2008 YAMAHA PW50 light

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-2
1
can adversely affect stability and han-
dling if the weight distribution of the mo-
torcycle is changed. To avoid the
possibility of an accident, use extreme
caution when adding accessories to
your motorcycle. Use extra care when
riding a motorcycle that has added ac-
cessories. Here are some general
guidelines to follow if adding accesso-
ries to your motorcycle:
Loading

The weight of the operator must
not exceed 25 kg (55 lb).

Accessory weight should be kept
as low and close to the motorcycle
as possible. Make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories are securely attached to
the motorcycle before riding.
Check accessory mounts fre-
quently.

Never attach any large or heavyitems to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re-
sponsible for the proper selection, in-
stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac-
cessories.
Keep these guidelines in mind for
mounting accessories in addition to
those provided under “Loading”.


Never install accessories or that
would impair the performance of
your motorcycle. Carefully inspect
the accessory before using it to
make sure that it does not in any
way reduce ground clearance or
cornering clearance, limit suspen-
sion travel, steering travel or con-
trol operation.

Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area cancreate instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.

Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds.

Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
1
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4
5
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7
8
9O (on)
With the lever in this position, fuel flows
to the carburetor. Normal riding is done
with the lever in this position.

EAU13590
Starter (choke) lever “”
Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction (a) to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction (b) to turn off
the starter (choke).
EAU13680
Kickstarter
To start the engine, fold out the kick-
starter lever, move it down lightly with
your foot until the gears engage, and
then push it down smoothly but force-
fully.
1. Arrow mark pointing to “O” (on)
1

1. Starter (choke) lever “”
1 (a)
(b)

1. Kickstarter
1

5-1
2
3
4
56
7
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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.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
1
2
3
4
5
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7
8
9
NOTE:

The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
10
*Transmission oil
Check for oil leakage .Correct if necessary.Change.
11
*Front and rear brake
lever pivot
Apply lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease) lightly.
12
*Centerstand pivot
Check operation.Apply lithium-soap-based grease (all-purpose
grease) lightly.
13
*Shock absorber
assemblies
Check operation and for oil leakage.Replace if necessary.
14
*Control cable
Apply Yamaha chain and cable lube or engine oil
10W-30 lightly.
15
*Throttle grip housing
and cable
Check operation and free play.Apply Yamaha chain and cable lube or engine oil
10W-30 lightly. NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBINITIALTHEREAFTER
EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months12
months

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
2
3
4
5
67
8
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EAU19603
Checking the spark plug
The spark plug is an important engine
component, which is easy to check.
Since heat and deposits will cause any
spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plug should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plug can re-
veal 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 includ-
ed 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 medium-to-light tan
(the ideal color when the vehicle is
ridden normally).
NOTE:

If the spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be oper-
ating improperly. Do not attempt to
diagnose such problems yourself. In-
stead, have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.
2. Check the spark plug for electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, and replace it ifnecessary.
To install the spark plug
1. Measure the spark plug gap with a
wire thickness gauge and, if nec-
essary, adjust the gap to specifica-
tion.
2. Clean the surface of the spark plug
1. Spark plug cap
1

1. Spark plug wrench
1

Specified spark plug:
NGK/BP4HS (AUS)(NZL)
NGK/BPR4HS
(AUT)(BEL)(CAN)(CHE)(DEU)
(DNK)(ESP)(FIN)(FRA)(GBR)(GRC)
(IRL)(NLD)(NOR)(PRT)(SWE)(ZAF)
DENSO/W14FPL (AUS)(NZL)
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-9
2
3
4
5
67
8
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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
1
2
3

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
1
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5
6
7
8
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10. Pull the wheel to the right to sepa-
rate it from the final gear case, and
then remove the wheel.

EAU41521
To install the rear wheel
1. Apply a light coating of lithi-
um-soap-based grease to the
splines of the final gear case and
wheel hub.
2. Install the wheel by inserting it into
the wheel hub.
3. Install the rear arm by installing the
washers and nuts.
4. Install the axle nut.
5. Install the right-side rear shock ab-sorber by installing the mounting
bolt.
6. While applying the rear brake,
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque.
7. Tighten the rear arm nuts and rear
shock absorber mounting bolt to
the specified torques.
8. Install the exhaust chamber and
then install the exhaust manifold
bolts.
9. Install the washers and exhaust
chamber bolt.
10. Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts
and exhaust chamber bolt to the
specified torques.11. Install the muffler by sliding the
spring clamp up to its original posi-
tion, and then installing the wash-
ers and muffler bolt.
NOTE:

Make sure that the spring clamp is po-
sitioned with the projection side facing
inward.
12. Tighten the muffler bolt to the
specified torque.
1. Rear arm
2. Washer
3. Rear arm nut
1
2
3

Tightening torques:
Axle nut:
60 Nm (6.0 m·kgf, 43.4 ft·lbf)
Rear arm nut:
28.5 Nm (2.9 m·kgf, 20.6 ft·lbf)
Rear shock absorber mounting bolt:
22.5 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 16.3 ft·lbf)
Tightening torques:
Exhaust manifold bolt:
8.5 Nm (0.9 m·kgf, 6.1 ft·lbf)
Exhaust chamber bolt:
17.5 Nm (1.8 m·kgf, 12.7 ft·lbf)
1. Exhaust chamber
2. Spring clamp
3. Muffler
Tightening torque:
Muffler bolt:
17.5 Nm (1.8 m·kgf, 12.7 ft·lbf)
1
2
3

7-1
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37833
Matte color caution
CAUTION:

ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU40632
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your mo-
torcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:

ECA10771

Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.

Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean plastic.

Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive