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ATV Operation
Sidehilling/Traversing
Sidehilling is considered an advanced skill; it’s really tricky and unpre-
dictable. So, whether your skills are advanced or not, try to avoid this
kind of riding. If you’re in a situation where you absolutely have to side-
hill, follow this method:
1. Keep your speed low and consistent.
2. Shift all your body weight to the uphill side of the seat; also, sup-
port your weight on the uphill footrest.
3. Steer like you’re driving into the hill.
4. If the ATV feels like it’s tipping, turn the handlebar downhill. If that’s
not possible because of the terrain or other conditions or if it just
doesn’t work, stop and get off. Dismount the ATV on the uphill side.
Riding Downhill
Success in riding downhill depends on how well you know your brakes -
take it easy on them, or you could flip over.
1. Shift your body weight as far back on the seat as possible.
2. Lightly apply the brakes and ease up on the throttle.
Wide Turns
About 20% of ATV accidents happen during turns. If you don’t under-
stand turning techniques, it’s easy for the ATV to get away from you by
losing traction, plowing, or tipping.
1. Ease off the throttle as you approach the turn to slow down.
2. Use the principles of leaning, weight shifting, and balancing - shift
your body weight to the inside of the turn.
3. Gradually increase your speed as you come out of the turn.
Sharp Turns
After mastering wide turns, practice the advanced skill of sharp turns.
1. Ease off the throttle as you approach the turn to slow down.
2. Use the principles of leaning, weight shifting, and balancing - shift
your body weight to the inside of the turn.
3. You might have to lean into the turn more than you do in a wide turn.
