Page 76 of 144
7-18
7When this ATV is in 4WD or 4WD-LOCK, all
wheels (front and rear) are interconnected by the
drive train. This means that applying either the
front brake or the rear brake will brake all wheels.
When descending hills, using either brake lever or
the brake pedal will brake the wheels on the down-
hill side. Avoid sudden application of either the
front or rear brake because the wheels on the up-
hill side could come off the ground. Apply both the
front and rear brakes gradually.
Whenever possible, ride your ATV straight down-
hill. Avoid sharp angles which could allow the ATV
to tip or roll over. Carefully choose your path and
ride no faster than you will be able to react to ob-
stacles which may appear.
WARNING
EWB01620Always follow proper procedures for going
down hills as described in this Owner’s Manu-
al.
Note: a special technique is required when
braking as you go down a hill.Always check the terrain carefully before
you start down any hill.Shift your weight backward.Never go down a hill at high speed.
Avoid going down a hill at an angle that
would cause the ATV to lean sharply to one
side. Go straight down the hill where possi-ble.
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
U4S260E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 77 of 144
7-19
7 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.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles in
your path. As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to travel.
WARNING
EWB01631Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning on
any hill. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill
if possible.
When crossing the side of a hill:Always follow proper procedures as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces.
Shift your weight to the uphill side of theATV.
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm (14 in) in
depth. Before entering the water, choose your path
carefully. Enter where there is no sharp drop off,
and avoid rocks or other obstacles which may be
slippery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and care-
fully.
U4S260E0.book Page 19 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 80 of 144
7-22
7RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN
Riding over rough terrain should be done with cau-
tion. Look out for obstacles which could cause
damage to the ATV or could lead to an upset or ac-
cident. Be sure to keep your feet firmly mounted on
the footboards at all times. Avoid jumping the ATV
as loss of control and damage to the ATV may re-
sult.
WARNING
EWB01650Before operating in a new area, check for ob-
stacles. Never attempt to ride over large obsta-
cles, such as large rocks or fallen trees. When
you go over obstacles, always follow proper
procedures as described in the Owner’s Manu-al.
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.
1. Storage compartment check hose
1. V-belt case drain plugU4S260E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 81 of 144
7-23
7 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.With practice, over a period of time, skill at con-
trolled sliding can be developed. The terrain
should be chosen carefully before attempting such
maneuvers, since both stability and control are re-
duced. Bear in mind that sliding maneuvers should
always be avoided on extremely slippery surfaces
such as ice, since all control may be lost.
WARNING
EWB01661Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain.
U4S260E0.book Page 23 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 82 of 144
7-24
7On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice,
go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of
control.
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 page 7-13.)If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If nec-
essary, gradually let off the throttle and/or steer
to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-13.)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 page 7-22.)
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 IF THE ATV IS IN 2WD –
the ATV may tip over on top of you. Dismount
the ATV on the uphill side. (See page 7-14.)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 page 7-14.)If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter 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 adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-19.)
U4S260E0.book Page 24 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 86 of 144
8-4
8
6*Rear brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check brake lever and pedal free play, and adjust
if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake friction plates. Whenever worn to the limit
7*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
8*WheelsCheck runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.√ √√√
9*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.
Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.√ √√√
10*Wheel bearingsCheck for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.√ √√√
11*V- b e l tCheck for wear, cracks or other damage, and re-
place if necessary.√ √√√
12*Drive shaft univer-
sal jointLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
13*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened.√√√√√
14*Shock absorber as-
sembliesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.√√√
15*Stabilizer bushesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1200
(750)2400
(1500)2400
(1500)4800
(3000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300U4S260E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 109 of 144
8-27
8
EBU24070Adjusting the drive select lever safety
system cable The drive select lever safety system cable stretch-
es with use, which can result in improper function.
Therefore, the safety system cable should be
checked and adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.EBU28413Checking the front brake pads and rear
brake friction plates The front brake pads and the rear brake friction
plates must be checked for wear at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart.NOTE:This ATV is equipped with a wet, multiple-disc type
rear brake, which is located inside of the final gearcase.
EBU24171Front 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.NOTE:The wheels need to be removed to check thebrake pads. (See page 8-44.)1. Brake pad
2. Lining thickness
U4S260E0.book Page 27 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
Page 119 of 144
8-37
8 Rear brake lever
EBU24950Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal The operation of the brake pedal should be
checked before each ride, and the pedal pivot
should be lubricated if necessary.NOTE:To access the brake pedal pivot, remove panel A.(See page 8-8.)
EBU24961Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. If there is play
in a wheel hub or if a wheel does not turn smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the wheel bearings.EBU24970Lubricating the drive shaft universal
joint The drive shaft universal joint must be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
Lubricate the universal joint using a grease gun. Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease)
U4S260E0.book Page 37 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 1:53 PM
