2004 YAMAHA BEAR TRACKER 250 wheel

7-37
With the engine idling, lift the shift pedal to the 1st
gear position and then release the parking brake.
Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly. The centrif-
ugal clutch will engage and you will start to accel-
erate. Once the ATV has attained adequate
speed, release the throttle and lift the shift pedal to
the 2nd gear position. Release the shift pedal and
apply the throttle smoothly. Use this same proce-
dure as you move into the higher gears. Be sure to
coordinate the use of the throttle and shift pedal
properly. If the throttle is applied too abruptly or if
the throttle is not released during shifting, or if the
shift pedal is not released before applying the
throttle, the front wheels may lift off the ground re-
sulting in a loss of directional control. Avoid higher
speeds until you are thoroughly familiar with the
operation of your ATV.CAUTION:_ Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-
cur. _
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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. _
U4XE65.book Page 39 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-41
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction while riding off-road,
the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is
allowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning 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 attempt-
ing to turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at
speeds too fast for your skills or the condi-
tions. _
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7-43 1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footrest.
1. Se pencher vers l’intérieur du virage.
2. S’appuyer sur le repose-pied externe.
1. Inclínese hacia el interior del giro.
2. Descanse su peso en el descansapie externo.
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.
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7-53
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the
uphill side. Physically turn the ATV around and
then descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT use the rear
brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, dis-
mount the ATV immediately on the uphill side.
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7-61
CROSSING A SLOPE
Traversing a sloping surface on your ATV requires
you to properly position your weight to maintain
proper balance. Be sure that you have learned the
basic riding skills on flat ground before attempting
to cross a sloping surface. Avoid slopes with slip-
pery surfaces or rough terrain that may upset your
balance.
As you travel across a slope, lean your body in the
uphill direction. It may be necessary to correct the
steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointing
the front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes be sure not to make sharp turns either up or
down hill.
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7-71
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or slip-
pery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If unex-
pected and uncorrected, sliding could lead to an
accident.
To reduce the tendency for the front wheels to
slide in loose or slippery conditions, positioning
your weight over the front wheels will sometimes
help.
If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the slide.
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7-75
WHAT TO DO IF ...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT TO DO ...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See pages 7-41–7-45.)


If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If
necessary, gradually let off the throttle and/or
steer to the outside of the turn. (See pages
7-41–7-45.)


If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is
not recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See pages 7-71–7-73.)
U4XE65.book Page 75 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM