Turning
12
Chapter 6
Handling characteristics for ATVs vary depending upon basic design
and how they are equipped. The turning information in this handbook
applies to most ATVs with one exception: ATVs with unlocked differen-
tials. If your ATV has a differential, be sure to lock the rear axle before
practicing the turning techniques in this handbook. Refer to your Yamaha
owner’s manual for instructions.
ATVs with solid rear axles, and those with locked differentials, turn both
rear wheels at the same speed. This means when turning, the inside
wheel must “slip”
slightly on the sur-
face (see Figure 1).
ATVs with unlocked
differentials allow the
rear wheels to turn at
different speeds. If a
rear wheel on an ATV
with an unlocked dif-
ferential leaves the
ground, it will spin
freely. Then when it
touches the ground
again, it my grab and
cause you to lose
some control.
Turning Basics
Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended turning tech-
niques for your ATV. The following basic turning technique applies to
ATVs ridden at low to moderate speeds. Be sure to practice turning at low
speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at exces-
sive speed.
At Low Speeds
•
Move your body
weight forward
and to the inside of
the turn.
•
Turn the handle-
bars while looking
in the direction of
the turn.
As you increase
speed or turn more
sharply, move your
body weight farther
toward the inside of
the turn to maintain
your balance.
If your ATV starts to tip while turning, lean your body farther into the
turn while gradually making the turn wider, if possible.
At Higher Speeds
The method of
turning at a higher
speed is similar to
turning at lower
speed. The difference
is that as speed
increases you must
lean farther forward
toward the inside of
the turn. This is to
counteract the higher
centrifugal forces as
cornering speed
increases.
If your ATV starts to tip toward the outside of the run while turning, lean
your upper body farther into the turn while gradually reducing throttle and
if possible, make the turn wider by straightening the handlebars. Keep
you feet on the footrests.
Sharp Turns
Learning to make sharper turns through practice will help you respond
to crooked trails or obstacles within your path.
Be sure to slow down before the turn. Keep your eyes up, looking
through the turn at your intended path of travel. Watch for terrain irregu-
larities so that you can slow down as necessary. Sharper turns require
more leaning in the direction of the turn. If an error in judgement causes
the ATV to start to tip toward the outside of the turn, straighten the han-
dlebars or lean your upper body more into the turn.
Remember it is important to first practice gradual turns and then
progress toward sharper turns as your riding skills develop. Be patient
and practice basic skills before moving on to more difficult manoeuvres.
Quicker Turns
Quicker turns are
sometimes required to
avoid obstacles in your
path. You should practice
coordinating speed, body
position and weight shift
to help you make quick
directional changes.
Keep your feet on the
footrests to maintain
maximum control for
manoeuvring the ATV.
Quicker turns require quicker weight shifts. It helps to rise off the seat
slightly (not standing up). Quicker turns are sometimes easier to negoti-
ate if you combine a short burst of throttle with the proper weight shift.
Look well ahead and allow the ATV to move underneath you. As with any
turn, if the ATV starts to tip toward the outside of the turn, slow down and
straighten the handlebars and/or lean more to the inside of the turn.
Adjust your speed to match conditions.
Chapter 6 - Quiz
1. Most ATVs are equipped with solid rear axles.
True
False
2. Improperly turning, particularly at higher speed, can cause an ATV to
tip to the outside of the turn.
True
False
3. When turning you should lean away from the turn. True
False
4. If an inside wheel starts to lift while you are turning, you should
straighten the handlebars or lean farther into the turn. True
False
5. To turn an ATV at low speeds it is helpful to shift your body weight to
the rear.
True
False
6. When preparing to turn, you should slow down before the turn.
True
False
7. Gradual turns require more skill than do sharp turns.
True
False
8. Quick turns are easiest with your body weight on the back of the
seat.
True
False
9. The best way to perform a quick turn is to apply equal pressure on
the right and left footrests.
True
False
10.You should look ahead in your intended path of travel during a turn.
True
False
Fig. 1
