All About ATV Riding
Essential Information You Should Know
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are recreational vehicles you can drive on various terrains. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles and can be used year-round. What's unique about them is that they lack steering wheels and rely on handlebars for directional control. For this reason, riding them can feel a lot more rugged than your usual driving experience.
While it's relatively similar to a standard four-wheeled vehicle, there are distinct features people need to understand before owning and riding one. This article will give you an overview of ATVs and how to safely and effectively use them.
How to Get Familiar with Your ATV's Fundamentals
Good sense goes a long way when riding an ATV, and that's where you should begin.
For your first purchase, it's best to keep things basic and learn the fundamentals of what you’ll get into behind the wheel! If this is your first time driving an ATV, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Get Started with a More Basic ATV
A high-performance vehicle may sound exciting, but it's important to remember that so much power could be dangerous if you're just starting your ATV riding journey. You wouldn't want to have trouble managing your ATV right off the bat. For this reason, selecting a model that doesn't require much training would be wise. There's a learning curve when it comes to ATV riding, use it to your advantage.
Read More: How to Make the Most Out of Your ATV
But if you aren't sure what kind of ATV would be ideal for you, it's essential to see a professional driver or seller. We at Dunfords of Havelock are always happy to help! Make sure to use our test-driving option and find out the correct model for you.
Refer to the User Manual
Because of the wide variety in ATV design and performance, you should never take anything at face value. Instead, you need to know where things are and how to use your ATV correctly to get the most out of it.
Taking your ATV out for the first time is never without its dangers. An excellent method to get to know your new vehicle is to read the owner's manual and take a safety course.
We're not suggesting that you memorize every word of the guidebook but rather familiarize yourself with its salient points. Familiarity with your ATV's inner workings is crucial for your safety and success when driving through challenging terrain.
With this awareness at your disposal, you'll be able to not only master your ATV but also have a fantastic time off-roading.
Know the Basics of ATV Safety
Get the proper training and familiarize yourself with basic safety precautions before you set out on your ride. This is especially true if you plan to take solo trips out in dense terrain.
Read More: ATV Safety for Kids and Youth
When working in dangerous environments, it is essential to use safety equipment and clothing to prevent injury. The same goes for ATV riding - proper safety gear is crucial!
What Kind of ATV Should You Buy?
As mentioned above, a simple model should be used as a jumping-off point for rookies. If you have no idea which model to buy or which characteristics are essential, it’s best to stick to something stable and reliable. Many ATVs are available in the market, but a basic model is an excellent place to begin.
Once you get more experience, you can look for more powerful ATVs, or even upgrade them with mods! Your dealer can help you out the most in this situation. They have the expertise and knowledge to help you choose the best option for you. It all starts with answering a couple of questions! Some of the most recommended ATVs for beginners are:
- Yamaha Grizzly/Raptor 90
- Yamaha YFZ50
- Suzuki Quadsport Z90/Z50
How To Ride an ATV Properly?
You can avoid many potential problems if you're prepared with the proper safety gear. But, a lot of proper riding lies in your posture.
You should always look forwards with your head and eyes up. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows bent slightly. Your hands should always be on the handlebars and your back should be straight but not tense. Keep your feet on the footrests with your toes pointing straight ahead.
Read More: Tips for First-Time ATV Owners
Equip Yourself Properly
The right gear is essential to protecting your body from the elements and reducing the impact of potential accidents before you take your first ride. In addition to a jacket, tough boots that go over the ankles, gloves, and goggles, a DOT-certified helmet is also essential. You may want to add knee guards and chest protectors if you wish.
Avoid the Temptation to Pull Wheelies
Understandably, you might be tempted to do a wheelie on your first ride. You saw others do it and it looks so much fun! But, doing a wheelie can be dangerous if you don't do it properly, and you can easily lose control of the vehicle. baby steps - learn the conventional way first. Then, when you perfect your basic riding skills, you can proceed to learn tricks!
Avoid Driving on Pavement
ATVs are naturally built for off-road use, but they're still all-terrain vehicles. Technically, you can drive an ATV on the pavement and sometimes you will have to do so in order to get back on a trail. But, if you do so more often, your tires will be affected since they're meant for off-roading. Also, driving on pavement can be dangerous because the ATV will respond differently when turning. With other vehicles being on the same road, driving your ATV on the pavement could end up badly for you or other people.
Read More: Etiquette Tips For Group ATV Rides
Make Sure Your ATV Is in Working Order
Like any vehicle, it’s vital to give your ATV an inspection on all key fronts before riding it. Doing so will prevent you from getting stuck on the road, or in the woods with no way to fix your ATV’s issues. Always check the tire pressure, brakes, accelerator, oil level, and gasoline before each ride.
Conclusion
ATV riding is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise, but it's essential to know the risks involved. Always wear headgear and protective equipment, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines. When in indecision, err on the side of caution and take a beginner's ATV riding class to learn the basics. Have fun, and be safe!
We have you covered at Dunfords of Havelock, whether you're looking for a completely new rig or need to give your off-road vehicle a tune-up before heading out. We are among the leading ATV dealers around Ontario and can provide you with the ideal ATV for your off-road requirements. See what we currently have in store, or give us a call to schedule a service.