Beginners Guide
Student Booklet Sample
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Starting Up
Many accidents occur because the driver was not ready to take
control of the machine.
 The owner's manual gives instructions for all aspects of
running your ATV. Many ATV's are alike, but different makes and models start in
different ways and parts may be in different locations. For example, those
machines that have a manual starter (pull, auto-rewind type) usually have the
starter found on the left side of the engine. The key and the choke are commonly
located on the panel in front of the driver. It is always a safe procedure to
check with your owner's manual first to note the placement of the controls.
Your owner's manual will list how to start your particular model.
The starting procedure is represented in the words you ride in is open to off-road vehicles. Remember you are riding off
road only; for these vehicles are not street legal. Also make sure
you have the property owner's permission.
Before attempting to ride your ATV, please make sure that the
area you ride in is open to off-road vehicles. Remember you are riding off
road only; for these vehicles are not street legal.
Also make sure you have the property owner's permission.
You should
be seated with both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests. When
mounting, take care not to step on the shifter. '; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">
Release the parking brake.
Release the
rear brake and slowly advance the throttle.
If
your machine has a manual clutch, release it slowly. If the clutch is engaged
suddenly, the ATV might move suddenly, causing you to lose control or fall off.
ATV's can flip over backward if the clutch is engaged too suddenly.
Always keep your feet on the footrests to prevent injury. Many people have had their ankles and legs broken from the rear
wheel running over them when not using the footrest. Driving an ATV is similar
to riding a bicycle or snowmobile. Balance is kept by shifting your body weight.
Do not put your foot out for balance like you do on a bike. The throttle and
brake also help you to control the machine. Be prepared to shift your weight
quickly to counteract the bumps and dips of the land. You must learn to adapt to
weather and differing changes in the terrain. Many accidents happen from hitting
a dip or rock, be prepared!
Basic Riding Skills
Mastering the basic skills of braking, turning and parking are
very important. If you are not completely trained to use these basic
skills, you will not be ready to go ahead to intermediate and advanced riding.
The exercises at the end of this chapter should be performed with ease before
you attempt any other skills.
Braking
Your owner's manual describes your ATV's braking system. You may have both a
front and rear brake or a rear brake only: Of course, your braking technique
will depend upon your ATV's braking system.
Some good tips for braking are:
1. Release
the throttle.
2.Shift to a
lower gear to use the engine to slow the vehicle.
3. Apply
both brakes equally (if equipped).
4. Avoid
excessive braking while cornering. Do most of your braking before the turn.
5. Apply
brakes lightly on slippery surfaces.
6. Shift to
low gear when descending a hill and don't ride the rear brake for long periods.
Do not use the front only. Use both front and rear brakes together. Use of front
brake only can cause you to be thrown from your ATV and injured or killed.
7. Keep your eyes and head up.
Parking
When
parking your ATV you should stop the engine and:
1. Shift
into neutral and set parking brake. Or shift into low gear if you don't have a
parking brake, to keep it from rolling.
2. Avoid parking on an incline.
Turning
When turning, the outside wheels must cover a greater distance
than the inside wheels (but in the same time). ATV's with solid rear axles turn
both rear wheels at the same speed. On some ATVs a differential gear case
mounted between the wheels, on the rear axle, allows the wheels to spin at
different rates upon demand so that the outside wheel in a turn can spin faster
as required. This type of ATV is a like a car with its unlocked differential.
Both types require their own special turning skills. Always check your owner's
manual to determine your vehicle type.
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