Arctic Cat XC 450 Operator's Manual page 34

Riding Downhill
Success in riding downhill depends on how well you know your
brakes—take it easy on them, or you could flip over.
1. Shift your body weight as far back on the seat as possible.
2. Keep it in low range; stay out of neutral.
3. Lightly apply the brake and ease up on the throttle.
Sidehilling/Traversing
Sidehilling is considered an advanced skill; it's really tricky and
unpredictable. So, whether your skills are advanced or not, try to avoid
this kind of riding. If you're in a situation where you absolutely have
to sidehill, follow this method:
1. Keep your speed low and consistent.
2. Shift all your body weight to the uphill side of the seat; also, sup-
port your weight on the uphill footrest.
3. Steer like you're driving into the hill.
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4. If the ATV feels like it's tipping, turn the handlebar downhill. If that's
not possible because of the terrain or other conditions or if it just
doesn't work, stop and get off. Dismount the ATV on the uphill side.
Swerving
Swerving is usually an emergency reaction to
avoid an obstacle.
1. Ease off the throttle as you approach the
obstacle.
2. Turn the handlebar. At the same time, shift
your weight and balance as you swerve.
Use the principles of leaning, weight shift-
ing, and balancing—shift your body
weight to the inside of the turn.
3. Keep your hand off the brake until the
emergency is over and you're back in
control.
Crossing Obstacles
Crossing obstacles is risky; avoid it if possi-
ble. Riding over logs, rocks, and ruts means
combining all the active riding skills into one
big motion. Your ATV will respond differently for different obstacles
(logs, ruts, etc.), but these are general guidelines for overcoming two-
track (both tires contacting the obstacle at the same time) obstacles: