How the Type of Rear Axle on an 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 these types.

• A solid axle causes the wheels on both the inside and outside of a turn to rotate at the same speed, even though the wheels on the inside of the turn cover a shorter distance.
• A differential axle lets the outside wheel rotate faster than the inside wheel, resulting in an easier and smoother turn.

If your ATV has a solid rear axle (or a differential axle that is locked), use a turning technique that lets the inside rear wheel skid during the turn. When turning at:

• A low speed, slide your body forward and to the outside of the seat. Then lean into the turn.
• A faster speed, slide forward and to the inside of the seat. Then lean into the turn.