2003 YAMAHA YFM350R brake

4-19
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 con-
trol 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.
U5NF62.book Page 19 Wednesday, May 8, 2002 1:40 PM

5-1
EBU00113
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Before using this machine, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BrakesCheck operation, fluid level and fluid leakage.
Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.5-5–5-7,
8-41–8-51
ClutchCheck operation, condition and lever free play. 8-59
Parking brakeCheck operation, condition and cable length. 8-53–8-55
FuelCheck fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.5-9–5-11
Engine oilCheck oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.5-13–5-15,
8-15–8-23
Drive chainCheck chain slack and condition.
Adjust if necessary.5-15, 8-61–8-65
ThrottleCheck for proper throttle cable operation and free play. 5-17, 8-39
Wheels and tiresCheck tire pressure, wear and damage.5-19–5-25,
8-73–8-75
Fittings and fastenersCheck all fittings and fasteners. 5-17
Lights and switchesCheck for proper operation. 5-17, 8-57, 8-87–8-97
BatteryCheck fluid level.
Fill with distilled water if necessary.5-19, 8-77–8-83
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5-5
EBU01167
Front and rear brakes
Brake lever and brake pedal

Check that there is no free play in the brake le-
ver. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer
inspect the brake system.


Check for correct brake pedal height. (See
page 8-51.) If the pedal height is incorrect,
have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.


Check the operation of the brake lever and
brake pedal. They should move smoothly and
there should be a firm feeling when the brakes
are applied. If not, have a Yamaha dealer in-
spect the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See pages 8-43–8-47.)
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
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5-7
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If there is any leak-
age, have a Yamaha dealer inspect the brake sys-
tem.
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 brake pads for wear. (See page 8-41.)
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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5-17
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Throttle lever
Check to see that the throttle lever operates cor-
rectly. It must open smoothly and spring back to
the idle position when released. Have a Yamaha
dealer repair as necessary for proper operation.
EBU01162
Fittings and fasteners
Always check the tightness of chassis fittings and
fasteners before a ride. Take the machine to a
Yamaha dealer or refer to the Service Manual for
correct tightening torque.
EBU01003
Lights
Check the headlights and tail/brake light to make
sure they are in working condition. Repair as nec-
essary for proper operation.
EBU01170
Switches
Check the operation of all switches. Have a
Yamaha dealer repair as necessary for proper op-
eration.
U5NF62.book Page 17 Wednesday, May 8, 2002 1:40 PM

6-3
EBU00514
Starting a cold engine
WARNING
_ Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision. _ 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the main switch to “ON” and the engine
stop switch to “RUN”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
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6-9
EBU00180
Starting a warm engine
To start a warm engine, refer to the “Starting a cold
engine” section. The starter (choke) should not be
used. The throttle should be opened slightly.
EBU00538
Warming up
To get maximum engine life, always warm up the
engine before starting off. Never accelerate hard
with a cold engine! To see whether or not the en-
gine is warm, check if it responds to the throttle
normally with the starter (choke) turned off.NOTE:When the parking brake is used, engine speed is
limited to 2,300 r/min. Be sure the parking brake is
released before moving the throttle lever. Other-
wise, the engine will misfire, preventing normal op-
eration.
U5NF62.book Page 9 Wednesday, May 8, 2002 1:40 PM

6-11 1. Drive select lever
2. Knob
3. For forward drive
4. For reverse drive
1. Levier de présélection
2. Bouton
3. Conduite en marche avant
4. Conduite en marche arrière
1. Palanca de selección de gama
2. Botón
3. Para marcha adelante
4. Para marcha atrás
EBU01171
Drive select lever operation and reverse driv-
ingCAUTION:_ Before shifting, stop the machine and return
the throttle lever to its closed position, other-
wise the transmission may be damaged. _NOTE:_ When shifting into reverse, the clutch must be dis-
engaged. _1. Bring the machine to a complete stop and re-
turn the throttle lever to the closed position.
2. Pull in the clutch lever to disengage the
clutch.
3. Apply the brake pedal.
4. While pulling the knob, move the drive select
lever toward the rear until it completely stops.NOTE:_ When in reverse, the reverse indicator light should
be on. If the light does not come on, ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect the machine. _
U5NF62.book Page 11 Wednesday, May 8, 2002 1:40 PM