UTV Beginner Riding Tips
Just bought a utility terrain vehicle, otherwise known as a UTV? First off, congratulations! You’ve opened up a world of possibilities with this purchase, as you can now participate in all kinds of outdoor recreational activities, such as mudding, trail riding and off-roading. And if you’ve purchased your UTV as a work vehicle, then you’re about to discover how much easier and quicker your work becomes with a reliable and rugged form of transportation.
However, a beginner should take some time to become familiar with their vehicles and how they operate, in addition to gearing up for safety and taking some time to get practice in. Harold Implement Company, Inc. in Corning is your Arkansas UTV dealer. Read on to learn more about how to safely and responsibly ride your brand-new UTV as a beginning rider!
Practice Makes Perfect
Your first step should be to get in some practice with your UTV. If you know someone who’s more experienced in riding off-road vehicles, you might want to have them give you some pointers. You can also check out local riding classes in your area. But good old-fashioned practice is the best way to familiarize yourself with your UTV and how it operates.
Head to an empty field that’s reasonably flat and free of major obstacles and try out turns, reverses, speeding up and braking. You’ll want to start out at a slower speed, then increase the speed gradually as you become acclimated to your vehicle and how it works. When you do head to a local track or trail, try to find one that’s reasonably easy and know in advance what you can expect from the terrain: is it rocky? Sandy? Muddy? Hard-packed? Knowing what to expect will help you to be better prepared.
Don Some Safety Gear
Of course, riding a UTV isn’t without its risks, no matter how careful you are. The vehicle is open to the air, even if it has a soft canvas top and a windshield, so you’re more likely to be thrown from it in the event of a serious impact event or collision. Therefore, you and every passenger in your UTV should always wear a helmet. A comfortable, DOT-rated helmet designed for extreme sports riding is ideal: you can choose between a motocross helmet or a motorcycle helmet.
Bear in mind that your helmet lacks a full face mask, you’ll also want to invest in a pair of snug-fitting goggles for eye protection from flying debris. The rest of your attire should be protective to reduce scrapes and scratches as well as preventing sun damage: long sleeves and pants made from a sturdy material, ankle boots with good treads and laces tucked in and a pair of riding gloves will work nicely.
Follow The Rules
When operating your UTV, it’s important to follow the rules of whatever area you’re riding in. If you’re on a trail, always stay within the bounds of the trail. Trails are designed to avoid major obstacles and to provide a safe route through a given area that won’t harm local flora and fauna. Follow any posted speed limits as well and be watchful for animals and hikers that may cross your path.
It should go without saying, but you should never operate your UTV when intoxicated. Don’t use alcohol or recreational drugs before your ride, and check with a doctor if you have a medical condition or use a prescription medication that may impede your ability to operate heavy machinery. Make sure that you take breaks often to drink water and give yourself a chance to rest. Try not to ride at night or in bad weather, and always ride with others.
We hope this guide proves useful in helping you to safely operate your UTV. Still in search of one? Visit our dealership in Corning, Arkansas, to take a look at our vast inventory of new and used UTVs and other powersports vehicles available for sale. Harold Implement Company, Inc. proudly serves the cities of Paragould, Jonesboro and Pocahontas, AR.