Polaris 2002 Victory Touring Cruiser - Manual (Page 21)

Safety Precautions
7
Safe Riding Practices (continued)
S If in doubt, reduce your speed when:
-- The weather is windy, raining, or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions.
-- The 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 produces a wind blast in its wake.
S 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.
-- Consider road conditions before applying the brakes; when the road is wet, rough, or contains loose
or other slippery substances, apply the brakes gradually.
-- Bring the motorcycle to the upright position before applying the brakes, and avoid applying the
brakes in a corner if at all possible. When the motorcycle is leaning through a corner, the amount of
traction available for braking is reduced, increasing the possibility of the tires skidding when you
apply the brakes.
-- Improper braking may cause you to lose control of the motorcycle or may not slow you in time to
avoid a collision.
S As you approach a curve, choose a speed and a lean angle that allow 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 you to lose control of the motorcycle.