Yamaha ATV Manuale del corso - Pagina 16

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Chapter 8

Trail Riding

Plan your ride carefully; do not take a trail that requires skill and tech-

niques beyond your abilities or the capabilities of your ATV. Ensure that it

is legal to ride your ATV on trails open to the public or that you have the

owners permission to ride through private land. Be careful going from a

sunny to shaded trail. Ruts or rocks may "hide" in the shade and your

eyes may not adjust quickly enough to see them in time. Gradient lenses

can also help in these conditions. Standing up in the footrests will aid

your ability to take on rough terrain. Remember, be prepared to meet

oncoming traffic as most trails allow two-way travel.

Most properly designed trails are "off-cambered" to allow rain run off.

This means you will need to keep your weight shifted into the slope.

If you must ride at night, be sure both headlight and taillight are work-

ing. Never stop just before a turn on the trail; pull well off the trail when

you stop for a break. Be highly visible to other trail-riders. At night if stop-

ping on the trail, turn a light on so that other riders will see you.

Know Where You Are Riding

If you are planning to ride in an unfamiliar area, contact local organiza-

tions like a motorcycle club, horse riding club and the local Parks and

Wildlife authorities to ensure you know which areas are ok to ride and

which areas you should stay clear of.

Crossing Roads and Highways

ATVs are designed to be used OFF-ROAD ONLY. But on occasion you

may find it necessary yo cross a road or highway. This is common in

farming areas where ATVs are used for various work purposes. If you do

need to cross public roads ensure that you seek permission from the

relevant authorities. A leading cause of accidents and fatalities to ATV

riders is from riding on or crossing the road illegally or improperly. The

hazards of road crossing cannot be over-emphasized. Your ATV will han-

dle differently on pavement and may be difficult to manoeuvre. Besides

using caution and courtesy, follow your state's laws to cross a road and

ensure you have the legal permission to do so. If you must cross a road,

use the following guidelines:

• Bring your ATV to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road. If you

are riding in a group, have the first rider (leader) dismount and watch

for traffic as he waves the group across the road. Have the last rider

dismount after crossing and watch traffic for the group leader.

• Yield the right of way to all oncoming traffic. Look both ways.

• Cross the road at a 90 degree angle where there are no obstructions

and your visibility is good.

• Make sure you know your state's laws and legal procedures before

you cross any road.

• Remember, crossing roads improperly or illegally riding on the road is

a major cause of serious accidents and fatalities to ATV users, so use

extra caution.

Always assume that drivers DO NOT SEE YOU, since most drivers look

for cars, not ATVs.

Riding Different Terrain

Sand Dunes

Dune riding offers great thrills and fun, but certain safety precautions

are necessary to fully enjoy this type of terrain. Make sure your ATV is

equipped with an antenna flag so others can see you better. The safety

flag should be a bright colour and the antenna at least 3 metres from

ground to tip (with the tip lighted at night).

Dunes shift in size and shape. Drop offs can be created in a matter of

hours. NEVER assume that what you rode on yesterday will be the same

today. When the wind blows, the tracks you left ten minutes ago could

vanish; the path you travelled a few hours ago can require a completely

different riding strategy. Assume wet sand is unstable and could be

quicksand. Do not attempt a crossing unless you know it is a safe area.

Avoid riding on vegetation since it helps stabilise the dunes and may also

hide an obstacle or hazard. Be aware of "slip face" dunes which have a

gradual incline on one side (usually the windward side) and nearly a

straight drop-off on the other side (leeward). Be careful of "razorbacks"

which have a steep angle on both sides. When riding up a dune be pre-

pared to make a U-turn if there is a drop-off. Dunes may vary in shape,

size and direction. Learn the characteristics of the dune system in which

you are riding.

Be extra careful when the sun is directly overhead because there are

no shadows to indicate holes, drop-offs or changes in terrain. A three-to-

four inch heat haze can appear on top of the sand on warm, sunny days,

creating an illusion that the surface is level where instead large bumps

and holes may exist. A wise rider will travel slower under these condi-

tions. A gradient (dark at top and clear at bottom) or dark lens in your

goggles can help distinguish dips, drops and holes in the sand. Wear only

clear lenses at night. Remember, night riding demands extra caution; it is

best to slow down. When stopping for a rest, day or night, park at the

crest of a dune. You will be more visible and have a better view.

Riding Through Mud and Water

Your ATV is equipped to ride through mud and shallow water, but you

should avoid water crossings where you might cause damage to

streambeds, fish spawning grounds, or where you might cause erosion to

the banks of a stream or creek. This precaution not only adds to your own

personal safety and fun, but it preserves the environment for others to

enjoy as well. If you are riding through mud and water, remember the

footrests may become slippery. Remember, water levels may change

from hour to hour. Safely determine the depth of the water or mud before

riding through it. If in doubt, push a long stick into the water to help you

determine its depth.

Never operate your ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than

that specified in your owner's manual. Check you owner's manual to find

out the maximum depth your ATV can negotiate safely.

If you cross a stream, or go up and down stream banks, use an estab-

lished ford or ride where the banks have a gradual incline. This will help

minimise the impact on the stream bank.

Your body position is very important when riding in mud or water. To

maintain proper balance or maximum traction, be prepared to shift your

weight in any direction. You may find it necessary at times to rock the ATV

from side to side to work it out of a hole. Remember to continue to search

and scan as you ride through mud or water; watch carefully for sub-

merged obstacles.

Proceed at a slow steady speed, avoiding obstacles and slippery

rocks. Do not ride through unfamiliar water too quickly. Mud and deep

water may slow the ATV abruptly and could cause a loss of control if you

enter too swiftly.

Use a moderate speed with higher than usual engine speed.

Remember that wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability. Test your

brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply them several times to let

friction dry out the linings.

After riding in water, be sure to drain any trapped water by removing

the drain screws (if equipped, check your owner's manual.) Clean your

ATV with fresh water if you have ridden in or near seawater.

To prevent loss of traction in mud or snow, allow the tyres to rotate at

a speed that enables their knobs to "bite". Do not spin the tyres quickly;

they will only dig a hole, splatter you with mud, and you will not travel any

faster. Watch for mud build up on the engine, chain, and the rest of the

ATV.

Riding Strategies