Off-Road Basics—Riding Your ATV
Riding Techniques
Turning
Consult your owner’s manual for information on turning
your ATV. In general, when riding at low to moderate speeds,
you should:
- Move your body forward and lean in the direction of
the turn.
- Turn the handlebars while looking where you are turning.
- If the ATV begins to tip, lean farther into the turn
and slowly reduce your speed.
Riding Uphill
Climbing hills can be dangerous if you don’t follow
the proper procedures described in your owner’s manual.
You could lose control of your ATV or it could overturn.
In general, you should:
- Use good judgment. If you think the hill is too steep
to climb safely, don’t attempt it. Instead, you may
be able to traverse the slope.
- Before starting the climb, shift into a lower gear and
increase your speed.
- During the climb, increase the throttle steadily to
keep your forward momentum.
- Slide forward on the seat, or stand and lean forward.
- Always lean uphill while leaving your feet on the footrests.
- If you can’t see over the top of the hill to check
for obstacles, slow down until you can.
 Riding
Downhill
Before starting down a hill, select a route with a minimum
of obstacles. Ideally, the route should require little or
no turning. When riding downhill, remember to:
- Move back on the seat while leaving your feet on the
footrests.
- Maintain a slow speed.
- Brake gradually.
- Stay in a low gear.
- Keep your eyes focused ahead.
Traversing a Slope
Some hills may be too steep to ride up or down in a straight
line. If so, you may be able to ascend or descend the hill
by riding across it at an angle—called traversing the
slope. However, you should not attempt to traverse a surface
that is extremely rough, loose, or slippery. When traversing,
be sure to:
- Keep your feet on the footrests.
- Shift your weight to the uphill side.
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