How to Shift the Clutch on ATVs

ATVs are great fun to ride, but require precise gear control.

ATVs are a fun and exciting way to spend a day out in the country or exploring the back roads. Because they have four wheels, instead of just two like a dirt bike, they are easy to learn and ride on, making them an ideal stepping stone from driving a car to riding a dirt bike. But in order to ride an ATV successfully, one needs to learn to shift a manual transmission. Learn how to shift the clutch on an ATV and get out riding and exploring in no time.

Things You'll Need

• ATV

Instructions

1. Sit on your ATV in a comfortable riding position and familiarize yourself with the controls. The lever near your left hand is the clutch lever, used to shift gears. The lever near your right hand is the front brake. The left foot pedal is the gear shifter and the right foot pedal is the rear brake.

2. Kick the left foot pedal -- the shift pedal -- down until it stops clicking. Then push the lever slightly upward with your toe until the green light comes on on the dashboard. The ATV is now in neutral. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, then press the starter button on the right handlebar and the ATV will fire up.

3. Squeeze the left clutch lever all the way to the handlebars, then kick the shift lever down once. The ATV is now in first gear. Release the clutch slowly until you feel the ATV start to move forward. The point at which the ATV starts moving is the clutch's "grab point." Repeat this procedure until you feel confident you can find this point easily.

4. Release the clutch lever out to the grab point, then twist the throttle grip back gently to give the ATV some gas when you are ready to ride. Continue releasing the clutch lever and giving the ATV throttle until the ATV is moving forward at a moderate pace, at which time you may release the clutch lever entirely.

5. Continue driving forward until you reach the top of the first gear range, usually 5,000 to 6,000 RPM. At this point, release the throttle, pull in the clutch lever and kick the shift lever up firmly with your toe. Release the clutch lever to the grab point and give the ATV some gas just as before. You are now in second gear.

6. Continue shifting through each of the gears in the same manner as you accelerate. When you need to slow down or down shift -- anytime the tachometer reads less than 1500 RPM -- pull in the clutch, close the throttle, then push the shift lever down firmly and let the clutch out slowly. The bike will be in a gear one lower than your were in previously.

7. Continue riding and practicing shifting until you feel comfortable in your ability to operate a manual transmission. Then go out for a nice long ride and make the best of your new found ability.

References

• How To Shift On A Dirtbike Or ATV