You probably rely on your sedan or SUV to commute to work and run errands, but when it’s time to let loose and explore the off-road world, there’s nothing like hopping on an ATV. As exciting as this power sport equipment can be, it can be overwhelming to navigate for new users. To avoid accidents and get the most of your vehicle, here are some ATV technique tips to follow. 

How to Perfect Your ATV Technique

1. Brake Practice

Like with any other vehicle, the first safety measure you should learn on an ATV is how to brake. While the right-hand brake stops the rear wheels, the brake on the left controls the front tires. To prevent your ATV from flipping forward, especially when going downhill, practice starting with the right brake and slowly adding in the left.

2. Weight Distribution

If you’ve ever watched power sport equipment riders in action, you might’ve noticed that they sometimes lift their bodies off the seat as they ride. This is a trick for managing the distribution of your weight over the vehicle. If you’re putting all your weight on the seat, it’s easy to lean from side to side as the ATV turns, increasing the risk of falling off or flipping the vehicle sideways. By raising your body, you can counterbalance the weight as the vehicle turns, leaning in the opposite direction.

3. Throttle Use

With a simple hand movement, the throttle can force a power sport equipment into high speeds that make it hard to control, causing you to flip over or collide with obstacles. If you’re a first-time rider, avoid your thumb throttle completely to prevent accidents. As you start to feel comfortable with your ATV, practice using it slowly, increasing the speed only as necessary.

If you’re looking for an ATV dealer to start your riding learning curve, visit McKinley Polaris® in Healy, AK. They offer a wide range of quality power sport equipment, from the Sportsman® X2 570 EPS ATV to Cargo Max trailers. Whether you’re new to the extreme vehicle scene or an ATV veteran, their team can provide you the guidance, repairs, and parts you need. Visit their website to explore their inventory, or call (907) 683-7669 to talk to a representative.