UTV Riding Tips for Beginners
One of the best ways to explore the outdoors and get some high-speed thrills is to take a ride on a UTV. Utility vehicles also make your work easier by providing a reliable and rugged form of transportation. However, if you’re new to side-by-sides, you’ll need to adequately prepare yourself by taking some proactive steps. Whether you’re planning to ride a trail or haul some equipment to your worksite, it’s important for you to take time to practice your driving skills, get the right gear, and learn the rules of the road.
To help you master your side-by-side, Interstate Cycles has provided this guide to UTV riding for first-time drivers. If you have questions or want to explore UTVs for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership in Lake City, Florida.
Check out the Manual
Reading the owner’s manual is a great way to learn how your UTV operates and what you need to do in order to keep it in good shape. If you have bought a new side-by-side, remember to follow the break-in guidelines in your manual to extend the life of your vehicle. One of the worst things you can do to a brand new UTV is to get in the driver's seat and hit the pedal to the metal and take it for a long, fast spin. Most automotive manufacturers advise you to start out light and easy. The engine parts need some time and mileage to get adjusted in order to perform smoothly.
Remember to examine the tires and check their pressure, airing them up to the recommended levels specified in your owner’s manual. Fill up the gas tank and make sure the oil is clean and topped off. Check lights and signals to make sure they function correctly.
Practice Ahead of Time
Before you crank up the engine on your UTV and set out on the trail, you’ll want to take the time to practice your driving skills. These vehicles are not really anything like driving your car or riding a bike, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with your side-by-side and how it operates. If you know someone who’s more experienced in riding off-road vehicles, you might want to have them give you some expert tips. You can also check out local riding classes in your area to learn the basics.
You’ll want to take some time to practice riding your UTV in an empty field or other safe, open area. Go at a slow pace as you learn how your side-by-side handles and then increase the speed gradually as you become used to your vehicle and how it works. Practice steering, turning, speeding up, and braking on flat ground so that you can handle bumps and dips on a trail.
Gear Up
Riding a UTV involves navigating rough terrain, which poses a safety risk. 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 or collision. That’s why it’s so important for you and every passenger in your UTV to wear the proper safety gear. A sturdy and comfortable helmet designed for extreme sports is a must-have.
You can choose between motorcycle helmets with a full face mask or motocross helmets with a pair of goggles. The face mask or goggles will protect your eyes from flying debris. Your clothing should be protective to shield your skin from scrapes, bumps, and sun. Long sleeves, pants, and sturdy boots are all good choices. You can also wear a pair of riding gloves to improve your grip.
Follow the Rules
When riding on a trail or in another established riding area, it’s important that you follow all the rules while also making use of common courtesy. You don’t want to endanger or upset anyone else around you. If you’re on a trail, always stick to the designated path. Trails are designed to be easy to ride and to provide a safe route through a given area that won’t harm local flora and fauna. Follow any posted speed limits and be watchful for animals that may cross your path.
Respect the other users in the area, whether they’re fellow UTV riders, dirt bikers, hikers or campers. Let others have the right of way and don’t block the path with your vehicle. Also, don’t go at top speed when you’re around lots of other people.
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 that may impede your ability to drive a vehicle. Make sure that you take frequent breaks to drink water and give yourself a chance to rest.
We hope this guide proves helpful to you. With some practice and preparation, you’ll be ready to safely and confidently ride your UTV! If you’re still seeking the perfect side-by-side, call us at Interstate Cycles in Lake City, FL. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the perfect model for your experience level and budget. We welcome all those coming from Jacksonville and Gainesville.