5 Mistakes ATV Beginners Make

 

You might think hopping on-board an ATV and going for a spin is just as easy as taking your regular 4-wheel car for a ride around the block. After all, both have four wheels. How hard could it be?

In many respects, you're right. Some adventure riders choose quads over their two-wheeled counterparts of the dirt because there's less chance of crashing and it's easier to learn. ATVs also offer more manageability for younger riders to get acquainted with outdoor riding than a dirt bike.

However, beginner riders on ATVs tend to make the same mistakes that result in crashes, roll overs and injury that could be avoided with some instruction and know-how. If you're looking at a fun family outing by renting ATVs or want to get into the sport take advantage of the following points and avoid the same mistakes so many other first time ATV riders make that end their day early or before they barely get started.

1. Nerf Bars

Get Nerf bars. These are not soft cushy add-ons that are cousins to the football you use during backyard football games. In many respects, Nerf bars are gigantic foot pegs. Don't bother with traditional foot pegs because you'll constantly slip off and because of the "I feel safe factor" that comes with riding a quad you'll also have a tendency to let your feet drag when riding. That's a recipe for getting one or both of your feet caught in the back tire resulting in serious injury. Nerf bars allow you to stabilize your feet and get maximum control over the ATV

2. Rolling Over

Believe it or not, it's fairly easy to roll an ATV over. And you don't want to be on the bottom of that sandwich.

The most common way of ending underneath a quad is looping out. That's done by hitting the gas and having little to no experience with the power of an ATV. The front spikes up like an out of control stallion, throws you onto your back like a bucking bronco and then pins you like a UFC Champ.

The second way is when you're having a bit too much fun sliding around in mud or other slick conditions, the tires finally do what they're designed to do and grip the ground but the rest of the bike, with you on it, keeps going.

Finally, those who think they've found their bearings take aim for a steep slope and try to conquer it only to end up upside down or in their attempt to arch alongside said steep hill, tumble over the side.

3. False Sense of Security

This goes somewhat hand-in-hand with the roll over capability that many riders fail to appreciate therefore they also neglect wearing proper protective equipment. Don't think wearing jeans, t-shirt and sneakers is adequate protection when riding a 4-wheeled machine powered by a gas engine that doesn't have seatbelts. You need a helmet, goggles, gloves and riding boots at a minimum. Once you start ripping it on the track or trails add a chest protector, neck brace, knee brace, etc.

4. Throttle Control

Everybody wants to skip the kiddie stage and get right into hair-raising speed when it comes to riding ATVs. OK, most everybody. But for those who do so many put on the cloak of invincibility and think a quad is merely a mini car that finally enables them to release all sorts of pent up childhood inhibitions.

So they jab their thumb into the throttle with the expectation of a controlled roller coaster ride. Instead, they loop out and end up underneath the quad or manage to stay seated only to careen off course and introduce their 4x4 to a large tree. ATVs normally have a thumb throttle and most have an automatic clutch so the clutch is one less thing to worry about. So go slow and figure out how much "thumb" is too much and get used to the speed and power an ATV delivers before really going for a ride. Oh, one more thing, learn to take your thumb off the throttle!

5. Loading the ATV

Never, ever ride an ATV up a ramp into the back of a pick-up. If you want to know why just go to YouTube. If you want to know how to load an ATV check out this fine piece of quality information on How to Load a Motorcycle, Dirt Bike or ATV into a Truck.

The bottom line to riding an ATV the first time is treat it like you would anything that comes with a modicum of danger. Careless behavior endangers you and others but with common sense and a willingness to learn you'll enjoy of lifetime of riding quads.

East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports

10 Quick Safety Tips for ATV Trail Riding

ATV riding season is here!

Whether you're getting the 'ole quad ready for the weekend or thinking about joining this most popular sport, keep in mind that ATV riding, while fun, can be dangerous. It can be easy to think of riding an ATV as little more than driving a car. It's not.

If you're new to quad riding knowing universally accepted safety tips is invaluable to keeping you on four wheels and welcomed by other riders. Now, if you're a veteran of the trail, little is more valuable than a refresher course in common sense quad riding.

We've put together 10 Quick Safety Tips for ATV Trail Riding as a way to remind and educate you when you're blazing around on your quad. Some are obvious and straightforward. Others you might think, that's bendable, but somewhere at some time it took an accident for common sense to prevail.

1. Wear Gear

Always wear safety gear. Helmets, goggles, boots, gloves - the works. There are no seatbelts on an ATV and flipping over is a lot easier than you might think. Be prepared and go home intact.

2. Inspection

Do a pre-ride inspection every time. Check the tires for wear and rims for damage. Look over your controls and make sure connections and cables are intact. Check the chain for worn links and sprockets for broken teeth and ensure there's enough lubrication.

3. Don't Ride Alone

Participating in any sport or activity where accidents can and do happen, it's never a good idea to do it alone. Always have a riding buddy and better - have two. Running out of gas, getting lost or crashing is never any fun but it's worse and can be life threatening if you're alone. Besides, who wants to ride by themselves? Grab some friends and make a day of it.

4. No Drinking and Riding

Duh. It's not safe in a car and it's not safe on an ATV. It's no secret - alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and your ability to ride safely. Don't put yourself in jeopardy and don't put others at risk for your risky behavior. Leave the beers for the evening when the gear is packed away.

5. Tired? Stop Riding

ATV riding is actually a great way to exercise. It demands strength and mental acuity. Overtime however, those bumps, jumps and tight corners wear down even the strongest dudes. If you can feel fatigue setting in, stop riding and take a break. Even if you don't feel tired, if you've been riding all day, take a break, rehydrate and fuel up with some lunch.

6. One Rider Only

Don't be a goon. Unless you're riding an ATV equipped for two-people, in which case you're probably on a UTV and not screaming through trails, only one person on a quad at any time. No piggy-backing or side riding.

7. Ride on Designated Trails

Don't ride your ATV anywhere but a designated riding area. Not only is this for the safety of others and prevents unnecessary wear and tear to your machine, but it's also being a good steward of the sport. Ride where it's legal.

8. Ride the Right ATV

What's the right ATV? As a general rule, only 90cc and larger engines for those 16 years and older. Don't pop your 10 year old on a 250cc ATV.

9. Be Aware

Know your surroundings. Since you've taken Tip #3 to heart, know where your riding partners are. Look ahead just like driving a car so you can see what's coming. Bumps are fun but when you hit one unexpectedly you can get bounced right off your ride. Look out for critters jumping out in front of your riding path and be cognizant of other riding parties.

10. No Goon Riding

Probably one of the top reason riders get hurt. Whether it's showing off, trying to see what their quad can do or just plain stupidity, don't ride beyond your ability or perform stunts and tricks you have no business doing.

The tips above are obvious and obvious for a reason. Most, if not all, are practically unwritten rules in ATV world. Safety is always a priority and most rules factor in safety for you and others. Also, it's a good idea to keep in mind the "house rules" when riding a track or designated ATV trails and knowing state rules like spark arrestors.

 East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports

8 Tips For New Quad Owners

 

What's the first thing we all want to do when our sparkling new quad hits the ground? If you're anything like me, you want to ride it like you stole it. But is that really a good idea? I don't think so, and here are some reasons why.

First, although most if not all manufacturers take safety and quality very seriously, the occasional loose bolt, unglued grip or low-pressure tire can leave the showroom floor and get in your hands without anyone ever noticing. This could lead to injury or broken parts that could have been easily prevented. Second, protecting and maintaining that immaculate new-quad look only takes a little time and prep work. Last, but certainly not least, is the need to dial in everything to fit you comfortably and to get a little more edge of performance out of your new machine.


So as you can see, safety, protection and performance are three critical categories that deserve your close attention. That's why we've decided to share our new quad secrets with you. Trust us on this one-by following these 8 important tips, you're likely to have a much-improved, longer-lasting and safer ATV riding experience.

1. Get To Know Your New Quad.

The very last thing that most new quad owners want to do is read the manual, and we totally understand. But keep this in mind: The information that's tightly packed into the manual about your new quad is vital to properly maintaining, understanding and protecting this pricey investment. OK, we're not saying to read and memorize it from beginning to end, but rather you should familiarize yourself with your ATV's functions, maintenance schedules and proper break-in procedures. If you choose to store your manual under the seat of your quad, it's a good idea to seal it up in a Ziploc bag; I keep mine in my toolbox where I know it will be safe.

2. Inspect And Top Off All Fluids.
How many of us have bought a new quad and taken it directly to the local riding area without even thinking about the lifeblood of the motor? Did you know that engine failures due to low oil or coolant are quite common mishaps that can certainly destroy your new motor's internal organs? It's so simple to just twist off the cap, check to see that the engine oil, coolant and differential fluids are at the proper level. Staying on top of this will ensure that your new machine will thrive for many years to come. Although most dealers will take care of this before you walk out of the dealership door, do you really want to take that chance? I don't!

3. Tighten Lug Nuts.
When a new ATV hits the ground at your local dealer, it's packed tightly into a crate. Who knows exactly what happens between point A and point B, as it's often being shipped across the big pond or from one state to another. For me, the first thing I do is tighten and properly torque each lug nut on all four wheels. I've seen them come off more than once over the years, and the consequences can be a real nightmare for sure. It'll only take a few minutes to tighten them. Also note, aluminum wheels are notorious for allowing nuts to loosen, so they should be inspected periodically.

4. Check Tire Pressure.
This one is so easy yet extremely vital to the handling characteristics of your quad. If you run without enough air in your tires, you're opening yourself up to all kinds of difficulties, such as poor handling, snakebite flats, dinging your rims and even the bead rolling off your rim. On the other hand, running with too much air can cause your quad to bounce around uncontrollably as if you were on a pogo stick. Lower pressure means a tire is easier to puncture but offers added traction in softer soils. Higher pressure results in higher durability and allows for more predictable sliding but gives less traction. The point is to find your happy medium. Start with the manufacturer's recommended psi and begin dialing in the tires to the air pressure that best fits your needs.

5. Fine-Tune The Ride Position.
While performing our sport 450 shootout last issue, we were reminded of this very important tip. As we mounted up all seven machines, which were delivered straight from each respective factory, we realized we'd forgotten one thing; the placement of the handlebars, brake levers and clutch levers on every machine was way out of whack. So the tools came out and we began to adjust. I usually adjust the handlebar to the position that feels most comfortable while standing and sitting, then tighten it back down. Next I slightly loosen the brake and clutch levers, stand crouched in the attack position and adjust them to the very same angle as my arms from that attack position. That's how I do it, but the important thing is to adjust the controls to your own liking.

6. Engage The Clutch.
No, we're not speaking of marrying the clutch, but rather setting the position in which your clutch engages. I like having the ability to pull in my clutch lever with two fingers while leaving the other two on the grips in order to better tackle demanding terrains while still maintaining a good grip with my hands. To adjust for this, turn the clutch adjustment wheel forward or backward until it engages in that perfect position for you. It only takes seconds to do and will greatly increase your confidence while riding.

7. Adjust The Foot Shifter.
From the factory, your manual ATV's shifter is set to a generic position. This position may be perfect for you; then again, it may not. If you want the shifter to be at its best position when you ride, then you'll need to set the lever height with your riding boots on. This will ensure that you have enough space to move your foot around, over and under the lever without any trouble at all. It can be frustrating to concentrate on riding while struggling to get your foot under the shifter.

8. Secure The Hand Grips.
Ah, the grip situation hasn't gotten you yet? It's happened to me and is likely to cause you trouble as well. If you don't take the time to properly secure your new grips, you may realize that you have nothing secure to hold onto five minutes into your ride. Even with the factory glue, you may still need to secure the grips with safety wire or a shot of black spray paint on the bar to hold them in place. Yes, the black spray paint really does work.

East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports

2010 Can-Am Spyder™ RS SE5

 

VERY CLEAN! LIKE NEW! 

The Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster. Riding Reinvented.

There's nothing ordinary about the way it looks. Or the way it rides, for that matter. You gas, it comes to life.
You steer, it reacts and adapts. With its Rotax® 990 V-Twin engine and unique, three-wheeled stance, the Can-Am™ Spyder™ roadster offers a bold, new way to experience open-road freedom. And it all starts at the end of your driveway.
Experience How It Turns Corners. And Heads.
A trip on the Can-Am™ Spyder™ RS roadster isn't just an escape, it's a full-on performance.

East Bay Motorsports

www.eastbaymotorsports.com