Riding an ATV or UTV is a lot of fun and an excellent way to spend your free time. You can be outdoors riding around and soaking up nature while you experience a thrill like no other.
You risk injury or accidents happening if you’re not prepared for the ride and don’t understand the fundamentals of using this type of vehicle. If you want to have a positive experience then always keep safety in mind. Learn some of the top mistakes beginners make using an ATV or UTV so you can avoid doing them yourself and have a better time out on the trails.
Renting the Wrong Size
You may choose to rent an ATV or UTV if you don’t have one of your own. In this case, you’ll want to ensure you rent the right size for you. These vehicles come in a variety of sizes so you’ll want to select one that is right in relation to your stature. If you rent anything that’s too big or too powerful then you may have a hard time controlling it. This rule of thumb holds true especially for beginners as a heavy and powerful vehicle will be too difficult to control. Be picky about who you rent from and consider a company such as Ultimate Desert Adventures. You can visit vegasthrills.com to learn more about UTV Rentals and side by side rentals in Las Vegas to secure one when you’re in the area.
Immediate Crank up
Another top ATV/UTV beginner mistake is immediately cranking up the machine. Whether you’re new to riding or have a lot of experience, it’s best to get to know your ATV before taking it on the trail. You’ll come to find that different ATVs or UTVs respond differently when it comes to the brakes, throttle, and shifter; you’ll want to get comfortable using these features before putting them to the test. Avoid cranking it up immediately and get to know the feel of your ATV and how it works first. Take a few minutes to find the foot pegs and all the levers. Familiarize yourself with the controls and get seated comfortably before you rev it up.
Too Confident
Another mistake to be aware of is being overly confident. Even if you have experience driving a car or motorcycle, these types of recreational vehicles are a different ride. You risk losing control and making other errors if you’re too confident. Enjoy the ride and go easy instead of trying to push yourself and the vehicle to the limits. Focus instead on having a good time and enjoying the ride instead of trying to impress people or your passenger in a side by side UTV.
Failing to Consider the Center of Gravity
As a beginner, you may fail to consider the center of gravity on your ATV or UTV. Although it is sturdy and has four wheels, you should still consider trying to balance your vehicle when riding it. Your goal is to remain upright and not tip over and you do this by having balance when you go through turns, or go uphill or downhill. There are many factors to consider and take into account as you ride that may impact the center of gravity. For instance, your weight, the fluid in the engine and gas tank, and any load you have may impact your ride and balance. You must know where to shift your weight appropriately to stay upright.
Choosing the Wrong Trails
There are so many trails to choose from around the country and world. Keep in mind that not all of these trails are suitable for ATVs. If you choose a trail that’s too small and is really meant for smaller vehicles, like dirt bikes, you may get stuck or injured. You need wide trails that are suitable for your larger side-by-side vehicles. As a beginner, you may want to stick to trails made for ATVs instead of trying to make your own. It is easy to become unbalanced and lose control on tough terrain. Although these are powerful machines, it is not uncommon for them to get stuck and need additional help. The great thing about Ultimate Desert Adventures is that you have a trail already designed for you, specifically tailored for the most exciting and safe ride.
Disregarding Your Surroundings
You may assume your ATV can do anything since it’s so powerful and rugged. However, as a beginner, you shouldn’t disregard your surroundings and do as you please without noticing your environment. Even if you’re going over familiar spots where you’ve driven before, be on the lookout for tree limbs, potholes, or bumps that may throw you off balance. If you’re on a busy trail then also watch for other riders and avoid crossing paths. Keep your eyes peeled for pedestrians, animals, and other obstacles, depending upon where you’re riding.
Not Performing any Maintenance
If you own your own ATV, you should also plan to perform proper maintenance on your vehicle as needed. Skipping maintenance procedures is a beginner mistake you should be aware of and do your best to avoid. ATVs and UTVs require this type of work just like any machine or vehicle. Check and follow the recommended maintenance plan in the owner’s manual, because ATVs require regular maintenance to function well. You may damage your ATV if you skip this step or put it off for too long. If you neglect needed repairs or maintenance, you may end up having to make costly repairs later on so show it some love by maintaining it properly.
Additions and Modifications
If you own your own ATV, as a beginner rider, it’s best to not jump into making additions and modifications to your vehicle right away. Although it may perform better if you do, it’s best to get to know your machine before you make any significant functional changes. It would be dangerous to make modifications to your ATV or UTV before understanding just how powerful it is already. These updates may alter how your vehicle drives and responds. Wait a while before you make additions or modifications to have the best experience as a beginner.
Conclusion
Remember, these are only a few of the most frequent ATV and UTV beginner mistakes and there may be some others you encounter as you start riding. Begin by taking these into account and put safety first so you can enjoy your vehicle and get the most out of your rides. You’ll learn even more as you gain more experience
