2003 YAMAHA BIG BEAR PRO 400 warning

7-21
During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during
operation. Otherwise your feet may contact the
rear wheels.
WARNING
Always keep both hands on the handlebars
and both feet on the footboards of your ATV
during operation. Removing even one hand or
foot can reduce your ability to control the ATV
or could cause you to lose your balance and
fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot from a
footboard, your foot or leg may come into con-
tact with the rear wheels, which could injure
you or cause an accident.Avoid wheelies and jumping. You may lose control
of the machine or overturn.
WARNING
Never attempt stunts, such as wheelies or
jumps. Don’t try to show off.
EE.book Page 21 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

7-23
Modifications
WARNING
Never modify this ATV through improper in-
stallation or use of accessories. All parts and
accessories added to this vehicle should be
genuine Yamaha or equivalent components
designed for use on this ATV and should be in-
stalled and used according to instructions. Im-
proper installation of accessories or
modification of this vehicle may cause chang-
es in handling which in some situations could
lead to an accident. If you have questions, con-
sult an authorized ATV dealer.
EE.book Page 23 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

7-25
Exhaust system
The exhaust system on the machine is very hot
during and following operation. To prevent burns,
avoid touching the exhaust system. Park the ma-
chine in a place where pedestrians or children are
not likely to touch it.
WARNING
Do not touch the hot exhaust system. Do not
park the machine during or after operation in a
place where others might be likely to touch it.
EE.book Page 25 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

7-27
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE
This machine is designed for off-road use only.
Riding on paved surfaces can cause loss of con-
trol.
WARNING
Always avoid paved surfaces, including side-
walks, driveways, parking lots and streets.
ATVs are designed for off-road use only.
Paved surfaces may seriously affect handling
and control of the ATV, and may cause the ve-
hicle to go out of control.
EE.book Page 27 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

7-29
Do not ride on any public road, street or highway.
Riding on public roads can result in collisions with
other vehicles.
WARNING
Never operate this ATV on any public street,
road or highway, even a dirt or gravel one. You
can collide with another vehicle. In many ar-
eas, it is illegal to operate ATVs on public
streets, roads and highways.
EE.book Page 29 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM

7-31
Know the terrain where you ride. Ride cautiously in
unfamiliar areas. Stay alert for
holes, rocks, or
roots in the terrain, and
other hidden hazards
which may cause the machine to upset.
WARNING
Go slowly and be extra careful when operating
this ATV on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert
to changing terrain conditions when operating
the ATV.
WARNING
Do not operate on excessively rough, slippery
or loose terrain until you have learned and
practiced the skills necessary to control the
ATV on such terrain. Failure to use extra care
when operating on excessively rough, slippery
or loose terrain could cause loss of traction or
vehicle control, which could result in an acci-
dent, including an overturn.
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7-33
When riding in an area where you might not easily
be seen, such as desert terrain, mount a caution
flag on the machine. DO NOT use the flag pole
bracket as a trailer hitch.
WARNING
Always mount a caution flag on the machine to
make you more visible when operating in ar-
eas where you might not be seen by other off-
road vehicles. Watch carefully for other vehi-
cles.Do not ride in areas posted “no trespassing”. Do
not ride on private property without getting permis-
sion.
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7-39
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 cause the wheels to stop rotating.
EE.book Page 39 Monday, June 18, 2001 10:18 AM