Skip to main content

Course Outline

Skip audio player

Read your owner’s manual for instructions on shifting. There are three general types of transmissions.

  • Manual: Similar to the stick shift in a car. You let off the throttle, pull the clutch lever, and shift through the gears using the foot shifter.
  • Semi-Automatic (or Semi-Manual): There is no clutch control. You let off the throttle and shift up or down with the foot shifter. The clutch is handled automatically.
  • Automatic: Just as in a car, you only adjust the throttle. Both the clutch and shifting are handled automatically.

If you have a manual or semi-automatic transmission:

  • Always close the throttle while shifting to prevent the front wheels from lifting.
  • Learn where the engagement point is to prevent stalling and to allow smooth shifting.
  • Listen to the engine. By engine sound alone, you usually can tell when to shift gears or adjust the throttle.
Changing gears on an ATV manually with the clutch lever
Changing gears on an ATV with the foot shifter
  • Unit 2 of 8
  • Topic 3 of 6
  • Page 3 of 4