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European ATV Safety Institute
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  • Safety & Equipment
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The Golden Rules

Safety Equipment

ATV riding requires protection for head, eyes, hands, and feet. Although complete protection is not always possible, knowing what to wear and how to wear it can make you feel more comfortable when you riding or working can reduce the chance of injury. Never operate an ATV or ride as a passenger without a quality helmet, eye protection, over the ankle boots, gloves, long trousers, and a long-sleeved  shirt or jacket.

To learn more, take an ATV RiderCourse or download Tips and Practice Guide for the All-Terrain Vehicle Rider.

Pre-Ride Inspections

An inspection of your ATV before each ride is essential because the off-road environment can be harsh on vehicles. An inspection can minimise the chance of accidents, ensures long-term enjoyment of your ATV, and should only take five to 10 minutes depending on your ATV. Your owner’s manual will show you what equipment to check on your particular machine, and EASI offers this basic T-CLOC checklist as well. T-CLOC stands for Tyres and Wheels, Controls and Cables, Lights and Electrics, Oil and Fuel, Chain/Driveshaft and Chassis.

Tyres & Wheels

  1. Air pressure – Always maintain the recommended tyre pressure. Incorrect pressure can cause poor handling and tyre or wheel damage. To measure pressure (usually 2 to 10 psi on ATV), you’ll need a low-pressure gauge; automotive tyre gauges are not accurate for use on ATVs.
  2. Condition – Check for cuts or gouges that could cause air leakage.
  3. To avoid loss of control or injury, make sure axle nuts are tight and secured by cotter pins, and make sure wheels nuts are.

Controls & Cables

  1. Controls – Ensure all controls work smoothly.
  2. Throttle and other cables – Ensure the throttle moves smoothly and snaps closed with the handlebars in any position. Ensure the throttle limiter (if equipped) is adjusted appropriately for the rider.
  3. Brakes – Ensure the controls operate smoothly and are adjusted (engagement point and position of controls) according to the owner’s manual. Your brakes are a crucial safety feature and must always be in excellent working condition.
  4. Gear Change – Ensure it is firmly attached and positioned for safe operation.

Lights & Electrics

  1. Ignition switch – Check the condition of the switch and make sure it works properly by switching it off and on during your warm-up period.
  2. Engine stop switch – Ensure it turns off the engine.
  3. Headlight and taillight (if equipped) – Check operation and condition of the lights. You could be caught out after dark.
  4. Horn - Check the horn sounds

Oil & Fuel

  1. Do not get stranded because you are out of oil or fuel. Know your ATV’s cruising range. Start your ride with a full tank of fuel.
  2. Check oil level with a dipstick or sight glass while the engine is off. Check your owner’s manual for procedure.
  3. Check for fuel or oil leaks.
  4. Take off the air filter cover and check the condition of the filter element. Be sure it is clean and not torn or blocked.

Chain / Driveshaft & Chassis

  1. Chain – Inspect, adjust and lubricate the chain regularly. Your chain is the vital link from the engine to the wheels. Ensure chain slack is within specifications as described in your owner’s manual.
  2. Drive shaft – If your ATV is equipped with a drive shaft rather than a drive chain, check for oil leaks. Maintain its oil supply as outlined in your owner’s manual.
  3. Nuts & bolts – Riding in rough terrain will loosen parts. Look and feel for loose parts while the engine is off. Shake handlebars, footrests, etc., before each ride and periodically check fasteners.

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