ATVs (All Terrain Vehicle) are designed to be driven on difficult terrains. However, it can be used as a recreational vehicle, a hunting, racing, industrial and farm vehicle, and even in the police or military. It is an awesome power sports vehicle for those who love the adrenaline rush. Whether on beaches or forest trails, the ATV rules all types of adventurous roads and terrain. ATVs can be a fun and thrilling experience for responsible riders. In ATV’s and UTV’s, the riders sit side by side which is denoted on the model name- SxS or side x side. ATVs come in different models that can seat 2 to 4 people. Despite having four wheels, it resembles a motorcycle more than a car. This is why new riders need to be extremely careful with ATVs. Mistakes can turn a fun ride into a nightmare, cause injuries, and also embarrass the rider within the power sports community. Let our tips for the ATV beginner help.
This article shares 7 proven ATV Tips for beginner riders along with additional information on basic knowledge of the vehicle and common mistakes made by ATV riders.
ATV Tips for Beginners to Know
Let’s begin with the basic information about an ATV to help you understand how the vehicle behaves. As mentioned earlier, it is a recreational vehicle that comes in various models to suit riders of different age groups and physiques. Yes, physique plays a crucial role here because you cannot ride your ATV sitting the way you do while driving a car. You have to stand in specific situations to balance the vehicle using your body weight.
You can choose the type of transmission like automation or manual based on your convenience. Generally, a manual transmission ATV has similar controls to a car like a gear shift lever, brake, accelerator, etc. There is a range of ATV accessories and safety gear you can pick based on your requirements. Safety gear is important for ATV riders because the vehicle doesn’t have a seat belt, airbags, or a protective shell like a car. The four wheels often give a sense of pseudo-security, which leads to serious consequences.
Like other off-road vehicles, an ATV rider may need to be licensed in some states. This means the rider is accountable for any mishap that happens due to their vehicle. These ATV riding tips for beginners cover all the necessary points a new rider needs to know to enjoy the fun of an ATV without the consequences.
ATV Tips for Beginners to Avoid Common Mistakes
The fun and exciting ride on an ATV also includes safety and responsibility as a package. Unfortunately, some new riders don’t realize that and end up with a horrifying experience. Here is a list of some of the most common mistakes made by inexperienced ATV riders who either lack knowledge of the vehicle or take the ATV beginners’ guide too casually.
Choosing the wrong model and gears: As already mentioned, ATVs come in a wide range to suit riders of different age groups and capabilities. As one of the crucial tips for the ATV beginner, understanding your requirement is imperative to choosing the right ATV. New Riders often pick ATVs based on their looks and style, which is a mistake. Instead ,they should choose the ATV according to their age, height, body weight, etc. Safety gear is also important, and new riders tend to ignore it, comparing ATVs with cars.
Exceeding speed limit: ATVs are meant for rough terrain but not for over-speeding. Newer riders often want to experience the thrill of rushing through the terrain, which frequently leads to mishaps or accidents.
Inexperienced riding: ATV’s are unique off-road vehicles. Beginners often become overconfident riding an ATV without taking basic training.
Abrupt braking: The centrifugal force in ATVs works on a completely different principle than in cars. Inexperienced riders tend to abruptly brake, causing rollovers or crashes.
Being experimental: ATV beginners often try gravity-defying tricks to take the thrill to a level higher. While these stunts are performed by expert riders under supervision, an amateur trick can quickly lead to a severe mishap.
7 Proven ATV Tips for Beginners
Now that you have developed an idea about the vehicle and the importance of following an ATV beginner’s guide, let’s take a look at riding tips for the ATV beginner.
1. Check the ATV’s Condition
Check the vehicle to ensure it is in perfect condition before riding. If you own an ATV, maintain it regularly to keep it in proper condition. If you are renting an ATV, don’t forget to check the pressure and condition of the tires, consistency or level of oil, adequate level of gas, and effectiveness of brakes. Also, carry a tool kit in the ATV to be prepared for unexpected circumstances.
2. Wear Protective Gear
A helmet is the first and most important safety gear when riding an ATV. Remember that an ATV is more like a motorcycle than a car with no protective equipment or shield. So protecting your head in case of mishaps or rollovers is crucial. Other safety gear includes sturdy boots with good tread, comfortable gloves with a strong grip, and appropriate clothing. In case your helmet doesn’t mask the whole face, use protective eye gear. Aside from that, you’d want to make sure your accessories are in good shape. Check this list for the 10 best ATV accessories.
3. Stay Focused
Staying alert throughout the ride is key to experiencing the fun of an ATV. As a beginner, you have to be sober and alert when riding. If you are on medication that can affect your concentration, consult your doctor. Also, avoid using any other equipment or device like mobile phones while riding an ATV.
4. Follow the Rules
ATVs are made to ride on rough terrains and forest trails. Although the name suggests it is for all terrain, ATVs are not meant for asphalt roads. Also, many trails and tracks have a specific set of rules for ATV riders that should be followed at all times. It can include speed limits and even areas restricted for ATVs. Respect the rules to not only avoid mishaps but also embarrassment as an ATV beginner.
5. Responsible Riding Can Save You Outdoors
A responsible ATV rider has regard for trail users and fellow ATV riders. ATVs can be destructive to the landscape, so avoid riding them in places not meant for these vehicles. Give a wide berth to riders taking a break on the trail and also pedestrians and animals.
6. Group Riding Is a Good Idea for Beginners
For ATV beginners, group riding is a wise decision to prevent incidents and also learn hands-on from experienced riders. Choose an ATV with two seats so you can take an expert guide with you on the trails. Know your vehicle, and always ride at a controlled speed. Take note of valuable suggestions and advice from your experienced companion because ATVs are not resistant to rollovers. Before riding trails on your own, have some solid experience under your belt.
7. Training Is Mandatory for ATV Beginners
It is crucial to undergo training before exploring the trails on an ATV. This is also why some states have mandated driver’s license to ride ATVs. For instance, on ascents and descents, driving linear to the slopes is advisable and never on the sides because it increases the chance of rollover.
If the ATV is moving at a 45-degree angle with the terrain while riding, the rider should move the body on the opposite side to balance the vehicle. On a steep ascent, the ATV rider should pull his body forward to counterbalance the vehicle if possible. By putting his body weight in the opposite direction of the ascent, the rider is relieving the weight on the rear axle to prevent a rollover. During a steep descent the operator should attempt to counterbalance the vehicle towards the rear if possible.
To reduce speed, an ATV beginner should cautiously use both rear and front brakes by pressing and releasing them several times to bring the vehicle under control. If the tires are buried in swampy terrain, a rider should never accelerate the vehicle. Instead, the body of the vehicle should be moved from one side to another until the tires are back on the terrain.
We have come to the end of this ATV riding guide for beginners, but the article doesn’t end here. To help enhance the ATV experience for new riders and also to provide an extensive ATV beginners guide, here is more information on ATV safety checks.
Safety Tips for Beginners Riding ATVs
Here are 10 foolproof ATV Tips for beginner riders to help them understand the functions of each feature and enhance their safety level.
1. Ignition key: First, the rider should place the ignition key in the accessory position without starting the ATV.
2. Brakes: Complete a primary check of the effectiveness of both the front and rear brakes.
3. Functionality of accessories: Next, run a quick check on the functionality of the horns, lights, and other features.
4. Gearbox: Set the gearbox in neutral mode. Remember, a green light will indicate this mode on your ATV.
5. Engine: Turn on the engine, but don’t start riding right away. Allow the engine to warm up.
6. Choosing gear: Put the gear lever into the first gear and slowly release the brake. Then, gently press the accelerator.
7. Final check: Move the ATV slowly, and at this point, run a final check on the effectiveness of both brakes.
8. Parking place: After you have finished riding, park the vehicle at a suitable place or away from any busy area to avoid causing inconvenience to others.
9. Parking brake: Engage the parking brake after putting the ATV back in neutral mode. No matter whether you are parking on a slope or a flat area, using the parking brake is mandatory.
10. Leaving it idle: Switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle idle. Remember to remove the key. The biggest mistake beginners make is to leave the ATV unattended while the ignition is on. Never allow any inexperienced rider to drive or even switch on the ignition of your ATV.
Where ATV Beginners Can Find Accessories
Accessories are the most important part of the ATV and play a pivotal role in making the rider safer and more exciting. When choosing accessories, it is advisable to purchase them from a trusted provider like GripPRO ATV Anchors, a brand offering original and patented anchors for Polaris ATVs. With a reliable brand, you can not only better secure the gear but also improve your control of the ATV.
Functionality is also a concern for accessories because no rider wants to be stuck in a forest with no hope of getting help within a few minutes. With Grip PRO ATV Anchors, you will find a range of accessories like tie-down anchors, knob tie-downs, flag mounts, etc., from Polaris Ranger and Polaris RZR series ATVs. Grip PRO ATV Anchors has already earned an impressive rating online for its unparalleled products.
All Grip PRO ATV Anchors products are available online. You can purchase them from the official website of the brand and also from Amazon. Founded with a passion for off-roading, Grip PRO ATV Anchors is a family-owned brand that understands the mindset of power sports enthusiasts better than any other brand in this space. Grip PRO ATV Anchors offers the best quality and reasonably-priced aftermarket ATV accessories so users don’t pay dealer prices to buy poor quality ATV accessories. The patented design ensures 3x strength, which is evident from the long list of happy customers of the brand. If you are planning to go off-roading on an ATV and are looking for accessories that are true value for money, Grip PRO ATV Anchors is the name to look for. Hope this list of tips for the ATV beginner was helpful. For more valuable tips and information on ATVs and accessories, you can check out Grip PRO ATV Anchors FAQ section.