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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 7-39–7-43.)
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 7-39–7-43.)
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.)
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Page 268 of 456
7-77
If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side
of the ATV and physically turn the ATV around.
If the ATV starts to slip backwards DO NOT
USE THE REAR BRAKE - the ATV may tip
over on top of you. Dismount the ATV on the
uphill side. (See pages 7-45–7-53.)
If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See pages 7-59–7-61.)
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7-79
If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let
water drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained ade-
quate braking ability. (See pages 7-63–7-67.)
U5KM63.book Page 79 Monday, March 15, 2004 11:44 AM
Page 279 of 456

8-8
Engine oil filter cartridge
Replace.Final gear oil
Check oil level/oil leakage.
Replace.Differential gear oil
Front brake*Check operation/fluid leakage/see NOTE page 8-9.
Correct if necessary.Rear brake*Check operation/fluid leakage/see NOTE page 8-9.
Correct if necessary.Select lever safety system
cable*Check operation.
Adjust if necessary.V-belt*Check operation.
Check for cracks or damage.Wheels*Check balance/damage/runout.
Repair if necessary.Wheel bearing*Check bearing assemblies for looseness/damage.
Replace if damaged.Front and rear
suspension*Check operation.
Correct if necessary.Steering system*Check operation/Replace if damaged.
Check toe-in/Adjust if necessary.Rear upper and lower
knuckle pivots*Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.Drive shaft universal
joint*Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.Engine mount*
Check for cracks or damage.Front and rear axle boots*Check operation.
Replace if damaged.Stabilizer bushes*
Check for cracks or damage.Fittings and fasteners*Check all chassis fittings and fasteners.
Correct if necessary.
ITEM ROUTINEWhichever
comes firstINITIAL EVERY
month136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1,200
(750)2,400
(1,500)2,400
(1,500)4,800
(3,000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300
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8-9
* Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the service.NOTE:
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
Brake fluid replacement:
When disassembling the master cylinders or caliper cylinders, replace the brake fluid. Normally
check the brake fluid level and add fluid as required.
On the inner parts of the master cylinders and caliper cylinders, replace the oil seals every two
years.
Replace the brake hoses every four years, or if cracked or damaged.
Lights and switches*Check operation.
Adjust headlight beams.
ITEM ROUTINEWhichever
comes firstINITIAL EVERY
month136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1,200
(750)2,400
(1,500)2,400
(1,500)4,800
(3,000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300
U5KM63.book Page 9 Monday, March 15, 2004 11:44 AM
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8-101 1. Brake pad a. Brake pad thickness
1. Plaquette de frein a.Épaisseur de plaquette de frein
1. Pastilla del freno a. Espesor de la pastilla del freno
1. Brake pad 2. Brake pad plate
a. Brake pad thickness
1. Plaquette de frein 2. Support de plaquette de frein
a.Épaisseur de plaquette de frein
1. Pastilla del freno 2. Placa de la pastilla del freno
a. Espesor de la pastilla del freno
EBU13770
Front brake pad check
Check the brake pads for damage and wear. If a
brake pad thickness is less than 1 mm, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the pads as a set.NOTE:_ The wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See pages 8-123–8-125 for removal
and installation procedures.)
EBU08781
Checking the rear brake pads
Check the brake pads for damage and wear. If the
thickness is less than 1 mm, have a Yamaha deal-
er replace the pads.
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8-103 1. Minimum level mark
1. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Marca de nivel mínimo
FRONT
Avant
Delantero1. Minimum level mark
1. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Marca de nivel mínimoREAR
Arrière
Trasero
EBU08751
Checking the brake fluid level
Insufficient brake fluid may let air enter the brake
system, possibly causing the brakes to become in-
effective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid is above
the minimum level and replenish when necessary.
A low brake fluid level may indicate worn brake
pads and/or brake system leakage. If the brake flu-
id level is low, be sure to check the brake pads for
wear and the brake system for leakage. The rear
brake fluid master cylinder reservoir is located be-
hind panel B. (See page 8-23 for panel removal
and installation procedures.)
Observe these precautions:
When checking the fluid level, make sure the
top of the master cylinder reservoirs are level.
Use only the designated quality brake fluid, oth-
erwise the rubber seals may deteriorate, caus-
ing leakage and poor brake performance.
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
U5KM63.book Page 103 Monday, March 15, 2004 11:44 AM