Since their introduction to the public several decades ago,
ATVs have become increasingly popular. They are very appealing to riders
because of the amount of the excitement one feels as they are riding. People
are now discovering that the whole family can enjoy the excitement of the ATV.
On the negative side, though, more people are injured while riding
ATVs than in any other recreational outdoor sport. If you are
beginning to pursue an interest in ATVs, there are a number of things to know.
The first step
is to head for the trails with someone
who has experience with an ATV. Actually ride an ATV so that you can
decide if you are really interested in getting one. Once you are certain that
you like it, go pick out your vehicle. As of this second, it's not a law but it
is recommended that people of certain sizes use ATVs of certain sizes. For
example, if you have a son and he weighs 85 pounds, do not try to find an 800
or 900 cc machine for you to stick him on. Try putting him on a 440 or 600 cc
machine. This is more in line with something he can handle. Also, make sure
that you are fitted to the right machine.
It is usually not recommended that beginners buy brand new
machines. As you end up becoming more familiar with the sport, you will talk
with people who have different models, and you may end up finding yourself in
constant pursuit of the "next best thing." After you have your first
machine, definitely take a safety course. Courses are usually broken up into
three or four weeks, with them lasting two and a half hours a night once a
week. Consider these to be well worth your time and your money. Some courses
even end with the instructor taking the class out on to trails. Courses are not
mandatory - but they will most likely be one day!
Next, you should take the time necessary to sit down at
night and read your owner's manual. Keep in mind that each ATV is
different, so if there are labels or parts you don't know, the only real
answers you will ever find will be in the manuals. Oh yeah...when you go out on
the trail, make sure that you carry the owner's manual with you. If you have
bought a used machine from a neighbor or someone else, you can get a copy of
the owner's manual by taking the serial number off the machine and going to a
dealer.
The next thing that you are going to want to do is to get
out on to a trail and practice. That really is the only way that
you are going to learn how to drive an ATV. Of course, you will always want to
make sure that you have permission from whoever owns the land! In the
beginning, be sure that you do what you must to ensure that you are riding
sensibly. Ride with experienced people. As with other sports, you only get
better by riding with people who are better than you. So ride with people who
have a fair amount of experience. In addition, no matter how confident you are,
when beginning, make sure that you always ride under the supervision of someone
who can guide you. In other words, never, ever ride alone!
If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy
all of the fun and the excitement that makes up driving an ATV. As with other
things, it will take some time before you, as a beginner, are able to do it by
yourself. Take the time to receive training on how to do it, and dive headlong
into the owner’s manual. Once you feel ready to hit the trails, practice
driving your ATV. Remember to have an experienced driver with
you. Following these steps will ensure your safety and will guarantee that you
have a good time.
