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ATV Operation
Crossing Obstacles
Crossing obstacles is risky; avoid it if possible. Riding over logs,
rocks, and ruts means combining all the active riding skills into one
big motion. Your ATV will respond differently for different obstacles
(logs, ruts, etc.), but these are general guidelines for overcoming two-
track (both tires contacting the obstacle at the same time) obstacles:
1. Keep your speed way down; less than 5 mph.
2. Approach the obstacle head-on.
3. Come up off the seat.
4. Keep your weight on the footrests.
5. Apply a little throttle when the front tires make contact with the
obstacle.
6. Lean forward and release the throttle when the front tires clear
the obstacle.
7. Keep your body loose to absorb any shock.
8. If the ATV starts tipping, shift your weight to keep it in balance.
To clear a single-track (only one tire contacts) obstacle, follow the
same rules except:
1. Use the ATV’s momentum to clear the obstacle.
2. Don’t pull up on the handlebar.
3. Don’t apply the throttle.
Driving an ATV and a car have some similarities; however, there are
a few situations that require special attention:
• Reversing
• Skidding or Sliding
• Parking on a Hill
• Stalling on a Hill
• Crossing Water
• Crossing Roads
• Driving in Cold Weather
• Stopping the ATV
• Stopping the Engine
Reversing
It’s tough to see things behind you.
1. Go slowly. It’s hard to see behind you.
2. Keep your handlebar straight.
3. Backing down hills is a bad idea; do a U-turn or K-turn instead
to turn around.
Skidding or Sliding
If you lose control after hitting sand, ice, mud, or water:
1. Turn your handlebar into the direction of the slide.
2. Keep your hand off the brakes until you’re out of the skid.
3. Shift your weight forward.
Sometimes your ATV may not respond and goes straight ahead
instead of letting you turn. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Slow down.
2. Move forward on the seat.
Tips
