Content Source: 2021 GENERAL XP 4 1000 Owner’s Manual (9939900 R01) > 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

Driving Procedure

  1. Wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and over-the-ankle boots.
  2. Perform the pre-ride inspection. See the Pre-Ride Inspection section for details.
  3. Sit in the driver’s seat and fasten the seat belt.
  4. Always make sure all cab doors are closed and latched when riding in this vehicle.
  5. Place the transmission in PARK.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Apply the service brakes and shift the transmission into gear.
  8. Check your surroundings and determine your path of travel.
  9. Release the parking brake (if equipped).
  10. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel, slowly release the brakes and slowly depress the throttle with your right foot to begin driving.
  11. Drive slowly. Practice maneuvering and using the throttle and brakes on level surfaces.
  12. Do not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle.

Driving with a Passenger

  • Perform the pre-ride inspection.
  • Make sure all passengers are at least 12 years of age and tall enough to comfortably and safely sit in a passenger seat with the seat belt secured, put both feet on the floor and grasp the hand hold.
  • Make sure all passengers are wearing helmets, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Make sure all cab nets or doors (if equipped) are properly secured.
  • Do not carry more than the recommended number of passengers for your vehicle.
  • Allow a passenger to ride only in a passenger seat.
  • Slow down. Always travel at a speed appropriate for your skills, your passengers’ skills, and operating conditions. Avoid unexpected or aggressive maneuvers that could cause discomfort or injury to a passenger.
  • Vehicle handling may change with a passenger and/or cargo on board. Allow more time and distance for braking.
  • Always follow all operating guidelines as outlined on safety labels and in this manual.

Driving Over Obstacles

Follow these precautions when operating over obstacles:
  • Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area.
  • Look ahead and learn to read the terrain. Be constantly alert for hazards such as logs, rocks and low hanging branches.
  • Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Not all obstacles are immediately visible.
  • Move the gear selector to Low Gear, if needed.
  • Avoid operating over large obstacles such as large rocks and fallen trees. If unavoidable, use extreme caution and operate slowly.
  • Always have all passengers dismount and move away from the vehicle before operating over an obstacle that could cause a rollover.

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING
Skidding or sliding can cause loss of control or rollover (if tires regain traction unexpectedly). When operating on slippery surfaces such as ice or loose gravel, reduce speed and use extra caution to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control. Do not operate on excessively slippery surfaces.
Image
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:
  • Do not operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.
  • Slow down before entering slippery areas.
  • Maintain a high level of alertness, reading the trail and avoiding quick, sharp turns, which can cause skids.
  • 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.
  • Correct a skid by turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Never apply the brakes during a skid.

Driving Uphill

Whenever traveling uphill, follow these precautions:
  • Avoid excessively steep hills.
  • ADC Models: Always operate in low gear and engage ADC 4X4 before ascending or descending a hill.
  • Always travel straight uphill.
  • Keep both feet on the floor.
  • Always check the terrain carefully before ascending any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
  • Proceed at a steady rate of speed and throttle opening. Never open the throttle suddenly.
  • 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.

Driving on a Sidehill

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 sidehill is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
  1. Engage all-wheel drive
  2. Drive slowly and use extreme caution.
  3. If the vehicle begins to roll over, or if it feels as if it may roll over, immediately turn downhill.
  4. Avoid obstacles and changes in terrain that may lower or raise one side of the vehicle or cause the vehicle to slide.
  5. 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

When driving downhill, follow these precautions:
  1. Avoid excessively steep hills.
  2. Always check the terrain carefully before descending a hill. Never drive on hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
  3. Slow down. Never travel down a hill at high speed.
  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 up to a maximum recommended depth equal to the floorboards.
NOTE
If your vehicle becomes immersed or is operated in water that exceeds the floor level, service is required before starting the engine. Your dealer can provide this service. If it's impossible to bring the vehicle in before starting the engine, perform the service outlined in the Spark Arrester section, and take the vehicle in for service at the first opportunity.
Follow these procedures when operating through water:
  1. Determine water depths and current before entering water.
  2. Choose a crossing where both banks have gradual inclines.
  3. Proceed slowly, avoiding rocks and obstacles.
  4. Avoid operating through deep or fast-flowing water.
    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 control and lead to serious injury or death. Never cross deep or fast-flowing water with your vehicle
  5. After leaving water, always dry the brakes by applying light pressure to the pedal repeatedly until braking action is normal.
    NOTE
    After running your vehicle in water, it's critical that you perform the services outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart section. Give special attention to engine oil, transmission oil, front and rear gearcases (if equipped), and all grease fittings.

Driving in Reverse

Follow these precautions when operating in reverse:
  • Always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle. Always inspect left and right fields of vision before backing.
  • Always avoid backing downhill.
  • Back slowly.
  • Apply the brakes lightly for stopping.
  • Avoid turning at sharp angles.
  • Never open the throttle suddenly.

Parking the Vehicle

To park the vehicle, do the following:
  1. Apply the brakes. Stop the vehicle on a level surface.
  2. When parking inside a garage or other structure, be sure that the structure is well ventilated and that the vehicle is not close to any source of flame or sparks, including any appliance with pilot lights.
  3. Place the transmission in PARK.
  4. Turn the engine off.
  5. Engage the park brake (if equipped).
  6. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
  7. Remove the ignition switch key to prevent unauthorized use.

Parking on an Incline

Avoid parking on an incline if possible. If it's unavoidable, follow these precautions:
  1. Apply the brakes.
  2. Place the transmission in PARK.
  3. Engage the parking brake (if equipped).
  4. Turn the engine off.
  5. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
  6. Block the rear wheels on the downhill side.

© Copyright Polaris Inc. All rights reserved.