanches are a matter of timing. A steep slope can be safe one day, but
unsafe the next day due to changing weather and wind conditions.
• Always review the user instructions provided with your safety equipment and
follow the recommendations for maintenance, testing and use. Always test
your safety equipment to ensure it works properly before riding in
mountainous terrain.
• Always store your survival gear in your backpack and wear the backpack. Do
not store your survival gear on the snowmobile.
• Always research current avalanche conditions in your area of operation
before riding. Check with local law enforcement, resort or lodging personnel,
gas station attendants and other riders to learn about current conditions and
any advisories in the area.
• Read and understand the avalanche danger scale. Pay attention to any
danger level warnings issued for your area of operation.
• Always remain alert while riding in mountainous terrain. Be aware of
snowpack conditions above you as you ride. Avalanches can occur at any
time regardless of current condition reports.
17
SAFETY

North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale
Avalanche danger is determined by the likelihood, size and distribution of
avalanches.
DANGER LEVEL TRAVEL ADVICE LIKELIHOOD
OF
AVALANCHES
AVALANCHE
SIZE AND
DISTRIBUTION
5
Extreme
Avoid all avalanche
terrain.
Natural and
human-triggered
avalanches
certain.
Large to very
large avalanches
in many areas.
4
High
Very dangerous
avalanche
conditions. Travel
in avalanche terrain
not recommended.
Natural
avalanches
likely; human-
triggered
avalanches very
likely.
Large
avalanches in
many areas; or
very large
avalanches in
specific areas.
3
Considerable
Dangerous
avalanche
conditions. Careful
snowpack
evaluation,
cautious route-
finding and
conservative
decision-making
essential.
Natural
avalanches
possible;
human-triggered
avalanches
likely.
Small
avalanches in
many areas; or
large avalanches
in specific areas;
or very large
avalanches in
isolated areas.
2
Moderate
Heightened
avalanche
conditions on
specific terrain
features. Evaluate
snow and terrain
carefully; identify
features of
concern.
Natural
avalanches
unlikely; human-
triggered
avalanches
possible.
Small
avalanches in
specific areas; or
large avalanches
in isolated areas.
1
Low
Generally safe
avalanche
conditions. Watch
for unstable snow
on isolated terrain
features.
Natural and
human-triggered
avalanches
unlikely.
Small
avalanches in
isolated areas or
extreme terrain.
Safe backcountry travel requires training and experience. You control your own risk by
choosing where, when and how you travel.
18
SAFETY