Yamaha PZ50GTZ Owner's Manual - Operation

Operation

37

Pay particular attention to the safety informa-

tion on page 6.

Please read all warning and notice labels on

your snowmobile. Also, read the Snowmobil-

er’s Safety Handbook that is supplied with

your snowmobile.

Learning to ride your snowmobile

Before you ride, always perform the pre-oper-

ation checks listed on page 33. The short time

spent checking the condition of the snowmo-

bile will be rewarded with added safety and a

more reliable snowmobile. Always wear the

proper clothing for both warmth and to help

protect you from injury if an accident occurs.

Become familiar with operating your snowmo-

bile at low speeds, even if you are an experi-

enced rider. Do not attempt to operate at

maximum performance until you are totally fa-

miliar with the snowmobile’s handling and

performance characteristics.

The beginning operator should select a large

flat area to become familiar with the snowmo-

bile. Make sure that this area is free of obsta-

cles and other traffic. You should practice

control of the throttle and brake, and master

turning techniques in this area before trying

more difficult terrain.

Set the parking brake and follow the instruc-

tions on page 35 to start the engine. Once the

engine has warmed up, you are ready to be-

gin riding your snowmobile.

To start out and accelerate

1.

With the engine idling, release the park-

ing brake.

2.

Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.

The V-belt clutch will engage and you will

start to accelerate. WARNING! Do not

allow anyone to stand behind the

snowmobile when starting the engine.

A broken track, track fittings, or debris

thrown by the track could be danger-

ous to bystanders.

 [EWS00690]

Braking

WARNING

EWS00220

●

Many surfaces such as ice and hard-

packed snow require much longer stop-

ping distances. Be alert, plan ahead, and

begin decelerating early.

●

Improper use of the brake can cause the

drive track to lose traction, reduce con-

trol, and increase the possibility of an

accident.

When slowing down or stopping, release the

throttle and apply the brake gently—not sud-

denly.

Turning

For most snow surfaces, “body English” is the

key to turning.

As you approach a curve, slow down and be-

gin to turn the handlebar in the desired direc-

tion. As you do so, put your weight on the

running board to the inside of the turn and

lean your upper body into the turn.

This procedure should be practiced at low

speeds many times, in a large flat area with no

obstacles. Once you have learned this tech-

nique, you should be able to perform it at high-

er speeds or in tighter curves. Lean more as

the turn gets sharper or is made at higher

speeds.

U8GK13E0.book  Page 37  Wednesday, March 11, 2009  10:54 AM