2008 YAMAHA BANSHEE 350 brakes

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these components.
With the engine idling, pull the clutch lever to dis-
engage the clutch and shift into 1st gear, and then
release the parking brake. Open the throttle grad-
ually, and at the same time, release the clutch le-
ver slowly. Once the ATV has attained adequate
speed, release the throttle lever and at the same
time, quickly pull in the clutch lever and shift into
2nd gear. Open the throttle part way and gradually
release the clutch. Use this same procedure as
you move into the higher gears. Be sure to coordi-
nate the use of the throttle and shift pedal properly.
If the throttle is applied too abruptly or if the throttle
is not released during shifting, or if the shift pedal
is not released before applying the throttle, 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.
WARNING

EWB01720
Always open the throttle gradually and release
the clutch lever slowly. Otherwise, the ATV
could wheelie which would increase the
chance of an accident.CAUTION:
ECB00230
Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-
cur.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.WARNING
EWB01560
Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could cause the wheels to stop rotating.
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

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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-

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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

EWB01631
Never 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 the
ATV.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.WARNING
EWB01640
Never operate this ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that specified in your
Owner’s Manual. Remember that wet brakes
may have reduced stopping ability. Test your
brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply
OK

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them several times to let friction dry out the lin-
ings. If the ATV is operated through deep or
fast flowing water, the tires may float, causing
loss of traction and loss of control, which
could lead to an accident.
Test your brakes after leaving the water. Do not
continue to ride your ATV without verifying that you
have regained proper braking ability.CAUTION:
ECB00240
After riding your ATV in water, be sure to drain
the trapped water by removing the check hose
at the bottom of the air filter case. Wash the
ATV in fresh water if it has been operated in
salt water or muddy conditions.

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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

EWB01661
Learn 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 7-20.)

If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying

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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 7-18.)

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intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. The brake lever should have a
free play of zero mm (zero in) as shown. If the free
play is incorrect, have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system.
WARNING

EWB02070
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that the free play is correct.

Make sure the brakes do not drag.

Make sure the brakes are not spongy. All air
must be bled from the brake system.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24611
Checking the brake pedal position
The brake pedal position must be checked and, if
necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
The top of the brake pedal should be positioned
10.0 mm (0.39 in) below the top of the footrest as
shown. If the brake pedal is not positioned as spec-
ified, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
1. Brake lever free play
1

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WARNING

EWB02110
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that the brake pedal position is correct.

Make sure the brakes do not drag.

Make sure the brakes are not spongy. All air
must be bled from the brake system.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24670
Adjusting the parking brake free play
The parking brake free play must be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Cable length “A” should measure 46–50 mm
(1.81–1.97 in). Adjust the parking brake free play
as follows.
1. Release the parking brake.
2. Fully loosen the locknut and the adjusting bolt
at the clutch lever.
1. Brake pedal position
1

1. Cable length “A”
1