Polaris 2008 Victory Vegas - Manual (Page 15)

10
SAFETY
Safe Riding Practices
S
Reduce your speed when:
- The weather is windy, rainy 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. Improper braking may cause loss of
control or may not slow the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Be aware of the following braking facts and prac-
tices:
- 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 or 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 the brakes are applied.
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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.