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 ORV, 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.
  • 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.
  • As you approach the top of the hill, check for any obstacles just beyond the crest. If you can’t see over the top, slow down until you can.
• If the engine begins to stall:
  • Shift into a lower gear.
  • Keep your weight forward.
  • Release the throttle only as long as it takes to shift; otherwise, the front of the ORV may flip backward.
• If you’re moving forward but can’t get to the top of the hill:
  • Make a U‑turn if there’s enough room.
  • Shift your body to lean uphill throughout the turn.
  • Ride down the hill in a lower gear, and slide to the back of the seat.
• If you lose forward speed and can’t make a U-turn:
  • Brake to a complete stop. Do not let the vehicle roll backward.
  • Continue leaning uphill at all times.
  • Set the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
  • Dismount the vehicle as quickly as you can.
    • If the vehicle is at an angle to the hill, dismount on the uphill side. In case the vehicle rolls backward or flips over, you don’t want to be behind it.
    • Otherwise, dismount to whichever side (usually the left) has fewer controls or other obstacles that could snag your clothing or slow your dismount.
• If the ORV does start rolling backward:
  • Brake gently to a complete stop. Use the front brakes where possible. If you use only the rear brakes or apply them suddenly, the vehicle may flip over.
  • Set the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
  • Dismount on the uphill side.
• If you dismount the ORV:
  • Always stay on the uphill side of the vehicle.
  • Follow the advice in your owner’s manual.
    • If it advises that you can do so safely, turn the vehicle around. Ride downhill using the techniques described later.
    • If you cannot turn the ORV around safely, move away from it and call for help. If you walk down the hill, stay well clear of the vehicle in case it rolls or slides backward.

Proper Uphill Riding Position