Ski-Doo RF series Manual

Mmo2008-005_RF series_520000686_ang.FH10 Tue May 15 14:01:48 2007 Page 1
Composite
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

SAFETY WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in this
Operator’s Guide, SAFETY VIDEO or on-product warnings may result in injury,
including the possibility of death.
This Operator’s Guide and SAFETY VIDEO should remain with the snowmobile
at time of resale.
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
In Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
Bombardier* Lite
* Trademark of Bombardier Inc. used under license.
The following are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its
subsidiaries.
SKI-DOO®RERTM RF™ EXPEDITION™
ROTAXTM Freestyle™ HPG™ LEGEND™
RT™ SC-4™ TRA™ Pilot™
mmo2008-005 DR
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2007 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

FOREWORD
Congratulations on your purchase of
a new SKI-DOO snowmobile. What-
ever model you have chosen, it is
backed by the Bombardier Recre-
ational Products Inc. (BRP) warranty
and a network of authorized SKI-DOO
snowmobile dealers ready to provide
the parts, service or accessories you
may require.
The Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
and passenger with this new snow-
mobile and its various controls, main-
tenance and safe riding instructions.
This guide is indispensable for the
proper use of the product and should
be kept with this snowmobile at all
times.
Make sure you read and understand
the content of this Operator's Guide.
After reading, please keep this Oper-
ator's Guide with the snowmobile. If
the snowmobile is resold, please give
the guide to the new owner for his
awareness.
If you want to view and/or print an
extra copy of your Operator's Guide,
simply visit the following website
www.operatorsguide.brp.com.Al-
so note that the guide is available in
several languages.
If you have any question regarding any
topic whether or not it is covered in
this Operator's Guide, please call BRP
at the number below and we will be
happy to assist you:
In USA:
715 848-4957
In Canada:
819 566-3366
For Russia, CIS and the Middle East:
+ 32 9 218 26 00
For Scandinavian and European coun-
tries:
+ 358 16 3208 111
For all other countries, please contact
your respective distributor (his coor-
dinates are on www.brp.com) or our
North American office:
+ 1 819 566-3366
This guide uses the following safety
alert symbol in conjunction with signal
words to indicate a potential personal
injury hazard.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate
injury. When used without the
safety alert symbol , potential
hazard exists for property damage
only.
NOTE: Indicates supplementary infor-
mation needed to fully complete an in-
struction.
WARNING
2-UP vs 1-UP models:
Throughout this Operator's Guide,
the term “1-UP” refers to vehicles
designed to carry the operator on-
ly while the term “2-UP” refers to
vehicles designed to carry also a
passenger.
Make sure to identify and follow
the warnings and instructions that
are applicable to your specific
model.
______________________ 1

Although the mere reading of such in-
formation does not eliminate the haz-
ard, the understanding and application
of the information will promote the
correct use of the vehicle.
Your dealer is committed to your satis-
faction. He has taken training to per-
form the initial set-up and inspection
of your snowmobile as well as com-
pleted the final adjustment required
to suit your specific weight and riding
environment before you took posses-
sion. At delivery, your dealer would
have explained the snowmobile con-
trols and provided you with a brief
explanation of the various suspension
adjustments. We trust you have tak-
en full advantage of this!
At delivery, you were also informed
of the warranty coverage and have
completed the Warranty Registration
process.
The information and components/
system descriptions contained in this
guide are correct at time of publi-
cation. BRP, however maintains a
policy of continuous improvement of
its products without imposing upon
itself any obligation to install them on
products previously manufactured.
Because of its ongoing commitment
to product quality and innovation, BRP
reserves the right at any time to dis-
continue or change specifications, de-
signs, features, models or equipment
without incurring obligation.
The illustrations in this document
show the typical construction of the
different assemblies and, in all cases,
may not reproduce the full detail or
exact shape of the parts shown, how-
ever, they represent parts which have
the same or a similar function.
It is understood that this guide may
be translated into another language.
In the event of any discrepancy, the
English version shall prevail.
Specifications are given in the SI met-
ric system with the SAE U.S. equiv-
alent in parentheses. Where precise
accuracy is not required, some conver-
sions are rounded off for easier use.
Most components of this snowmobile
are built with parts dimensioned in the
metric system. Most fasteners are
metric and must not be replaced by
customary fasteners or vice versa.
We recommend genuine BRP prod-
ucts for replacement parts and ac-
cessories. They've been specially
designed for your vehicle and manu-
factured to meet BRP's demanding
standards.
ASHOP MANUAL can be obtained for
complete service, maintenance and
more repair information.
For any questions pertaining to the
warranty and its application, consult
the WARRANTY section in this guide,
and/or an authorized SKI-DOO dealer.
2_______________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION..................................................................... 8
IMPORTANT BASIC SAFETY MEASURES....................................... 9
LAWS AND REGULATIONS....................................................... 13
RIDING THE VEHICLE.............................................................. 14
Principle of Operation .......................................................... 14
How to Ride..................................................................... 14
Carrying a Passenger ........................................................... 16
Terrain/Riding Variations........................................................ 18
Transporting and Towing....................................................... 22
TRACTION ENHANCING PRODUCTS........................................... 23
LOCATION OF THE IMPORTANT LABELS...................................... 27
ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION
GENERAL............................................................................ 34
JUST WHAT IS LIGHT TREADING? ............................................. 35
WHY IS LIGHT TREADING SMART.............................................. 36
VEHICLE INFORMATION
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR SNOWMOBILE..................................... 38
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT .................................... 40
1) Speedometer................................................................. 43
2) Tachometer................................................................... 45
3) Pilot Lamps................................................................... 45
4) Throttle Lever ................................................................ 46
5) Brake Lever................................................................... 46
6) Parking Brake Lever ......................................................... 46
7) Multi-Switch Housing........................................................ 46
8) Handlebar..................................................................... 48
9) Ignition Switch ............................................................... 48
10) Tether Cut-Out Switch..................................................... 49
11) Engine Cut-Out Switch .................................................... 49
12) Rewind Starter Handle..................................................... 50
13) Choke Lever ................................................................ 50
14) Fuel Tank Cap/Gauge....................................................... 50
15) Windshield .................................................................. 51
16) Hood and Side Panel Latches............................................. 51
17) Fuses ........................................................................ 52
18) Front Grab Handle/Bumper................................................ 54
______________________ 3

19) Seat Latch................................................................... 54
20) Storage Compartment..................................................... 55
21) Rear Rack ................................................................... 56
22) Tool Kit....................................................................... 56
23) Spark Plug Holder .......................................................... 56
24) Spare Drive Belt Compartment ........................................... 56
25) Hitch ......................................................................... 56
26) Shields and Guards......................................................... 56
27) Track ......................................................................... 57
28) Holding Strap ............................................................... 57
29) Rear Grab Handles/Heated Grips Switch ................................ 57
30) Adjustable Mirrors.......................................................... 58
31) Backrest ..................................................................... 58
32) Gear Shift Lever ............................................................ 58
RECOMMENDED FUEL AND OIL ................................................ 59
BREAK-IN PERIOD.................................................................. 61
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 62
Pre-Operation Check ........................................................... 62
Engine Starting Procedure (2-Stroke)......................................... 63
Engine Starting Procedure (4-Stroke)......................................... 64
Vehicle Warm-Up ............................................................... 64
Shutting Off the Engine........................................................ 65
Post-Operation Care............................................................ 65
SPECIAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS......................................... 66
Riding at High Altitudes or Sea Level......................................... 66
Riding in Cold Weather......................................................... 66
Emergency Starting............................................................. 66
Towing an Accessory........................................................... 68
Towing Another Snowmobile.................................................. 68
Transporting the Vehicle........................................................ 68
SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENTS.................................................. 69
Rear Springs — Comfort....................................................... 70
Center Spring — Steering Behavior........................................... 71
Stopper Strap — Weight Transfer............................................. 72
Coupling Blocks — Handling................................................... 72
Suspended Extension Adjustment............................................ 73
Front Springs — Handling...................................................... 74
Suspension Troubleshooting Chart............................................ 75
Deep Snow Riding.............................................................. 75
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................. 76
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................... 80
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE CHART.............................................. 90
2-Stroke.......................................................................... 91
4_______________________

4-Stroke.......................................................................... 94
ENGINE SYSTEM................................................................... 97
Air Filter Cleaning............................................................... 97
Coolant Level.................................................................... 97
Exhaust System................................................................. 98
Injection Oil Level............................................................... 98
Engine Oil Level................................................................. 99
DRIVE SYSTEM................................................................... 100
Belt Guard Removal and Installation........................................ 100
Brake Fluid Level.............................................................. 101
Brake Condition ............................................................... 102
Brake Adjustment............................................................. 102
Chaincase Oil Level........................................................... 102
Drive Chain Tension .......................................................... 103
Drive Belt Condition .......................................................... 103
Drive Belt Removal/Installation.............................................. 103
Drive Belt Height Adjustment ............................................... 104
Drive Pulley Adjustment ..................................................... 106
Track Condition................................................................ 107
Track Tension and Alignment................................................ 108
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM........................................................... 111
Battery Electrolyte............................................................ 111
REAR SUSPENSION ............................................................. 112
STEERING AND FRONT SUSPENSION....................................... 113
BODY/FRAME..................................................................... 114
Vehicle Cleaning and Protection............................................. 114
Bulb Replacement............................................................ 114
Headlamp Beam Aiming ..................................................... 115
STORAGE AND PRESEASON PREPARATION ............................... 116
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY NORTH AMERICA: 2008 SKI-DOO®
SNOWMOBILES.................................................................. 118
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2008 SKI-DOO®
SNOWMOBILES.................................................................. 123
BRP EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES LIMITED WARRANTY: 2008
SKI-DOO®SNOWMOBILES..................................................... 127
PRIVACY OBLIGATIONS/DISCLAIMER....................................... 131
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/OWNERSHIP ........................................ 132
______________________ 5

6_______________________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ____________ 7

INTRODUCTION
Everyone is a beginner the first time
he sits behind the controls of a snow-
mobile regardless of previous expe-
rience in driving an automobile, a
motorcycle or a motorboat. The safe
use of your snowmobile is dependent
on many conditions such as visibility,
speed, weather, environment, traffic,
vehicle condition and the condition of
the driver.
Each operator has a responsibility to
ensure the safety of his/her passen-
ger, if any, and of other recreationists
or bystanders.
You are responsible for proper opera-
tion of your vehicle as well as training
thosewhomyouallowtorideordrive.
There may be noticeable handling and
performance differences from one
snowmobile to the other.
A snowmobile is relatively simple to
operate but like any other vehicle
or mechanical equipment, it can be
hazardous if you or a passenger are
reckless, thoughtless or inattentive.
We encourage you to have an Annual
Safety Inspection of your snowmo-
bile. Please contact an authorized
SKI-DOO dealer for further details.
Finally, we urge you to visit an autho-
rized SKI-DOO dealer periodically for
regular and safety maintenance, as
well as snowmobile accessories you
may require.
8____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________