Ski-Doo Expedition LE, Expedition SE Operator's Manual

Includes
Safety, Vehicle
and Maintenance Information

OPERATOR’S

GUIDE

Expedition LE/SE

2015

2015

2015

Expedition

TM

2015

Read this guide thoroughly. It contains important
safety information.
Minimum recommended operator’s age: 16 years old.
Keep this Operator’s Guide in the vehicle.

6 1 9 9 0 0 5 1 4

LE/SE

WARNING

Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator's Guide,

SAFETY DVD

video and on-product safety labels

could cause 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.

In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
In Canada, products aredistributed by B

The following are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its sub­sidiaries.

D.E.S.S.™ HPG™

EXPEDITION™

SC™ ACE

mmo2015-008 en
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2014 Bombardi

er Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

REV-XP™

®

ombardier Recreational Products Inc.

REV-XU™

ROTAX

®

Learning Key

TM

Ski-Doo

TRA™

iTC

®

TM

FOREWORD

Dieses Handbuch ist möglicherweise in Ihrer L andessprache

Deutsch

verfügbar. Bitte wende n Sie sich an Ihren Händler oder besuchen Sie:
www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

English

Français

Italiano

日本語

Norsk

Русский

Suomi

Svenska

This guide may be available in your language. Check with your dealer or
go to: www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

Ce guide peut ê tre disponible dans votre langue. Véri fier avec votre
concessionaire ou aller à: www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

Questa guida potrebbe essere disponibile nella propria lingua. Contattare
il concessionario o consultare: www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

このガイドは、言語によって翻訳版が用意されています。.
ディーラーに問い合わせるか、次のアドレスでご確認ください：
www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

Denne boken kan finnes tilgjengelig på ditt eget språk. Kontakt din
forhandler eller gå til: www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

Воспользуйтесь руководством на вашем языке. Узнайте
оегоналичииудилераилинастраницепоадресу

www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

Käyttöohjekirja voi olla saatavissa omalla kielelläsi. Tarkista jälleenmyyjältä
tai käy osoitteessa: www.operatorsguide.brp.com

Denna bok kan finnas tillgänglig på ditt språk. Kontakta din återförsäljare
eller gå till: www.operatorsguide.brp.com.

Congratulations on your purchase of a

®

new Ski-Doo

snowmobile. Whatever
model you have chosen, it is backed by
the Bombardier Recreational Products
Inc. (BRP) warranty and a network of
authorized Ski-Doo snowmobile deal­ers ready to provide the parts, se rvice
or accessories you may require.

Your dealer is committed to your sat­isfaction. He has taken training to per­form the initial set-up and insp ection
of your snowmobile as well as com­pleted the final adjustment required to
suit your specific weight and ridin g en­vironment before you took possession

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.

Know Before you Go

To learn how to reduce the risk for you,
your passenger or bystanders being
injured o r killed, read the follo wing sec­tions before you operate the vehicle:

–

SAFETY INFORMATION

–

VEHICLE INFORMATION

Also read all safety labels on your
snowmobile and watch attentively
your

SAFETY DVD

We highly recommend that you take
a safety riding course. Please check
with your dealer or local authorities for
availability in your area.

Failure to follow the warnings con­tained in this Operator's Guide can
result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.

video.

.

_______________

1

FOREWORD

Safety Messages

The types of safety messages, what
they look like and how they are used in
this guide are explained as follows:

Thesafetyalertsymbol indicates a
potential injury hazard.

WARNING

Indicates a potential hazard, if not
avoided, could result in serious in­jury or death.

CAUTION Indicates a hazard
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate
injury.

NOTICE

which, if not followed, could se­verely damage vehicle components
or other property.

Indicates an instruction

ucts previously manufactured. Due
to late changes, some differences be­tween the ma nufacture d product and
the descriptions and/or specifications
in this guide may occur. BRP reserves
the right at any time to discontinue or
change specifications, designs, fea­tures, models or equipment without
incurring any obligation upon itse lf.

This Operator's Guide and the

DVD

hicle when it's sold.

video should remain with the ve-

SAFETY

About this Operator's
Guide

This Operator's Guide has been pre­pared to acquaint the owner/operator
and passenger with this snowmobile
and its various controls, safe riding and
maintenance instru ctions.

Keep this Operator's Guide in the vehi­cle as you can refer to it for things such
as maintenance, troubleshooting and
instructing others.

Note that th is guide is 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 informations contained in this doc­ument are correct at the time of publi­cation. BRP, however, maintains a pol­icy of continuous improvement of its
products without imposing upon its
any obligation to install them on prod -

elf

_______________

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1

Know Before you Go............................................................. 1

Safety Messages................................................................. 2

Aboutthis Operator's Guide .................................................... 2

SAFETY INFORMATION

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS.......................................................... 8

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ............................................. 8

Avoid Gasoline Fires and Other Hazards ....................................... 8

Avoid Burns from Hot Parts ..................................................... 8

Accessories and Modifications ................................................. 8

SPECIAL SAFETYMESSAGES .................................................... 9

ACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (iTC) (900 ACE)....................................... 12

Introduction...................................................................... 12

iTC (intelligent Throttle Control)................................................ 12

RIDING THE VEHICLE .............................................................. 13

Pre-Ride Inspection ............................................................. 13

How to Ride ..................................................................... 15

Carrying a Passenger ........................................................... 16

Terrain/Riding Variations ........................................................ 17

Environment..................................................................... 22

TRACTION ENHANCING PRODUCTS ........................................... 24

Manoeuvrability ................................................................. 24

Acceleration ..................................................................... 25

Braking ........................................................................... 25

Important Safety Rules ......................................................... 26

Effects of Having a Studded Track on the Life of the Snowmobile.......... 26

Installation of Studs on BRP Approved Tracks ................................ 26

Inspection of a Studded Track .................................................. 27

IMPORTANT ON-PRODUCT LABELS ............................................ 28

Hang Tag ......................................................................... 28

Vehicle SafetyLabels ........................................................... 28

Compliance Labels.............................................................. 32

Technical Information Labels................................................... 33

VEHICLE INFORMATION

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT .............................. 36

1) Handlebar ..................................................................... 37

2) Throttle Lever (All except 900 ACE)......................................... 37

3) Throttle Lever (900 ACE)..................................................... 37

4) Brake Lever ................................................................... 38

5) Parking Brake Lever .......................................................... 38

6) Engine Cut-Off Switch ....................................................... 39

_______________

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT (cont’d)

7) Emergency Engine Stop Switch ............................................ 40

8) Multifunction Switch ......................................................... 41

9) Gearshift Lever ............................................................... 42

10) Adjustable Mirrors .......................................................... 42

11) Tool Kit ....................................................................... 43

12) Front and Rear Bumpers ................................................... 43

13) Gauge ........................................................................ 43

14) Backrest ..................................................................... 56

15) Passenger Seat(1+1)....................................................... 56

16) Passengers Handholds ..................................................... 57

17) Mountain Strap.............................................................. 58

18) Storage Compartment...................................................... 58

19) Rear Rack .................................................................... 58

20) Passenger Heated Grip Switch ............................................ 59

21) 12-Volt Power Outlet ....................................................... 59

22) Hitch ......................................................................... 59

23) Tilt Steering.................................................................. 60

24) Winch (Expedition SE Model) .............................................. 60

25) Storage Box (Expedition SE Model) ....................................... 62

26) Anchor Points ............................................................... 63

27) Drive Belt Guard............................................................. 63

28) Hood ......................................................................... 64

29) Upper Side Panels .......................................................... 65

30) Lower Side Panels .......................................................... 65

31) ECO/Standard/Sport Mode Switch (900 ACE Only)...................... 67

FUEL AND OIL....................................................................... 68

Fuel Requirements.............................................................. 68

Fueling Procedure............................................................... 69

Recommended Oil.............................................................. 69

Injection Oil Level Verification.................................................. 69

BREAK-IN PERIOD.................................................................. 71

Operation During Break-In...................................................... 71

OPERATING MODES (900 ACE ONLY)........................................... 72

ECO Mode (Fuel Economy Mode)............................................. 72

Standard Mode .................................................................. 72

SportMode ...................................................................... 72

Navigating Operating Modes .................................................. 72

Learning Key Modes............................................................ 73

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 74

Engine Starting Procedure ..................................................... 74

Emergency Starting............................................................. 74

Vehicle Warm-Up................................................................ 75

Gearbox Operation.............................................................. 76

Shutting Off the Engine......................................................... 76

Towing an Accessory ........................................................... 76

Towing Another Snowmobile .................................................. 77

_______________

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TUNE YOUR RIDE .................................................................. 78

Rear Suspension Adjustments (SC-5U) ....................................... 78

FrontSuspension Adjustment ................................................. 82

Vehicle Behavior Related to Suspension Adjustment........................ 83

VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION..................................................... 84

MAINTENANCE

BREAK-IN INSPECTION ........................................................... 86

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................................... 90

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .................................................. 94

Air Intake Silencer Prefilter ..................................................... 94

Engine Coolant .................................................................. 94

Injection Oil (600 HO E-TEC) ................................................... 95

Engine Oil (1200 4-TEC /900 ACE)............................................. 95

Exhaust System................................................................. 96

SparkPlugs ...................................................................... 96

Engine Stopper (600 HO E-TEC) ............................................... 97

Brake Fluid....................................................................... 98

Gearbox Oil ...................................................................... 98

DriveBelt ........................................................................ 99

DrivePulley .................................................................... 102

Track............................................................................ 103

Suspension .................................................................... 107

Skis ............................................................................. 108

Fuses........................................................................... 108

Lights........................................................................... 109

VEHICLE CARE.................................................................... 111

Post-Operation Care .......................................................... 111

Vehicle Cleaning and Protection ............................................. 111

STORAGE.......................................................................... 112

Engine Storage Mode (E-TEC) ............................................... 112

PRESEASON PREPARATION.................................................... 114

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION ...................................................... 118

Vehicle Description Decal .................................................... 118

Identification Numbers ....................................................... 118

EC-DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ......................................... 120

EPA CERTIFIED ENGINES ....................................................... 121

Engine Emissions Information ............................................... 121

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 122

_______________

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES ........................................... 130

MONITORING SYSTEM ......................................................... 132

Pilot Lamps, Messages and Beeper Codes................................. 132

How to Read Fault Codes .................................................... 134

WARRANTY

BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2015 SKI-DOO

®

SNOWMOBILES .................................................................. 136

BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2015 SKI-DOO

®

SNOWMOBILES .................................................................. 140

BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN AND THE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE INDEPENDENT STATES (CIS) AREAS
AND TURKEY: 2015 SKI-DOO

®

SNOWMOBILES ............................ 144

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

PRIVACY INFORMATION........................................................ 150

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 151

_______________

6

SAFETY

INFORMATION

________

SAFETY INF

ORMATION

________

7

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning

All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car­bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu­sion and eventually death.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odor­less, tasteless gas tha t may be present
even if you do not see or smell any en­gine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can collect rapidly, and you
can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can linger for hours
or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated
areas. If you experience any symp­toms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
leave the area immediately, get fresh
air and seek medical treatment.

To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide:

– Never run the vehicle in poorly ven-

tilated o r partially enclo se d areas
such a s garages, carports or barns.
Even if you try to ventilate engine
exhaust with fans or open windows
and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.

– Nev er run the vehicle outdoors

where engine exhaustcanbe drawn
into a building through openings
such as windows and doors.

Gasoline is poisonous and can cause
injury or death.

– Never siphon gasoline by mouth.
– If yo u swallow gasoline, get any in

your eye or inhale gasoline vapor,
see your doctor immediately.

If gasoline spills on you, wash with
soap and water and change your
clothes.

Avoid Burns from Hot Parts

The exhaust system and engine be­come hot during operation. Avoid con­tact during and shortly after operation
to avoid burns.

Accessories and
Modifications

Do not make unauthorized m odifica­tions, or use attachments or acces­sories that are not approved by BRP.
Since these changes have not been
tested by BRP, they m ay increase the
risk of crashes or injuries, and they can
make the vehicle illegal.

See your authorized Ski-Doo dealer for
available accessories for your vehicle.

Avoid Gasoline Fires and
Other Hazards

Gasoline is e xtremely flam mable and
highly explosive. Fuel vapors can
spread and be ignited by a spark or
flame many feet away from the en­gine. Toreduce the risk of fire or explo­sion, follow these instructions:

– Use only an approved gaso lin e con -

tainer to store fuel.

– Strictly adhere to in stru ction s in

ELING PROCEDURE

– Nev er start or operate the engine if

the fuel cap is not properly installed.

________

8

.

FU-

SAFETY IN

FORMATION

________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES

SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do not follow these instructions:

– Always make a pre-ride inspection BEFORE you start the engine.
– Throttle mechanism should be checked forfreemovementandreturntoidlepo-

sition before starting engine.
– Alwa ys a ttach tether cord eyelet to clothing before starting the engin e.
– Never operate the engine without belt guard and brake disk guard securely in-

stalled or, with hood or side panels opened or removed. Never run the engine

without drive belt installed. Running an unloaded engine such as without drive

belt or with track raised, can be dangerous.
– Always engage parking brake before starting the engine.
– Everyone is a beginnerthe first time he sits behind the controls of a snowmobile

regardless of previous experience in driving any other type of vehicle. The safe

use of your snow m obile depend s on many conditions such as visibility, speed,

weather, environment, traffic, vehicle condition and the condition of the driver.
– 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 member or enroll in your state or provincial safety training

program.
– Any new operator must read and unde rstan d all safety labels on the snowmo-

bile, the Operator's Guide and watch the

the s nowmobile. Only allow a new operator to operate the snowmobile in a re-

stricted flat area — at leas t until he is completely familiar with its operation. If

snowmobile operator training course is offered in your a rea, have him enroll.
– The performance of some snowmobiles may significantly exceed that of other

snowmobiles you have operated. Therefore, use by novice or inexperienced

operators is not recommended.
– Snowmobiles are used in many areas and in many snow conditions. Not all

models perform the same in similar conditions. Always consult your snowmo-

bile 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, pas-

senger's or snowm ob ile's capabilities or intende d use.
– BRP recommends the operator has at least 16 years old of age.
– It is very important to inform any operator, regardless of his experience, of the

handling characteristics of this snowmobile. The snowmobile configuration,

such as ski stance, ski type, suspension ty pe, track length, width and type vary

from a model to another. The snowmobile handling is greatly influenced by

these characteristics.
– The novice driver should become familiar with the snowmobile through practice

on a level area at slow speeds before venturing far afield.
– Know your local laws. Federal, state, provincial and local government agencies

have enacted laws and regulations pertaining to the safe use and operation of

snowmobiles. It is your res po n sibility as a snowmob iler to learn and obey these

laws and regulation s. Respect an d observance will res ult in safer snowm ob ilin g

for all. Be aware of the liability property damages and insu ran ce la ws re garding

your equipment.

SAFETY DVD

video before operating

________

SAFETY INF

ORMATION

________

9

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES

– Speeding can be fatal. In many cases, you cannot react or respond quickly

enough to the unexpected. Always ride at a speed which is suitable to the trail,
weather conditions an d your own ability. Know your local rules . Speed limit

maybeineffectandmeanttobeobserved.
– Always keep right hand side of the trail.
– Always keep a safe distance from other snowmobiles and bystanders.
– Remember, promotional material may show risky maneuvers performed by

professional riders under ideal and/or controlled conditions. You should never

attempt any such risky maneuvers if they are beyond you r level of riding ab ility.
– Never use this vehicle with alcohol or drugs. They slow reaction time and impair

judgement.
– Yoursnowmobileisnotdesignedtobeoperatedonpublicstreets,roadsorhigh-

ways.
– Avoid road traveling. If you must do so, and it is permitted, reduce speed. The

snowmobileisnotdesignedtooperateorturnonpaving. Whencrossing

make a full stop, then look carefully in both directions before crossing at a 90°

angle. Be wary of parked vehicles.
– Snowmobiling at night can be a delightful experie nce but because of reduced

visibility, be extra cau tious. Avoid unfamiliar terrain and be

working. Always carry a flashlight and spare light bulbs.
– Never remove any original equipment from your snowmobile. Each vehicle

has many built in safety features. Such features include various guards and

consoles, plus reflective materials and safety l
– Nature is wonderful but don't let it distract you

want to truly appreciate winter's scenery, stop your snowmobile on the side of

the trail so that you don't become a hazard to other s .
– Fences represent a very serious threat for both you and your snowmobile. Give

a wide berth to telephone poles or posts.
– Hidden wires unseen from a distance ca
– Always wear an approved safety helme

also applies to your pas senger.
– Be aware of inherent risks associated with riding off trails, such as avalanche

and other natu ral or man made hazards or obstacles.
– Tailgating another snowmobile should be avoided. If the snowmobile in front

of you slows for any reason, its

your neglect. M aintain a safe stopping distance between you and the snowmo-

bile in front of you. Depending on the terrain condition, stopping may require

a little more space than y

driving.
– Venturing out alone with your snowmobile could also be hazardous. You could

runoutoffuel,haveanaccident,ordamageyoursnowmobile. Remember,your

snowmobile is capabl

to walk in a day. Use the “buddy system”. Always ride with a friend or member

of your snowmobile club. Even then, tell someone w here you are going and the

approximate tim

e of traveling further in half an hour than you may be able

e you plan to return.

driver and passenger could be harmed through

ou think. Play it safe. B e prepared to use evasive

n cause serious accidents.

t, eye protection and a face shield. This

abels.

r attention from driving. If you

sure your lights are

a road,

10

_______

SAFETY I

NFORMATION

________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES

– Meadow s sometimes have low areas where water accumulate a nd freezes

over in winter. This ice is usually glare ice. Attempting to turn or brake on
this surface could caus e your vehicle to spin out of control. Never brake or
attempt speeding or turning on glare ice. If you do happen to travel over such a

condition, reduce speed by carefully releasing the throttle.
– Never “jump” with your snowmobile.
– When riding in a group, do not “gun” the throttle. Snow and ice can be thrown

back into the path of a following snowmobile. In addition, when “gunning” the

throttle, the vehicle digs into and leaves an irregular snow surface for others.
– Riding in a group is both fun and enjoyable but don't show off or overtake others

in the group. A less experienced operator might try to do the same as you and

fail. When riding with others , limit yo ur a bilities to the e xp e rie nce of others.
– In case of an emergency, press down on the emergency engine s top switch,

then apply brakes.
– Never run the engine in a non-ventilated area and/or if vehicle is left unattended.
– Always engage parking brake before starting the engine.
– Never charge or boost a battery while installed on snowmobile.
– E-TEC engines: Never attempt any fuel system or electrical system main-

tenance or repair. Any maintenance or repair of these systems must by

performed by an authorized Ski-Doo dealer.
– Ensure the path behind is clear of obstacles or bystanders be

reverse.
– Always remove the tether cord cap from engine cut-off switch when vehicle is

not in operation in order to prevent accidental engine starting, to avoid unautho-

rized use by children or others or theft.
– NE VE R stand behind or near a rota ting trac k. De

severe injuries. To remove packed snow or ice, stop engine, tilt and hold vehicle

on its side and use screwdriver from tool kit.
– You may stud the track on this vehicle model. However, you MUST only use

the BRP approved type stud for use on S

use conventional studs, the track thickness is thinner compared to some other

tracks. The stud could tear off track and be projected.
– Never ride as a passenger unless the snowmobile is equipped with a passenger

seat and passenger handholds or

senger seat.
– Always wear an approved helmet and follow the same dressing guidelines as

those recommended for the operator and described in this guide.
– Make sure that you are able to achieve a stable stance, both feet resting posi-

tively on the footboard

on firmly to the handholds.
– Once underway, if you feel uncomfortable or insecure for any reason, don't

wait, tell the driver to slow down or stop.

s of footrests with good grip, and that you are able to hold

holding strap. Sit only on the designated pas-

ki-Doo snowmobiles. DO NOT E VER

bris could be projected causing

fore proceeding in

________

SAFETY INF

ORMATION

________

11

ACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (iTC) (900 ACE)

Introduction

NOTE: Some functions or fe atures de­scribed in this section may not apply to
every model, or may be available as an
option.

The throttle is electronic and prov ide s a
commandsignaltoanelectronicmod­ule whose function is to assure proper
operation of its system within set pa­rameters.

It is extreme ly importa nt for opera­tors to read all information contained
in this operator's guide so as to be­come familiar with this snowmobile,
its systems, controls , capabilities and
limitations.

iTC (intelligent Throttle
Control)

The system uses an electronic throttle
control (ETC) that provides command
signals to the ECM (Engine Control
Module). With this system, there is no
need for a traditional throttle cable.

Sport Mode

In sport mode, maximum engine
power is available throughout the en­gine operational range.

Refer to
tion for detailed instructions.

Learning Key Modes

The Ski-Doo
torque and speed of the snowmobile
therefore enabling first time users and
less experienced operators to learn
how to operate the snowmobile while
gaining the necessary confidence and
control.

Limitations

The ability of a novice to operate th e
snowmobile can be exceeded even
when a learning key is used.

Refer to
tion for details.

OPERATING MODES

TM

learning key limits t he

OPERATING MODES

subsec-

subsec-

The iT C allows the following operating
modes:

–ECOmode
– Standard mode
– Sport mode.

ECO Mode

When ECO mode i s selected (fuel
economy mode), vehicle torque and
speed are limited whereby an optimal
cruising speed is maintained in order
to reduce fuel consumption.

Refer to
tion for detailed instructions.

Standard Mode

In standard mode, acceleration is re­duced when accelerating from a com­plete stop and when operating in the
low vehicle speed range under certain
conditions.

OPERATING MODES

subsec-

12

_______

SAFETY I

NFORMATION

________

RIDING THE VEHICLE

Each op e ra tor has a responsibility to
ensure the safety of other recreation­ists or bystanders.

You are responsible for proper opera­tion 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 snowmo­bile. Please contact an authorized
Ski-Doo dealer for further details. Fi­nally, we urge you to visit an authorized
Ski-Doo dealer periodically for regu­lar and safety maintenance, as well as
snowmobile ac cessories you may re­quire.

Before venturing on the trails, operate
the sn owmobile in a restricte d flat area
until you are comp letely familiar with
its operation and feel comfortable that
you can safely tackle a more demand­ing task. Have an enjoyable and safe
ride.

Pre-Ride Inspection

WARNING

The pre-operation check is very
important prior to operating the
vehicle. Always check the proper
operation of critical controls,
safety features and mechanical
components before starting.

Before Starting the Engine

If a malfunction or leak is dete
and authorized Ski-Doo dealer.

1. Remove snow and ice from bo
cluding lights, seat, footrests, con­trols and instruments.

cted, see

dy in-

2. Verifythatairsilencerprefilter is free
of snow.

3. Verify that skis and steering operate
freely. Check corresponding action
of skis versus handlebar.

4. C heck fu e l and oil levels . Replenish
if necessary

5. All storage compartments must be
properly latched and they must not
contain any heavy or breakable ob­jects. Hood and side panels must
be also properly latched.

6. Activate the throttle control lever
several times to check that it oper­ates easily and smoothly. It must re­turn to idle position when released.

7. Activate the brake lever and make
sure the brake fully applies before
the brake control lever touches th e
handlebar grip. It must fully return
when released.

8. Apply parking brake and check if it
operates properly. Leave parking
brake applied.

After Engine is Started

For proper engine starting procedure,
refer to

DURE
TIONS

1. Check headlights high beam and
low beam, taillight, stop light and
pilot lamps ope ration.

NOTE: You may need to detach tether
cord your clothes to check lights. In
such a case, attach cord as soon as you
get back at the controls of the snow­mobile.

2. Check the engine cut-off switch (by
pulling te th er cord cap) a nd emer­gency engine stop switch opera­tion.

3. Release parking brake.

4. Refer to the
follow instructions.

ENGINE STARTING PROCE-

in the
subsection.

OPERATING INSTR UC-

WARM UP

section and

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SAFETY INF

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RIDING THE VEHICLE

Pre-Ride Check List

ITEM OPERATION

Body including seat, footrests,
lights, air filter, controls and
instruments

Skis and steering Check for free movement and proper action.
Fuel and oil
Coolant Check for proper level.

Storage compartment

Throttle lever

Track

Brake lever
Parking brake
Emergency engine stop switch

and engine cut-off switch
(tether cord cap)

Check condition and remove snow or ice.

Check for proper level.

Check for proper latching and no heavy or
breakable objects.

Check for proper action.

Check condition and remove snow or ice.

Check for proper action.
Check for proper action.

Check for proper action. Tether cord must be
attached to driver clothing eyelet.

✔

Lights

Check for proper operation.

14

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RIDING THE VEHICLE

How to Ride

Riding Gear

Proper snowmobile clothing should
be worn. It should be comfortable
andnottootight. Alwayscheckthe
weather forecast before going on a
ride. Dress for the coldest weather
expected. Thermal underwear next to
theskinalsoprovidesagoodinsula­tion.

Wear an approved helmet at all times
for safetyandcomfort. A stocking type
cap, balaclava and face mask should al­ways be carried or worn. Goggles or a
face shield that attaches to the helmet
are indispensable.

Hands should be protected by a pair
of snowmobile gloves or mitts which
have sufficient insulation and a llow use
of thumbs and f ingers for operation of
controls.

Rubber bottom boots with either a ny­lon or a leather top, with removable felt
liners are best suited for snowmobil­ing.

You should keep yourself as dry as pos­sible when snowmobiling. When you
come indoors, take your snowmobile
suit and boots off and make certain
they dry properly.

Do not wear long scarfs and loose ap­parels that could get caught in moving
parts.

Carry colored lens goggles.

What to Bring

Every snowmobiler should carry at
least the following basic parts and
tools that can help him and others in
an emergency:

First aid kit Provided tool kit

Mobile phone Knife

Spare spark plugs

Friction tape Trail map

Spare drive belt Snack

Rider Position (For ward Operation)

Your riding position and balance are
the two basic principles of making 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(s) must never attempt this ma­neuvering by placing feet outside of
the vehicle. Experience 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.

Flashlight

WARNING

Do not attempt any maneuvers if
they are beyond your abilities.

Sitting

Feet on the running boards, body mid­way back on seat is an ideal position
when operating the snowmobile over
familiar, smooth terrain. Knees and
hips should remain flexible to absorb
shocks.

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RIDING THE VEHICLE

mmo2008-003-001

Posting

A semi-sitting position with the body
off the seat and the feet under thebody
in a sort of squatting posture, thus al­lowing the legs to absorb the shocks
when traveling over uneven terrain.
Avoid abrupt stops.

Standing

Place both feet on the runn ing boards.
Knees should be flexed to absorb the
shock from surface bumps. This is an
effective position to see better and
to shift weight as conditions dictate.
Avoid abrupt stop.

mmo2008-003-004

mmo2008-003-002

Kneeling

This position is achieved by placing
one foot firmly on the running board
and the opposite knee on the seat.
Avoid abrupt stops.

mmo2008-003-003

Rider Position (Reverse Operation)

We recommend sitting on your snow­mobile when operating in reverse.

Avoid standing up. Your weight could
shift forward against throttle lever
while operating in reverse, causing
an unexpected acceleration.

WARNING

Unexpected acceleration when
snowmobile operates in reverse
can cause a loss of control.

Carrying a Passenger

Certain snowmobiles are designed for
an operator only, others can allow one
passenger only, and others can allow
up to two passengers. Refer to the
indications on the vehicles to know if
any particular snowmobile can accom­modate passengers or not, and if so,
how many. Always respect those indi­cations. Overloadin g is d an g ero us be­cause snowmobiles are not designed
for it.

16

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Even when passengers are allowed,
you must make sure that the persons
who would like to become passengers
are physically fit for snowm obiling.

WARNING

Any passenger must be able to
firmly lay his feet on the footrests
and keep his hands on the hand­holds or seat strap at all times
when seated. Respecting those
physical criteria is important to en­sure that the p assenger is stable
and to reduce the risks of ejection.

On snow mobiles allowing two passen­gers, if you have an adult and a child for
passenger, BRP recommends that the
child sits in the center location. This
allows an adult sitting in the rear seat
to keep a visual contact with the child
and hold him if necessary. In addition,
the child is best protected against the
wind and cold temperature if seated in
the center location.

Each op e ra tor has a responsibility to
ensure the safety of his passengers
and should inform them of snowmobil­ing basics.

WARNING

– Passengers must only sit on

designated passenger seats.
Never allow anyone to sit be­tween the handlebar and the
operator.

– Each passenger seat must have

a strap or handholds and meet
SSCC standards.

– Passengers and operators mus

always wear an appro ved hel­mets and warm clothing appro­priate for snowmobiling.
sure that no skin is exposed.

– Once underway, if a passenger

feels uncomfortable or inse­cure for any reason,
not wait, and tell the driver to
slowdown or stop.

he must

t

Make

Riding with passengers on board is dif­ferent than riding alone. The operator
has the benefit of knowing what will
be the next maneuver and is able to
prepare himself accordingly. The oper­ator also benefits from the support of
his grip on the handlebar. In contrast,
the passengers have to rely on the op­erator’s careful and safe operation of
the ve hic le. In addition, “body eng­lish” is limited with passengers, and
the operator can sometimes see m ore
of the trail ahead than the passengers.
Therefore, s mooth starting a nd stop­ping are required with passengers,
and the operator must slow down.
The operator must also warn passen­gers of side hills, bumps, branches,
etc. An unforeseen bump can leave
you p assenger-less. Remind your pas­sengers to lean into the turn with you,
without causing the vehicle to topple.
Be extremely careful, go more slowly
and check the passengers frequently.

WARNING

When riding with a passenger:

– Braking ability and steering

control are reduced. Decrease
speed and allow extra space to
maneuver.

– Adjust suspension a ccording to

weight.

For complete information on how to
adjust the suspension, please refer to

TUNE YOUR RIDE

the
Use extra caution and go even more

slowly with young passengers. Check
frequentlytomakecertainthechildhas
a firm grip and is properly positioned
with his feet on the running boards.

Terrain/Riding Variations

Groomed Trail

On a maintained trail, sitting is the
most preferred riding position. Do not
race and, above all, keep to the right
hand side of the trail. Be prepared

subsection.

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SAFETY INF

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17

RIDING THE VEHICLE

for the unexpected. Observe all trail
signs. Do not zigzag from one side of
the trail to the other.

Ungroomed Trail

Unless there has been a fresh snow­fall you can expect “washboard” and
snowdrift conditions. Taken at exces­sive speeds, such conditions can be
physically harmful. Slow down. Hold
on the handlebar and assume a post­ing position. Feet should be under the
body assuming a crouched position to
absorb any jarring effect. On longer
stretches of “washboard” trails, the
kneeling position of one knee on the
seat can be adopted. This provides a
certain amount of comfort, while at the
same time keeps the body loose and
capable of vehicle control. Beware of
hidden rocks or tree stumps partially
hidden by a recent snowfall.

Deep Snow

In deep “powder” snow, your vehicle
could begin to “bog” down. If this oc­curs,turninaswideanarcaspossible
and look for a firme r base. If you do get
“bogged”, and it happens to everyone,
do not spin your track as this makes the
vehicle sink deeper. Instead, turn the
engine off, get off and move the back
of the vehicle onto new snow. Then
tramp a clear path ahead of the vehi­cle. A few feet will generally suffice.
Restartthe engine. Assume the stand­ing position and rock the vehicle gently
as you steadily and slowly apply the
throttle. Depending on whether the
front or rear end of the vehicle is
ing, your feet should be placed on the
opposing end of the running boards.
Never place foreign material b
the track for support. Do not allow any­one to stand in front of, or to the rear
of, the snowmobile with t
running. Stay away from the track.
Personal injury w ill result if contact is
made with the revolvin

he engine

gtrack.

sink-

eneath

Frozen Water

Traveling frozen lakes a nd rivers can be
fatal. Avoid waterways. If you are in
an unfamiliar area, ask th e local author­ities or r esidents abo u t the ice condi­tion, inlets, outlets, springs, fast mov­ing currents or other hazards. Never
attempt to operate your snowmobile
on ice that may be too weak to sup­port you and the vehicle. Operating
a snowmobile on ice or icy surfaces
can be very dangerous if you do not
observe certain precautions. The very
nature of ice is foreign to good con­trol of a snowm obile or any vehicle .
Traction for start ing, turning or stop­ping is much less than that on snow.
Thus, these distances can be multi­plied manyfold. Steering is minimal,
and uncontrolled spins are an ever
present danger. When operating on
ice, drive slowly with caution. Allow
yourself plenty of room for stopping
and turning. This is especially true at
night.

Hard Packed Snow

Don't underestimate hard packed
snow. It can be difficult to negotiate
as both skis and track do not have as
much traction. Best advice is to slow
down and avoid rapid acceleration,
turning or braking.

Uphill

There a re two types of hills you can en­counter — the open hill on which there
are few trees, cliffs or other obstacles,
and a hill that can only be climbed di
rectly. On an open hill, the approach is
to climb it by side hilling or slalom ing .
Approachatanangle. Adopt a knee
position. Keep your weight on the up­hill side at all times. Maintain a steady,
safe speed. Continue as far as y
in this direction, then switch to an op­posite hill angle and riding position.

ling

ou can

-

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A direct climb could present prob le ms.
Choose the standing position, acceler­ate before you start the climb and then
reduce throttle pressure to prevent
track slippage.

In either case, vehicle speed should be
as fast as the incline demands. Always
slow down as you reach the crest. If
you cannot proceed further, don't spin
your track. Turn the engine off, free the
skis by pulling them out and do wnhill,
place the rear of the snowmobile uphill
restart the engine and ease it out with
slow even throttle pressure. Position
yourself to avoid tipping over, then de­scend.

Downhill

Downhill driving requires that you have
full control of your vehicle at all times.
On steeper hills, keep your center o f
gravity low and both hands on the h an­dlebar. Maintain slight throttle pres­sure and allow the machine to run
downhill with the engine operating.
If a higher than safe speed is reached,
slow down by braking but apply the
brake with frequent light pressure.
Never jam the brake and lock the track.

Side Hill

New snow, animals, people, wind
and snowmobiles can all trigger
an avalanche. Avoid high marking
or traversing steep terrain when
avalanche conditions are possible.
When in u nstable snow conditions,
travel should be restricted to lower
angle slopes. W ind formed cornices
should be avoided. Staying off un­stable conditions is the key to safe
mountain riding. Probably most impor­tant is to be aware of the conditions
and dangers on a daily basis when in
the mountains. Check local avalanche
forecasts and threats each day before
heading out to ride and heed forecast­ers advice.

You should always carryasnowshovel,
probe and avalanche beacon while rid­ing on mountains. We recommend
that all mountain riders take a lo­cal avalanche safety training course
to become more fam ilia r with snow
conditions and learn how to properly
use their equipment.

Here are some web sites that can help
you finding important information:

–US:www.avalanche.org
– Europe: www.avalanches.org
– Canada: www.avalanche.ca

When crossing a side hill or travers­ing up or downh ill, certain procedures
must be followed. All riders should
lean towards the slope as required for
stability. The preferre d operating po­sitions are the kneeling position, with
thekneeofthedownhilllegonthe
seat and the foot of the uphill leg on
the running board, or the posting posi­tion. Be prepared to shift your weight
quickly as n eeded. Side hills and
slopes are not recommended for a be­ginner or a novice snowmobiler.

Avalanche Hazard

When riding on mountainous te
you should be aware of the risk of
avalanches. Avalanches vary in size
and shapes and generally oc
steep terrain and on unstable snow.

________

SAFETY INF

steep

rrain,

cur in

Slush

Slush should be avoided at all times.
Always check for slush before starting
across any lake or river. If dark spots
appearinyourtracks,getofftheice
immediately. Ice and water can be
thrown rearward into the path of a fol­lowing snowmobile. Getting a veh
out of a slush area is strenuous and in
some cases, impossible.

Fog or Whiteouts

On land or water, fog or visibil­ity-limiting snow can form. If you have
to proceed into the fog or heavy snow,
do so slowly with your light
watch int en tly for hazards. If you are
not sure of your way, do not proceed.

ORMATION

________

sonand

icle

19

RIDING THE VEHICLE

Keep a safe distance behind other
snowmobilers to improve visibility and
reaction time.

Unfamiliar Territory

Whenever you enter an area that is
new to you, drive with extreme cau­tion. Go slow enough to recognize
potential h azards such as fences or
fence posts, brooks crossing your
path, rocks, sudden dips, guy wires
and countless other obstacles w hich
could result in a termination of your
snowmobile ride. Even when fol­lowing existing tracks, be cautious.
Travel at a speed so you can see what
is around the next bend or over the top
of the hill.

Bright Sunshine

Bright sunny days can considerably
reduce your vision. The glare from
sun and snow may blind you to the ex­tent that you cannot easily distinguish
ravines, ditches or other obstacles.
Goggles with colored lenses should al­ways be worn under these conditions.

Unseen Obstruction

There may be obstructions hidden
beneath the snow. Driving off es­tablished trails and in the woods re­quires reduced speed and increased
vigilance. Driving too fast in an area
can make even minor obstacles very
hazardous. Even hitting a small rock
or stump could throw your snowmo­bile out of control and cause injury to
its riders. Stay on established trail
to reduce your exposure to hazards.
Be sa fe, slow down and enjoy the
scenery.

Hidden W ires

roads, and into chains and wires used
as road closures. Slow speeds are a
must.

Obstacles and Jumping

Unplanned jumps of snowdrifts, snow­plow ridges, culverts or indistinguish­able objects can be dangerous. You
can avoid them by wearing the proper
color lenses or face shields and by op­erating at a lower speed.

Jumpingasnowmobilecanbeahaz­ardous situation. Be prepared before
landing to absorb the shock and brace
yourself for the impact. Knees must
be flexed to act as shock absorbers.

If the trail does suddenly drop away
from you, crouch (stand) towards the
rear of the vehicle and keep the skis up
and straight ahead. Apply partial throt­tle and brace you rse lf for the impact.
Knees must be flexed to act as shock
absorbers.

Tur nin g

Depending on terrain conditions, there
are two preferred ways to turn or cor­ner a snowmobile. For most snow
surfaces, “body english” is the key to
turning. Leaning towards the inside of
the turn and positioning body weight
on the inside foot will create a “bank­ing” condition beneath the track. By
adopting t his position and position ing
yourself as far forward as poss ible,
weight will be transferred to the inside
ski.

On occasion, you will find that the only

s

way to turn the vehicle about in deep
snow is to pull the snowmobile around.
Do not over-exert yourself. Get assis­tance. Remember to always lift using
your legs as opposed to your back.

Always be on the lookout for hidden
wires, especially in areas that may
have been farmed at one time or an
other. Too m any accidents have been
caused by running into wires in the
fields, guy wires next to pole

20

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sand

SAFETY I

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RIDING THE VEHICLE

tablished trails and never operate in
unfamiliar territory. Avoid rivers and
lakes. Guy wires, b arbed wire fences,
cabled road entrances and other ob­jects such as tree limbs are difficult
to see at night. Never drive alone. Al­ways carry a flashlight. Keep away
from residential areas and respect the
right of others to sleep.

Riding in a G roup

mmo2008-003-005

Road Crossing

In some cases, you will be approach­ing the road from a ditch or snowbank.
Choose a place where you know you
can climb without difficulty. Use the
standing position and proceed with
only as much speed needed to crest
the bank. Stop completely at the top
of the bank and wait for all traffic to
clear. Judgethedroptotheroadway.
Cross the road at a 90° angle. If you en­counter another snowbank on the op­posite side, position your feet near the
rear of the vehicle. Remember, your
snowmobile is not designed to oper­ate on bare pavement and steering on
this type of surface is more difficult.

Railroad Crossing

Never rid e on railroad t racks. It is il­legal. Railroad tracks and railroad
rights-of-way are private property. A
snowmobile is no m atch for a train.
Before crossing a railroad track, stop,
look and listen.

Night Rides

The amount of natural and artificial
light at a given time can effect your
ability to see or to be seen. Nighttime
snowmobiling is delightful. It can b e
a unique experience if you acknowl­edge your red uc ed visibility. Before
you s tart, make certain your lights
are clean and work properly. Drive
at speeds that will allow you to stop
in time when you see an unknown or
dangerous object ahead. Stay on es-

Before starting out, designate a “trail
boss” to lead the party and another per­son to follow-up at the end of the party.
Ensure that all members of the party
are aware of the proposed route and
destination. Make certain that you are
carrying all necessary tools and equip­ment and that you have sufficient fuel
to complete the trip. Never overtake
the trail boss or, for that matter, any
other snowmobile. Use down-the-line
hand signals to indicate hazards or in­tent of direction change. Assist others
whenever necessary.

ItisalwaysIMPORTANTtokeepa
safe distance between each snowmo­bile. Always maintain a safe interval
and allow sufficient stopping distance.
Don't be a tailgater. Know the position
of the machine ahead.

Signals

Ifyouintendtostop,raiseeitherhand
straight above your head. A left turn is
indicated by extending your left hand
straight out in the proper direction. For
right turns, extend the left arm and
raise the hand to a vertical positio
forms a right angle at the elbow. Every
snowmobiler should relay any signal to
the ones behind.

Trail Stops

Whenever possible, pull off the trail
when you stop. This will reduce the
hazard to other snowmobilers
the trail.

nsoit

using

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SAFETY INF

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RIDING THE VEHICLE

Tr ails and Signs

Trail signs are used to control, direct or
regulate the use of snowmobiles on
trails. Become fa miliar with all signs
used in the area where you are snow­mobiling.

Environment

Wildlife com pliments your snowmo­biling day. Snowmobile tracks provide
firm ground over which animals can
travel from area to area. Do not violate
this privilege by chasing or harassing
wildlife. Fatigue and exhaustion can
lead to animal's death. Avoid areas
posted for the protection o r feeding of
wildlife.

If you happen to be fortunate enough
to see an animal, stop your snowmo­bile and observe quietly.

The guidelines that we support are not
designed to lim it your snowmobiling
fun, but to preserve the beautiful free­dom that you can experience only on
a snowmobile! These guidelines will
keep snowmobilershealthy, happy and
able to introduce others to what they
know and enjoy about their favorite
winter pastime. So, the next time you
hit the trails on a cool, crisp and clear
winter day, we ask you to remember
that you are paving the way for the fu­ture of our sport. Help us lead it down
the right path ! From all of us at BRP,
thank you for doing your share.

There is nothing more exhilarating than
snowmobiling. Venturing onto snow­mobile trails that cross wild areas is
an exciting and healthy winter sport.
However, as the number of people us­ing these recreational parks incre
so does the potential for damage to the
environment. Abuse of land, facilities
and resources inevitably leads t
strictions and closures of both private
and public land.

ases,

ore-

In essence, the greatest threa t to our
sport, is all around us. Which leaves
us with one logical choice. When we
snowmobile, we must always ride re­sponsibly.

The vast majority respect the law and
the environment. Each of us must set
an example for those who are new to
the sport, young and old alike.

It is in every one's best interest to tread
lightly into our recreational areas. Be­cause, in the long run, to protect the
sportwemustpreserve the environ­ment.

Recognizing the importance of this is­sueandtheneedforsnowmobilersto
do their share in preserving areas that
make it possible to enjoy our sport,
BRP has developed the “Light Tread­ing Is Smart Sledding” campaign for
snowmobilers.

Light Treading refers to more than the
thread of our tracks. It's a statement
of concern, resp ect and willingness
to take the lead and take action. It ap­plies to the environment in general, its
proper care and maintenance, its natu­ral inhabitants and all enthusiasts and
the public at large who enjoy the great
outdoors. With this theme, we invite
all snowmobilers to remember that re­specting the environment is not only
critical to the future of our industry but
to future generations.

Light Treading in no way suggests you
should curb your appetite for snowmo­biling fun! It simply means t re ad wit
respect!

The fundamental objective of Light
Treading is one of respect for where
and how you ride a snowmobile.
You're a light treader when you fol
the principles below.

Become informed. Obta in m aps,
ulations and other information from
the Forest Service or from othe r p ub­lic land agencies. Learn the
follow them and that goes for speed
limits, too!

rules and

h

low

reg-

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Avoid running over young trees,
shrubs, and grasses and don't cut
wood. On flatlands or area s where trail
riding is popular, it's important to ride
only where authorized. Rem em b e r,
there is a link between protecting your
environment and your own s afety.

Respect wildlife andbeparticularly
sensitive of animals that are rearing
young or suffering from food shortage.
Stress can sap scarce energy reserves.
Refrainfromridinginareaswhereonly
animals are intended to tread!

Obey gate closures and regulatory
signs and remember, light treaders
don't litter!

Stay out of wilderness areas. They're
closed to a ll vehicles. Know where the
boundaries are.

Obtain permission to travel across
private land. Respect the rights of
landowners and other people's pri­vacy. Remember, snowmobile tech­nology has lowered the noise factor
considerably, but you still shouldn't rev
your engines where quiet “is the order
of the day”.

Finally, Light Treading is the sign of a
smart snowmobiler. You don't have
to leave big tracks or careen through a
virgin forest to show you can ride. So
whether you're driving a high perfor­mance Ski-Doo, a sporty M X Z snow­mobile or any other make or model,
show you know what you're doing.
Show you know how to send snow fly­ing and make tracks with a light touch!

Snowmobilers know all too well the ef­forts that have been made throughout
the sport's history to enjoy access to
areas where people can snowmobile
safely and responsibly. This effort c on­tinues today, as strong as ever.

Respectingtheareaswhereweride...
wherever they may be... is the only
way to ensure their future enjoyment.
That's one major reason why we know
you'llagree that Light Treading is smart
sledding! And there are more.

Enjoying the opportunity to see winter
and all its natural majestic w on d ers
is an experience cherished by snow­mobilers. Light Treading will preserve
this opportunity and will make
sible for us to expose others to the
beauty of winter and the unique thrill of
our sport! Light Treading wi
sport to grow!

it pos-

ll help our

,

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SAFETY INF

ORMATION

________

23

TRACTION ENHANCING PRODUCTS

NOTE: This section is applicable to
snowmobiles equipped with a factory
installed track that has been approved
by BRP for special studs installation.

WARNING

Never stud a track that has not
been approved for studs. Ap­proved tracks can be identified by
a stud symbol (see illustration be­low) molded into the track surface.
Installing studs on an unapproved
track could increase the risk of the
track tearing or severing.

12

A00A8KA

TRACK SYMBOLS

1. Approved

2. NOT Approved

WARNING

on soft snow. For this reason, driving
a snowmobile equipped with traction
enhancing products requires a certain
adaptation period. If your snowmobile
is equipped with traction enhancing
products, be sure to take plenty of time
to get used to the way it handles when
turning, accelerating, and braking.

Also, always check local regulations
concerning the use of traction enhanc­ing products on snowmobiles. Always
drive your snowmobile in a responsible
manner, respecting the environment
and other people’s property.

Manoeuvrability

Using traction enhancing products
such as, more aggressive ski carbide
runners and/or studs makes t he snow­mobile grip the ground better at both
the front and at the rear. The use of
carbide runners is therefore required
to give the skis a better grip, so that the
front and rear of the snowmobile are
in balance. While off-the-shelf carbide
ski runners are adequate, they don’t
necessarily give you optimal control,
since that depends on your personal
preferences,your riding style, and how
your suspension is adjusted.

Use only the BRP approved type
stud for these Ski-Doo snowmo­biles. DO NOT EVER use conven­tional studs as the track thickness
is thinner then other standard
tracks. The stud could tear off of
track a nd separate from vehicle.
See an authorized Ski-Doo dealer
for current specific studdin
ability and applications.

Using traction enhancing p
such as, more aggressive ski carbide
runners and/or studs on your snow­mobile will change its
ticularly in terms of manoeuvra bility,
acceleration, and braking.

Using traction enhancing products
gives a better grip on packed snow
and ice, but has no no

24

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ticeable effect

g avail-

roducts

behavior, par-

SAFETY I

WARNING

If the front and rear of the snow­mobile are out of balance due to an
incorrect combination of traction
enhancing products, the snow­mobile may tend to oversteer or
understeer, which could lead to a
loss of control.

Oversteering

In certain conditions, using more ag­gressive ski carbide runners without
studs on the rear track coul
snowmobile prone to oversteering,
see illustration.

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d make the

TRACTION ENHANCING PRODUCTS

Acceleration

Using studs on the track will allow you r
sled to accelerate better on packed
snow and ice but will have no notice­able effect on soft snow. This can
cause sudden variations in traction
under certain conditions.

A33A31A

OVERSTEERING

Understeering

In certain conditions, the use of studs
onthetrackcouldmakethesnowmo­bile prone to understeering if the skis
are not equipped withmore aggressive
ski carbide runners, see illustration.

A33A33A

UNDERSTEERING

Controlled Driving

A balanced combination of carbide ski
runners and studs on the track ensures
adequate control and better handling,
see illustration.

WARNING

To prevent surprises that could
lead to a loss of control of the
snowmobile:

– Alway s g o easy on the throttle.
– NEVER try to spin the track to

make the rear of the snowmo-

bile skid.
This could cause debris or ice to be
thrown violently backwards, pos­sibly injuring others nearby or on
snowmobiles behind you.

Braking

As in the case of accelera tion, using
studs on the track will give you better
braking capacity on packed snow or
ice but will have no noticeable effect
on soft snow. Braking may thus vary
suddenly under certain conditions.
Be sure to use restraint in braking to
keep from blocking the track in order to
avoid surprises that could lead to a loss
of control.

A33A34A

CONTROLLED DRIVING

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SAFETY INF

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25

TRACTION ENHANCING P RODUCTS

Important Safety Rules

WARNING

To prevent serious injury to indi­viduals near the snowmobile:

– NEVER stand behind or near a

moving track.

– Always use a wide-base snow -

mobile stand with a rear deflec­tor panel if it is necessary to ro­tate track.

– When the track is raised off the

ground, only run it at the lowest

possible speed.
Centrifugal force could cause de­bris, damaged or loose studs,
pieces of torn track, or an en­tire severed track to be violently
thrown backwards out of the tun­nel w ith tremendous force.

Effects o f Having a
Studded Track on the
Life of the Snowmobile

WARNING

If tunnel protectors are excessively
worn or not installed, the gas tank
could be punctured, causing a fire.

NOTICE

appropriate tunnel protectors model
and kit number required for your
snowmobile.

NOTE: Consult the BRP limited war-

ranty to find out what warra nty limita­tionsarerelatedtotheuseofstuds.

Ask your dealer for the

Installation of Studs on
BRP Approved Tracks

WARNING

Never stud a track that has not
been approved for studs. In­stalling studs on an unapproved
track could increase the risk of the
track tearing or severing.

The use of traction enhancing products
can increase the load and the stress on
certain snowmobile components, as
well as the vibration level. This can
cause premature wear on parts such
as drive belts, brake linings, bearings,
chain, chaincase sprocket, and on ap­proved studded tracks, shorten tra ck
life. Always proceed with a visual in­spection of your track before each
use. For m ore information, refer to

TRACKinMAINTENANCE PRO-

the

CEDURES

Studs on the track ca n also cause se­rious dam age to your snowmobile if
it is not equipped with the tunnel pro­tectors designed for your particular
model. Damage to the electricalwiring
or perforation of the heat exchangers
are potential hazards, that could cause
the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.

.

To ensure safe and proper installation,
BRP recommends to have the studs in­stalled by your dealer.

– Use only the BRP approved special

studs.

– Never use studs that exceed the

height of your snowmobile’s track
profile by more than 9.5 mm (3/8 in).

3

4

1

A33A32A

INSTALLATION OF STUDS

1. Stud size

2. Penetration range 6.4 mm t
(1/4 ft to 3/8 ft)

3. Track lug height

4. Track belt thickness

2

o9.5mm

26

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SAFETY I

NFORMATION

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TRACTION ENHANCING PRODUCTS

WARNING

– See an authorized Ski-Doo

dealer for current specific stud­ding availability and applica­tions.

– DO NOT EVER use conventional

stud because, the track thick­ness is thinner then our stan­dard tracks and the stud could
tear off of track and separate
from vehicle.

– Studs should only be installed

in the locations indicated by
molded bulges in the track sur­face. Some track models have
two types of molded bulges;
triangles and circles. See the
warning molded into the track
surface to know which one to
use.

– Never stud a track with a profile

of 35 mm (1.375 in) or more.

– The number of studs installed

must always perfectly match
the pattern of molded bulges in
the track.

– Always consult the traction

product manufacturer’s instal­lation instructions and recom­mendations before having your
dealer install studs and runners.
It is very important to follow
the torque specifications for the

stud bolts.
INSTALLING AN INCORRECT
NUMBER OF STUDS OR AN IM­PROPER INSTALLATION CAN IN­CREASE THE RISK OF TH E TRACK
TEARING OR SEVERING.

– Tears in the tr ack (particularly

around traction holes on studded
tracks)

– Lugs that are broken or torn off, ex-

posing portions of rods
– Delamination of the rubber
–Brokenrods
– Broken studs (studded tracks)
– Bent studs (studded tracks)
– Missing studs
– Studs that are torn off the track
– Missing track guide(s)
– Loose studs.

On approved studded tracks, replace
brokenordamaged studs immediately.
If your track shows signs of deteriora­tion, it must be replaced immediately.
When in doubt, ask your dealer. Al­ways proceed with a visual inspection
of your track before each use.

WARNING

Riding with a damaged track or
studs could lead to loss of control.

Inspection of a Studded
Tra ck

PROCEED WITH A VISUAL INSPEC­TION OF YOUR TRACK BEFORE
EACH RIDE.

Look for any defec ts, such as:

– Perforations in the track

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SAFETY INF

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27

IMPORTANT ON-PRODUCT LABELS

Hang Tag

704901107

vmo2006-005-009_en

Vehicle Safety Labels

Read and understand all the safety la­bels on your vehicle. These labels are
affixedtothevehicleforthesafetyof
the operator, passenger or bystander.

The following labels are on your ve­hicle and they should be considered
permanent parts of the vehicle. If
missing or damaged, the decals can
be replaced free of charge. See an au­thorized Ski-Doo dealer.

NOTE: In the e vent of any discrep­ancy between this guide and the ve­hicle, the safety labels on t he vehicle
have precedence over the labels in this
guide.

28

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SAFETY I

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