Page 90 of 444
4-27
WARNING
_ Always ride at a slow speed when the ATV is in
4WD-LOCK, and allow extra time and distance
for maneuvers.
All wheels turn at the same speed when the dif-
ferential is locked, so it takes more effort to
turn the ATV. The amount of effort is more the
faster you go. You may lose control and have
an accident if you cannot make a sharp
enough turn for the speed you are traveling. _NOTE:_
When the switch is set to “LOCK”, the differ-
ential gear lock indicator light will flash until
the differential gear is locked.
When the indicator light is flashing, turning
the handlebar back and forth will help the dif-
ferential gear lock to engage.
Riding before the differential gear lock is
properly engaged (e.g., when the indicator
light is flashing) will cause the engine speed
to be limited until engagement is complete.
When the ATV is in 4WD-LOCK, the maxi-
mum traveling speed is limited to 35 km/h.
_
U5KM61.book Page 27 Friday, July 26, 2002 11:13 AM
Page 112 of 444
4-49 1. Spring preload adjusting ring
1. Anneau de réglage de la précontrainte de ressort
1. Anillo de ajuste de la precarga del resorte
EBU01312
Front and rear shock absorber adjustment
The spring preload can be adjusted to suit the rid-
er’s weight and riding conditions.NOTE:_ When adjusting the rear shock absorbers, the rear
wheels need to be removed. (See page 8-115 for
removal and installation procedures.) _Adjust the spring preload as follows.
To increase the spring preload, turn the adjusting
ring in direction
a.
To decrease the spring preload, turn the adjusting
ring in direction
b.NOTE:_ A special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment. _
Standard position: B
A - Minimum (soft)
E - Maximum (hard)
U5KM61.book Page 49 Friday, July 26, 2002 11:13 AM
Page 120 of 444
5-1
EBU00113
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Before using this machine, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Brakes• Check operation, free play, fluid level and fluid leakage.
Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.5-7–5-9,
8-93–8-107
Fuel Check fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.5-11–5-13
Engine oil Check oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.5-15–5-17,
8-33–8-45
Coolant reservoir Check coolant level.
Fill with coolant if necessary.8-57–8-67
Final gear oil/
Differential gear oil Check for leakage.5-19–5-21,
8-45–8-55
Throttle Check for proper throttle cable operation. 5-23, 8-91
Wheels and tires Check tire pressure, wear and damage.5-27–5-33,
8-115–8-117
Fittings and Fasteners Check all fittings and fasteners. 5-23
Lights Check for proper operation. 5-25, 8-129–8-135
Axle boots Check for damage. 8-69
E-5.fm Page 1 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 11:19 AM
Page 174 of 444
6-21
EBU00676
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, place the machine transversely across
the incline, 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 easi-
ly.1. Bring the machine to a stop by applying the
brakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the rear brake applied, shift the drive se-
lect lever to the park position.
E-6.fm Page 21 Friday, July 26, 2002 1:27 PM
Page 206 of 444
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 ATV or overturn.
WARNING
_ Never attempt stunts, such as wheelies or
jumps. Don’t try to show off. _
U5KM61.book Page 21 Friday, July 26, 2002 11:13 AM
Page 222 of 444
7-37
With the engine idling, shift the drive select lever to
the low position “L” or the high position “H”. Apply
the throttle slowly and smoothly. The centrifugal
clutch will engage and you will start to accelerate.
If the throttle is applied too abruptly, the front
wheels may lift off the ground resulting in a loss of
directional control. Avoid higher speeds until you
are thoroughly familiar with the operation of your
ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to
lose traction, reducing control and increasing the
possibility of an accident.CAUTION:_ Do not shift from drive position low “L” to high
“H” or vice versa without coming to a com-
plete stop. Damage to the engine or drive train
may occur. _
U5KM61.book Page 37 Friday, July 26, 2002 11:13 AM
Page 224 of 444
7-39
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction while riding off-road
in 2WD or 4WD, the two rear wheels are mounted
solidly on one axle and turn together at the same
speed. Furthermore, when riding in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”), the front wheels also 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 turn-
ing 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.
WARNING
_ 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. Operate at a
slow speed and allow extra time and distance
for maneuvers when in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”). _
U5KM61.book Page 39 Friday, July 26, 2002 11:13 AM
Page 226 of 444

7-41 1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.
1. Se pencher vers l’intérieur du virage.
2. S’appuyer sur le repose-pied extérieur.
1. Inclínese hacia el interior del giro.
2. Descanse su peso en el descansapie exterior.
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 direc-
tion) 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 obsta-
cles. 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 proce-
dure again. If the riding surface is slippery or loose,
it may help to position more of your weight over the
front wheels by moving forward on the seat.
Once you have learned this technique you should
be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter
curves.
U5KM61.book Page 41 Friday, July 26, 2002 11:13 AM