Polaris 2016 INDIAN Chief Classic - Manual (Page 12)

10
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
• Reduce speed when:
- The road has potholes or is otherwise rough or uneven.
- The road contains sand, dirt, gravel or other loose sub-
stances.
- The road is wet, icy or oily.
- The road contains painted surfaces, manhole covers, metal
grating, railway crossings or other slippery surfaces.
- The weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or
rapidly changing conditions.
- Traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space
between vehicles or otherwise not flowing smoothly.
- You are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle
that may produce a wind blast in its wake.
• When approaching a curve, choose a speed and lean
angle that allows you to pass through the curve in your
own lane without applying the brakes. Excessive speed,
improper lean angle or braking in a curve can cause loss
of control.
• Ground clearance is reduced when the motorcycle leans.
Do not allow components to contact the road surface when
leaning the motorcycle in a curve, as this could cause loss
of control.
• Do not tow a trailer. Towing a trailer can make the
motorcycle hard to handle.
• Retract the sidestand fully before riding. If the sidestand
is not fully retracted, it could contact the road surface and
cause loss of control.
• To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear
brakes together. Be aware of the following braking facts
and practices:
- The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle's stopping
power, at most. Use the front and rear brakes together.
- To avoid skidding, apply the brakes gradually when the road
is wet or rough, or contains loose or other slippery
substances.
- If possible, avoid applying the brakes while making a turn.
Motorcycle tires have less traction during turns, so braking
will increase the possibility of skidding. Bring the motorcycle
to the upright position before applying the brakes.
- With new pads and rotors, allow up to 250 miles (500 km) of
operation in urban driving conditions (not highway cruising)
to allow pads to mate with new rotors. Brakes should be used
frequently. During this time brake performance will be less
effective. Avoid using brakes harshly unless in an emergency.
Brake efficiency will gradually increase during this seating
period.
Anti-Lock Brake System Response
• When the anti-lock brakes engage during a braking
event, the rider will feel pulsing at the brake levers.
Continue to apply steady pressure to the brakes for the best
stopping performance.