Novara Afterburner Owner's Manual - page 14
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GA 5639.2 Novara Afterburner Owner’s Manual ‘07 5.5" x 8.5" CM/JH/CE OTD
2. SAFETY CHECKS BEFORE EACH USE
Check the condition of your Afterburner before every ride.
Afterburner hitch and hinge condition: The hitch is the critical connection between the Afterburner and the lead
bicycle. Before each ride:
•
Carefully inspect hitch and hinge for cracks.
•
Carefully inspect hardware on hitch and hinge to ensure that the bolts protrude through the nylock nut (see
illustration).
The nylock nut features a plastic insert that provides a high-friction fit for the bolt, to keep the nut
from being loosened by road vibration. Check the bolts for tightness, as well, but do not over-tighten.
Nuts, bolts and straps: Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the wheel off the ground two or three inches, then let it
bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole trailer cycle.
Any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
Tire pressure: The Afterburner tire is your passenger’s primary suspension system. For your passenger’s comfort and confidence, make sure the
Afterburner tire is inflated to 30–35 psi (see Section 4.B.1).
Tire in good shape? Spin the wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace a damaged tire before riding the Afterburner.
Wheels true? Spin the wheel and check for side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to side, take the Afterburner to your local REI store or a
professional bike mechanic to have the wheel trued.
Chain taut? Press down on the chain midway between front and rear cogs. If the chain moves more than ½", tighten the chain by loosening bolts,
moving the rear wheel back and re-tightening the bolts.
Saddle alignment: Make sure the saddle points straight ahead and that the adjusting mechanisms for seat height and angle are tight and secure.
Handlebar ends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good condition. If not, have your local REI store or a professional bike mechanic
replace them.
WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips can cause the passenger to lose balance and fall.
Afterburner hitch tightness: Push on the tow bar to confirm that the hitch cannot be rotated about the seatpost of the lead bicycle.
Service Schedule: Follow the regular service and maintenance recommendations on pg.17 (Section 5).
bolt should protrude at
least 1.5 threads beyond nut