2008 YAMAHA PW50 warning

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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15593
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
NOTE:

Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very short
time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING

EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the vehicle.

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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU40771
WARNING

EWA14531

This model is designed for
off-road use only. Become thor-
oughly familiar with all operat-
ing controls and their functions
before riding. Consult a Yamaha
dealer regarding any control or
function that you do not thor-
oughly understand.

Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.
EAU40883
Starting and warming up a
cold engine
1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “O” (on).
2. Set the engine stop switch to
“START”.
3. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-6.)
4. While applying the front or rear
brake, start the engine by pushing
the kickstarter lever down.
5. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.
CAUTION:

ECA11130
For maximum engine life, always
warm the engine up before starting
off. Never accelerate hard when the
engine is cold!
6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off and set the en-
gine stop switch to “RUN”.
NOTE:

The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
EAU16660
Starting a warm engine
Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing 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.
NOTE:

If the engine does not start after sever-
al kicks, try again with the throttle 1/4
to 1/2 open.

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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9 Rear
WARNING

EWA14571

Avoid braking hard or suddenly
(especially when leaning over to
one side), otherwise the motor-
cycle may skid or overturn.

Keep in mind that braking on
wet surfaces is much more diffi-
cult.

Ride slowly down a hill, as brak-
ing downhill can be very diffi-
cult.
EAU42030
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the first 5
hours of riding. It is also important to ac-
custom the rider to the motorcycle dur-
ing this time. Please read the following
information carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first 5
hours of operation. The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided. However, momentary
full-throttle operation under load (i.e.,
two to three seconds maximum) does
not harm the engine. Each full-throttle
acceleration should be followed with a
substantial rest period for the engine.
To allow the engine to cool down from
the temporary buildup of heat, cruise at
a lower engine speed.
After the first 5 hours of operation, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-justments thoroughly, especially
cables. In addition, check all fittings and
fasteners for looseness, and tighten if
necessary.
CAUTION:

ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU40721
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then turn the fuel cock lever to “S”
(stop).
WARNING

EWA10310

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn.

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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EAU41950
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of mo-
torcycle inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication are explained on the follow-
ing pages.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable).
WARNING

EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealer
do it for you.
EAU17320
Owner’s tool kit
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
NOTE:

If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING

EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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gasket and its mating surface, and
then wipe off any grime from the
spark plug threads.
3. Install the spark plug with the
spark plug wrench, and then tight-
en it to the specified torque.
NOTE:

If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
4. Install the spark plug cap.
EAU41100
Removing the power
reduction plate
To obtain full engine performance ca-
pability, removing the power reduction
plate is required.
WARNING

EWA14580
Always let the exhaust system cool
prior to touching exhaust compo-
nents.
1. Remove the exhaust manifold by
removing the bolts.
2. Remove the gasket.
3. Remove the power reduction
plate.
NOTE:

Store the power reduction plate with the
owner’s manual so that it is readily
available whenever you want to reduce
the engine power.
4. Install the exhaust manifold by in-
stalling the bolts.
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
20 Nm (2.0 m·kgf, 14.5 ft·lbf)
1. Exhaust manifold bolt
1

1. Exhaust manifold
2. Gasket
3. Power reduction plate
Tightening torque:
Exhaust manifold bolt:
8.5 Nm (0.9 m·kgf, 6.1 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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not dripping.
5. Insert the sponge material into the
air filter case.
CAUTION:

ECA15620

Make sure that the sponge ma-
terial is properly seated in the
air filter case.

The engine should never be op-
erated without the sponge mate-
rial installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.
6. Install the air filter case cover by in-
stalling the screw.
7. Install the seat.
EAU41220
Cleaning the spark arrester
The spark arrester should be cleaned
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
WARNING

EWA10980

Always let the exhaust system
cool prior to touching exhaust
components.

Do not start the engine when
cleaning the exhaust system.
NOTE:

Make sure to select a well-ventilated
area free of combustible materials to
clean the spark arrester.
1. Remove the tailpipe by removing
the screw, and then pulling it out of
the muffler.2. Tap the tailpipe lightly, and then
use a wire brush to remove any
carbon deposits from the spark ar-
rester portion of the tailpipe and in-
side of the tailpipe housing.
Recommended oil:
Yamaha foam air filter oil or other
quality foam air filter oil
1. Tailpipe
2. Screw
3. Muffler
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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direction (b).
NOTE:

If the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
EAU21382
Checking the throttle cable
free play
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 1.5–3.5 mm (0.06–0.14 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EAU40910
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING

EWA14380

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
weight of the rider, the riding
speed, and the riding condi-
tions.
1. Throttle stop screw
Engine idling speed:
1650–1750 r/min
1(a) (b)

1. Throttle cable free play1
Standard tire air pressure:
Front:
100 kPa (15 psi) (1.00 kgf/cm
2

)
Rear:
100 kPa (15 psi) (1.00 kgf/cm
2

)