Polaris 2015 INDIAN Scout - Manual (Page 9)

7
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Follow these general safe riding practices:
• Before each ride, perform the pre-ride inspections as
outlined beginning on page 34. Failure to do so may result
in damage to the motorcycle or an accident.
• Until you're thoroughly familiar with the motorcycle and
all of its controls, practice riding where there is little or no
traffic. Practice riding at a moderate speed on various
road surfaces and in different weather conditions.
• Know your skills and limits, and ride within them.
• Allow only licensed, experienced operators to ride your
motorcycle, and then only after they have become
familiar with its controls and operation. Make sure all
riders read and understand this rider’s manual before
riding.
• Do not ride when you're fatigued, ill or under the
influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter
drugs or any other drugs. Fatigue, illness, alcohol and
drugs can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination and loss
of balance. They can also affect your awareness and
judgment.
• If your motorcycle operates abnormally, correct the
problem immediately. See the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Service Manual or an authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
dealer.
• Ride defensively, as if you are invisible to other motorists,
even in broad daylight. A motorist's failure to see or
recognize a motorcycle is the leading cause of automobile/
motorcycle accidents. Ride where you're clearly visible to
other motorists, and observe their behavior carefully.
• Be especially cautious at intersections, as these are the
most likely places for an accident.
• To prevent loss of control, keep your hands on the
handlebars and your feet on the footrests.
• Be aware that a highway bar is not designed to protect the
rider from injury in a collision.
• Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed and riding
technique based on road, weather and traffic conditions.
As you travel faster, the influence of all other conditions
increases, which can affect the motorcycle's stability and
increase the possibility of losing control.
• Do not move or operate the motorcycle with the steering
locked (if equipped), as the severely restricted steering
could result in loss of control.