Safety, Safe riding practices – Polaris 2016 Victory Cross Country User Manual
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Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Improper use of this motorcycle can result in serious injury or death to you, your passenger and others.
To minimize the risk of injury, read and understand the information contained in this section before
operating the motorcycle. This section contains safety information specific to the VICTORY motorcycle,
as well as information about general motorcycle safety. Anyone who rides the motorcycle (operators
and passengers) must follow these safety precautions.
Motorcycling has inherent risks.
You can minimize those risks, but you can't eliminate them completely. Even if you're an
experienced motorcycle operator or passenger, read all of the safety information in this
manual before operating the motorcycle.
• Take a rider education course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or another qualified
instructor. The course will help you develop or refresh your expertise in safe riding habits
through instruction and riding. For information on Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider
education courses in your area, call 1-800-446-9227 or visit their web site at www.msf-
usa.org.
• Read and understand all information in this rider’s manual.
• Observe all maintenance requirements specified in this manual. For assistance, see the
VICTORY Service Manual or your authorized VICTORY dealer.
Design characteristics affect how you should ride the VICTORY motorcycle:
• The motorcycle is designed for on-road use with one rider and one passenger. See the
manufacturer’s label (on the left side of the frame at the steering head). The label contains
the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) information. Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR.
• Riding off-road, riding with more than one passenger, or carrying weight exceeding the
maximum weight rating can make handling difficult, which could cause loss of control.
• During the first 500 miles (800 km) of operation, follow all break-in procedures as
outlined in the break-in section beginning on page 42. Failure to do so can result in serious
engine damage.
• Some VICTORY motorcycles include saddlebags, a windshield, a trunk, luggage racks or
a passenger backrest as standard equipment. To maintain stability, be prepared to reduce
the operating speed of motorcycles equipped with these items.
WARNING