Operating Your OHV

Starting the Engine

First, consult your owner’s manual for proper operating instructions.

• Point the OHV in a safe direction, or ensure it is in a safe position to start.
• Put the transmission in neutral or park.
• Set the parking brake (if so equipped).
• Turn on the fuel valve (where applicable).
• Make sure that the engine stop switch is in the “run” or “on” position.
• If equipped with a choke, turn it to the “on” position if the engine is cold.
• Start the engine.

Starting Off

After the engine is warmed up:

• Apply the hand brake.
• Release the parking brake.
• Shift into gear.
• Release the hand brake and apply the throttle slowly.

Braking

Consult your owner’s manual for correct braking procedures prior to operating.

Shifting Gears

• Read your owner’s manual for instructions on shifting. There are three general types of transmissions.
  
  • Manual: Similar to the stick shift in a car. You let off the throttle, activate the clutch, and shift through the gears.
  • Semi-Automatic (or Semi-Manual): There is no clutch control. You let off the throttle and shift up or down. The clutch is handled automatically.
  • Automatic: Just as in a car, you only adjust the throttle. Both the clutch and shifting are handled automatically.
• If you have a manual or semi-automatic transmission:
  • Always reduce the throttle while shifting to prevent the front wheels from lifting.
  • Learn where the engagement point is to prevent stalling and to allow smooth shifting.
  • Listen to the engine. By engine sound alone, you usually can tell when to shift gears or adjust the throttle

Parking

• Stop the engine.
• Shift into neutral (or park), and set the parking brake. If you don’t have a parking brake, shift into low gear to prevent the OHV from rolling.
• If your OHV has a parking mechanism, allow the drive train to lock.
• Avoid parking on an incline.

Learn How Much Pressure To Apply to the Brakes

From one OHV to another, often within the same model, brake sensitivity can vary significantly.

Each time you operate a different OHV, start slowly and practice braking. The pressure you normally use on another OHV may not work as well on this one.

• With sluggish brakes, your normal pressure may not stop the OHV in time.
• With sensitive brakes, your normal pressure may cause you to lose control of the OHV or even get thrown from the vehicle.