! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a severe injury or death.
16
Prevention
Oil and Fuel
Start with a full tank of gas before every
ride, and while you’re at it, top off the oil.
Don’t forget to check for fluid leaks
around the ATV.
Chassis and Suspension
Excessive road dirt and dust can gum-up
your suspension and shocks. Clear and
clean the suspension arms, shock springs,
and fenders. Check smoothness by turn-
ing the handlebar full-left and full-right.
Check that there is no binding, restric-
tions, free-play, or looseness in steering
components.
Miscellaneous Items
Inspect your air filter. Look for debris or
damage that may indicate you need to
replace it. A clogged filter can stop an
engine. Check your battery terminals for
corrosion. Also, be sure to tighten any
loose parts, nuts, or bolts.
You need to prepare for the unexpected.
Emergencies and accidents are traumatic
enough, but they’re even worse when
you’re not prepared for them. At the min-
imum during every ATV ride, you should
have the following items on board:
• Tools
• Water
• Identification
• Safety Jacket
• Warning Triangle
• Registration Paper
• Cellular Phone
• Maps
• Emergency Kit
with Flashlight and First
Aid Kit
Tools
Routine maintenance will generally elim-
inate the need for emergency repairs.
Riding on rough terrain could cause loos-
ening of nuts, bolts, and fasteners. Espe-
cially on long rides, carrying the right
tools can prevent an inconvenience from
becoming a crisis.
Water
Water is so important that you need to
carry it regardless of the duration of your
ride. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can
creep up suddenly and can take you out
of commission. If you become dehy-
drated, you could find yourself physi-
cally unable to safely operate your ATV.
Identification
If something does happen to you, the
emergency personnel will want to know
who you are and whom to contact. It’s
possible you may be in no condition to
give them that information. Put your I.D.
in your pocket before you ride. Without
it, you’re anonymous.
Safety Jacket
If you have an accident or your ATV has
a break-down on the highway or freeway
and you climb down from your ATV, you
must wear a safety jacket.
First Aid and Survival
Check:
1. Hi-beam
2. Lo-beam
3. Taillight/brakelight
4. Status/warning indicators
5. Hydraulic/mechanical parking and
emergency w/brake lever lock
6. Ignition switch
Check:
1. Gas
2. Oil
3. Fluid leaks
Check:
1. Suspension arms
2. Shock springs
3. Fenders
4. Steering
Check:
1. Air filter
2. Battery
3. Tighten parts, nuts, and bolts
Carry these items on your ATV:
1. Bulbs
2. Duct tape
3. Rope
4. Spark plugs
5. Spare parts
6. Tool Kit