Yamaha ATV Course Manual - Page 10

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Chapter 3

Performing a Pre-ride Inspection

An easy way to remember what to check before riding is the acronym

T-CLOC.

Tyres and wheels

1. Air pressure - Always have the recom-

mended tyre pressure. Be sure front tyres

and both rear tyres are inflated to equal pres-

sure. If the tyre pressure on one side is high-

er than the other side, the vehicle may pull to

one side.

2. Condition - Check for cuts or gouges that

could cause air leakage.

3. To avoid loss of control or injury, make

sure axle nuts are tightened and secured by

cotter pins. Check these before every ride.

Controls and Cables

1. Controls - Check the location of all the

controls by sitting on the ATV. Make sure

they work properly, and are comfortable to

use.

2. Throttle and other cables - Make sure the

throttle moves smoothly and snaps closed

with the handlebars in any position. An off-

road environment is hard on cables.

3. Brakes - Do the controls operate smoothly

and are the controls adjusted according to

the owner's manual? Are they positioned for

easy reach? Your brakes are a crucial part of

riding and must always be in tip-top

condition.

4. Foot shifter - Is it firmly attached and

positioned for safe operation?

5. Are the controls comfortable to use? Make

adjustments as required.

Lights and Electrics

1. Ignition switch (if equipped) - Check the

condition of the switch and make sure it

works properly by switching it off and on

during your warm-up period

2. Engine stop switch - Does it turn off the

engine?

3. Headlight, stop and taillight (if equipped) -

Are they working? You could be caught out

after dark.

Oil and Fuel

1. Do not get stranded because you are out

of oil or fuel. Know your ATV's cruising range.

2. Check oil level with dipstick or sight glass

while the engine is off. Check your owner's

manual for procedure.

3. Always start your ride with a full fuel tank.

4. Check for fuel or oil leaks.

5. Take off the filter cover and check the

condition of the air filter element. Be sure it is

oiled and clean and not torn or blocked.

Chain and

1. Chain - Inspect, adjust and lubricate the

drive shaft chassis

chain regularly. Your chain is the vital link

from the engine to the wheels. Check for

chain slack or free play so that it is within

specifications as described in your owner's

manual.

2. Drive shaft - If our ATV is equipped with a

drive shaft rather than a drive chain, check

for oil leaks. Maintain its oil supply as out-

lined in your owner's manual.

3. Nuts'n'Bolts - Riding in rough terrain will

loosen parts. Look and feel for loose parts

while the engine is off. Shake handlebars,

footrests etc., before each ride and periodi-

cally check fasteners.

4. Check shock absorbers and mounting bolts.

Getting Familiar With Your ATV

Tool Kit

Emergency situations can arise with any motor vehicle; running out of

fuel, a burned out headlight at night, or unknown hazards on the trail.

These situations are not only inconvenient, but can result in unsafe con-

ditions for ATV riders.

Riding off-road is not like being on a freeway with your car - a tow truck

is not just a phone call away. Since ATVs are for off-road use only, riders

must be prepared by taking the right safety precautions. Fortunately,

most ATV problems can be fixed on the trail if you carry a minimum

assortment of tools and spare parts and know how to use them.

Each ATV comes with a basic set of tools. Along with tools you should

carry an extra spark plug (or two).

On extended rides or long trips, more than the basic tools should be

carried to help make repairs, such as: electrical tape, spare bulbs,

mechanic wire, duct tape, knife, a flashlight if your ride after dark, and a

tow strap or length of rope that can be used if repairs are not possible.

These items should be carried in an addition to a well-stocked survival kit

(page 21).

Following

your

owner's

manual

maintenance sched-

ule will help prevent

most

breakdowns,

but once in a while

your ATV may fail. If

you are riding kilo-

metres from help,

carrying the above

items could save you

long

walk.

Remember you will

not have your walking

shoes on!

Chapter 3 - Quiz

1. To learn the location of the ATV's controls, read the owner's manual.

2. A rider should know the location and function of all the controls on

an ATV before riding.

3. Looking at the controls while riding is a safe action.

4. You should keep your feet on the footrests at all times.

5. You should engage the parking brake after safely dismounting your

ATV.

6. If you do not inspect your ATV before riding, you decrease your

chances of an accident.

7. Improper tyre pressures may affect the operation of an ATV.

8. To remember the pre-ride inspection procedure, use the acronym T-

CLOC.

9. The basic ATV tool kit is enough to carry when going on extended

rides.

10.It is best to use genuine replacement parts for your ATV.

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