Tips; Skidding Or Sliding - Arctic Cat 450 i Operator's Manual

2. Don't pull up on the handlebar.
3. Don't apply the throttle.

Tips

Driving an ATV and a car have some
similarities; however, there are a few sit-
uations that require special attention:
• Reversing

• Skidding or Sliding

• Parking on a Hill
• Stalling on a Hill
• Crossing Water
• Crossing Roads
• Cold Weather Driving
• Stopping the ATV
• Stopping the Engine
Reversing
It's tough to see things behind you.
1. Go slowly. It's hard to see behind
you.
2. Keep your handlebar straight.
3. Backing down hills is a bad idea; do a
U-turn or K-turn instead to turn
around.
Skidding or Sliding
If you lose control after hitting sand, ice,
mud, or water:
1. Turn your handlebar into the direction
of the slide.
2. Keep your hand off the brakes until
you're out of the skid.
3. Shift your weight forward.
Sometimes your ATV may not respond
and goes straight ahead instead of letting
you turn. Here's how to handle it:
1. Slow down.
2. Move forward on the seat.
3. Lean to inside of turn.
4. Turn handlebar.
Parking on a Hill
This shouldn't be necessary, but if it is:
1. Keep it in gear.
46
2. Engage the brake lever lock.
3. Find something to block the rear tires.
Stalling on a Hill
If you use the right method for riding
uphill, this shouldn't happen. But if you
have a problem, do this:
1. If the ATV hasn't started rolling
backwards yet, follow the procedure
for the K-Turn, OR
2. If the ATV is already rolling back-
ward, lean as far forward as possible
standing up on the footrests.
3. Nice and easy, apply the hand brake
lever.
4. When you come to a stop, follow the
procedure for the K-turn.
5. If the ATV continues to roll back-
ward, dismount immediately on the
uphill side.
Crossing Water
Your ATV can only handle water up to its
footrests. Any more than that and you
risk engine damage and/or personal
injury. Stay away from fast moving riv-
ers. ATV tires can be buoyant, so if the
water is too deep, you might find the
ATV suddenly afloat.
1. Physically check the depth and cur-
rent of the water, especially if you
can't see the bottom. You're also
checking for boulders, logs, or any
other hidden obstacles.
2. Keep your speed slow.
3. Make sure you have a way out on the
other side of the water.
4. If you get stuck in the sludge or mud,
try rocking the ATV from side to side.
5. Once you've cleared the water,
briefly apply the brakes to make sure
they work.
Crossing Roads
Crossing roads on your ATV is also a bad
idea, so avoid it. If you can't:
1. Stop completely on the shoulder of
the road.