2003 YAMAHA BANSHEE 350R wheel

7-23
Avoid wheelies and jumping. You may lose con-
trol of the ATV or overturn.
w
Never attempt stunts, such as wheelies or
jumps. Don’t try to show off.
Modifications
w
Never modify this ATV through improper
installation or use of accessories. All parts
and accessories added to this vehicle should
be genuine Yamaha or equivalent compo-
nents designed for use on this ATV and
should be installed and used according to
instructions. Improper installation of acces-
sories or modification of this vehicle may
cause changes in handling which in some
situations could lead to an accident. If you
have questions, consult an authorized ATV
dealer.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:24 PM Page 24

7-37
With the engine idling, pull the clutch lever to dis-
engage the clutch and shift into 1st gear, and
then release the parking brake. Open the throttle
gradually, and at the same time, release the
clutch lever slowly. Once the ATV has attained
adequate speed, release the throttle lever and at
the same time, quickly pull in the clutch lever and
shift into 2nd gear. Open the throttle part way and
gradually release the clutch. Use this same pro-
cedure as you move into the higher gears. Be
sure to coordinate the use of the throttle and shift
pedal properly. If the throttle is applied too
abruptly or if the throttle is not released during
shifting, or if the shift pedal is not released before
applying the throttle, the front wheels may lift off
the ground resulting in a loss of directional con-
trol. Avoid higher speeds until you are thoroughly
familiar with the operation of your ATV.
w
Always open the throttle gradually and
release the clutch lever slowly. Otherwise,
the ATV could wheelie which would increase
the chance of an accident.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:24 PM Page 38

7-39
cC
Do not shift gears without releasing the
throttle. Damage to the engine or drive train
may occur.
When slowing down or stopping, release the
throttle and apply the brakes smoothly and
evenly. As you slow down, shift to a lower gear.
Be sure that the engine has sufficiently slowed
before engaging a lower gear. Improper use of
the brakes or shifting can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the
possibility of an accident.
w
Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a
lower gear when the engine speed is too
high could cause the wheels to stop rotating.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:24 PM Page 40

7-41
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction while riding off-
road, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly
on one axle and turn together at the same
speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the
inside of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some
traction, the ATV will resist turning. A special
turning technique must be used to allow the ATV
to make turns quickly and easily. It is essential
that this skill be learned first at low speed.
w
Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual.
Practice turning at low speeds before
attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not
turn at speeds too fast for your skills or the
conditions.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:24 PM Page 42

1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footrest.
1. Se pencher vers l’intérieur du virage.
2. S’appuyer sur le repose-pied externe.
1. Inclínese hacia el interior del giro.
2. Descanse su peso en el descansapie externo.
7-43
As you approach a curve, slow down and begin
to turn the handlebars in the desired direction.
As you do so, put your weight on the footboard
to the outside of the turn (opposite your desired
direction) and lean your upper body into the
turn. Use the throttle to maintain an even speed
through the turn. This maneuver will let the
wheel on the inside of the turn slip slightly,
allowing the ATV to make the turn properly.
This procedure should be practiced at slow
speed many times in a large off-road area with
no obstacles. If an incorrect technique is used,
your ATV may continue to go straight. If the ATV
doesn’t turn, come to a stop and then practice
the procedure again. If the riding surface is slip-
pery or loose, it may help to position more of
your weight over the front wheels by moving for-
ward on the seat. Once you have learned this
technique you should be able to perform it at
higher speeds or in tighter curves.
q
w
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:24 PM Page 44

7-53
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you
believe you can continue up the hill, restart care-
fully to make sure you do not lift the front wheels
which could cause you to lose control. If you are
unable to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV
on the uphill side. Physically turn the ATV
around and then descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT use the
rear brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear.
The ATV could easily tip over backwards.
Instead, dismount the ATV immediately on the
uphill side.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:24 PM Page 54

7-61
CROSSING A SLOPE
Traversing a sloping surface on your ATV
requires you to properly position your weight to
maintain proper balance. Be sure that you have
learned the basic riding skills on flat ground
before attempting to cross a sloping surface.
Avoid slopes with slippery surfaces or rough ter-
rain that may upset your balance.
As you travel across a slope, lean your body in
the uphill direction. It may be necessary to cor-
rect the steering when riding on loose surfaces
by pointing the front wheels slightly uphill. When
riding on slopes be sure not to make sharp turns
either up or down hill.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:25 PM Page 62

7-71
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or
slippery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If
unexpected and uncorrected, sliding could lead
to an accident.
To reduce the tendency for the front wheels to
slide in loose or slippery conditions, positioning
your weight over the front wheels will sometimes
help.
If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the
slide.
5FK-9-64-7 4/8/02 1:25 PM Page 72