Mini BAJA MOTORSPORTS - Manual (Page 6)

developed. Remind the operator to keep his or her head up and
look forward.
With the engine OFF, have the operator practice smooth throttle
control. The operator will learn how much throttle it takes to start
moving in a later exercise. Explain that opening the throttle will
increase speed and that closing the throttle will decrease speed.
Releasing the throttle and applying the brake will slow the vehicle.
GETTING THE FEEL OF TURNING
With the vehicle stopped and the engine OFF, have the operator
practice the proper turning technique:
1. For a right turn, look to the right and lean the vehicle to the
right.
2. For a left turn, look to the left and lean the vehicle to the left.
Repeat this exercise with the kickstand up as the supervising adult
pushes the vehicle. Make sure the operator can turn the vehicle in
both directions using this technique while the supervising adult
maintains balance of the vehicle.
PREPARE FOR RIDING
Be sure to observe all the IMPORTANT RULES FOR OPERATION
PRINTED IN THIS MANUAL. Check that the riding area is free
from hazards. The operator should wear all the proper protective
gear described in section 13 of the IMPORTANT RULES FOR
OPERATION PRINTED IN THIS MANUAL.
STARTING OUT AND TURNING MANEUVERS
After starting the engine, as described in the starting instructions,
the operator should slowly apply the throttle using the throttle grip.
Practice slowly applying the throttle to get the feel of how much
throttle should be applied to engage the clutching system.
Next, practice riding the vehicle in a straight line stopping and
starting the vehicle. Keep the riding under control. However,
riding too slowly will make balance more difficult. Be sure the
operator develops a good feel for the use of the throttle and brake
controls.
The new operator must learn to shift his or her weight and control
the throttle to negotiate a turn. This is the primary technique to be
mastered in riding this vehicle. Practice turning at slow, constant
speeds. Defer increased speeds until the operator is confident
proficient and is intimately familiar with the terrain.
Have the operator steer in the direction of the turn, and lean his or
her body to the inside of the turn in order to maximize tire traction.
Have the operator practice turning in both directions at slow
speeds. Allow enough room to make wide turns. Once this
technique is learned, turning maneuvers can be performed within a
relatively small area.
Increased speeds should only be attempted after the operator has
mastered starting, stopping and turning at slower speeds. Make
sure the operator keeps both feet on the footpegs and looks ahead
during operation.
RIDING ON DIFFERENT SURFACES
During turns, if the front wheel tends to skid in mud, sand, or snow,
you may be able to improve control by releasing the throttle and
allowing the vehicle to coast through the turn.
If the rear wheel inadvertently skids sideways, correct your slide by
steering in the direction of the skid, if the operator has room to
perform this maneuver safely. Avoid sudden braking or
accelerating until the operator develops good control.
To avoid skids while traveling on slippery terrain, the operator must
exercise a high degree of caution. Turning maneuvers on slippery
terrain are more hazardous than those performed under full
traction and must be done slowly.
Surface composition is a major factor affecting skidding. It is
easier to slide on packed snow than in deep sand. It is dangerous
to skid on ice, because you may lose all directional control, and it is
dangerous to skid on pavement, because you may regain traction
suddenly and unexpectedly, which can cause the vehicle to
overturn.
CLIMBING HILLS
Practice climbing on evenly surfaced slopes of less than 20
degrees. The vehicle's capability in climbing hills or traversing any
specific terrain is dependent upon skill and vehicle load. Only when
the operator gains experience in handling this vehicle, and learns
the hazards to be encountered and his or her own limitations
should the operator proceed more challenging terrain. However,
the operator must first be able to discern and avoid any hill or
hazards that would cause this vehicle to overturn.
WARNING - Do not apply power suddenly by opening the throttle
while ascending a hill or the front wheel may rise from the ground.
The operator should transfer his or her weight forward on the
vehicle when ascending a hill. If the front wheel lifts, the operator’s
control will be lessened and the vehicle may overturn backwards.
If the operator should find that he or she has incorrectly estimated
climbing capability and lacks the power or traction to continue the
ascent, if space permits, turn the vehicle around while the operator
still has the forward speed to do so and descend. Avoid
stalling part way up a hill, as maneuvering will then
become more difficult.
CAUTION - Before attempting a turn on a hillside, the operator
should first master turning technique on level ground.
CAUTION - To avoid overturning, the operator must exercise a
high degree of caution when dismounting or moving this vehicle on
a hillside.
DESCENDING HILLS
It is usually advisable to descend hills with the vehicle pointed
directly downhill; avoiding angles that would cause the vehicle to
lean sharply to one side. The operator should transfer his or her
weight to the rear of the vehicle when descending hills. As you
approach the point of descent, stop and survey the terrain below.
Never ride headlong past your limit of visibility. When you have
picked a safe path of descent, descend slowly with the throttle
closed.
When descending it is recommended that the operator apply the
brake intermittently to further reduce forward speed.
Braking effectiveness is reduced while descending any incline with
a loose surface.
RIDING THROUGH WATER
Do not cross any stream with fast flowing water. Water can conceal
drop-offs and obstacles. Do not ride the vehicle through water for
prolonged periods.
The vehicle can cross water to a depth of approximately 4-6
inches, although the operator must be careful to avoid getting the
spark plug, or air cleaner wet.
When crossing shallow streams, choose a course where both
banks have gradual inclines. Proceed at a slow, steady speed, and
take care to avoid submerged obstacles and slippery rocks.
After riding through water, the brake may be less effective than
normal. Test the brakes after traveling through any water, and if
necessary, apply the brakes repeatedly until the heat of friction has
dried them and the brake retains its normal effectiveness.
WARNING - Do not operate vehicle at high speeds until brakes are
dry and effective.