Page 45 of 130
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)
Page 46 of 130

6-4
63. Shift from neutral to reverse and vice versa by
moving the drive select lever along the shift
guide.
NOTE:When in reverse, the reverse indicator light should
come on. If the indicator light does not come on,have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical circuit.
4. Check behind for people or obstacles, and
then release the brake pedal.5. Open the throttle lever gradually and continue
to watch to the rear while backing.
WARNING
EWB00720Improper operation in reverse could make you
hit an obstacle or even a person behind you,
resulting in serious injury. When you shift into
reverse, make sure there are no people or ob-
stacles behind you. When it is safe to proceed,go slowly.EBU20682Engine break-in NOTE:For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.For ATVs not equipped with an odometer orhour meter, follow the figures given in hours.
There is never a more important period in the life of
your engine than the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours of riding. For this reason, you should read
the following material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours. The various parts in the engine wear and
1. Drive select lever
2. F (Forward)
3. N (Neutral)
4. R (Reverse)
Page 63 of 130

7-13
7 With the engine idling, return the starter (choke) to
the closed position, shift the drive select lever into
the forward position, and 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.
WARNING
EWB01570Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fastfor your skills or the conditions.
As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As you
do so, put your weight on the footboard to the out-
side of the turn (opposite your desired direction)
and lean your upper body into the turn. Use the
throttle to maintain an even speed through the turn.
This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside of
the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make the
turn properly.
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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.
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8-7
8
EBUM0110NOTE:The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the front brake master cylinder, equalizer master
cylinder and calipers, and change the brake fluid.
Every two years replace the piston seals and O-ring of the brake equalizer.20*Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√
21*Drive select lever
safety system cableCheck operation and adjust or replace if neces-
sary.√√√
22*Throttle lever hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.
Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.√√√√√
23*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.√√√√√
24*Lights and switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320
Page 84 of 130
8-10
8plug should be removed and checked in accor-
dance with the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, the condition of the spark
plug can reveal the condition of the engine.
To remove the spark plug
1. Remove the spark plug cap.
2. Remove the spark plug as shown, with the
spark plug wrench included in the owner’s tool
kit.To check the spark plug
1. Check that the porcelain insulator around the
center electrode of the spark plug is a medi-
um-to-light tan (the ideal color when the ATV
is ridden normally).
NOTE:If the spark plug shows a distinctly different color,
the engine could be operating improperly. Do not
attempt to diagnose such problems yourself. In-stead, have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
2. Check the spark plug for electrode erosion
and excessive carbon or other deposits, and
replace it if necessary.
1. Spark plug cap
1. Spark plug wrench
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8-31
8 Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.EBU24230Axle boots The axle boots must be checked for damage at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Check the axle boots for tears or
damage. If any damage is found, have them re-
placed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24752Brake light switches The operation of the brake light switches must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
The brake light switch for the brake pedal can be
adjusted as follows, but the other brake light
switches should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 8-9.)NOTE:The brake light switch is properly adjusted when
the brake light comes on just before braking takeseffect.
2. Turn the brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To
make the brake light come on earlier, turn the
adjusting nut in direction (a). To make the
brake light come on later, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (b).
1. Axle boot (each side)
Page 106 of 130
8-32
83. Install the panel.
EBU24900Checking and lubricating the cables The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
WARNING
EWB02130Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could re-
strict the operation of controls and lead to anaccident or injury.EBU28711Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake levers The operation of the front and rear brake levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
1. Brake light switch
2. Brake light switch adjusting nutRecommended lubricant:
Engine oil
Recommended lubricants:
Front brake lever:
Silicone grease
Rear brake lever:
Lithium-soap-based grease