2009 Yamaha Motorsports Grizzly 550 4x4 Owners Manual - Page 80

CLIMBING UPHILL Use proper riding techniques to avoid ATV overturns on hills. Be sure that you can maneuver your ATV well on flat ground before attempting any incline and then practice riding first on gentle slopes. Try more difficult climbs only after you have developed your skill. In all cases avoid inclines with slippery or loose surfaces, or obstacles that might cause you to lose control. EWB01090 EWB01180 WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Climbing hills improperly. WHAT CAN HAPPEN Could cause loss of control or cause the ATV to overturn. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in this Owner's Manual. Always check the terrain carefully before you start up any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the throttle suddenly. The ATV could flip over backwards. Never go over the top of any hill at high speed. An obstacle, a sharp drop, or another vehicle or person could be on the other side of the hill. WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Operating on excessively steep hills. WHAT CAN HAPPEN The ATV can overturn more easily on extremely steep hills than on level surfaces or small hills. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills before attempting large hills. It is important when climbing a hill to make sure that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV. This can be accomplished by leaning forward and, on steeper inclines, standing on the footboards and leaning forward over the handlebars. 7-21 7