Snowmobile Polaris 120. Manual - part 7

24

YOUTH SECTION

Riding Rules

Learn how to use your hands and arms as signals. Use these signals to 

let others know when you are getting ready to turn or stop your snow-

mobile. Read and understand your Owner's Manual.

Left Turn

Right Turn

Stop

25

ADULT SECTION

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 vehi-

cle without adult supervision.

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Check the throttle for proper operation. See page 26.

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Check the brake for proper operation. See page 26.

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Check the steering system for proper operation. See page 26.

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Check the throttle safety switch for proper operation. See page 27.

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Start the engine and push the stop switch down to test for proper 

operation.The engine should stop immediately.

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Start the engine and disconnect the tether switch to test for proper 

operation. The engine should stop immediately.

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Inspect the track. See page 28.

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Make sure the seat is securely attached.

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Make sure the hood is latched.

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Make sure the track and skis are not frozen to the ground.

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Check the gas and oil levels for the rider. Add more if necessary.

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Make sure the headlight and taillight are working properly.

These checks should become automatic for the child before each ride. 

As the adult teacher, you must instill in all riders the importance of per-

forming this Pre-Ride Check before they operate the snowmobile.

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.

26

ADULT SECTION

Pre-Ride Check

n

Read and Understand Your Owner's Manual

Read and make sure the operators understand the Owner's Manual com-

pletely 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.

n

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.

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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 ser-

viced before operating the snowmobile. See page 31 for brake lever 

travel specifications.

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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.

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 seri-

ous injury or death. Always check the throttle and brake levers for proper 

operation before operating the vehicle.

27

ADULT SECTION

Pre-Ride Check

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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, return the 

machine to an authorized Polaris 

dealer for service.

.03 in. (.8 mm)