4-2
4
EBU17813Indicator lights and warning light EBU17830Reverse indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the reverse position.EBU17860Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.
EBU26931Oil temperature warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs, stop the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so, and allow it to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “ON”, with the engine
stop switch set to “”, and then pushing the start
switch.
If the warning light does not come on while the start
switch is being pushed, then go off after the start
switch is released, have a Yamaha dealer check
the electrical circuit.
If the warning light stays on, allow the engine to
cool. If the warning light stays on when the engine
is cool, have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.CAUTION:ECB00010The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage tothe engine.
1. Reverse indicator light “R”
2. Neutral indicator light “N”
3. Oil temperature warning light “”U3D561E0.book Page 2 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
4-3
4
EBU18061Handlebar switches EBU18080Engine stop switch “/”
Set this switch to “” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch
to stop the engine in an emergency situation. The
engine will not start or run when this switch is set
to “”.
EBU18100Start switch “”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er.CAUTION:ECB00050See the starting instructions on page 6-1 priorto starting the engine.EBU18151Light switch “//OFF”
Set this switch to “” to turn on the low beams
and the taillight. Set the switch to “” to turn on
the high beams and the taillight. Set the switch to
“OFF” to turn off all the lights.CAUTION:ECB00040Do not use the headlights with the engine
turned off for an extended period of time, oth-
erwise the battery may discharge to the point
that the starter motor will not operate properly.
If this should happen, remove the battery andrecharge it.
1. Light switch “/ /OFF”
2. Engine stop switch “/”
3. Start switch “”U3D561E0.book Page 3 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
6-1
6
EBU19880
OPERATION
EBU19900Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING
EWB00630Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. If there is a control or func-
tion you do not understand, ask your Yamahadealer.EBU26950Starting a cold engine
WARNING
EWB00640Always 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.
CAUTION:ECB00150See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4prior to operating the engine for the first time.
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 drive select lever into the neutral po-
sition. The neutral indicator light should come
on. If the indicator light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.NOTE:The engine can be started under the following con-
ditions:The drive select lever is in the neutral position.The rear brake lever is applied with the drive se-
lect lever in any position. However, it is recom-
mended to shift into the neutral position beforestarting the engine.
U3D561E0.book Page 1 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
6-3
6
NOTE:The engine is warm when it responds normally tothe throttle with the starter (choke) turned off.EBU20291Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for starting a cold
engine, with the exception that the starter (choke)
is not required when the engine is warm. Instead,
start the engine with the throttle slightly open.EBU20380Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse CAUTION:ECB00170Before shifting, stop the ATV, otherwise thetransmission may be damaged.
Shifting: Forward
1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Shift from neutral to forward and vice versa by
moving the drive select lever along the shift
guide.
NOTE:Make sure that the drive select lever is completelyshifted into position.
3. Open the throttle lever gradually.
Shifting: Reverse
1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal.1. Drive select lever
2. F (Forward)
3. N (Neutral)
4. R (Reverse)
U3D561E0.book Page 3 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
7-12
7 Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, and turning tech-
niques in this area before trying more difficult ter-
rain. Always avoid riding on paved surfaces: the
ATV is designed for use on unpaved surfaces only,
and handling maneuvers are more difficult to per-
form on pavement.
Set the parking brake and follow the instruction on
page 6-1 to start the engine. Once it has warmed
up you are ready to begin riding your ATV. Re-
member that the engine and exhaust pipe will be
hot when riding and afterwards; do not allow skin
or clothing to come in contact with these compo-
nents.With the engine idling, return the starter (choke) to
the closed position and shift the drive select lever
into the forward position, 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 un-
til you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of
your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the possi-
bility of an accident.
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed 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.
U3D561E0.book Page 12 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
7-16
7 If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully 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 up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
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
EWB01741Maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:Keep weight uphill.Apply the brakes.Apply 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 inthe Owner’s Manual.
U3D561E0.book Page 16 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
7-23
7With 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.On 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 7-12.)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 7-12.)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.)
U3D561E0.book Page 23 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM
7-24
7
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 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.)
U3D561E0.book Page 24 Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:03 AM