Pre-Ride Check

Content Source: 2020 Indy 120 Owner’s Manual (9929777 R01) > Adult Section Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Pre-Ride Check

As the adult, you must teach the child the proper and safe way to ride a snowmobile. Set boundaries and adhere to them, keeping the child's safety foremost in your mind. Never allow the child to operate this vehicle without adult supervision.

WARNING

Serious injury or death could result if the vehicle is not inspected properly before operation. Teach all operators to perform the following Pre-Ride Check before each use of the snowmobile.

Inspect all items on the checklist for proper operation or condition before each use of the snowmobile. Procedures are outlined on the referenced pages. These checks should become automatic for the child before each ride. As the adult teacher, you must instill in all riders the importance of performing this Pre-Ride Check before they operate the snowmobile.

Item	Description	See Page
Throttle	Check for proper operation	Check the throttle for proper operation
Brake	Check for proper operation	Check the brake for proper operation
Steering System	Check for proper operation	Check for proper operation of the steering system
Throttle Safety Switch	Check for proper operation	Check the throttle safety switch
Engine Stop Switch	Verify that engine stops immediately	Engine Stop Switch
Tether Switch	Verify that engine stops immediately	Tether Strap/Switch
Track	Check for damage	Inspect the track
Seat	Make sure seat is securely attached	-
Hood Straps	Make sure straps are securely latched	-
Track and Skis	Make sure they are not frozen to ground	-
Gas and Oil	Check levels and add as needed	-
Lights	Check for proper operation of headlight and taillight	-

Read and Understand Your Owner's Manual

Read and make sure the operators understand the Owner's Manual completely before allowing anyone to operate this snowmobile. It's also a good idea to review it periodically to reinforce the information. It's very important to familiarize all operators with the cautions and warnings pertaining to the machine as well as safe operating procedures. We've attempted to provide you with as much information as possible to alert you to the safety requirements of snowmobiling.

WARNING

The throttle and brake are the primary controls of the snowmobile. If either should malfunction, the operator could lose control, which could lead to serious injury or death. Always check the throttle and brake levers for proper operation before operating the vehicle.

Check the throttle for proper operation

When checking the throttle, make sure the throttle lever compresses evenly and smoothly. When the lever is released, it should immediately return to the idle position without binding or hesitation. If the throttle does not function smoothly, do not start the engine. Have the throttle serviced before operating the snowmobile.

Check the brake for proper operation

Squeeze the brake lever toward the handlebar. When the lever is released, it should return to it’s original position smoothly. If the lever hesitates or seems sticky, do not start the engine. Have the brakes serviced before operating the snowmobile. See Check brake lever travel for brake lever travel specifications.

Check for proper operation of the steering system

Check for proper operation of the steering system. Manually turn the skis completely to the right and to the left. If difficulty is encountered, check for ice and snow buildup that may be obstructing the steering linkage. Make sure all greaseable components are properly lubricated.

Check the throttle safety switch

Test the throttle safety switch system on a daily basis before the vehicle is used.

With the engine idling, hold the throttle lever pin stationary by exerting pressure on the pivot pin in the direction shown in the illustration. Apply a slight amount of throttle opening. A properly functioning switch must shut down the engine

The throttle safety switch is designed to stop the engine whenever all pressure is removed from the throttle lever and the throttle cable or valve does not return to the normal closed position.

If excessive play develops in the throttle cable, the safety switch may be activated and will prevent the engine from starting. If the engine doesn't start and throttle safety switch malfunction is suspected, you can bring the machine to your authorized POLARIS dealer for service.
	0.3 in. (.8 mm)

Inspect the track

Driving for extended periods of time with marginal lubrication could severely damage the track. Driving on icy trails or driving when there is little or no snow are two examples of situations that would provide marginal lubrication and are not recommended. Do not operate the snowmobile with a damaged track.

WARNING

Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track will increase the possibility of additional track damage and/or failure. This could cause loss of control, resulting in severe injury or death. Always inspect for damage before using the snowmobile.

TIP

Track damage or failure caused by operation under poor lubrication conditions will void the track warranty.