Snowmobile Polaris 120. Manual - part 12

44

ADULT SECTION

Operation

Speed/Performance Regulation

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.
You can regulate the speed and acceleration of the snowmobile.

Move the governor spring to hole 

#3 for maximum performance 

(highest available speed).
Move the governor spring to hole 

#1 for minimum performance 

(lowest available speed).

CAUTION

Hot engine components can cause serious burns to skin. Always perform the 

following procedures when the engine is cool.

#3

#1

45

ADULT SECTION

Operation

Starting the Engine

Never start the engine before performing the Pre-Ride Check. See pages 

19 and 25.
1. Pull the engine stop switch up to the RUN position.
2. Do not use the choke when starting a warm engine. If the engine is 

cold, pull the choke lever completely out to the FULL ON position.

NOTE:

Do not apply throttle while starting. 

3. Grasp the starter handle and pull slowly until the recoil engages, 

then pull abruptly to start the engine.

4. If the engine slows or stops, position the choke knob half way in.
5. Apply the brakes and vary the engine RPM slightly with the throttle 

to aid in warm-up. When the engine idles smoothly, push the choke 

knob all the way in.

NOTE:

To prevent excessive wear on the clutch components, don't engage 

the clutch while performing the warm-up.

CAUTION

Extending the starter rope too far or allowing it to snap back into the housing 

will cause damage to the recoil assembly. Do not extend the starter rope to its 

maximum length, and do not drop the rope handle during starting.

46

ADULT SECTION

Operation

Emergency Stopping Procedures

The following chart lists methods for stopping the snowmobile in the 

event of an emergency. See pages 14 and 27 for more information about 

the engine stop switch and throttle safety switch.

Daily Storage

At the end of each ride, park the snow-

mobile on a level surface. Support the 

rear with an appropriate track stand. 

The track should be suspended approxi-

mately 4I (10 cm) off the ground.
Cover the snowmobile with an appro-

priate snowmobile cover.

SYSTEM

WHAT IT DOES

THROTTLE

CONDITION

Engine Stop Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Throttle Safety Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Tether Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Brake

Slows jackshaft

All

Choke

Floods engine

Half throttle or less

47

ADULT SECTION

Operation

Pre-Ride Warm-Up

Always warm up the engine, drive train and track before operating the 

snowmobile. Support the rear with an appropriate track stand. The track 

should be suspended approximately 4I (10 cm) off the ground. 

1. Start the engine. Allow it to idle for two to three minutes.
2. Engage the drive system abruptly and allow it to rotate the track 

several revolutions.

NOTE:

In colder weather, the track will need a few more revolutions to fully 

warm it.

3. Stop the engine. Remove the rear support.
4. Grasp the skis by their front loops and move them from side to side 

to loosen frozen snow.

WARNING

A loose track or flying debris could cause serious personal injury or death. Be 

sure the rear support is stable. Stand clear of the front of the machine and the 

moving track. Never hold the snowmobile up or stand behind it while perform-

ing this procedure. Do not use too much throttle during warm-up or when the 

track is free-hanging.