ATV Operation Reversing It’s tough to see things behind you. 4. When you come to a stop, follow the procedure for the K-turn. Crossing Water Your ATV can only handle water up to its footrests. Any more than that and you risk engine damage and/or injury. Stay away from fast moving rivers. ATV tires can be buoyant, so if the water is too deep, you might find the ATV suddenly afloat. 1. Go slowly. It’s hard to see behind you. 2. Keep your handlebar straight. 3. Backing down hills is a bad idea; do a U-turn or K-turn instead to turn around. Skidding or Sliding If you lose control after hitting sand, ice, mud, or water: CAUTION 1. Turn your handlebar into the direc- tion of the slide.
Riding through water deeper than the footrests may lead to severe engine damage due to water ingestion. 2. Keep your hand off the brakes until you’re out of the skid. NOTE: Engine damage caused by water ingestion or immersion will not be covered by Arctic Cat warranty. 3. Shift your weight forward. Sometimes your ATV may not respond and goes straight ahead instead of letting you turn. Here’s how to handle it: 1. Physically check the depth and cur- rent of the water, especially if you can’t see the bottom. You’re also checking for boulders, logs, or any other hidden obstacles. 1. Slow down. 2. Move forward on the seat. 2. Keep your speed slow. 3. Lean to inside of turn. 3.
Make sure you have a way out on the other side of the water. 4. Turn handlebar. Parking on a Hill This shouldn’t be necessary, but if it is: 4. If you get stuck in the sludge or mud, try rocking the ATV from side to side. 1. Keep it in gear. 2. Engage the parking brake. 5. Once you’ve cleared the water, briefly apply the brakes to make sure they work. Cold Weather Driving NOTE: Check that all control levers move freely. Make sure that the footrest, shift lever, and brake pedal are free of ice and snow. 3. Find something to block the rear tires. Stalling on a Hill If you use the right method for riding uphill, this shouldn’t happen. But if you have a problem, do this: 1.
If the ATV hasn’t started rolling backwards yet, follow the proce- dure for the K-Turn, OR ! WARNING For your personal safety, it is very important to wear the type and amount of cold-weather clothing according to the coldest anticipated temperatures. 2. If the ATV is already rolling back- ward, lean as far forward as possible standing up on the footrests. 3. Nice and easy, apply the hand brake lever. 34 34 34 34