Yamaha Grizzly 300, Owner'S Manual

Page: 65 / 146

7-15
Do not attempt to climb hills until you have mas-
tered basic maneuvers on flat ground. Always
check the terrain carefully before attempting any
hill. In all cases avoid inclines with slippery or loose
surfaces, or obstacles that might cause you to lose
control.
It is important when climbing a hill to make sure
that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV.
This can be accomplished by leaning forward and,
on steeper inclines, standing on the footboards
and leaning forward over the handlebars. Whenev-
er possible, ride straight up hills.
Slow down when you reach the crest of the hill if
you cannot see clearly what is on the other side –
there could be another person, an obstacle, or a
sharp drop-off. Use common sense and remember
that some hills are too steep for you to climb or de-
scend.
If you are climbing a hill and you find that you have
not properly judged your ability to make it to the
top, you should turn the ATV around while you still
have forward motion (provided you have the room
to do so) and go down the hill.
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
To climb a hill, you need traction, momentum, and
steady throttle. Travel fast enough to maintain
momentum, but not so fast that you cannot react
to changes in the terrain as you climb.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply either
brake abruptly. Apply only the front brake. When fully
stopped, apply the rear brake as well, and then lock
the parking brake. The ATV could easily tip over
backwards. Apply both the front and rear brakes
gradually. When fully stopped, lock the parking
brake or dismount the ATV immediately on the
uphill side. Dismount on uphill side or to a side if
pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and
7