Turning Chapter 6 Handling characteristics for ATVs vary depending upon basic design and how they are equipped. The turning information in this handbook applies to most ATVs with one exception: ATVs with unlocked differen- tials. If your ATV has a differential, be sure to lock the rear axle before practicing the turning techniques in this handbook. Refer to your Yamaha owner’s manual for instructions. Sharp Turns Learning to make sharper turns through practice will help you respond to crooked trails or obstacles within your path. Be sure to slow down before the turn. Keep your eyes up, looking through the turn at your intended path of travel.
Watch for terrain irregu- larities so that you can slow down as necessary. Sharper turns require more leaning in the direction of the turn. If an error in judgement causes the ATV to start to tip toward the outside of the turn, straighten the han- dlebars or lean your upper body more into the turn. ATVs with solid rear axles, and those with locked differentials, turn both rear wheels at the same speed. This means when turning, the inside wheel must “slip” slightly on the sur- face (see Figure 1). ATVs with unlocked differentials allow the rear wheels to turn at different speeds. If a rear wheel on an ATV with an unlocked dif- ferential leaves the ground, it will spin freely.
Then when it touches the ground again, it my grab and cause you to lose some control. Remember it is important to first practice gradual turns and then progress toward sharper turns as your riding skills develop. Be patient and practice basic skills before moving on to more difficult manoeuvres. Quicker Turns Quicker turns are sometimes required to avoid obstacles in your path. You should practice coordinating speed, body position and weight shift to help you make quick directional changes. Fig. 1 Keep your feet on the footrests to maintain maximum control for manoeuvring the ATV. Quicker turns require quicker weight shifts. It helps to rise off the seat slightly (not standing up).
Quicker turns are sometimes easier to negoti- ate if you combine a short burst of throttle with the proper weight shift. Look well ahead and allow the ATV to move underneath you. As with any turn, if the ATV starts to tip toward the outside of the turn, slow down and straighten the handlebars and/or lean more to the inside of the turn. Adjust your speed to match conditions. Turning Basics Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended turning tech- niques for your ATV. The following basic turning technique applies to ATVs ridden at low to moderate speeds. Be sure to practice turning at low speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at exces- sive speed.
At Low Speeds Move your body weight forward and to the inside of the turn. Turn the handle- bars while looking in the direction of the turn. Chapter 6 - Quiz 1. Most ATVs are equipped with solid rear axles. True False 2. Improperly turning, particularly at higher speed, can cause an ATV to tip to the outside of the turn. True False As you increase speed or turn more sharply, move your body weight farther toward the inside of the turn to maintain your balance. 3. When turning you should lean away from the turn. True False 4. If an inside wheel starts to lift while you are turning, you should straighten the handlebars or lean farther into the turn. True False 5.
To turn an ATV at low speeds it is helpful to shift your body weight to the rear. True False If your ATV starts to tip while turning, lean your body farther into the turn while gradually making the turn wider, if possible. At Higher Speeds The method of turning at a higher speed is similar to turning at lower speed. The difference is that as speed increases you must lean farther forward toward the inside of the turn. This is to counteract the higher centrifugal forces as cornering speed increases. 6. When preparing to turn, you should slow down before the turn. True False 7. Gradual turns require more skill than do sharp turns. True False 8.
Quick turns are easiest with your body weight on the back of the seat. True False 9. The best way to perform a quick turn is to apply equal pressure on the right and left footrests. True False 10.You should look ahead in your intended path of travel during a turn. True False If your ATV starts to tip toward the outside of the run while turning, lean your upper body farther into the turn while gradually reducing throttle and if possible, make the turn wider by straightening the handlebars. Keep you feet on the footrests. 12