OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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ATV Operation
Parking
Parking involves following the previous rules for braking; then:
1. After the ATV stops, shift into neutral.
2. Stop the engine using the engine stop switch.
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. If you have to park on a hill, shift the ATV into low gear; other-
wise, try to park only on level surfaces.
5. Engage the brake lever lock.
Dismounting the ATV
After you’ve followed the procedure for parking, it’s time to dis-
mount:
1. Double check that the brake lever lock is engaged.
2. Swing your right leg over to the left side of the seat.
3. Step to the ground on the left side of the ATV.
Active riding involves moving your body. You must learn to lean and
shift your weight into your turns to maintain control.
Your safety depends on using safe riding techniques. Statistics from
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) say that
inexperienced riders who don’t use safe riding techniques are
13
times more likely to have an ATV accident than riders who
have over 1 month of experience.
Safe riding techniques include:
Riding
Leaning, Weight Shift, and Balance
•Wide Turns
Sharp Turns
•Quick Turns
•K-Turns
Riding Uphill
Riding Downhill
Sidehilling/Traversing
•Swerving
Crossing Obstacles
Riding
Once the engine’s warm, the ATV is
ready to go.
1. Keep your feet on the footrests and
both hands on the handlebar.
2. Hold the brake lever, and release the
brake lever lock.
3. Shift into gear.
4. Release the brake slowly and apply the throttle.
Leaning, Weight Shift, and Balance
When you turn, the trick is to move forward and slide over to the side
of the seat that’s on the inside of the turn. Support your body weight
on the outside footrest. At the same time, lean your body to the inside
of the turn. Pay attention to the handling—if you feel the tires coming
off the ground, reduce speed, shift more of your body weight to the
side that’s lifting, and make the turn wider if possible.
Handling the ATV (Active Riding
Techniques)
2012 XC 450 i