To turn a quad (ATV), you primarily use your body weight and control inputs. The key techniques involve shifting your weight and leaning.
Mastering ATV Turns
Turning an ATV safely and effectively relies heavily on rider body positioning, rather than just steering with the handlebars.
Body Positioning is Crucial
According to safe riding practices:
- Body Weight Shift: Keep the majority of your body weight on the outside foot peg during a turn.
- Upper Body Lean: Lean your upper body into the direction of the turn.
This combination of pushing down on the outside foot peg and leaning your upper body helps balance the vehicle through the turn, preventing it from tipping over, especially at speed or on varied terrain.
What to Avoid When Turning
It is critical to maintain proper control and safety:
- Do Not Lower Your Foot: Never lower your foot to the ground for stability while turning.
- Reason: If your foot gets caught by the tire or an obstacle while the quad is moving, it could lead to you being ejected from the vehicle, potentially causing serious injury.
By keeping your feet securely on the foot pegs and utilizing the described body weight shifts and leaning, you maintain control and stability throughout the turn.
Additional Considerations (from reference)
While specifically about turning, the reference also mentions body positioning for other maneuvers:
- Climbing Hills: When ascending hills, shift your body weight forward. This helps keep the front wheels planted on the ground, preventing the quad from rolling back or losing steering control.
Proper body positioning is fundamental to safe ATV operation in various situations, including turning, climbing, descending, and traversing obstacles.
