Content Source: 2021 Indy 120 Owner’s Manual (9931272 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

Operation Warnings

Do not carry passengers

This snowmobile is designed for a single operator.

Intake Silencer

Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.
NOTICE
Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are removed.

Stay clear of track

WARNING
During warm-up and operation, stand clear of the rotating track. Entanglement and serious injury or death may result. Use just enough throttle to rotate the track and warm up the engine.

Do not operate with drive chain guard removed

WARNING
The drive chain guard is designed to protect the operator from metal parts in the event of a drive chain failure. Although the chance of failure is extremely remote, do not defeat the purpose of the guard by removing it. It is provided for the safety of the child.

Do not touch the engine after it's been running

caution
Hot components can cause serious burns to skin. Do not touch engine and exhaust parts after the engine has been running.

Disabled Operators

Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and physical skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an increased risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.

Always wear clothing designed for snowmobiling

Always make sure the operator is wearing an approved helmet and eye protection. Do not allow the child to wear loose clothing or long scarves because they can easily become entangled in moving parts. If your child has long hair, be sure it is always tied up securely and tucked into the helmet or jacket.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding this POLARIS vehicle, always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards. Clasp the buckle and pull each strap tight to ensure the helmet is properly secured to the head.
Parents should verify that young operators have a helmet that fits, and should obtain one of proper size if it does not fit before allowing operation.
  • Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label.

    Image
  • Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania bear the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval. The approval number and serial number will also be displayed on the label.

    Image

Eye Protection

Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. Whenever riding a POLARIS vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles or use a shatterproof helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends wearing approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eye wear is kept clean.

Clothing

WARNING
Avoid wearing loose clothing or long scarves, which can become entangled in moving parts and cause serious injury. Always wear an approved helmet and eye protection.

Be prepared, be warm and be comfortable when riding. Be aware of the weather forecast, especially the windchill, and dress accordingly. See Windchill/Temperature Charts.

Image

Check brake lever travel

Depress the brake lever fully. Measure the clearance between the lever and brake block. Clearance should be no more than 0.75 in (1.9 cm). Excessive travel indicates a need to adjust the brake cable. Refer to the mechanical brake adjustment information on Brake Cable Adjustment.

Image
MEASUREMENT
Brake Lever Clearance
0.75 in (1.9 cm)

Secure the hood

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving and hot parts as well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Never operate a snowmobile with the hood open or removed.

Check lights

Start the engine and ensure that both the headlight and taillight operate.

Check surroundings

Make sure the operation area is clear of obstacles and bystanders. Some sideways movement is possible when the snowmobile first begins to move, and debris may be thrown by the track. Teach the operator to check the operating area before riding.

Sit properly on the snowmobile

Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance for proper control. An improper position can reduce the child's ability to control the snowmobile. The riding position may vary as the operator becomes more skilled, but under most conditions the proper position is to be seated with both feet on the running boards, in a comfortable position for proper throttle, brake and steering control.
WARNING
This snowmobile is propelled by a revolving track, which must be partially exposed for proper operation. Serious injuries may be caused by operator carelessness, resulting in hands, feet, hair or clothing becoming entangled in the track. Teach the child to respect this machine and all moving parts. Teach the child that being properly seated is the safest way to stay clear of the track.
WARNING
Never hold the snowmobile up or stand behind it while warming up the track. A loose track or flying debris could cause serious personal injury or death.

Stop engine before attempting adjustments

WARNING
The snowmobile engine compartment contains moving parts. Shields and guards have been provided for safety, but it is still possible to carelessly get your hands or fingers into a moving chain or a rotating shaft. For this reason never attempt adjustments with the engine running. Serious personal injuries can result. Instead, stop the engine, raise the hood, make the adjustment, secure shields and guards, secure the hood, and then re-start the engine to check its operation. The same is true of track alignment. If the track must be re-aligned, it is recommended that this service be performed by your dealer.

Know limitations of machine and skills of driver

The operator should be aware that most areas have laws governing snowmobile operation and that these laws should be followed. They have been established for the protection of all snowmobile riders. Many local organizations offer a snowmobile safety course for children. Check with local authorities to locate providers of this service.
This vehicle is intended for daylight use only. Check both the headlight and taillight to ensure proper operation.
IMPORTANT
The headlight and taillight are intended only to increase the visibility of the snowmobile during daylight operation. Do not operate this snowmobile in the dark.

Instruct all operators

Teach all young drivers to always be alert and to pay attention to the driving area ahead. When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined course. Establish boundaries and make sure all operators know and understand them. Make sure they know how to drive and control the snowmobile before you allow them to drive longer supervised distances. Teach them proper snowmobile courtesy.
It's a good idea to predetermine some hand signals as a way to communicate with a child while giving instruction. It may be difficult for a child to hear your voice over the sound of the snowmobile and through a helmet.

Teach the operator that the sound of the engine will make it difficult to hear the sound of approaching vehicles. Do not allow a child to operate the snowmobile on or near roads and railroad tracks.

Teach operators what it means to drive defensively. Never tailgate and always allow ample stopping distances.

Image

Be alert for obstacles

Wire fences are a serious hazard. Teach operators to always be on the alert for fences. Single strands are especially dangerous, since there can be a great distance between posts. Ground wires on utility poles are also difficult to see. Teach operators to reduce speed when traveling near poles, posts or other obstacles.

Check the weather

Extremely cold weather can cause frostbite and/or hypothermia. Always be aware of weather conditions, especially the windchill. See the table on Windchill/Temperature Charts.

Driving Responsibly

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.

Drive-Away from Parked

When the snowmobile has been parked for more than a few hours, especially overnight, the skis and track may freeze to the ground. Loosen the skis and track for the operator. You may have to apply extra throttle initially to move the snowmobile. Teach operators not to be afraid of applying extra throttle in this situation, but make sure they understand that too much throttle could cause the snowmobile to lurch forward.

Track Lubrication

Do not operate the snowmobile for more than a few minutes on ground surfaces that contain little or no snow. The track needs snow for lubrication, so driving in too little snow will result in excessive wear and damage to the slide rail and track.

Ice and Snow Build-up

WARNING
Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice.
Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing the steering linkage.

Snow Conditions

This snowmobile is designed to operate best on snow. Maneuverability is attained by the steering, skis, and the shifting of the driver's body weight. Maximum control will be attained by shifting body weight. Maneuverability will change for lighter operators.
If the snowmobile becomes stuck in snow, stop the engine. Clear the snow away from the running board area and clear away or step down the snow in front of the snowmobile. Restart the engine and drive out of the deep snow. Encourage the operator to stay on established riding areas to avoid getting stuck.

Ice and Hard-Packed Surfaces

Steering and braking control are substantially reduced when operating on hard surfaces, hard-packed snow or icy surfaces.Teach your child to reduce speed to maintain control in all driving conditions. If necessary, limit the maximum speed of the snowmobile as outlined on Speed/Performance Regulation.
If ice or slippery conditions are unavoidable, use extreme caution and operate at speeds no faster than a walk. The skis need snow to help the snowmobile make turns. On hard surfaces the snowmobile will not make turns easily. It may be best to stop the engine, dismount, and manually move the front or rear of the snowmobile to change direction.
Never make a sharp turn on a slippery surface. The snowmobile may skid out of control. Teach all operators to drive only in approved areas within the vision of the supervising adult.
WARNING
Children must never ride on a frozen body of water. Make sure all operators understand that severe injury or death can result if the snowmobile and its rider fall through the ice.

Driving on Hills

Traveling on hills is not recommended. A child may not be capable of maneuvering body weight as needed for operating on hills. If traveling on hills is unavoidable, teach your child to use extreme caution and obey the following proper operating procedures.
WARNING
Serious injury or death can result if the snowmobile rolls or slides downhill. If the snowmobile stops while the operator is driving on a hill, the operator should dismount on the uphill side of the vehicle. Never dismount or stand on the downhill side of a snowmobile.

Driving Uphill

Driving uphill should be attempted only by experienced operators.
  1. Stand on the running boards, keeping body weight low and forward.
  2. Accelerate before the start of the climb, releasing the throttle as needed to prevent the track from slipping on the snow.
  3. Slow down at the crest of the hill. Be prepared to avoid obstacles, sharp drops, or other people or vehicles that may be on the other side of the hill.

Driving Downhill

When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep the clutch engaged, allowing the engine's compression to help slow the snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill.
WARNING
When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.

Windchill/Temperature Charts

The following information is provided to help you determine when temperatures become dangerous for riding.

Windchill Chart (°F)

Wind Speed in MPH Actual Thermometer Reading (°F)
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45
Equivalent Temperature (°F)
Calm 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45
5 36 31 25 19 13 7 1 -5 -11 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -46 -52 -57 -63
10 34 27 21 15 9 3 -4 -10 -16 -22 -28 -35 -41 -47 -53 -59 -66 -72
15 32 25 19 13 6 0 -7 -13 -19 -26 -32 -39 -45 -51 -58 -64 -71 -77
20 30 24 17 11 4 -2 -9 -15 -22 -29 -35 -42 -48 -55 -61 -68 -74 -81
25 29 23 16 9 3 -4 -11 -17 -24 -31 -37 -44 -51 -58 -64 -71 -78 -84
30 28 22 15 8 1 -5 -12 -19 -26 -33 -39 -46 -53 -60 -67 -73 -80 -87
35 28 21 14 7 0 -7 -14 -21 -27 -34 -41 -48 -55 -62 -69 -76 -82 -89
40 27 20 13 6 -1 -8 -15 -22 -29 -36 -43 -50 -57 -64 -71 -78 -84 -91
45 26 19 12 5 -2 -9 -16 -23 -30 -37 -44 -51 -58 -65 -72 -79 -86 -93
50 26 19 12 4 -3 -10 -17 -24 -31 -38 -45 -52 -60 -67 -74 -81 -88 -95
55 25 18 11 4 -3 -11 -18 -25 -32 -39 -46 -54 -61 -68 -75 -82 -89 -97
60 25 17 10 3 -4 -11 -19 -26 -33 -40 -48 -55 -62 -69 -76 -84 -91 -98
Frostbite in >> 30 min. 10 min. 5 min.

Windchill Chart (°C)

Wind Speed in Km/h Actual Thermometer Reading (°C)
5 2 -1 -4 -7 -10 -13 -16 -19 -22 -25 -28 -31 -34 -37 -40 -43 -46
Equivalent Temperature (°C)
Calm 5 2 -1 -4 -7 -10 -13 -16 -19 -22 -25 -28 -31 -34 -37 -40 -43 -46
8 3 0 -4 -7 -11 -14 -18 -22 -25 -29 -32 -36 -39 -43 -46 -50 -53 -57
16 2 -2 -6 -10 -13 -17 -21 -24 -28 -32 -36 -39 -43 -47 -50 -54 -58 -62
24 1 -3 -7 -11 -15 -19 -22 -26 -30 -34 -38 -42 -45 -49 -53 -57 -61 -65
32 0 -4 -8 -12 -16 -20 -24 -28 -32 -36 -39 -43 -47 -51 -55 -59 -63 -67
40 -1 -5 -9 -13 -17 -21 -25 -29 -33 -37 -41 -45 -49 -53 -57 -61 -65 -69
48 -1 -5 -9 -13 -18 -22 -26 -30 -34 -38 -42 -46 -50 -54 -58 -62 -66 -70
56 -2 -6 -10 -14 -18 -22 -26 -31 -35 -39 -43 -47 -51 -55 -59 -64 -68 -72
64 -2 -6 -10 -15 -19 -23 -27 -31 -35 -40 -44 -48 -52 -56 -61 -65 -69 -73
72 -2 -7 -11 -15 -19 -23 -28 -32 -36 -40 -45 -49 -53 -57 -61 -66 -70 -74
80 -3 -7 -11 -15 -20 -24 -28 -33 -37 -41 -45 -50 -54 -58 -62 -67 -71 -75
88 -3 -7 -12 -16 -20 -24 -29 -33 -37 -42 -46 -50 -55 -59 -63 -67 -72 -76
96 -3 -8 -12 -16 -21 -25 -29 -34 -38 -42 -47 -51 -55 -60 -64 -68 -73 -77
Frostbite in >> 30 min. 10 min. 5 min.

© Copyright Polaris Inc. All rights reserved.