Tips for First-Time Powersports Owners

The first few months of owning a powersports vehicle are a truly exciting time. Along with the excitement surrounding your new vehicle, you should exercise a bit of caution and restraint until you get a good handle on operating it. To help you ease into owning a powersports vehicle, here are the top tips for new powersports owners, as chosen by the experts at Tracy Motorsports.

Look Where You Want to Go

No matter what kind of vehicle you are operating, you will naturally start to drift toward the direction you are looking. This causes a phenomenon called target fixation, in which you become so focused on an object that it increases your chances of colliding with it. New powersports owners are particularly vulnerable to target fixation, so train yourself early to focus on which way you are going, no matter how beautiful your surroundings are.

Learn the Proper Riding Stance

The main difference between powersports vehicles and commuter vehicles is that most PWCs, motorcycles, and ATVs require that the rider adopt a particular stance in order to operate the vehicle. Mastering the proper stance will help make your powersports journey easier, though you should bear in mind that some powersports vehicles like UTVs and certain models of PWCs use a different or more traditional control setup.  

Adjust Your Mirrors

If your powersports vehicle uses mirrors, make sure that they are properly adjusted before you set off. Attempting to adjust them mid-ride is a recipe for disaster.

Assume You Are Invisible

Whether you are sharing a lake, a dirt path, or a paved road, you need to be aware of other motorists and whether they are aware of you. If yours is a smaller vehicle, they may not pay it as much attention, potentially leading to danger. Be aware of others and what they are doing so that you can react in a timely and appropriate manner.

Get Used to the Controls

If you are still inexperienced with operating your powersports vehicle, take things slow for a while. Even if you are starting to get the hang of things, you may suddenly find yourself thrust into an unfamiliar situation with no idea what to do. Get a handle on basics like turning and braking before moving on to something more advanced.

If you are ready to purchase a powersports vehicle, visit Tracy Motorsports in Tracy, California. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing, so visit us for all your powersports needs. We are proud to be able to serve communities like Stockton and Modesto, California. We hope to see you soon!