! WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
24
Prevention
3. LIGHTS AND
ELECTRICAL
Turn the hi-beam and lo-beam on and
off to make sure they work. At the
same time, check that the taillight and
brakelight work. Also, check the indi-
cator/warning lights (reverse, neutral,
and temperature) on your handlebar
when you start the ATV. Don’t drive
the ATV unless all systems are work-
ing. Check the ignition switch and
engine stop switch.
4. OIL AND FUEL
Start with a full tank of gas before
every ride, and while you’re at it, top
off the oil. Don’t forget to check for
fluid leaks around the ATV. Check the
coolant tank to ensure the engine cool-
ant level is adequate.
5. CHASSIS AND
DRIVE TRAIN
Grass and leaves can gum-up your sus-
pension and shocks. Clear and clean
the suspension arms, shock absorbers/
springs, and fenders. Check smooth-
ness by turning the handlebar full-left
and full-right. Check that there is no
binding, restrictions, free-play, or
looseness in steering components.
Check and clean the drive chain and
sprockets of foreign material and debris.
Check drive chain adjustment.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
ITEMS
Inspect your air filter. Look for debris
or damage that may indicate you need
to replace it. A clogged filter can stop
an engine. Check your battery termi-
nals for corrosion. Also, be sure to
tighten any loose parts, nuts, or bolts.
You need to prepare for the unex-
pected. Emergencies and accidents are
traumatic enough, but they’re even
worse when you’re not prepared for
them. At the minimum during every
ATV ride, you should have the follow-
ing items on board:
• Tools
• Water
• Identification
• First Aid Kit
Check:
1. Free, smooth range of motion
Check:
1. Hi-beam
2. Lo-beam
3. Taillight/brakelight
4. Indicator/warning lights
5. Ignition switch
6. Stop switch
Check:
1. Gas
2. Oil
3. Fluid leaks
First Aid and Survival
Check:
1. Suspension arms
2. Shock absorbers/springs
3. Fenders
4. Steering
5. Drive chain
Check
1. Air filter
2. Battery
3. Tighten parts, nuts, and bolts