Tips for driving up steep hills.

Yea, start by going up small hills and work your way up to the bigger hills.

Keep your weight forward, I stand slightly and lean forward toward the bars.

On really steep hills I use my fingers to operate the throttle because I'm leaning way over the bars. It keeps my thumb from slipping or backing off when I least expect it. (it only took one time for me!) It's a more natural angle for me to use my fingers. :icon_ goofy:

All of the above + you have to commit to it. Don't stop half way up and then try to continue. Also don't start too slow and then gas it half way up. Those examples are how you will flip over backwards. And remember that if something has gone wrong and you find yourself going backwards down a steep hill, your front brakes are your friend. Apply firm front brake pressure and add in a little back brake pressure. Too much back brake and you're going over.

Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date to

After mine flipped backwards and rolled down the hill (luckily no big damages) I agree with Okbear: go for it if you are sure you can make it or don't go at all.


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Tks for the tips, I really appreciate them.

Reboot123

I'm with okbear, balls to the wall at the bottom of the hill. It's a lot easier to lose speed then it is to gain it. Very seldom do you hear "I went up that hill to fast". Concur with the braking and lean as far forward as possible while climbing on the real steep stuff.

All the above is good advice including trusting your instincts, if too steep and you may stall out, what is the possible outcome?

Good tips above and also the more weight you put up front the more it will help keep the front down.....winch , bumper , gas can , speakers , front box , bash plate , and light bar to name a few.

The speed you go depends on the terrain. Many trails where I live in the desert demand low speeds from all the big rocks, uneven terrain loose rocks etc. Out here low range with front dif lock engaged will get you up most obstacles. Only go as fast as needed to prevent damage and lean as far forward as needed.
I can see in other parts of the country with long steep smoother terrain that speed could be needed. After a while you will just look at a hill and know how much speed etc is needed. It all comes with experience. Start out slow and try not to get hurt.

Work a progression if your ride terrain allows, start with smaller hills or humps, then work up. Don't be afraid to bail or step off if it really goes wrong. Watch others go first, don't be first until your skills are best in riding group. Ride with people that will run to help you instead of laugh at you when you crash. Wear a helmet. Serious life injuries or death can occur, be honest with yourself on skill level, stay afraid or at least respect your machine, watch YouTube videos to see just how fast things can go wrong. Avoid liquid courage.

Going fast creates inertia which forces you and the bike into and up the hill, HOWEVER, until you have a LOT of experience and have developed your skills, I recommend going very very slow, and backing down if you feel unsafe.

Eventually you develop a "feel" or relationship with your bike, and you "just know".

DrMud said:

Avoid liquid courage.

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I know that's usually a good rule of thumb. I feel that the reason I get into situations where I'm half way through and I suddenly realize "I'm in over my head, but f*** it!" is probably due to that lol. But it's also the reason why I felt like it was a fantastic idea in the first place.

Spheno said:

I know that's usually a good rule of thumb. I feel that the reason I get into situations where I'm half way through and I suddenly realize "I'm in over my head, but f*** it!" is probably due to that lol. But it's also the reason why I felt like it was a fantastic idea in the first place.

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You make me laugh. :grin2:


"fantastic idea", .....covers not just riding a Grizzly, but, covers other things too.....lol.....>

I stand up and lean over the handle bars while squeezing the fuel tank with my knees. Works quite well, keeps me stable and have no problem working the throttle.

Great tips here and as DrMud said...don't be afraid to bail. ALWAYS have an exit plan. Like these guys say, start small and work your way up to bigger hills. Work on your body english in different conditions to see how your Grizzly reacts. Becoming an all around rider will make you better. Don't push it when riding alone. May the force be with you!

Obviously drinking and riding is not something that is smart nor something I can condone. You need to be your sharpest to avoid you or those around you from having to roll around with your Grizzly. The Grizzly will win every single time.

Pushing that little button in that says 4wd helps a lot.

On flat ground practise riding around standing up with the least amount of body pressure on the handle bars, balancing on legs instead of putting your weight on the bars(weight over the hips instead of the shoulders), gives you better control when things get gnarly.
The planning idea is great, planning what your going to do if things go "tits up" BEFORE it happens will help a lot instead of trying think of what to do as it's happening.
When going up steep hills with your weight properly balanced you can lean forward & grab the back of the front rack with left hand for a bit of support & still have handle bar/throttle control, the tip on wrapping your finger under the bars to control throttle is one well worth practicing before you need it.
You may have to move your feet as far forward as possible to get balance on some hills.
Best tip of all is be safe.