How to Start Riding an ATV

Introduction

ATV - All Terrain Vehicle, is a four-wheeled off-road vehicle. For many applications, ATVs are more acrobatic, less heavy, and compact vehicles but ultimately, the taste is all that matters. We are aware that before starting an ATV and heading to ride onto the off-road landscape, there is a lot you need to know about them.

Let's get started by examining these recommended procedures for ATV riding to ensure that you can start right away, as long as you remember all the safety precautions, of course. Keep things basic and educate yourself with the fundamentals of your ATV while you're just getting started. The following may assist in guaranteeing that your initial experience using an ATV is secured.

1. Selecting an Appropriate ATV

There are three main types of ATVs

• Utility ATVs: These are the bigger, heavier, more durable, with more powerful variants with larger engines that are mainly utilized for farming, harvesting, stalking, or test riding.
• Sport ATV: Compact, precisely designed vehicles that do not require a big engine, but to take off and land without breaking the axle. These vehicles have the greatest shocks and suspensions available.
• Youth ATV: Excellent but lighter, less powerful, and an alternative meant for young riders. For those beginning to take to the trails for the first time, there are young ATV variants available with excellent protection features and adaptability for trail riding, hunting, racing, and casual riding.

2. Follow the User Manual

Recognize wherever parts are situated as well as how to operate an ATV correctly by gaining an in-depth understanding of its key characteristics. Understanding the key points is beneficial. Knowing your ATV inside and out may assist you navigate difficult terrain while guaranteeing the total safety of your ride, thus it's also crucial.

3. Take a Safety Course

Confidence plays an important role when it comes to first-time riding an ATV. Learning is the best method to gain that confidence.

4. Put on Safety Gear

The checklist shall include the following gear.

• A helmet
• Googles
• Boots
• Riding pants
• Gloves
• Jacket
• A fire extinguisher
• A safety harness

5. Before Ride Checklist

• Examine the oil quantity before starting the engine.
• Verify that the car is correctly fuelled.
• Inspect the battery for calcium accumulation.
• To determine the tire pressure, use a tire gauge.
• Make sure the horn functions properly.
• Verify the indicators, lights, etc.
• Ensure your safety needs are met while traveling in mode.
• Find out the local ATV laws.
• Ride in an open space free of obstructions.

6. Riding Posture

To evenly distribute the weight and prevent your ATV from toppling over, shift your weight in the direction you're turning.

• Turning Left: Lean to the left side of the ATV.
• Turning Right: Lean to the right.
• Make an effort to become used to carrying more of the load so that you can rotate faster.

How to Ride an ATV

1. Start the ATV Engine

• Insert the key into the ignition and turn to the start position.
• Push the start button situated on the handlebars' right side.
• Give the engine a minute so that it can warm up.

2. Pull the Clutch Handle

• Location of Clutch Handle: On the left handlebar.
• Action: Place the engine in the neutral gear.
  
  • It enables you to change gears to accelerate.
  • ATV continues to move ahead when placed in neutral gear, but acceleration won't work.
  • To move forward, you must shift the engine into first gear.

3. Shift the Gear lever

Lift the lever to shift gears with your left foot while the clutch is engaged.

• Location: At the left footrest.
• Action: To build up speed.
  
  • The automated gearbox on your ATV eliminates the need to worry about changing gears, and it becomes more comfortable to ride, by just increasing your speed.

4. Downshift in Lower Gear

With your left foot press down the gear shift lever while holding the clutch with your left hand.

• One by one, shift into lower gears to give your engine time to acclimatize deceleration.

5. Use of breaks

Start breaking by squeezing the right lever.

• Location: On the right handlebar.
• Action: Allows breaking down the wheels resulting in a gradual decrease in the speed of ATV.
• Note: Squeezing the lever slowly shall prevent any accidents.

6. Use of Handle

Tilt the handle simultaneously in the direction in which you wish to go.

7. Uphill Riding

It is advisable to choose not to participate if you don't think you can climb the hill.

• You're more equipped for the ascent if you have your center of gravity more forward.
• Focused on the task at hand.
• Gently operate the throttle in a lower gear.

8. Downhill Riding

• Lean back to shift your weight to the back.
• Continue moving slowly.
• Go into a lower gear.
• Apply the brakes carefully.
• Concentrate forward.

9. Avoid Obstacles

Visibility is the key to avoiding the kind of objects that might cause damage to your tires, wheels, and suspension. Clear goggles help to tackle this.

You may have to go back the same route if you find yourself with a significant roadblock that you cannot overcome. For future reference, an aftermarket enhancement kit can provide the necessary clearance to get over nearly any barrier.

Conclusion

Although riding an ATV is a great way to discover the outdoors while getting exercise, you should be aware of the risks. Always wear safeguards, including a helmet, and make sure you adhere to the safety instructions provided by the company that makes it. When in doubt, go on the safer side of precaution and acquire basic skills by enrolling in an ATV riding course for beginners.