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 ATV, or it could overturn. In general, you should:

• 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.
• Keep your weight uphill and 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, you need to shift into a lower gear.

• Keep your weight forward.
• 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 upside.

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 forward.
• Dismount on the uphill side of the ATV.
• Shift the ATV into neutral, and turn off the engine.
• Hold the front brake, and disengage the parking brake.
• Turn the handlebars sharply toward the middle of the hill.
• Slowly release the front brake until the ATV is parallel with the side of the hill.
• Set the parking brake, and start the engine.
• Mount the ATV from the uphill side, keeping your weight uphill.
• Point the front wheels downhill, and disengage the parking brake.
• Slowly ride downhill, shifting your weight to the rear of the ATV.

Proper Uphill Riding Position