2008 YAMAHA PW50 maintenance

INTRODUCTION
EAU41070
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha PW50(X). This model is the result of Yamaha’s vast experience in the pro-
duction of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship and reli-
ability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of the operation, inspection, and basic maintenance of this motorcycle. If you
have any questions concerning the operation or maintenance of your motorcycle, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
The design and manufacture of this Yamaha motorcycle fully comply with the emissions standards for clean air applicable
at the date of manufacture. Yamaha has met these standards without reducing the performance or economy of operation of
the motorcycle. To maintain these high standards, it is important that you and your Yamaha dealer pay close attention to the
recommended maintenance schedules and operating instructions contained within this manual.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:

READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING THIS MOTORCYCLE. MAKE SURE
YOU UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WARNING AND CAUTION LABELS ON THE MOTORCYCLE.

NEVER OPERATE A MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING OR INSTRUCTION.

WEIGHT OF THE RIDER SHOULD NOT EXCEED 25 kg (55 lb).
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This motorcycle is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this motorcycle, you should understand the instructions and warn-
ings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them. Children differ in skills, physical abil-
ities, and judgment. Some children may not be able to operate a motorcycle safely. Parents should supervise their child’s
use of the motorcycle at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they determine that the child has the ability to
operate the motorcycle safely.

INTRODUCTION
Your motorcycle was delivered with an adjustable speed limiter and power reduction plate. Yamaha recommends that all
beginners start off with the speed limiter adjusting screw turned in and the power reduction plate installed in the exhaust man-
ifold to limit the power available while they learn. The limiter screw may be gradually turned out to increase maximum speed
as the beginner becomes more familiar with operating the motorcycle. Parents should decide when to adjust the motorcycle
for more power as their youngster’s riding skills improve. Once the rider can operate with skill at the top speed permitted by
adjusting the speed limiter alone, the power reduction plate can be removed. Since removal of this plate will result in a sig-
nificant increase in power, turn the speed limiter back in again; adjust it out in stages as you did before.
MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT UPON
THE USE OF PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EXPERTISE OF THE OPERATOR. EVERY OPERA-
TOR SHOULD KNOW THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS BEFORE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:

OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUCTIONS FROM A COMPETENT SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF MOTORCYCLE
OPERATION.

OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IN THE OWNER’S MANUAL.

OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.

OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED BY THE OWNER’S MANUAL AND/OR WHEN
MADE NECESSARY BY MECHANICAL CONDITIONS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
Safe riding ........................................1-1
Location of important labels .............1-4
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Handlebar switch .............................3-1
Speed limiter and power reduction
plate .............................................3-1
Front brake lever .............................3-2
Rear brake lever ..............................3-3
Fuel tank cap ...................................3-3
Fuel ..................................................3-3
Fuel tank breather hose ...................3-5
2-stroke engine oil ...........................3-5
Fuel cock .........................................3-5
Starter (choke) lever “
1
” .................3-6
Kickstarter ........................................3-6
Seat .................................................3-7
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
...............4-1
Pre-operation check list ...................4-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting and warming up a cold
engine .......................................... 5-1
Starting a warm engine ................... 5-1
Starting off ....................................... 5-2
Acceleration and deceleration ......... 5-2
Braking ............................................ 5-2
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR
.................................. 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system .............. 6-2
General maintenance and lubrication
chart ............................................. 6-3
Checking the spark plug .................. 6-5
Removing the power reduction
plate ............................................. 6-6
Transmission oil .............................. 6-7
Middle and final gear cases ............ 6-8
Cleaning the air filter element ......... 6-8
Cleaning the spark arrester ............. 6-9
Adjusting the carburetor ................ 6-10
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-10
Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-11
Tires .............................................. 6-11Panel wheels ................................. 6-13
Accessories and replacement
parts ........................................... 6-13
Adjusting the front and rear brake
lever free play ............................ 6-14
Checking the front and rear brake
shoes ......................................... 6-15
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-15
Checking and lubricating the throttle
grip and cable ............................ 6-16
Adjusting the Autolube pump ........ 6-16
Lubricating the front and rear brake
levers ......................................... 6-16
Checking and lubricating the
centerstand ................................ 6-17
Checking the front fork .................. 6-17
Checking the steering ................... 6-18
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-18
Front wheel ................................... 6-19
Rear wheel .................................... 6-20
Troubleshooting ............................ 6-23
Troubleshooting chart ................... 6-24
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE
........................................... 7-1
Matte color caution .......................... 7-1
Care ................................................ 7-1
Storage ........................................... 7-3
SPECIFICATIONS
............................. 8-1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
CAUTION:

ECA10070
Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-
es or plastic parts.
EAU41980
For Canada
CAUTION:

ECA15590
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the piston rings as well as to
the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use regular unleaded gaso-
line with a pump octane number
[(R+M)/2] of 86 or higher, or a research
octane number of 91 or higher. Ifknocking (or pinging) occurs, use a
gasoline of a different brand or premi-
um unleaded fuel. Use of unleaded fuel
will extend spark plug life and reduce
maintenance cost.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gaso-
hol containing ethanol and that contain-
ing methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if ethanol content
does not exceed 10%. Gasohol con-
taining methanol is not recommended
by Yamaha because it can cause dam-
age to the fuel system or vehicle perfor-
mance problems.
Except for Canada
CAUTION:

ECA15590
Use only unleaded gasoline. The useof leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the piston rings as well as to
the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use regular unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
91 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brand
or premium unleaded fuel. Use of un-
leaded fuel will extend spark plug life
and reduce maintenance costs.
Recommended fuel:
REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
2.0 L (0.53 US gal) (0.44 Imp.gal)
Recommended fuel:
For Europe: REGULAR UNLEADED
GASOLINE ONLY
Except for Canada and Europe: UN-
LEADED GASOLINE ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
2.0 L (0.53 US gal) (0.44 Imp.gal)

6-1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

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

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Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system
NOTE:


From 18 months, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 6 months.

Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBINITIALTHEREAFTER
EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months12
months
1*Fuel line
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage.Replace if necessary.
2Spark plugCheck condition.Adjust gap and clean.Replace if necessary.
3Air filter elementClean with solvent.Replace if necessary.
4*CarburetorCheck engine idling speed and starter operation.Adjust if necessary.Clean.
5*Cylinder head and
exhaust systemCheck for leakage.Tighten if necessary.Decarbonize if necessary.
6*Spark arresterClean.

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

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General maintenance and lubrication chart
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBINITIALTHEREAFTER
EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months12
months
1*Front brake
Check operation.Adjust brake lever free play.Replace brake shoes. Whenever worn to the limit
2*Rear brakeCheck operation.Adjust brake lever free play.Replace brake shoes. Whenever worn to the limit
3*WheelsCheck runout and for damage.Replace if necessary.
4*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage.Replace if necessary.Check air pressure.Correct if necessary.
5*Wheel bearingsCheck bearings for smooth operation.Replace if necessary.
6*Steering bearingsCheck bearing assemblies for looseness.Moderately repack with lithium-soap-based
grease every 2 years.
7*Middle and final gear
casesCheck for grease leakage.Check gears for damage and wear.Lubricate gears with lithium-soap-based grease.Every 2 years
8*Chassis fastenersCheck all chassis fitting and fasteners.Correct if necessary.
9*Autolube pumpCheck operation.Correct if necessary.Bleed.

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