Table of Contents

1.   Overview

2.   Risks

3.   Warning Labels

4.   Safety Gear

5.   Parts & Inspection

6.   Operations

7.   Signage

8.   Driving Skills

9.   Laws

10. Respecting The Sport

11. Main Points

12. OHV Code of Ethics

• Braking

• Begin the braking process by releasing the throttle and shifting to a lower gear well in advance of the intended stopping point.

• Applying the brakes smoothly and evenly pumping the brakes will bring your OHV to its quickest stop. Jamming on the brakes will lock up your tires and you will start to skid with NO traction.

• Apply brakes lightly on slippery surfaces.

• Parking

• Park on flat surfaces if possible

• Engage parking brake

• Turn OHV off

• First, check water depth. Water should be no higher than the bottom of the OHV's footrest.

• Cross at a constant speed and do not stop while you're in the water.

• After crossing, test your brakes by holding down the brakes and pushing on the accelerator. The friction will dry them.

Crossing streets or paved roads:
• Come to a complete stop

• Look both ways

• Yield to on coming traffic

• Cross at a 90 degree angle with the road as quickly as possible

• Cross where you can clearly see both lanes of oncoming traffic (Hills)

• OHV manufactures strongly caution against riding on any paved surface. These machines are designed for off-road use

Climbing:      
• Make sure the hill is not too steep

• You should not attempt to climb a hill with an angle greater than your skill level of riding or 25 degrees

• Shift into a lower gear

• Keep both feet firmly on the footrests

• Shift your body weight forward by moving to the front of the seat

• For steeper hills you may have to stand on the footrest while leaning toward the front of your OHV

• If your engine stalls try to apply the brakes before forward motion stops

• If you begin to roll backward apply the brakes slowly but firmly to prevent a roll-over

• K-turns:     
- a K-turn may be needed if you engine stalls climbing a hill. To perform this apply the parking brake and dismount your OHV. Turn your handlebars toward you and release the parking brake allowing the OHV to roll to the side. Again apply the parking brake and mount the OHV. You may then begin to ride back down the hill.

• U-turns on a hill:
- if using a U-turn on a hill make sure to shift your weight to the uphill side during each portion of the turn.

When descending a hill:

• First, shift into a lower gear

• Drive directly downhill not at an angle

• Slide to the rear of your seat

• Keep both feet firmly on the footrests

• Pump the brakes if needed do not ride the brakes

Riding over obstacles:      
• Approach obstacle at a proper angle (as close to 90 degrees as possible).

• Maintain weight on footrests and slightly back.

• Keep your knees and elbows slightly bent as you lightly apply the throttle.

• After the front wheels clear, lean forward and release the throttle.
• As the rear wheels crossover keep a forward lean as your momentum carries your vehicle over the object.

Traversing (riding across slopes)
• Avoid traversing slippery or bumpy terrain when possible

• Keep both feet firmly on the footrests

• Lean your upper body to the uphill side of your OHV

• If the OHV begins to tip quickly turn the wheel downhill

• If terrain doesn't allow you to go downhill immediately dismount your OHV on the uphill side

Riding on snow or ice:      
• OHV handle much differently when operating on Ice and Snow.

• Turning, braking, and acceleration are changed dramatically.

• Dress for the weather! Wear layers of clothing.

Rigid mount and pull-type equipment
• Rigid mount equipment is something which is bolted to either the front and/or back of the OHV. (sprayer, holding tanks, storage units, snow plow, etc.)

• Pull-type equipment is something that is pulled behind the OHV. (tiller, plow, trailer, mowers, etc.)

• Both types of equipment can affect the way your OHV handles.

Riding With Passengers
When can you ride with passengers?

• When the OHV is made for passengers

• Are all OHVs made for passengers?
    – No they are not

• Where do you hold on when riding?
    – The handles on the OHV

Riding on Paved Surfaces
• OHV's are manufactured for off – road use ONLY!! Try to stay off of hard paved roadways.

Transporting your OHV
• Trailers

• A trailer designed specifically for OHVs is highly recommended

• Some trailers with tilt top permit access without a ramp. This type of trailer is designed more for a lawnmower and will not always have enough support for the 300lb-800lb OHVs.

Connecting the trailer
The first thing to check is the proper size of the towing ball. The ball must be the appropriate size recommended for that trailer.

Every trailer should have chains, which attach to the loops on your trailer mount. These chains ensure the trailer stays connected even if the ball becomes disengaged.

The electrical connection is also very important. Be sure the trailer connection matches that of your vehicle. Check to make all lights are operational.

Loading your OHV
Make sure the ramps are properly positioned.

When approaching the ramp make sure you are in the lowest gear to have the adequate power to ascend the ramps.

Centering the OHV slightly on the rear axle this will ensure a smoother ride. It also decreases the amount of weight on the hitch.

Dismount your OHV and secure the parking brake. Then, turn off the ignition & remove your key. The fuel & engine switch should also be in the off position.

Tying Down the OHV
Use straps not ropes (ratchet straps are best)

Place the shorter strap to the top & attach it somewhere on the OHV (if your OHV is equipped with utility racks use them, if not use the front bumper or handle bars and in back attach them to the bar underneath the seat)

Hook the longer end of the strap to the trailer as close as possible to the OHV in a secure position

It is best to use 4 straps (one on each corner for Class II and III OHV's). Use 2 straps for Class I OHV's.

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