Snowmobile Yamaha RX1 (2003 year). Manual - part 11

7-2

ESU00380

Break-in

There is never a more important period in the life of your
engine than the period between 0 and 500 km (300 mi).
For this reason, you should read the following material
carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an excessive
load on it for the first 500 km (300 mi). The various parts
in the engine wear and polish themselves to the correct
operating clearances. During this period, prolonged full-
throttle operation or any condition that might result in
engine overheating must be avoided.

Operating your snowmobile for the first time
Start the engine and let it idle for 15 minutes.

0–160 km (0–100 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6,000 r/min.

160–500 km (100–300 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8,000 r/min.

500 km (300 mi) and beyond
The snowmobile can now be operated normally.

CAUTION:

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●

After 800 km (500 mi) of operation, the engine oil
must be changed and the oil filter cartridge
replaced. 

●

If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the snowmobile. 

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E_8fa_Operation.fm  Page 2  Monday, June 24, 2002  11:01 AM

7-3

ESU00127 

Riding your snowmobile

Getting to know your snowmobile

A snowmobile is a rider active vehicle, and
your riding position and your balance are
the two basic factors of maneuvering your
snowmobile. 
Riding your snowmobile requires skills
acquired through practice over a period of
time. Take the time to learn the basic tech-
niques well before attempting more difficult
maneuvers. 
Riding your new snowmobile can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours
of pleasure. However, it is essential to
familiarize yourself with the operation of
the snowmobile to achieve the skill neces-
sary to enjoy riding safely. Before operating
the snowmobile, read this Owner’s Manual
completely and understand the operation
of the controls. 
Pay particular attention to the safety infor-
mation on pages 3-1–3-3. Please read all
warning and caution labels on your snow-
mobile. Also, read the Snowmobiler’s
Safety Handbook that is supplied with your
snowmobile.

Learning to ride your snowmobile

Before you ride, always perform the pre-
operation checks listed on pages 8-1–8-3.
The short time spent checking the condi-
tion of the snowmobile will be rewarded
with added safety and a more reliable
snowmobile. Always wear the proper cloth-
ing for both warmth and to help protect you
from injury if an accident occurs.
Become familiar with operating your snow-
mobile at low speeds, even if you are an
experienced rider. Do not attempt to oper-
ate at maximum performance until you are

totally familiar with the snowmobile’s han-
dling and performance characteristics.

Set the parking brake and follow the
instructions on pages 7-1–7-2 to start the
engine. Once it has warmed up, you are
ready to begin riding your snowmobile.

To start out and accelerate

1. With the engine idling, release the

parking brake. 

2. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.

The V-belt clutch will engage and you
will start to accelerate.

WARNING

@ 

The operator should always keep both
hands on the handlebar. Never put your
feet outside the running boards. Avoid
high speeds until you have become
thoroughly familiar with your snowmo-
bile and all of its controls. 

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Braking

When slowing down or stopping, release
the throttle and apply the brake gently—not
suddenly.

WARNING

@ 

●

Many surfaces such as ice and hard-
packed snow require much longer
stopping distances. Be alert, plan
ahead, and begin decelerating early. 

●

Improper use of the brake can cause
the drive track to lose traction,
reduce control, and increase the
possibility of an accident. 

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7-4

Turning

For most snow surfaces, “body English” is
the key to turning.
As you approach a curve, slow down and
begin to turn the handlebar in the desired
direction. As you do so, put your weight on
the running board to the inside of the turn
and lean your upper body into the turn.
This procedure should be practiced at low
speed many times, in a large flat area with
no obstacles. Once you have learned this
technique, you should be able to perform it
at higher speeds or in tighter curves. Lean
more as the turn gets sharper or is made
at higher speeds.
Improper riding procedures such as abrupt
throttle changes, excessive braking, incor-
rect body movements, or too much speed
for the sharpness of the turn may cause
the snowmobile to tip.
If your snowmobile begins to tip while turn-
ing, lean more into the turn to regain bal-
ance. If necessary, gradually let off on the
throttle or steer to the outside of the turn.
Remember:
Avoid higher speeds until you are thor-
oughly familiar with the operation of your
snowmobile.

Riding uphill

You should practice first on gentle slopes.
Try more difficult climbs only after you have
developed your skill. As you approach a
hill, accelerate before you start the climb,
and then reduce the throttle opening to
prevent track slippage. It is also important
to keep your weight on the uphill side at all
times. On climbs straight up the hill this
can be accomplished by leaning forward
and, on steeper inclines, standing on the
running boards and leaning forward over
the handlebar. (Also see “Traversing a
slope.”)
Slow down as you reach the crest of the
hill, and be prepared to react to obstacles,
sharp drops, or other vehicles or people
which may be on the other side. If you are
unable to continue up a hill, do not spin the
track. Stop the engine and set the parking
brake. Then pull the rear of the snowmo-
bile around to point the snowmobile back
down the hill. Do not get on the downhill
side of the snowmobile. When the snow-
mobile is pointed downhill, restart the
engine, release the parking brake, and
descend the hill.

WARNING

@ 

Side hills and steep slopes are not rec-
ommended for a novice snowmobiler. 

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7-5

Riding downhill

When riding downhill, keep speed to a min-
imum. It is important to apply just enough
throttle to keep the clutch engaged while
descending the hill. This will allow you to
use engine compression to help slow the
snowmobile, and to keep the snowmobile
from rolling freely down the hill. Also apply
the brake frequently, with light pressure.

WARNING

@ 

Use extra caution when applying the
brake during a descent. Excessive
braking will cause the drive track to
lock, causing a loss of control. 

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Traversing a slope

WARNING

@ 

Traversing slopes is not recommended
for a novice snowmobiler. 

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Traversing a slope requires you to properly
position your weight to maintain proper bal-
ance. As you travel across the slope, lean
your body to position your weight towards
the uphill side. A recommended riding
position is to kneel with the knee of the

downhill leg on the seat and the foot of the
uphill leg on the running board. This posi-
tion will make it easier for you to shift your
body weight as needed.
Snow and ice are slippery, so be prepared
for the possibility that your snowmobile
could begin to slip sideways on the slope. If
this happens, steer in the direction of the
slide if there are no obstacles in your path.
As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to
travel.
If your snowmobile starts to tip, steer down
the hill to regain balance.

WARNING

@ 

If you are unable to maintain correct
balance, and your snowmobile is going
to tip over, dismount your snowmobile
immediately on the uphill side. 

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Ice or icy surface

Operating on ice or icy surfaces can be
very dangerous. Traction for turning, stop-
ping, or starting is much less than that on
snow.

WARNING

@ 

When you have to operate on ice or icy
surfaces, drive slowly and cautiously.
Avoid accelerating, turning, or braking
rapidly. Steering is minimal and uncon-
trolled spins are an ever-present dan-
ger. 

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