Riding Uphill

Climbing hills can be dangerous if you don’t follow the proper procedures as described in your owner’s manual. You could lose control of your vehicle, or it could overturn. In general, you should:

• Always use good judgment. If the hill looks too steep, it probably is.
• Start the climb by shifting into a lower gear. Speed up to maintain momentum.
• Move up on the seat and lean forward, or stand and position your torso over the front wheels to keep them down and in contact with the ground.
• Keep your feet on the footrests.
• If you can’t see what’s over the crest of a hill, slow down until you can.

If your engine begins to “lug” or sounds as if it might stall, shift into a lower gear.

• Keep your weight forward and your feet on the footrests.
• Shift quickly while briefly releasing the throttle, which will prevent the front wheels from lifting up.

If you don’t have enough power to reach the top of the hill but still have enough momentum and room to turn around safely:

• Keep your weight uphill.
• Make a U-turn before you lose speed.
• Head downhill in a lower gear, keeping your weight to the uphill side.

If you lose all forward momentum while climbing a hill:

• Keep your weight forward. Apply the brakes. Do not let the ATV roll backward.
• Set the parking brake while keeping your weight uphill.
• Dismount on the uphill side of the ATV.
• Continue by following instructions you have received through other sources—your owner’s manual, an authorized dealer, the vehicle’s manufacturer, or a nationally recognized hands-on training course.

Proper Uphill Riding Position