2003 YAMAHA BEAR TRACKER 250 brakes

EBU00015
1-CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ....................... 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION ......................... 2-1
DESCRIPTION AND MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ................................... 3-1
Identification number records ............... 3-3
Key identification number .................... 3-5
Vehicle identification number ............... 3-7
Model label ........................................... 3-9
CONTROL FUNCTIONS ........................ 4-1
Main switch........................................... 4-1
Indicator lights ..................................... 4-3
Handlebar switches ............................. 4-5
Throttle lever ..................................... 4-11
Speed limiter ...................................... 4-13
Front brake lever ............................... 4-15
Rear brake pedal and lever ............... 4-15
Parking brake .................................... 4-17
Shift pedal ......................................... 4-19
Drive select lever ............................... 4-19
Recoil starter ..................................... 4-21
1234
Fuel tank cap .................................... 4-21
Fuel cock ........................................... 4-23
Starter (choke) .................................. 4-25
Seat.................................................... 4-27
Storage box........................................ 4-31
Front carrier ....................................... 4-31
Rear carrier ........................................ 4-31
Rear shock absorber adjustment ....... 4-33
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS .................. 5-1
Front and rear brakes .......................... 5-5
Fuel ...................................................... 5-9
Engine oil ........................................... 5-13
Final gear oil ...................................... 5-17
Throttle lever ...................................... 5-17
Fittings and Fasteners ...................... 5-19
Lights ................................................. 5-19
Switches............................................. 5-19
Battery ............................................... 5-19
Tires .................................................. 5-21
How to measure tire pressure ........... 5-25
Tire wear limit .................................... 5-27
5
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2-13

Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such
as ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order
to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out
of control.


Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.


Always be sure there are no obstacles or peo-
ple behind you when you operate in reverse.
When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.


Always use the size and type tires specified in
this manual.


Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
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4-17 1. Lock plate
1. Verrou
1. Placa de bloqueo
EBU00075
Parking brake
Use the parking brake when you have to start the
engine or park the machine, especially on a slope.
Apply the rear brake lever and push down the lock
plate to apply the parking brake. Squeeze the rear
brake lever to release the parking brake.
WARNING


Always set the parking brake before start-
ing the engine. The ATV could start mov-
ing unexpectedly if the parking brake is not
applied. This could cause loss of control or
a collision.


Always be sure you have released the
parking brake before you begin to ride. The
brake could overheat if you ride the ATV
without releasing the parking brake. You
could lose braking performance which
could cause an accident. You could also
wear out the brakes prematurely.
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5-5
EBU01091
Front and rear brakes
Brake levers and brake pedal
Check for correct free play in the brake levers and
brake pedal. If the free play is incorrect, adjust it.
(See pages 8-49–8-55.)
Check operation of the levers and pedal. They
should move smoothly and there should be a firm
feeling when the brake is applied. If not, have a
Yamaha dealer inspect the brake system.
Brake fluid level (front brake)
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See pages 8-45–8-47.)
Brake fluid leakage (front brake)
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
hose, joint or brake fluid reservoir of the front
brake. Apply the brake firmly for one minute. If the
lever moves slowly inward, there may be a leak in
the brake system. If there is any leakage, the
brake system should be inspected by a Yamaha
dealer.Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
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5-7
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance, in-
spect the brakes for wear. (See page 8-43.)
WARNING
Always check the brakes at the start of every
ride. Do not ride the ATV if you find any prob-
lem with the brakes or you could lose braking
ability, which could lead to an accident. If a
problem cannot be corrected by the adjust-
ment procedures provided in this manual,
have a Yamaha dealer check for the cause.
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6-19
EBU00208
To decelerate:
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle 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 shift-
ing can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing
control and increasing the possibility of an acci-
dent.
WARNING
Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could make the wheels stop rotating. This
could cause loss of control, an accident and
injury. It could also cause engine or drive train
damage.
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6-25
EBU00220
Parking on a slope
WARNING
Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, put the machine in low gear, apply the
parking brake, and block the front and rear
wheels with rocks or other objects.
Do not park the ATV at all on hills that are so
steep you could not walk up them easily.1. Bring the machine to a stop by applying the
brakes in low gear.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the rear brake lever and pedal applied,
apply the parking brake and slowly release
the rear brake pedal.
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7-35
Select a large, flat area off-road to become familiar
with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free of
obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, shifting procedures,
and turning techniques in this area before trying
more difficult terrain. Always avoid riding on paved
surfaces: the ATV is designed for off-road use
only, and handling maneuvers are more difficult to
perform on pavement.
Set the parking brake and follow the instruction on
page 6-3 to start the engine. Once it has warmed
up you are ready to begin riding your ATV. As you
get on the ATV, be sure not to accidentally move
the shift pedal. Remember that the engine and ex-
haust pipe will be hot when riding and afterwards;
do not allow skin or clothing to come in contact
with these components.
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