Utah's official off-road vehicle safety course Link to Utah State Parks

Beginning To Ride

Turning

Consult your owner's manual for the proper technique to turn your ATV. At low to moderate speeds, you should:

ATV rider turning

  • Move your body weight forward, and lean in the direction of the turn.
  • Turn the handlebars while looking where you are turning.
  • If your ATV starts to tip while turning, straighten the handle bars and center your weight while gradually reducing speed.
  • Increase your speed slightly as you come out of the turn.

How the Type of Rear Axle on Your ATV Affects a Turn

The type of rear axle on your ATV, as given in the owner's manual, affects where you should position your body on the seat during a turn. The rear axle may be either of two types.

  • Solid Axle: The wheels on both the inside and outside of a turn rotate at the same speed, even though the wheels on the outside of the turn cover more distance.
  • Differential Axle: The outside wheel rotates faster than the inside wheel, resulting in an easier and smoother turn.
Know Your Rear Axle: Inner wheel slips to catch up. Outer wheel has farther to go.

Solid Axle or Locked Differential

Leaning into a Turn

Always lean into a turn. The sharper the turn, the more you lean. If your wheels start to tip, center your weight and straighten your handlebars.

Utah State Parks
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Official OHV online course for Utah ATV riders last modified: August 24, 2009
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