Page 36 of 132
4-14
1
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
NOTE:
A special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment.
The spring preload setting is determined by
measuring distance A, shown in the illustration.
The shorter distance A is, the higher the spring
preload; the longer distance A is, the lower the
spring preload. With each complete turn of the
adjusting nut, distance A is changed by 1.0 mm
(0.04 in).
CAUTION:
ECB00090
Never turn an adjusting mechanism beyond
the minimum and maximum settings.
1. Spring preload adjusting nut
2. Locknut
1
2
(b)
(a)
1. Distance A
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (hard):
Distance A = 222 mm (8.7 in)
Standard:
Distance A = 230 mm (9.1 in)
Maximum (soft):
Distance A = 234 mm (9.2 in)
1
Page 37 of 132
4-15
1
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
3. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.
CAUTION:
ECB00080
Always tighten the locknut against the adjust-
ing nut, and then tighten it to the specified
torque.
WARNING
EWB00450
This shock absorber assembly contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. If the shock absorb-
er assembly is damaged, it could explode
causing injury or property damage. Shock ab-
sorber cylinder damage could also result in
poor handling which could cause an accident.
Do not tamper with or attempt to open the
cylinder assembly.
Do not subject the shock absorber assembly
to an open flame or other high heat.
Do not deform or damage the cylinder in any
way.
Do not dispose of a damaged or worn outshock absorber assembly yourself. Take the
shock absorber assembly to a Yamaha deal-
er for any service.
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
55 Nm (5.5 m·kgf, 40 ft·lbf)
Page 50 of 132
6-5
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
160–320 km (100–200 mi) or 10–20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine through the gears freely, but do not use
full throttle at any time.
320 km (200 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
CAUTION:
ECB00220
If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
EBU20721
Parking
When parking the ATV, stop the engine, shift into
first gear, apply the parking brake, and then turn
the fuel cock to “OFF”.
1. Button
2. Parking brake lock plate
1
2
Page 51 of 132
6-6
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11
EBU20860
Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00850
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, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, shift into first gear, stop the engine, ap-
ply the parking brake, and then 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 first gear.
2. Stop the engine and release the clutch lever.
3. With the rear brake applied, apply the parking
brake and slowly release the brake pedal.
EBU20910
Accessories and loading
EBU20920
Accessories
Accessories can affect the handling and control of
your ATV. Keep the following in mind when consid-
ering an accessory or operating an ATV which has
accessories.
1. Locked position
1
Page 69 of 132

7-16
1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
10
11
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply the
rear brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, ap-
ply the front brake gradually, or dismount the ATV
immediately on the uphill side.
WARNING
EWB01731
Use the proper gear and maintain a steady
speed when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:
Keep weight uphill.
Apply the brakes.
Lock the parking brake after you are
stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:
Keep weight uphill.
Never apply the rear brake while rolling
backwards. Apply the front brake.
When fully stopped, apply the rear brake as
well, and then lock the parking brake.
Dismount on uphill side or to a side if pointed
straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described in
the Owner’s Manual.RIDING DOWNHILL
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your arms
straight. Choose a low gear which will allow the en-
gine compression to do most of the braking for
you. Improper braking may cause a loss of trac-
tion.
Use caution while descending a hill with loose or
slippery surfaces. Braking ability and traction may
be adversely affected by these surfaces. Improper
braking may also cause a loss of traction.
Whenever possible, ride your ATV straight down-
Page 97 of 132
8-22
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
NOTE:
If the specified idling speed cannot be obtained as
described above, have a Yamaha dealer make the
adjustment.
EBU24043
Adjusting the throttle cable free play
The throttle cable free play should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and lubricationchart.
The throttle cable free play should measure 4.0–
6.0 mm (0.16–0.24 in) at the throttle lever. Period-
ically check the throttle cable free play and, if nec-
essary, adjust it as follows.
NOTE:
The engine idling speed must be checked, and ad-
justed if necessary, before adjusting the throttle ca-
ble free play.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the throttle cable free play, turn
the adjusting bolt in direction (a). To decrease
the throttle cable free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction (b).
1. Throttle stop screw
Engine idling speed:
1450–1550 r/min
1 (b)(a)
Page 98 of 132

8-23
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
3. Tighten the locknut.
EBU24130
Checking the front and rear brake pads
The front and rear brake pads must be checked for
wear at the intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
EBU24161
Front brake pads
Check each front brake pad for damage and mea-
sure the lining thickness. If a brake pad is dam-aged or if the lining thickness is less than 1.0 mm
(0.04 in), have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
EBU24190
Rear brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with a wear indicator,
which allows you to check the brake pad wear
without having to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake pad wear, check the position of the wear
indicator while applying the brake. If a brake pad
has worn to the point that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the brake pads as a set.
1. Throttle lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Locknut
3. Throttle lever free play
1
2
3
1. Lining thickness
1
Page 100 of 132

8-25
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
Rear brake
Observe these precautions:
When checking the fluid level, make sure that
the top of the brake fluid reservoir is level.
Use only the recommended quality brake fluid,
otherwise the rubber seals may deteriorate,
causing leakage and poor braking performance.
Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Mixing
fluids may result in a harmful chemical reaction
and lead to poor braking performance.
Be careful that water does not enter the brake
fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the fluid and may
result in vapor lock.
Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid imme-
diately.
As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause.
EBU24290
Changing the brake fluid
Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the NOTE after the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication chart. In addi-
tion, have the oil seals of the master cylinders and
calipers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they are dam-
aged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
EBU24390
Checking the front brake lever free play
The brake lever free play must be checked at the
1. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
LOWER
1