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Division
II - Operation
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ATV Operation
Wide Turns
About 20% of ATV accidents happen during turns. If you don’t under-
stand turning techniques, it’s easy for the ATV to get away from you by
losing traction, plowing, or tipping. Use this method for wide turns:
1. Ease off the throttle as you approach the turn to slow down.
2. Use the principles of leaning, weight shifting, and balancing—
shift your body weight to the inside of the turn.
3. Gradually increase your speed as you come out of the turn.
Sharp Turns
After mastering wide turns, practice the advanced skill of sharp turns.
1. Ease off the throttle as you approach the turn to slow down.
2. Use the principles of leaning, weight shifting, and balancing—
shift your body weight to the inside of the turn.
3. You might have to lean into the turn more than you do in a wide
turn.
4. If shifting your weight and balance aren’t enough to keep the
ATV tires on the ground, straighten out the handlebar as much as
you can.
5. Gradually increase your speed as you come out of the turn.
Quick Turns
Quick turns are the most difficult turns and should only be done after
you are experienced with your ATV.
1. Ease off the throttle as you approach the turn to slow down.
2. Turn the handlebar, shift your weight, and balance at the same time
as you enter the turn (use the principles of leaning, weight shifting,
and balancing—shift your body weight to the inside of the turn).
3. Follow this with slight acceleration.
4. For multiple turns, repeat this movement as needed.
5. To make your turn quicker, try raising yourself off the seat a few
inches as you shift your weight.
