Basic ATV Riding Techniques
Riding an ATV well requires a lot of skill, which is something you can only acquire through extensive practice. Whether you are brand new to ATVs or a more experienced rider in need of a refresher, a review of basic ATV riding techniques can be a huge help. That is why Miller’s Motorsports has created this guide to some of the most important fundamentals of operating an ATV.
1. Understand Your Machine
Before you attempt to ride an ATV, it is best that you already have a basic understanding of the machine and its controls. For that reason, we highly recommend you read the owner’s manual if you have not yet done so. It contains a lot of invaluable information about a variety of subjects, such as maintenance.
2. Adopt the Correct Riding Posture
When riding an ATV, relax your shoulders and bend your elbows slightly away from your body. Your head and eyes should be up to give you a view of the trail ahead of you, and your feet should be on the footrests. You should also clamp both hands on the handlebars and tuck your knees in towards the gas tank. Overall, your posture should be loose enough to allow you to shift your body weight but steady enough that you will be able to maintain your balance.
3. Master Starting & Stopping
While practicing stopping is not the most exciting part of learning how to ride an ATV, it is one of the most important safety-wise. If your ATV has a manual transmission, now is a good time to practice shifting gears. In either case, make sure you know how to stop safely.
4. Turn, Turn, Turn
When turning an ATV, shift your body weight to the inside of the turn (the direction in which you’re turning) while tilting your handlebars in that direction. Don’t stop shifting your body weight until the turn is completed. If you feel the ATV begin to tip, ease up on the throttle and shift further.
5. Attempting Inclines
When scaling a hill in your ATV, shift into a lower gear and speed up to gain momentum as you approach the incline. Then, move your body forward or stand up to place more body weight over the front wheels. If you cannot see what is on the other side of a hill, you should slow down. Bear in mind that some inclines will be too steep for your ATV, so learn to recognize when you can and cannot safely scale a slope.
To view our selection of ATV models, visit Miller’s Motorsports in Beaver Falls, and Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania. We also offer riding gear, repair services, and parts ordering, so visit us for all your ATV-related needs. We are proud to serve western Pennsylvania, and we welcome guests from communities like Pittsburg, and Youngstown, Ohio.