Off-Road Basics—Before You Ride

Inspecting Your ORV Before You Ride

Nothing spoils an outing faster than mechanical problems. In some cases, malfunctioning equipment also can cause injuries.

• Set the parking brake.
• Consult your owner’s manual for items that may need to be lubricated, tightened, adjusted, aligned, or checked for wear.

Always Make a Pre-Ride Inspection

Key items include: Throttle Foot shifter Brakes Drive chain or drive shaft Steering system Spark plugs Lights Engine stop switch Clutch

Tires

ORV tires take a lot of punishment, so maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical. Most ATVs have relatively small, low-pressure tires. Motorcycle tires vary, depending on the model. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure.

• Check the tire pressure before each trip. Over- or under-inflated tires:
  • Can result in tire or wheel damage.
  • May change the handling characteristics of your ORV.
• For low-pressure tires, use a low-pressure gauge.
• Be sure all tires have the same pressure. Otherwise, vehicles may pull left or right.
• Check for damage that could cause an air leak.

Routine Maintenance

Off-road riding puts a strain on your ORV, so it’s important to perform the scheduled maintenance recommended in your owner’s manual. You can avoid a breakdown and possible injury.

Remember... Your vehicle isn’t ready to ride unless it has an up-to-date ORV license.