2004 YAMAHA BIG BEAR PRO 400 warning

5-19
EBU00158
Tires
Always use the recommended tires.
WARNING
Use of improper tires on this ATV, or operation
of this ATV with improper or uneven tire pres-
sure, may cause loss of control, increasing
your risk of accident.
Pay attention to the following.
1. The tires listed below have been approved
by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. for this model.
Other tire combinations are not recom-
mended.For Oceania
For Europe
Manufacturer Size Type
Front CHENG SHIN AT25
× 8-12 C828
Rear CHENG SHIN AT25
× 10-12 C828
Manufacturer Size Type
Front DUNLOP AT25
× 8-12 KT404
Rear DUNLOP AT25
× 10-12 KT405B
U4SH6B.book Page 19 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-1
EBU00162
1-OPERATION
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls. Loss of control could
cause an accident or injury. If there is a control
or function you do not understand, ask your
Yamaha dealer.
U4SH6B.book Page 1 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-3
EBU00505
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 “”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
U4SH6B.book Page 3 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-15 1. Reverse lock release wire
1. Câble de déblocage de la marche arrière
1. Cable de liberación del bloqueo de marcha atrás
5. 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. _
EBU00197
Reverse lock release wire
If the machine should get stuck in obstacles such
as rocks, making it impossible for the rear brake
pedal to be applied, pull the reverse lock release
wire to shift into or out of reverse gear.
U4SH6B.book Page 15 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-19
EBU00650
To start out and accelerate:
1. Release the throttle lever.CAUTION:
Always close the throttle while shifting gears.
Otherwise, damage to the engine and drive
train may result.2. Shift into first gear and release the shift ped-
al.
3. Open the throttle gradually.
4. Once the machine has attained adequate
speed, release the throttle lever.
5. Shift into second gear and release the shift
pedal.
6. Open the throttle gradually.
7. Follow the same procedure when shifting to
the next higher gear.
WARNING
Always open the throttle gradually. Opening
the throttle abruptly would increase the
chance of an accident. It could make the ma-
chine wheelie or overturn.
U4SH6B.book Page 19 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-21
EBU00208
To decelerate:
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 make the wheels stop rotating. This
could cause loss of control, an accident and
injury. It could also cause engine or drive train
damage.
U4SH6B.book Page 21 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-27
EBU00211
Parking
When parking, stop the engine and shift into neu-
tral. Turn the fuel cock to “OFF” and apply the
parking brake.
EBU02201
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, put the ATV in low gear, apply the park-
ing 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 easily. _1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the
brakes in low gear.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the rear brake lever and brake pedal ap-
plied, apply the parking brake and slowly re-
lease the brake pedal.
U4SH6B.book Page 27 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM

6-37

Ride more slowly than you would without a
load. The more weight you carry, the slower
you should go. Although conditions vary, it is
good practice not to exceed low range 2nd
gear whenever you are carrying heavier loads
or when towing a trailer.


Allow more braking distance. A heavier vehicle
takes longer to stop.


Avoid making sharp turns unless at very slow
speeds.


Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose terrain
carefully. Added weight affects the stability and
handling of the ATV.WARNING
Never exceed the stated load capacity for this
ATV. Overloading this ATV or carrying or tow-
ing cargo improperly could cause changes in
vehicle handling which could lead to an acci-
dent.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached. Reduce speed when carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow greater dis-
tance for braking.
U4SH6B.book Page 37 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:39 PM