2004 YAMAHA YFM50S wheel

7-37
With the engine idling, shift the transmission into
the drive position and then release the parking
brake. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.
The centrifugal clutch will engage and you will
start to accelerate. If the throttle is applied too
abruptly, the front wheels may lift off the ground
resulting in a loss of directional control. Avoid
higher speeds until you are thoroughly familiar
with the operation of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the
throttle and apply the brakes smoothly and
evenly. Improper use of the brakes can cause
the tires to lose traction, reducing control and
increasing the possibility of an accident.
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7-39
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. Therefore, 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.
w
Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual.
Practice turning at low speeds before
attempting to turn at faster speeds. Do not
turn at speeds too fast for your skills or the
conditions.
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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.
7-41
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
direction) 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 obstacles. 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 procedure again. If the riding surface is slip-
pery or loose, it may help to position more of
your weight over the front wheels by moving for-
ward on the seat.
Once you have learned this technique you
should be able to perform it at higher speeds or
in tighter curves.1
2
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7-51
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you
believe you can continue up the hill, restart care-
fully 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, apply the front brake gradually, or dis-
mount the ATV immediately on the uphill side.
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7-59
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 slippery surfaces or rough ter-
rain that may upset your balance.
As you travel across a slope, lean your body in
the uphill direction. It may be necessary to cor-
rect 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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7-69
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or
slippery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If
unexpected 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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7-73
WHAT TO DO IF ...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding
techniques completely.
WHAT TO DO ...
8If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turn-
ing 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 7-39–
7-43.)
8If 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
7-39–7-43.)
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8-8 * Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, hava a Yamaha dealer perform the service.INITIAL EVERY
ITEM ROUTINE 1 3 6 6 1
month months months months year
Wheels*9Check balance/damage/runout.
2222
9Replace if necessary.
9Check bearing assemblies for looseness/
Wheel bearings*damage.2222
9Replace if damaged.
9Check operation.
Steering system*9Replace if damage.
22222
9Check toe-in
9Adjust if necessary.
Knuckle shafts/9Lubricate every 6 months with Lithium-soap-based
222
steering shaft*grease.
Fittings and fasteners*9Check all chassis fittings and fasteners.
22222
9Correct if necessary.
9Check specific gravity.
Battery*9Check breather hose for correct routing.22222
9Correct if necessary.
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