How to Drive a Manual ATV
When many of us think about learning how to drive a manual transmission, it triggers memories of our fathers getting impatient with us in a nearby parking lot. Learning how to simultaneously ease off the clutch and give it some gas takes some practice, and many of us got frustrated in the beginning. Learning how to drive a manual ATV isn’t much different, and the process will eventually become automatic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started. To learn more, come see us at Langston Motorsports in Perris, California. We also proudly serve ATV lovers in Temecula and Orange County, California.
Learn the Controls
The first step is to get familiar with the controls. Your clutch lever is located behind the left-hand grip and controls the engagement of the clutch plates. Your foot shifter is next to your left foot. You will push the shifter up and down with your toes to shift gears. Your throttle lever is located on the right-hand grip, and you’ll push the lever forward to accelerate.
Starting the ATV
The safest way to start the engine is in neutral, which is most commonly found between first and second gear. You can shift the ATV into neutral by holding the clutch and clicking down the foot shifter until you hit first gear. Then you just click up half a click to shift into neutral and to push the start button. The ATV should begin idling. If you want to start the motor while you’re in gear, the clutch must be disengaged.
Driving from a Stop
Place the ATV in neutral, and pull in the clutch. Shift down one click to shift into first gear. Push the throttle lever gently as you simultaneously back off the clutch. Once you feel the clutch engage, you can let go and accelerate.
If the ATV stalls, you’re either not giving it enough gas or you’re releasing the clutch too quickly. If the front lifts, ease off on the throttle.
Shifting Gears
Most manual ATVs have five-speed transmissions, and some racing models might have six. Use the same process to shift up as you accelerate. Be careful not to “granny shift” and back off on the throttle too much as you upshift. Listen to the sounds of your engine RPM to determine when it’s time to shift to the next gear.
Stopping the ATV
Pull the clutch with your left hand to disengage the drive and to apply the brakes slowly. The hand brake will control the front wheel brake, and the foot brake handles the rear wheel brake. Hold the clutch in until the ATV comes to a complete stop.
Visit Langston Motorsports dealerships in Perris, California, to see our current inventory of ATVs for sale. We also serve fellow off roaders in Temecula and Orange County, California.