2004 YAMAHA BEAR TRACKER 250 brake

5-1
EBU00113
1-PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Before using this machine, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Front brakeCheck operation, free play, fluid level and fluid leakage.
Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.5-5–5-7,
8-45–8-49
Rear brakeCheck operation, condition and free play.
Adjust if necessary.5-5–5-7,
8-51–8-55
FuelCheck fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.5-9–5-11
Engine oilCheck oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.5-13, 8-13–8-19
Final gear oilCheck for leakage. 5-15, 8-21–8-25
ThrottleCheck for proper throttle cable operation. 5-15, 8-41
Wheels and tiresCheck tire pressure, wear and damage.5-19–5-25,
8-65–8-67
Fittings and fastenersCheck all fittings and fasteners. 5-17
Lights and switchesCheck for proper operation. 5-17, 8-79–8-85
BatteryCheck fluid level.
Fill with distilled water if necessary.5-17, 8-69–8-75
U4XE65.book Page 1 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

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
U4XE65.book Page 5 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

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.
U4XE65.book Page 7 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

5-17
EBU11620
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.
EBU10030
Lights
Check the headlights and tail/brake light to make
sure they are in working condition. Repair as nec-
essary for proper operation.
EBU11700
Switches
Check the operation of all switches. Have a
Yamaha dealer repair as necessary for proper op-
eration.
EBU00499
Battery
Check fluid level and fill if necessary. Use only dis-
tilled water if refilling is necessary. (See pages
8-69–8-75.)
U4XE65.book Page 17 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

6-3
EBU00501
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.
U4XE65.book Page 3 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

6-5 1. Fully-open 2. Half open
3. Closed a. Starter (choke)
1. Complètement ouvert 2. Mi-ouvert
3. Ferméa. Starter (enrichisseur)
1. Abre completamente 2. Semiabierto
3. Cerrado a. Starter (choke)
NOTE:

When the transmission is in neutral, the neu-
tral indicator light should come on. If the light
does not come on, ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect it.


The engine can be started in any gear if the
rear brake lever is applied. However, it is rec-
ommended to shift into neutral before starting
the engine.
_5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:
Position
1: Cold engine start-ambient tempera-
ture below 5°C.
Position
2: Cold engine start-ambient tempera-
ture at 0°C–30°C and warming up
position.
Position
3: Cold engine start-ambient tempera-
ture above 25°C and warm engine
start position.
6. Completely close the throttle lever and start
the engine by pushing the start switch.
U4XE65.book Page 5 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

6-11 1. Drive select lever
2. Lock release button
a. Foward
b. Reverse
1. Levier de présélection
2. Bouton de déblocage
a. Marche avant
b. Marche arrière
1. Palanca de selección de gama
2. Botón de desbloqueo
a. Marcha adelante
b. Marcha atrás
EBU00186
Drive select lever operation and reverse
drivingCAUTION:
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 transmission must
be in first gear.1. Bring the machine to a complete stop and re-
turn the throttle lever to the closed position.
2. Apply the rear brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into first gear.
4. While pulling the lock release button, 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.
U4XE65.book Page 11 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

6-13
5. Check behind you for people or obstacles,
then release the rear brake pedal.
6. Open the throttle lever gradually and contin-
ue to watch to the rear while backing.
WARNING
Improper operation in reverse could make you
hit an obstacle or person behind you, resulting
in serious injury. When you shift into reverse,
make sure there are no obstacles or people be-
hind you. When it is safe to proceed, go slowly.
U4XE65.book Page 13 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM