While ATVs look easy to operate, they present unforeseen challenges for beginners. They provide a unique riding experience that requires plenty of practice and patience to perfect. Here are some ATV safety tips and riding advice for beginners to make 4-wheeling fun.
If you have any further questions about CFMOTO ATV or UTV operation, visit our website or talk to your local CFMOTO dealer.
Establishing Solid Footing
As a new rider, you’ll have enough to think about without worrying about what to do with your feet. With Nerf bars and heel guards, you’ll get the stability you need. Nerf bars are like giant foot pegs that allow you to keep your feet planted during your ride. Heel guards keep your feet where you want them, giving you more control while riding.
Slowly Engage the Throttle
The accelerator on an ATV is a thumb throttle that you press to take off or go faster. Getting the feel of the throttle is important for new riders to help build confidence. Go slowly at first. Giving it too much gas can cause the front of the machine to pop up. Practice easing onto the throttle, and you’ll find the delicate balance that will keep you riding safe and stable.
Invest in Quality Protective Clothing
As a new rider, you should invest in all the necessary protective clothing and gear you need. Make sure you have a protective jacket, boots that go above your ankle, a helmet, goggles, and gloves. When you graduate to more challenging terrain, add a chest protector and knee/shin guards for further protection.
Change Gears Smoothly at the Right Time
If anyone ever taught you how to drive a stick shift, they probably took you to a parking lot or a field, and you practiced working the clutch and shifting gears over and over until you felt confident. This same lesson should apply to new ATV riders. Get on the dirt and practice changing gears, and when you’ve accomplished smooth, intuitive shifting, you’re ready to join the group for some trail riding.
Work on your riding position. While an ATV has handlebars like a dirt bike, steering an ATV is different. You’ll still use your body to help distribute the weight, but while you’d lean into a curve on a dirt bike, on an ATV you lean to the opposite side of momentum. So, if you're turning right, you'll feel pushed to the left, and you'll want to lean right.
Know When to Sit Down and Stand Up
But if you're picking up speed on a livelier track, you’ll need to stand up. It's easier, gives you great visibility and will end up making you a better rider. Hover just above the seat, with your elbows out and knees bent.
Be Prepared for Rough Terrain
Avoid locking your elbows, and keep your knees loose to absorb the movement along the way.
Make your controls second nature. Over time, your ATV’s controls will become second nature. But in the beginning, they’re easy to confuse. So, practice with all your controls. The clutch lever is on the left side of the handlebars, and the brake lever is on the right. Get in the habit of grabbing the handlebars and placing your fingers over these levers every time you sit down.
All Terrain-Ready ATVs from CFMOTO
CFMOTO carries ATVs and UTVs for beginners and experts alike. We have the perfect all-terrain vehicle that matches your skill level and your purpose. To find out more about our line of all-terrain vehicles, visit or contact a CFMOTO dealer near you.