2022 Kawasaki KFX 90 ATV Climbing Hills
Climbing Hills
Do not attempt to climb hills or steep inclines until you have mastered the controls and basic riding techniques Of this vehicle. Then practice hill climbing techniques on gentle slopes first before you graduate to steeper hills.
WARNING
HAZARD
Climbing hills improperly.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Could cause loss of control or cause ATV to
overturn.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in the 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 or make sudden gear changes. The ATV could flip over backward. 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. Don’t attempt to climb hills that are too steep for the ATV or for your abilities. When climbing a hill, lean forward to keep the front wheels from lifting. On steeper hills you may need to stand and lean forward for even more weight transfer. The front wheels must be kept on the ground so you can steer and also to prevent the possibility of tipping over backwards.
WARNING
HAZARD
Operating on excessively steep hills.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The vehicle 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 larger hills. Avoid hills with slippery sides that will cause you to lose traction. Do not climb hills where you cannot see far enough ahead, If you cannot see what is on the other side of the crest of a hill, slow down until you can get a clear view. Speed up before ascending the hill. Don’t apply power suddenly or change gears while climbing, or the front wheels might rise off the ground. If the vehicle doesn’t have enough power to reach the top of a hill and starts to lose forward momentum, turn around and ride downhill if you have enough space.
WARNING
HAZARD
Improperly turning on hills.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Could cause loss Of control or cause ATV to overturn.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any hill until you have mastered the turning technique as described in this manual on level ground. Be very careful when turning on any hill. If the vehicle stalls on a hill, apply the brakes be- fore the vehicle starts to roll backward. If the vehicle should start to roll backward on a hill, dismount to the side immediately or try to stop using the front brake only. You may tip the vehicle over backward if you use the rear brake after the vehicle starts to roll backward, or if you try to apply power while rolling backward; use the front brake only to stop the vehicle. If you are stopped on a hillside, apply the parking brake and carefully dismount on the uphill side Of the vehicle (so it cannot roll over onto you). To turn the machine around, drag the rear end of the ATV uphill as much as possible. Remount the ATV from the uphill side if it is not facing straight downhill. Then, while keeping as much of your weight as pos- Sible on the uphill side, turn the handlebars downhill. Release the parking brake and ride downhill.
WARNING
HAZARD
Stalling, rolling backward or improperly dis-mounting while climbing a hill.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Could result in ATV overturning.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Maintain steady speed when climbing a hill. If you lose all forward speed: Keep weight uphill. Apply the brakes. Lock the parking brake, after you are stopped. If you begin rolling backward:Keep weight uphill. Never apply the rear brake while rolling backward. Apply the front brake. When fully stopped, apply rear brake as well, and then lock the parking brake. Dismount on the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following the procedure described in this manual.
Remember:
- Some hills are too steep. use common sense.
- Never ride past your limit of visibility. If you can’t see what is on the other side of the crest of a hill, slow down until you can get a clear view.
- Don’t let the vehicle roll backward. If it does, avoid sudden braking.
- If you get stuck on a hill, set the parking brake and dismount on the uphill side.
If the hill is not too steep and you have good footing, you may be able to walk the ATV back down the hill. Make sure your intended path is clear in case you lose control of the ATV . If you decide you can walk the ATV safely:
- Stand with your body facing downhill, beside the vehicle so you can reach the rear brake lever with your left hand.
- Be sure your legs are clear of the wheels.
- Check your footing.
- Then slowly and carefully back the ATV down the hill using the front brake lever to control speed.
- If you lose control of the ATV, for your safety, get away from the vehicle.
If the hill is too steep or too slippery, or if you have any doubt whether you can safely walk the ATV back down the hill, leave the vehicle where it is and get help. If possible, block the wheels so the vehicle won’t roll backwards.