2008 YAMAHA PW50 tires

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

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
2
3
45
6
7
8
9

EAU15605
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-3
2-stroke engine oil

Check oil level in oil tank.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.3-5
Middle and final gear cases

Check vehicle for grease leakage. 6-8
Front brake

Check operation.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-14, 6-15
Rear brake

Check operation.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-14, 6-15
Throttle grip

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Check cable free play.

If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-11, 6-16
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate if necessary.6-15
Wheels and tires

Check for damage.

Check tire condition and tread depth.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.6-11, 6-13
Brake levers

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-16
Centerstand

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-17

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

EAU41752
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
6-11
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
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

)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with panel
wheels and tube tires.
WARNING

EWA10460

The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the vehicle
cannot be guaranteed.

After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model by
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING

EWA14390

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Operat-
ing the motorcycle with exces-sively worn tires decreases
riding stability and can lead to
loss of control.

The replacement of all
wheel-and brake-related parts,
including the tires, should be
left to a Yamaha dealer, who has
the necessary professional
knowledge and experience.

It is not recommended to patch
a punctured tube. If unavoid-
able, however, patch the tube
very carefully and replace it as
soon as possible with a
high-quality product.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
4.0 mm (0.16 in)
12

Front tire:
Size:
2.50-10 4PR
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/KNOBBY
IRC/KNOBBY
Rear tire:
Size:
2.50-10 4PR
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/KNOBBY
IRC/KNOBBY

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU40780
Panel wheels
WARNING

EWA10610
The wheels on this model are not de-
signed for use with tubeless tires.
Do not attempt to use tubeless tires
on this model.
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or
damage before each ride. If any
damage is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the wheel. Do not
attempt even the smallest repair to
the wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.

The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.

Ride conservatively after changinga tire since the tire must seat itself
on the rim properly. Failure to al-
low proper seating may cause tire
failure, which may result in dam-
age to the motorcycle and injury to
the rider.
EAU40431
Accessories and replacement
parts
WARNING

EWA14481
The accessories or replacement
parts you choose for your vehicle
should be designed specifically for
this model, and they must be se-
curely mounted to maintain the in-
herent stability of the original
design. Genuine Yamaha Parts and
Accessories are designed and test-
ed to be compatible with your vehi-
cle. Yamaha recommends the use of
Genuine Yamaha Parts and Acces-
sories before making a purchase.
Use of non-Yamaha-approved ac-
cessories or replacement parts may
cause loss of handling stability and
riding safety. Since Yamaha cannot
control the quality of accessories or
parts manufactured by other compa-
nies, Yamaha cannot be held liable
for any consequences caused by
the use of items which have not
been approved by Yamaha.

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.


Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.

For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain or near the seaSince sea salt is extremely corrosive,
carry out the following steps after each
ride in the rain or near the sea.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.CAUTION:

ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of the
salt.
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray
on all metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent
corrosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stain-
less-steel parts, including the ex-
haust system. (Even the thermally
induced discoloring of stain-
less-steel exhaust systems can be
removed through polishing.)
3. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
4. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
5. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
6. Wax all painted surfaces.
7. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING

EWA14500

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the tires.

If necessary, wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.
WARNING

EWA10950
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turning
the engine over.
6. Lubricate all control cables and the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the center-
stand.
7. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
8. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
NOTE:

Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.