OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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ATV Operation
Active riding and basic maneuvers are the foundation of your ATV
ride. Without basic skills, it’s impossible to move to this level—
active riding. These are your basic maneuvers:
• Mounting the ATV
• Starting the Engine
• Starting a Cold Engine
• Braking/Stopping
•Shifting
•Parking
• Dismounting the ATV
Mounting the ATV
1. From the left side, grab the left-side handlebar, apply the brake,
and put your left foot on the footrest.
2. Grab the right-side handlebar.
3. Swing your leg over the seat and set your right foot down on the
right-side footrest.
4. Get seated in a comfortable position.
5. Always keep your feet planted on the footrests.
Starting the Engine
Always start with the ATV on a flat, level surface. Carbon monoxide
poisoning can kill you, so keep your ATV outside while it’s running.
Follow these steps to start it up:
1. Mount the ATV and sit down.
2. Engage the brake lever lock.
3. Turn on the ignition.
4. Shift into neutral.
5. Move the engine stop switch to RUN.
6. Press the starter button.
7. Let the engine warm up.
Another way to remember the starting procedure is by using the acro-
nym “BONE-C.” It stands for:
Starting A Cold Engine
 NOTE: It is very important not to touch or compress the
throttle lever during the starting procedures.
1. Turn off all electrical accessories (hand warmer, lights, etc.); then
rotate the ignition switch key to the first position (ON) leaving the
headlights OFF. Note that the N is indicated on the LCD.
2. Press on the starter button.
 NOTE: Do not touch the throttle lever until the engine has
run for at least 3 minutes.
Basic Operating Maneuvers
CAUTION
Do not run the starter motor for more than eight seconds per
starting attempt. The starter motor may overheat causing
severe starter motor damage. Allow 15 seconds between
starting attempts to allow the starter motor to cool.
BO N EC
BRAKES
LOCKED
IGNITION
SWITCH ON
NEUTRAL
TRANSMISSION
ENGINE
SWITCH
AUTOMATIC
CHOKE
CAUTION
Do not run the starter motor for more than eight seconds per
starting attempt. The starter motor may overheat causing
severe starter motor damage. Allow 15 seconds between start-
ing attempts to allow the starter motor to cool.
2012 XC 450 i