Getting Familiar With Your ATV
Chapter 3
9
Performing a Pre-ride Inspection
An easy way to remember what to check before riding is the acronym
T-CLOC.
Tyres and wheels
1. Air pressure - Always have the recom-
mended tyre pressure. Be sure front tyres
and both rear tyres are inflated to equal pres-
sure. If the tyre pressure on one side is high-
er than the other side, the vehicle may pull to
one side.
2. Condition - Check for cuts or gouges that
could cause air leakage.
3. To avoid loss of control or injury, make
sure axle nuts are tightened and secured by
cotter pins. Check these before every ride.
Controls and Cables
1. Controls - Check the location of all the
controls by sitting on the ATV. Make sure
they work properly, and are comfortable to
use.
2. Throttle and other cables - Make sure the
throttle moves smoothly and snaps closed
with the handlebars in any position. An off-
road environment is hard on cables.
3. Brakes - Do the controls operate smoothly
and are the controls adjusted according to
the owner’s manual? Are they positioned for
easy reach? Your brakes are a crucial part of
riding and must always be in tip-top
condition.
4. Foot shifter - Is it firmly attached and
positioned for safe operation?
5. Are the controls comfortable to use? Make
adjustments as required.
Lights and Electrics
1. Ignition switch (if equipped) - Check the
condition of the switch and make sure it
works properly by switching it off and on
during your warm-up period
2. Engine stop switch - Does it turn off the
engine?
3. Headlight, stop and taillight (if equipped) -
Are they working? You could be caught out
after dark.
Oil and Fuel
1. Do not get stranded because you are out
of oil or fuel. Know your ATV’s cruising range.
2. Check oil level with dipstick or sight glass
while the engine is off. Check your owner’s
manual for procedure.
3. Always start your ride with a full fuel tank.
4. Check for fuel or oil leaks.
5. Take off the filter cover and check the
condition of the air filter element. Be sure it is
oiled and clean and not torn or blocked.
Chain and
1. Chain - Inspect, adjust and lubricate the
chain regularly. Your chain is the vital link
from the engine to the wheels. Check for
chain slack or free play so that it is within
specifications as described in your owner’s
manual.
2. Drive shaft - If our ATV is equipped with a
drive shaft rather than a drive chain, check
for oil leaks. Maintain its oil supply as out-
lined in your owner’s manual.
3. Nuts’n’Bolts - Riding in rough terrain will
loosen parts. Look and feel for loose parts
while the engine is off. Shake handlebars,
footrests etc., before each ride and periodi-
cally check fasteners.
4. Check shock absorbers and mounting bolts.
Tool Kit
Emergency situations can arise with any motor vehicle; running out of
fuel, a burned out headlight at night, or unknown hazards on the trail.
These situations are not only inconvenient, but can result in unsafe con-
ditions for ATV riders.
Riding off-road is not like being on a freeway with your car - a tow truck
is not just a phone call away. Since ATVs are for off-road use only, riders
must be prepared by taking the right safety precautions. Fortunately,
most ATV problems can be fixed on the trail if you carry a minimum
assortment of tools and spare parts and know how to use them.
Each ATV comes with a basic set of tools. Along with tools you should
carry an extra spark plug (or two).
On extended rides or long trips, more than the basic tools should be
carried to help make repairs, such as: electrical tape, spare bulbs,
mechanic wire, duct tape, knife, a flashlight if your ride after dark, and a
tow strap or length of rope that can be used if repairs are not possible.
These items should be carried in an addition to a well-stocked survival kit
(page 21).
Following your
owner’s manual
maintenance sched-
ule will help prevent
most breakdowns,
but once in a while
your ATV may fail. If
you are riding kilo-
metres from help,
carrying the above
items could save you
a long walk.
Remember you will
not have your walking
shoes on!
Chapter 3 - Quiz
1. To learn the location of the ATV’s controls, read the owner’s manual.
True
False
2. A rider should know the location and function of all the controls on
an ATV before riding.
True
False
3. Looking at the controls while riding is a safe action.
True
False
4. You should keep your feet on the footrests at all times.
True
False
5. You should engage the parking brake after safely dismounting your
ATV.
True
False
6. If you do not inspect your ATV before riding, you decrease your
chances of an accident.
True
False
7. Improper tyre pressures may affect the operation of an ATV.
True
False
8. To remember the pre-ride inspection procedure, use the acronym T-
CLOC.
True
False
9. The basic ATV tool kit is enough to carry when going on extended
rides. True
False
10.It is best to use genuine replacement parts for your ATV.
True
False
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drive shaft chassis
