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2. Turn the handlebar. At the same
time, shift weight and balance as
you swerve. Use the principles of
leaning, weight shifting, and balanc-
ing—shift your body weight and the
passenger’s body weight to the
inside of the turn.
3. Keep your hand off the brake until
the emergency is over and you’re
back in control.
Driving an ATV and a car have some
similarities; however, there are a few sit-
uations that require special attention:
• Reversing
• Skidding or Sliding
• Parking on a Hill
• Stalling on a Hill
• Crossing Water
• Cold Weather Driving
• Stopping the ATV
• Stopping the Engine
Reversing
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 direc-
tion 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.
3. Lean to inside of turn and have your
passenger lean to the inside of the
turn.
4. Turn handlebar.
Parking on a Hill
This shouldn’t be necessary, but if it is:
1. Keep it in gear.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Find something to block the rear tires.
Stalling on a Hill
If you use the right method for riding
uphill, this shouldn’t happen. But if you
have a problem, do this:
1. If the ATV hasn’t started rolling
backwards yet, follow the proce-
dure for the K-turn,
OR
2. If the ATV is already rolling back-
ward, both the operator and the pas-
senger should lean as far forward as
possible and the operator can be
standing up on the footrests.
3. Nice and easy, apply the hand brake
lever.
4. When you come to a stop, follow the
procedure for the K-turn.
Crossing Water
Your ATV can only handle water up to its
footrests. Any more than that and you
risk engine damage and/or injury. Stay
away from fast moving rivers. Tires can
be buoyant, so if the water is too deep,
you might find the ATV suddenly afloat.
NOTE: Engine damage caused by
water ingestion or immersion will not
be covered by Arctic Cat warranty.
1. Physically check the depth and cur-
rent of the water, especially if you
can’t see the bottom. You’re also
checking for hidden obstacles.
2. Keep your speed slow.
3. Make sure you have a way out on
the other side of the water.
4. If you get stuck in the sludge or
mud, try rocking the ATV from side
to side.
Tips
CAUTION
Riding through water deeper than the
footrests may lead to severe engine
damage due to water ingestion.
