Before Starting the Engine

Content Source: 2021 600R Owner’s Manual (9931266 Rev 01) > Pre-Ride Inspections 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

Before Starting the Engine

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining to snowmobile operation. Never start the engine without checking all vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

WARNING

Operating the vehicle with worn, damaged, or malfunctioning components could result in serious injury or death. Never start the engine without checking all vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

Read and Understand Your Owner's Manual

Read the Owner's Manual completely and refer to it often. The manual is your guide to safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

Throttle Lever

The throttle and brake are the primary controls of your snowmobile. Always make sure both are functioning properly.

Squeeze the throttle lever to make sure it compresses evenly and smoothly. When released, the lever should immediately return to the idle position without binding or hesitation. If the throttle does not function smoothly, or if you discover excessive lever freeplay, DO NOT start the engine. Have the throttle serviced immediately.

Brakes

Always check the following items for proper operation before starting the engine.

Brake Lever Travel

Squeeze the brake lever. It should move no closer to the handgrip than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) . A smaller distance indicates low brake fluid level or air in the hydraulic system. Refer to the brake bleeding information on Bleeding the Hydraulic Brake System. Your dealer can assist.

Lever Feel

If the brake lever feels “spongy” when squeezed, check the brake fluid level and condition. Add fluid as needed. See the Brake Fluid section for details.

WARNING

Continued use of “spongy” brakes may cause a complete loss of brakes, which could result in serious injury or death. Always have the brakes serviced at the first sign of sponginess.

Brake Fluid

Replace brake fluid at least every two years with POLARIS DOT 4 high temperature brake fluid, or an equivalent product.

WARNING

After opening a bottle of brake fluid, always discard any unused portion. Never store or use a partial bottle. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it rapidly absorbs moisture from the air. The moisture causes the boiling temperature of the brake fluid to drop, which can lead to early brake fade and the possibility of accident or serious injury.

WARNING

Keep the master cylinder cover free of dirt and debris. The vent slits allow for diaphragm movement, and if they become plugged, movement of brake fluid below the diaphragm may be restricted, altering brake function.

NOTICE

Brake fluid will damage labels, paint and some plastics. Always wipe up spills immediately.

Parking Brake Lever Lock

Use the parking brake lever lock only when you want the machine to remain stationary. For example, when parked on an incline for a period of five minutes or less.

Lock Engagement

To engage the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly and push forward on the lock. Hold the lock forward while releasing the brake lever.

NOTICE

If the brake lever is squeezed tightly enough, the lock will move freely into place. Do not force the lock or it may break.

The parking brake light on the gauge will light up if the parking brake lever lock is set while the engine is running. It will also be lit when the service brake is in use. If the parking brake light does not come on when the parking brake or service brake is in use, have it serviced by your dealer.

Lock Release

To release the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly. The lock will return to the unlocked position.

WARNING

If the parking brake lever lock is partially or entirely engaged while riding, the brakes may overheat, resulting in brake damage. In extreme cases it could cause a fire, which could result in serious injury or death. Always ensure that the lever lock is completely disengaged before operating the snowmobile.

Steering System

The steering systems on POLARIS snowmobiles can be adjusted with ski toe alignment. Improper toe alignment can cause erratic steering. Your dealer can assist with adjustments.

WARNING

Improper alignment or adjustment may cause loss of steering control, resulting in serious injury or death. Do not attempt to change the ski alignment. Your POLARIS dealer can assist.

Hood Latches

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving parts as well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Under no circumstances should your snowmobile be operated with the hood open or removed. Always ensure that the hood straps are in good condition and that the latches are securely in place before operating the snowmobile.

Seat Latches

If your snowmobile is equipped with a removable seat, ensure that the seat is properly installed and securely latched before each use of the snowmobile.

Recoil Rope

Inspect the recoil rope and handle for excessive wear, and make sure the knot securing the rope inside the handle is secure. If excessive wear is found, your POLARIS dealer can provide a replacement.

Track

Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication conditions voids the track warranty.

WARNING

Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track increases the possibility of track failure, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or death. Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle.

WARNING

Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of track damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of time in marginal lubrication could severely damage track rods, break track edges, and cause other track damage. Examples of marginal lubrication would include frozen bodies of water without snow cover, icy trails, and no-snow conditions.