2004 YAMAHA BEAR TRACKER 250 steering

OPERATION ............................................6-1
Starting a cold engine ...........................6-3
Starting a warm engine ........................6-9
Warming up ..........................................6-9
Drive select lever operation and
reverse driving .................................6-11
Shifting ................................................6-15
To start out and accelerate .................6-17
To decelerate ......................................6-19
Engine break-in ...................................6-21
Parking ...............................................6-23
Parking on a slope .............................6-25
Accessories and loading ....................6-27
RIDING YOUR ATV..................................7-1
Getting to know your ATV .....................7-3
Ride with care and good judgement .....7-5
Be careful where you ride ...................7-27
Turning your ATV ................................7-41
Climbing uphill.....................................7-47
Riding downhill ....................................7-57
Crossing a slope .................................7-61
Crossing through shallow water ..........7-65
Riding over rough terrain ....................7-69
Sliding and skidding ............................7-71
What to do if ........................................7-75
What to do...........................................7-75
67
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ......................................... 8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit ................. 8-3
Periodic maintenance/lubrication.......... 8-7
Engine oil ............................................ 8-13
Final gear oil ....................................... 8-21
Spark plug inspection ......................... 8-27
Air filter element cleaning ................... 8-31
Carburetor adjustment ....................... 8-37
Idle speed adjustment ........................ 8-39
Valve clearance adjustment .............. 8-41
Throttle lever adjustment ................... 8-41
Front brake pad check ........................ 8-43
Rear brake shoe inspection ............... 8-43
Brake fluid level check ........................ 8-45
Brake fluid replacement ...................... 8-47
Front brake lever free play.................. 8-49
Rear brake adjustment ....................... 8-51
Adjusting the rear brake light switch ... 8-57
Clutch adjustment .............................. 8-59
Cable inspection and lubrication......... 8-61
Brake lever and brake pedal
lubrication ........................................ 8-63
Steering shaft lubrication .................... 8-63
Wheel removal.................................... 8-65
Wheel installation ............................... 8-67
Battery ............................................... 8-69
8
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6-29

Do not mount an accessory where it could in-
terfere with your ability to control the ATV. Ex-
amples include (but are not limited to) a heavy
or bulky object attached to the handlebars
which could make steering difficult, an acces-
sory that limits your ability to move around on
the seat, or one that limits your view.


Use extra caution when riding an ATV with ac-
cessories. The ATV may handle differently
than it does without accessories.
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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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8-8 * It is recommended that these items be serviced by a Yamaha dealer.
NOTE:

Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4


Brake fluid replacement:
When disassembling the master cylinder or caliper, replace the brake fluid. Normally check the
brake fluid level and add fluid as required.
On the inner parts of the master cylinder and caliper, replace the oil seals every two years.
Replace the brake hoses every four years, or if cracked or damaged.
Wheels*Check balance/damage/runout.
Repair if necessary.Wheel bearings*Check bearing assemblies for looseness/damage.
Replace if damaged.Front and rear
suspension*Check operation.
Correct if necessary.Steering system*Check operation.
Correct if damaged.
Check toe-in.
Adjust if necessary.Steering shaft*Lubricate every 6 months with lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease).Fittings and fasteners*Check all chassis fittings and fasteners.
Correct if necessary.Battery*Check specific gravity.
Check that the breather hose is working properly.
Correct if necessary.Lights and switches*Check operation.
Adjust headlight beams.
ITEM ROUTINEINITIAL EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months1
year
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8-63
1. Grease nipple
1. Graisseur
1. Boquilla de engrase
EBU00717
Brake lever and brake pedal lubrication
Lubricate the pivoting parts.
EBU14060
Steering shaft lubrication
Lubricate the pivot point with a grease gun.Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all purpose grease)
U4XE65.book Page 63 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM