How to Ride a Four-Wheeler
by Jenny CarverRiding a four-wheeler is different from riding any other type of vehicle. Riding a four-wheeler can be for fun, work or recreational activities. Many hunters use four-wheelers to get farther into the woods where trucks cannot go. Others ride four-wheelers to haul and pull things. Four-wheelers are also fun to ride in the mud, at the beach and in fields. Safety procedures should be followed when riding a four-wheeler, as the vehicles can be dangerous if used improperly.
Automatic Four-Wheeler
Step 1
Put the key into the ignition and start the four-wheeler. Check the gas gauge to make sure the four-wheeler has enough gas.
Step 2
Push the gas, either with your thumb on the handle or with your foot on the pedal. Keep it slow until you get the hang of things.
Step 3
Turn the four-wheeler left or right by turning the handlebars in the desired direction. Turning too quickly while going fast can make you slide off of the seat. Be careful when driving fast. Turning while driving very slow (less than 2 mph) can make the handlebars difficult to turn. Speed up slightly to make sharp turns easier.
Step 4
Press and hold the brake to stop completely. Press the brakes slightly to decelerate.
Manual Four-Wheeler
Step 1
Place the key into the ignition and start the four wheeler. Check the gas gauge. Place your foot under the clutch (located on the left side of the four-wheeler near the foot rest), and pull up on it once, then let up and place your foot back on the foot rest. This puts you in first gear. Press the gas and start moving.
Step 2
Let off of the gas for only a second while pulling up on the clutch again, putting you into second gear. Resume pressing the gas. Repeat this step for each higher gear as you accelerate more.
Step 3
Step down on the clutch once to decelerate to one gear lower. Each time you step on the clutch, the transmission shifts down one gear, causing the four-wheeler to slow down.
Step 4
Stop the four-wheeler by decelerating down to first gear, and then step down once again to reach neutral. Press the brake to stop completely.
Tips
- Always turn the four-wheeler off and remove the key when stepping off of it. Never leave it running with no one on it. Check local laws on riding four-wheelers on the road. In most areas it is illegal to ride any type of ATV on public roads. Riding a four-wheeler on private property is illegal without proper authorization from the landowner.
Things You'll Need
- ATV riding helmet
- Long pants
- Gloves
Warnings
- Children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to ride or drive a four-wheeler. No special training or courses are needed to ride a four-wheeler, but riders must be over the age of 16. Some four-wheelers can reach speeds up to 75 mph but are not recommended to be driven over 30 mph unless racing on a closed course.
Writer Bio
Since 1997 Jenny Carver has served as editor and freelance writer for many offline and online publications including lovetoknow.com, autotropolis.com, "Hoof Beat News," "Import Tuner" and others. Carver owns a custom automotive shop where she has been doing paint and body work, custom interior work and engine building for over 11 years.
