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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 rid-
ing 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:
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1. Stop the ATV.
2. Have the passenger dismount.
3. Keep your speed way down; less
than 5 mph.
4. Approach the obstacle head-on.
5. Come up off the seat.
6. Keep your weight on the footrests.
7. Apply a little throttle when the front
tires make contact with the obstacle.
8. Lean forward and release the throttle
when the front tires clear the obsta-
cle.
9. Keep your body loose to absorb any
shock.
10. If the ATV starts tipping, shift your
body weight to keep it in balance.
To clear a single-track (only one tire con-
tacts) 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 always
exceptions to the rules. Here are a few
situations that require special attention:
• Reversing
• Skidding or Sliding
• Parking on a Hill
• Stalling on a Hill
• Crossing Water
• Crossing Roads
• Cold Weather Driving
• Stopping the TRV
• 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.
Tips