Before using this vehicle, the operator should always:

• Apply parking brake and check if it operates properly.
• Check tire pressure and condition.
• Check wheels and bearings for wear and damage.
• Check location of controls and ensure they work properly.
• Verify if steering operates freely. Activate throttle control lever several times to ensure it operates freely. It must return to idle position when released.
• Activate the brake levers and brake pedal to make sure the brakes fully apply. Levers and pedal must fully return when released.
• Ensure transmission lever is working then reset in NEUTRAL position.
• Check drive chain for adjustment and lubrication.
• Check sprockets for wear and damages.
• Check fuel, oil and coolant levels. Check for oil leaks on the engine/transmission and drive train components.
• Ensure fuel valve is in fully open position (ON).
• Clean headlamps and taillight.
• Ensure front access compartment cover is properly latched.
• Ensure seat is properly latched.
• If you transport cargo, respect load capacity.
• If you are pulling a trailer or other equipment, ensure it respects the tongue capacity and towing capacity. Ensure trailer is properly secured to hitch.
• Look and feel for loose parts while engine is off. Check fasteners.
• Ensure the path of travel is free of persons and obstacles.
• Check operation of ignition switch, engine start button, engine stop switch and headlamps.
• Start engine, remove parking brake and drive forward slowly a few feet then apply all brakes individually to test them.

Correct any problem you may have found before riding. See an authorized Can-Am dealer as necessary.

There is a lot of debate on this topic, and a lot of chatter on the internet. When in doubt, ALWAYS refer to your owner's manual and talk to your authorized Genuine Scooter dealer. The manual was written by the engineers who designed and built your scooter. We'd say that carries more weight than some random guy with an internet connection.

Your manual goes into specifics, but here's a general overview:

The engine in your scooter was run and tested at the factory, but only briefly. So when you're breaking in your scooter, the internal parts of your engine are essentially rubbing together for the first time. The friction points between the various components need time to wear down to a smooth surface.

Among your engine internals, the most important parts to consider are the piston rings. If you break your engine in correctly, you'll create a nice tight fit between the piston rings and the cylinder wall. A tight fit is necessary to create a barrier that prevents oil from leaking into the combustion chamber. You need your oil to lubricate, not to burn!

The best way to break in a scooter is to do a lot of city riding, places where there are lots of stop signs and lots of stop-and-go traffic.

Why is that? As you accelerate your scooter, you're putting a load on the engine. When a load is put on the engine, the piston rings are forced outward, pushing them hard against the cylinder wall. As this happens, a nice, squared off edge forms on the rings. A squared off edge helps the piston ring do it's job of creating an oil barrier.

The worst way to break in a scooter is to cruise in a highway...especially at wide open throttle.

If you're cruising at the same speed, you're not putting enough load on the engine. As a result, the piston rings get a rounded edge, and will not be able to prevent oil from leaking into the combustion chamber. Your scooter will burn oil, it won't run very well, and you won't be very happy.

Once you've logged a few hundred miles, your scooter should be broken in. your manual says that you need a 500 mile first service. To be honest, 500 miles is the longest you'll want to wait for this service.

Here's why: All those engine parts rubbing together scrape off tiny shards of metal. These pieces float around in the oil, acting like sandpaper.

Replacing the oil filter and putting fresh oil in your engine is crucial to a long engine life.