Preparing for ATV Riding

Whether it's your first time out on the trail or just your first time this month, it's helpful to go over everything you need to prepare for ATV riding. With a little proactivity, you can set yourself up for a safe and thrilling ride. Below we cover everything you need before you hit the trails. 

Know Your ATV

Some basic knowledge of your ATV will make your ride go much smoother. Take the time to figure out the height, width, approach angle, and departure angle of your ATV. You'll be able to better navigate on the trail without getting any damage to your powersports vehicle. It's also helpful to know where the air intake and engine computer are located - that way you'll be able to assess how deep of water you can cross.

You'll also want to spend some time practicing driving your ATV before hitting the trails. Get a firm grasp of how your machine handles, including the turning radius and how long it takes to brake. A beginner’s riding class can be a great way to hone in on the ideal riding technique. You may even walk away knowing more ways to make the most of your machine.

Prepare Your ATV

You don't want to take your ATV straight from your garage to the trail. Instead, you should do a pre-ride inspection first. This involves looking over your ATV to see if any issues could cause a problem out on the trail. If you catch them now, you'll be able to take your vehicle to a mechanic. If you catch them on the trail, it could be a huge hassle getting it to a repair shop.

Start by checking out your tires to ensure they have the right tread levels and inflation. Look at your fluid levels and top off anything that is low. Test your lights to make sure they are all visible and working well. If you can, go for a quick test run. Check that your vehicle accelerates, turns, and brakes as normal.

Pack Your ATV

You'll need some supplies for a successful trail ride. Bring a mini toolkit with a wrench fitting your ATV's bolt size, a first aid kit, waterproof outerwear, water, snacks, a knife, a flashlight, an extra gas can, a map, and a flat tire kit. This prepares you for a range of emergencies from minor medical ones to a busted tire. When you're prepared to address these issues, they won't end up slowing you down on the trail or ending your trip prematurely. 

As you pack everything up, check that it's all tight and secure. You don't want items flying off as you zip on down the trail. Plus, loose items can become dangerous in the event of a crash. Try to load up your ATV so that the weight is evenly distributed. Don't forget that you need to stay in accordance with your vehicle's gross weight capacity. Overloading your ATV can negatively affect how it handles and even be dangerous.

Once your ATV is all packed, you are ready to hit the open trail! If you are looking to explore ATVs for sale, check out the selection at Windy City Motorcycle Company. We are an ATV dealer ready to help you find the perfect model for your riding level and budget. We serve Chicago, Illinois, Detroit, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We also serve northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.