Content Source: 2020 RS1 Owner’s Manual (9930796 R02) > Operation 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

New Operator Driving Procedures

  1. Read and understand the owner's manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating this vehicle.
  2. Visit the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association web site (rohva.org) and take the free on-line training course. Hands-on training is also available through ROHVA.
  3. Perform the pre-ride inspection.
  4. Do not carry a passenger on this vehicle.
  5. Do not carry cargo during this period.
  6. Select an open area that allows room to familiarize yourself with vehicle operation and handling.
  7. The driver must wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and seat belt at all times.
  8. Always make sure all cab doors are closed and latched when riding in this vehicle.
  9. Sit in the driver's seat and fasten the seat belt.
  10. Place the transmission in PARK.
  11. Start the engine.
  12. Apply the brakes and shift into low gear.
  13. Check your surroundings and determine your path of travel.
  14. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel, slowly release the brakes and depress the throttle with your right foot to begin driving.
  15. Drive slowly at first. On level surfaces, practice starting, stopping, turning, maneuvering, using the throttle and brakes and driving in reverse. Learn how the vehicle handles when making both left and right turns at a slow speed.
  16. Increase speed only after mastering all maneuvers at a slow speed.
  17. After you become skilled at making turns and begin to operate at faster speeds, follow these precautions:
    • Avoid sharp turns.
    • Never turn while applying heavy throttle.
    • Never make abrupt steering maneuvers.
    • Operate at speeds appropriate for your skills, the conditions and the terrain.
    • DO NOT do power slides, “donuts”, jumps or other driving stunts.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

When driving on slippery surfaces such as wet trails, loose gravel, or ice, be alert for the possibility of skidding and sliding.
Follow these precautions when encountering slippery conditions:
  1. Slow down before entering slippery areas.
  2. Maintain a high level of alertness, reading the trail and avoiding quick, sharp turns, which can cause skids.
  3. Engage all-wheel drive before wheels begin to lose traction.
    NOTICE
    Severe damage to the drive train may occur if the AWD is engaged while the wheels are spinning. Always allow the wheels to stop spinning before engaging AWD.
  4. Correct a skid by turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Never apply the brakes during a skid.
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Driving Uphill

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Whenever traveling uphill, follow these precautions:
  1. Always check the terrain carefully before ascending a hill. Never drive on hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
  2. Avoid excessively steep hills. If ascending a steeper grade is unavoidable, engage all-wheel drive before ascending.
  3. Drive straight uphill.
  4. Proceed at a steady rate of speed and throttle opening. Never open the throttle suddenly.
  5. Avoid unnecessary changes in speed or direction.
  6. Never go over the crest of a hill at high speed. An obstacle, a sharp drop, or another vehicle or person could be on the other side of the hill.
  7. If the vehicle stalls while climbing a hill, apply the brakes. Place the transmission in reverse and slowly allow the vehicle to roll straight downhill while applying light brake pressure to control speed.

Driving on a Sidehill (Sidehilling)

Driving on a sidehill is not recommended. Improper procedure could cause loss of control or rollover. Avoid crossing the side of any hill unless absolutely necessary.
If crossing a hill is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
  1. Engage all-wheel drive.
  2. Never operate in TURF mode (if equipped) while operating on a hill or other irregular terrain. Always move the AWD switch to AWD before ascending or descending a hill.
  3. Drive slowly and use extreme caution.
  4. If the vehicle begins to roll over, or if it feels as if it may roll over, immediately turn downhill.
  5. Avoid obstacles and changes in terrain that may lower or raise one side of the vehicle or cause the vehicle to slide.
  6. If the vehicle begins to slide downhill, immediately turn downhill to stop the slide, or stop the vehicle and maneuver slowly and carefully until the vehicle can be driven straight downhill.

Driving Downhill

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Whenever descending a hill, follow these precautions:
  1. Avoid excessively steep hills.
  2. Slow down. Never travel down a hill at high speed.
  3. Always check the terrain carefully before descending a hill. Never drive on hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
  4. Always descend a hill with the transmission in forward gear. Never descend a hill with the transmission in neutral.
  5. Avoid traveling down a hill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Travel straight downhill.
  6. Apply the brakes lightly to aid in slowing.

Driving Through Water

Your vehicle can operate through water with a maximum recommended depth equal to floor level. Follow these precautions when operating through water:

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  1. Determine the water depth and current before entering the water.
  2. Choose a crossing where the water level is lowest and where both banks have gradual inclines. Never operate in water that exceeds the maximum recommended depth (floor level) .
    WARNING
    The large tires on your vehicle may cause the vehicle to float in deep or fast-flowing water, which could result in loss of traction, loss of control, rollover or accident.
  3. Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. After leaving water, test the brakes. Apply them lightly several times while driving slowly. The friction will help dry out the pads. Avoid applying brake and throttle at the same time.
NOTICE
Major engine damage can result if the vehicle is not thoroughly inspected after operation in water. Perform the services outlined in the maintenance chart. Give special attention to engine oil, transmission oil, demand drive fluid, rear gearcase oil, and all grease fittings.
NOTICE
If your vehicle becomes immersed or is operated in water that exceeds the floor level, service is required before starting the engine. Your POLARIS dealer can provide this service. If it's impossible to bring the vehicle in before starting the engine, perform the service outlined on Vehicle Immersion, and take the vehicle in for service at the first opportunity

Driving Over Obstacles

Follow these precautions when operating over obstacles:
  1. Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area.
  2. Look ahead and learn to read the terrain. Be constantly alert for hazards such as logs, rocks and low hanging branches.
  3. Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Not all obstacles are immediately visible.
  4. Avoid operating over large obstacles such as large rocks and fallen trees. If unavoidable, use extreme caution and operate slowly.

Driving in Reverse

Follow these precautions when operating in reverse:
  1. Always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle.
  2. Apply the throttle lightly. Never open the throttle suddenly.
  3. Back slowly.
  4. Apply the brakes lightly for stopping.
  5. Avoid making sharp turns.

Parking on an Incline

A rolling vehicle can result in serious injury. Avoid parking on an incline. If parking on an incline is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
  1. Apply the brakes.
  2. Place the transmission in PARK.
  3. Stop the engine.
  4. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
  5. Block the rear wheels on the downhill side.

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