! WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
21
3. Lights and Electric
Turn the hi-beam and lo-beam on and off
to make sure they work. At the same
time, check that the taillight and brake-
light work. Also, check the status/warn-
ing indicators (reverse, neutral, and hi-lo
beam) on the handlebar when you start
the ATV. Don’t drive the ATV unless all
systems are working. Check the ignition
switch and emergency stop switch.
4. Oil and Fuel
Start with a full tank of gas before every
ride, and while you’re at it, top off the oil.
Don’t forget to check for fluid leaks around
the ATV. Watch the overheat indicator to
ensure the engine coolant level is adequate.
5. Chassis
Grass and leaves can gum-up your suspen-
sion and shocks. Clear and clean the sus-
pension arms, shock springs, and fenders.
Check smoothness by turning the handle-
bar full-left and full-right. Check that there
is no binding, restrictions, free-play, or
looseness in steering components.
6. Miscellaneous Items
Inspect your air filter. Look for debris or
damage that may indicate you need to
replace it. A clogged filter can stop an
engine. Check your battery terminals for
corrosion. Also, be sure to tighten any
loose parts, nuts, or bolts.
You need to prepare for the unexpected.
Emergencies and accidents are traumatic
enough, but they’re even worse when
you’re not prepared for them. At the min-
imum during every ATV ride, you should
have the following items on board:
• Tools
• Water
• Identification
• First Aid Kit
For rides that are longer in duration and
distance, the following additional items
are recommended:
• Cellular Phone
• Maps/GPS
• Emergency Kit with Flashlight and First
Aid Kit
Tools
Routine maintenance will generally elim-
inate the need for emergency repairs.
Riding on rough terrain could cause loos-
ening of nuts, bolts, and fasteners. Espe-
cially on long rides, carrying the right
tools can prevent an inconvenience from
becoming a crisis.
Water
Water is so important that you need to
carry it regardless of the duration of your
ride. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can
creep up suddenly and can take you out
of commission. If you become dehy-
drated, you could find yourself physi-
cally unable to safely operate your ATV.
Identification
If something does happen to you, the
emergency personnel will want to know
who you are and whom to contact. It’s
possible you may be in no condition to
give them that information. Put your I.D.
in your pocket before you ride. Without
it, you’re anonymous.
Cellular Phone
It may be necessary to make an urgent
phone call.
Check:
1. Hi-beam
2. Lo-beam
3. Taillight/brakelight
4. Status/warning indicators
5. Ignition switch
6. Emergency stop switch
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