Safe riding practice

This ATV is designed to carry RIDER only. No passengers please, as this alters the handling characteristics dangerously. The long seat is to allow the rider to shift the position as needed during operation. It is not a design for carrying passenger.

Select a large area, plain land to become familiar with your ATV. Make sure this area is free of obstacles and other riders. You should practice the control of brake, throttle gear shifting and turning techniques in the area before trying more difficult terrain.

Adjust the speed limiter to slow engine speed for safe familiarization of the vehicle. ATV is equipped with three forward gears and correct gear can be engaged as experience gathers on.

We mount on the ATV like we mount on the horse, keeping one leg on the footrest. One of the important rules of driving the ATV is never to put your leg down on the ground at any time.

Even if the ATV is about to be toppled over, it was best to stay with it as putting your leg down would result in it potentially being crushed underneath. But your natural instinct is to put your foot down as soon as it begins to topple over. So we need some understanding and unlearn our two wheeler riding technique.

Proper body movement is very important factor for safe turning of ATV and it can be briefly mentioned as follows :

When turning shift the weight slightly forward and support the weight on the outer footrest. Lean the upper body into the direction of the turn, pressing down on the opposite leg

It is important that when you climbing a hill to make sure that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV, which can be accomplished by leaning forward.

Use proper riding skills to avoid vehicle overturns on the hills. Be sure that you can maneuver your ATV well on the flat ground before attempting any incline and the practice riding first on gentle slopes. Try more difficult climbs only after you have learned more skills.

Throttle control is not by twisting the handlebar but pushing a throttle lever with the right thumb. If released the throttle will return to idle automatically ensured by spring action. Before starting the engine, check the throttle lever make sure it is operating smoothly and return to idle position immediately when released.

To achieve maximum traction while riding off road the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one axle and turn together at same speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will resist turning. A special turning technique must be used to allow the ATV to make turns quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill be learned first at low speed.

In mountainous ghat road in Japan I had observed the fresh flowers recently placed in various sharp turns. Later came to know behind the scene story. Japan never had tradition of big motorcycles. So when Japanese manufacturers made big motor cycles for overseas market, the youngsters from rich families got hold of these powerful motorcycles but they lacked the ability to control them. So lot of fatal accidents did happen.

Most ATVs appear deceptively simple to operate Stability is also impaired by: (1) a short wheelbase, (2) a higher and rearward placed center of gravity, and (3) a possible rigid rear axle.

Many accidents keep happening around the world with ATVs and most of them are caused by negligent riding. They behave much different than either two wheelers or four wheelers that we are familiar with and practice and thereby experience is needed for safe operation