37
Divis
ion
II
- Opera
tion
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Ma
inte
nance
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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ATV-0026
ATV-0027
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 obsta-
cle.
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 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 a few sit-
uations 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 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:
Tips