Ski-Doo Legend 800 2002 User manual

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SNOWMOBILE SAFETY HANDBOOK
All content should be interpreted by the reader as a WARNING which
if not followed may result in serious personal injury including the pos-
sibility of death.
After reading, please keep this handbook and Operator’s Guide with
the snowmobile. If the snowmobile is resold, please give the hand-
book and the guide to the new owner for his awareness. An extra
copy of the handbook or Operator’s Guide are available from your SKI-
DOO snowmobile dealer at no charge.
This Snowmobile Safety Handbook is dedicated to safer snowmobiling.
FOREWORD
SAFE RIDING IS SMART SLEDDING!
Basic training is required for the safe operation of any snowmobile.
Study your Operator’s Guide paying particular attention to cautions
and warnings. Join your local snowmobile club: its social activities
and trail systems are planned for both fun and safety. Obtain basic
instructions from your snowmobile dealer, friend, fellow club mem-
ber or enroll in your state or provincial safety training program.
Know the law regarding snowmobiles and be aware of the liability,
property damage and insurance laws relating to your equipment.
Know your snowmobile and treat it with the respect and care due of
any power driven machine. Common sense, proper handling and rou-
tine maintenance will result in safer and enjoyable use. Check your
machine before each ride.
If you are a parent, you must be the judge of your child’s capability
to understand, to operate and to control a snowmobile. Warn against
speeding, over confidence and carelessness. Never let children snow-
mobile unsupervised.
2001 Copyright © Bombardier Inc. & Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee
(MDD2002-001 GM)
WARNING
The information contained in this Safety Handbook is supple-
mental to that covered in the Operator’s Guide provided with
your new SKI-DOO snowmobile. Both the guide and this hand-
book should be used in conjunction.
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Snowmobiles are used in many areas and in many snow conditions.
Not all models perform the same in similar conditions. Always con-
sult your snowmobile dealer when selecting the snowmobile model
for your particular needs and uses.
Injury or death may result to the snowmobile operator, passenger or
bystander if the snowmobile is used in risky conditions which are
beyond the driver’s, passenger’s or snowmobile’s capabilities or in-
tended use.
Remember, promotional material which may depict risky use are done
so under ideal conditions and using professional drivers.
SAFETY LABELING
Safety standards for snowmobiles have been adopted by the Snow-
mobile Safety and Certification Committee of which Bombardier is a
proud participating member. Assurance that your snowmobile meets
these standards is easily checked by locating the Certification Label
on a right vertical portion of the vehicle.
This label signifies that an independent testing laboratory has verified
compliance with the SSCC safety standards. Other important labels
on the vehicle are WARNING or CAUTION labels relating to mainte-
nance and/or snowmobile operation. Ensure all such labeling is re-
tained on the vehicle and its content is followed by vehicle operators
and/or passenger.
CE MODÈLE A ÉTÉ ÉVALUÉ
PAR UN LABORATOIRE
D'ESSAIS INDÉPENDANT
ET SATISFAIT TOUTES LES
NORMES DE SÉCURITÉ DU
SSCC EN VIGUEUR À LA
DATE DE FABRICATION.
PARRAINÉ PAR LE COMITÉ DE
SÉCURITÉ DE CERTIFICATION
DE LA MOTONEIGE, INC.
THIS MODEL HAS BEEN
EVALUATED BY AN INDE-
PENDENT TESTING LABOR-
ATORY AND IT MEETS ALL
SSCC SAFETY STANDARDS
IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
ITS MANUFACTURE.
SPONSORED BY THE SNOWMO-
BILE SAFETY AND CERTIFICA-
TION COMMITTEE, INC.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
CERTIFIED
CERTIFIÉ
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SNOWMOBILE CONTROLS
Steering —The steering handlebar assembly controls the direction
of travel of the snowmobile. As the handlebar is rotated to right or
left, the skis are turned in the direction of intended travel. Proper
shifting of your body weight helps in turning. Occasionally check your
steering system to be sure its movement is unrestricted.
Throttle —The function of the throttle control, which is located on
the right side of the handlebar, is to regulate the speed of your snow-
mobile. When the spring-loaded lever is depressed, gasoline and air
enters the engine and permits it to speed up. When the pressure is
released from the throttle lever, the engine returns to idle speed and
the snowmobile will slow and come to a stop.
Brake —The brake control, located on the left side of the handlebar,
operates the brake mechanism on the drive train. The system is ac-
tivated by applying steady pressure to the control lever which slows
down or stops the snowmobile. The amount of pressure applied de-
termines how quickly the snowmobile slows down or stops.
Emergency stop switch —All snowmobiles are equipped with an
emergency stop switch so the operator has a convenient and alter-
nate system that will provide instantaneous interruption of the en-
gine ignition system. This stops the engine immediately. The switch
is readily accessible for activation by the operator’s right hand from
the normal steering position.
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Switches —An ignition switch allows electrical current to start or
stop the engine. It is key operated and has at least two positions. If
your snowmobile is equipped with an electric starter, the switch will
have a third or “start”position that activates the starter mechanism.
It is spring loaded to return the key to the “on”position when re-
leased. A switch is also provided to use either the high or low beam
headlight as desired.
Starters —Snowmobiles are equipped with a manual rewind starter
or an electric starter. All snowmobiles are equipped in such a way
that they can be started in case of failure of either the manual recoil
starter or the electric start mechanism.
OTHER SAFETY FEATURES
Check your snowmobile Operator’s Guide for other features that may
be on your particular snowmobile model. Do not operate your snow-
mobile unless all its safety features are in place and in good working
order.
Lights —Headlight, taillight and brake light are standard equipment.
Be sure lights are clear of dirt, slush or snow and are in good working
order.
Shields and guards —Your snowmobile is provided with a number
of shields and guards. Leave these in place on your vehicle as they
are designed to keep clothing and hands out of moving parts and
away from hot components. Never attempt to make adjustments to
any moving part while the engine is running.
Windshield —Windshields provide operator comfort, as well as pro-
tection by deflecting wind and snow away from the operator.
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The maintenance and care you give your snowmobile contributes
significantly to the fun and safety of your snowmobiling adventures.
Your snowmobile should be given a thorough check periodically and
a general check before each ride. Always follow the maintenance
schedules and procedures specified in the SKI-DOO Operator’s Guide.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Every snowmobiler should carry at least the following basic parts and
tools that can help him and others in an emergency:
•Operator’s Guide
•Spark plugs and wrench
•Friction tape
•Drive belt
•Starter rope
•Light bulbs
•Tool kit (including at least pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench)
•Knife
•Flashlight
Include other items depending on the length and time of your ride.
FUELING PRECAUTIONS
Never add fuel while your snowmobile engine is operating. Gasoline
fumes are explosive and are heavier than air. They can be ignited by
a pilot light in a furnace or hot water heater in a utility room, basement
or garage. Be familiar with laws pertaining to fuel storage. Do not
light any matches or smoke while filling the tank and never check fuel
with a lite match. A full tank exposed to higher temperatures could
result in an overflow. Always wipe off any gas or oil spills and remove
any debris which may collect under the cab.
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A WORD TO ALL SNOWMOBILERS
Everyone is a beginner the first time he sits behind the controls of a
snowmobile regardless of previous experience in driving an automo-
bile, 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.
You are responsible for proper operation of your vehicle as well as
training those whom you allow to ride or drive. There may be notice-
able handling and performance differences from one snowmobile to
the next.
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 the least bit reckless, thoughtless or inattentive.
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BEFORE YOU START
Always make a pre-start inspection BEFORE you turn on the ignition.
Throttle —Operate the throttle two or three times before you turn
on the ignition. Does it return freely to the idle or closed position?
Brake controls —Test your brake control as you did the throttle.
Visual inspection —Inspect the entire vehicle for loose or worn
parts. Make certain hood is fastened. Remove any snow and ice
buildup from lights, windshield and running boards.
Fuel/Oil —Do you have enough?
Steering —Be certain the handlebar works freely and turns both
ways. There should be no excessive play in the steering linkage or
connections to the skis. Remove accumulated ice and snow from
underneath the hood.
Drive belt —Check for excessive wear.
Tra ck —Be sure it turns freely and is free of ice, snow or other
foreign objects. The track should be “cleared”with the engine shut
off. Personal injury will result if contact is made with a rotating track,
or if someone is hit by snow, ice or other debris being thrown by the
track.
Check weather forecast: Will you be warm enough?
Make certain your snowmobile is pointed away from people or ob-
jects before you start it. No one is to be standing in front of or in back
of the snowmobile.
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HOW TO START
Never attempt to start the engine unless the throttle returns to its
normal or idle position. Verify this before starting. Keep hands off of
throttle when actually starting.
•Connect tether cord and attach it to your clothing.
•If the vehicle is so equipped, verify position of the gear change
lever.
•Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
•Engage choke or press the primer only if the engine is cold.
•Turn key or pull starter handle.
•Allow engine to warm before operating at full throttle.
While the engine is warming, check the headlight, high and low
beams; taillight and brake light; then press the emergency switch to
be certain it will stop the engine. Before restarting your snowmobile,
recheck the throttle control and be sure the vehicle is headed away
from people or objects. Now re-start your engine again.
CAUTION: Make sure parking brake is fully disengaged before
operating the snowmobile. Otherwise, brake system may over-
heat leading to sudden loss of brakes and/or fire.
HOW TO STOP
Before riding your snowmobile, you should understand how to stop
it. This is done by releasing the throttle and gradually depressing the
brake lever on the left side of the handlebar and then turning the
ignition key to the “off”position. In an emergency, you may stop your
vehicle by pressing the emergency stop switch located near the
throttle control and applying the brake. Remember, a snowmobile
cannot “stop on a dime”. Braking characteristics vary with deep
snow, packed snow or ice. If the track is locked during hard braking,
skidding may result.
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HOW TO RIDE
Your riding position and balance are the two basic principles of mak-
ing your snowmobile go where you want it to. When turning on the
side of a hill, you and your passenger must be ready to shift body
weight to help it turn in the desired direction. Driver and passenger
must never assist by place their feet outside of the vehicle. Experi-
ence will teach you how much lean to put into turns at different
speeds and how much you will have to lean into a slope to maintain
proper balance.
Generally, the riding position for best balance and control is sitting.
However, the posting, kneeling or standing positions are also used
under certain conditions.
The beginning driver should become familiar with the snowmobile
through practice on a level area at slow speeds before venturing afield.
SITTING
Feet on the running boards, body midway back on seat is an ideal
position when operating the snowmobile over familiar, smooth ter-
rain. Knees and hips should remain flexible to absorb shocks.
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