2008 YAMAHA YFM50R warning

EBU17170
INTRODUCTION
EBU17200
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YFM50RX. This ATV represents the result of many years
of Yamaha experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. With the
purchase of this Yamaha, you can now appreciate the high degree of craftsmanship and reliability that have
made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will provide you with a good basic understanding of the features and operation of this ATV.
This manual includes important safety information. It provides information about special tech-
niques and skills necessary to ride the ATV.
It also includes basic maintenance and inspection proce-
dures. If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your ATV, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:


READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR ATV. MAKE SURE YOU UNDER-
STAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

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

THIS ATV, AND ANY OTHER ATV OVER 50 cc, SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED BY A CHILD UNDER
6 YEARS OF AGE.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This ATV is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this ATV, you should understand the instructions and
warnings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them. Children differ
in skills, physical abilities and judgment. Some children may not be able to operate an ATV safely. Parents
should supervise their child’s use of the ATV at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they
determine that the child has the ability to operate the ATV safely.

EBU17330
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EBU17341
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS IN-
JURY OR DEATH.
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
* Product and specifications are subject to change without notice.
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in se
vere injur
y
or death
to the ATV operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting or
repairing the ATV.
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the ATV.
A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
CAUTION:NOTE:

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 1-1
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ..................................................... 3-1
Right view................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ........................... 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ............................................... 4-1
Indicator light ............................................. 4-1
Handlebar switches ................................... 4-2
Engine stop switch with lanyard ................ 4-2
Throttle lever ............................................. 4-4
Speed limiter ............................................. 4-5
Front brake lever ....................................... 4-6
Rear brake lever ........................................ 4-6
Parking brake ............................................ 4-6
Drive select lever ....................................... 4-7
Fuel tank cap ............................................. 4-7
Fuel ........................................................... 4-8
Fuel cock ................................................... 4-9Choke ...................................................... 4-10
Seat ......................................................... 4-11
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Pre-operation check list ............................. 5-1
Fuel ............................................................ 5-3
Engine oil ................................................... 5-3
Final gear oil .............................................. 5-3
Front and rear brakes ................................ 5-3
Throttle lever .............................................. 5-4
Tires ........................................................... 5-4
Measuring the tire pressure ....................... 5-5
Tire wear limit ............................................ 5-6
Chassis fasteners ...................................... 5-6
Instruments, lights and switches ................ 5-6
Battery ....................................................... 5-6
OPERATION...................................................6-1
Starting a cold engine ................................ 6-1
Starting a warm engine .............................. 6-3
Shifting ....................................................... 6-3
Engine break-in .......................................... 6-5
Parking ....................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-6
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-7

1-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.

Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll
backwards when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight up-
hill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in this manual.

Always check for obstacles before operating in a
new area.

Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles as described in this manual.

Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such as
ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.

Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in
water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them severaltimes to let friction dry out the linings.

Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.

Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.

Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.

Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.
TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO OPERATE THE
ATV
WARNING

EWB00080
Never let your child ride an ATV without close
adult supervision (a child under 6 should not
ride this ATV even with adult supervision).
Promptly correct your child if he or she begins
to ride beyond his or her abilities and, if neces-
sary, intervene by pulling the cord (lanyard) to
stop the engine.
If the child rides beyond his or her abilities, or
rides in terrain that is too difficult, he or she

1-5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

ENGINE STOP SWITCH CORD
This model has an engine stop switch cord (lan-
yard) designed for use by an adult supervising the
child operating the ATV. When using the engine
stop switch cord, be sure the speed limiter on the
handlebar is adjusted to limit the ATV to a walking
speed. (See page 4-5.)
1. Push the clip on the end of the engine stop
switch cord under the engine shut-off switch
(black button).
2. Put your fingers in the loop at the other end of
the cord.
3. As your child is riding, walk behind the ATV,
closely watching his or her actions as well as
the path ahead.
4. If there is a potential hazard ahead or if your
child is not riding correctly, pull firmly on the
cord (lanyard) to stop the engine. Because the
ATV will continue to roll for some distance, al-
low extra time and distance to pull the cord be-
fore a potentially hazardous situation might be
encountered.
When your child has developed sufficient skill to no
longer need you to follow with the cord, the cord
can be stowed under the seat of the ATV. Howev-
er, you must still closely supervise your child at alltimes during ATV operation.NOTE:
The ATV will not start without the clip in place. Be
sure to remove the cord and store it in a safe place
to prevent operation of the ATV when you are not
around to supervise.
WARNING

EWB00061

Always turn off the engine when refueling.

Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.

Do not spill gasoline on the engine or ex-
haust pipe/muffler when refueling. Never re-
fuel while smoking, or in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of ig-
nition such as the pilot lights of water heat-
ers and clothes dryers. Gasoline can catch
fire and you could be burned.

When transporting the ATV in another vehi-
cle, be sure it is kept upright and that the fuel
cock is in the “OFF” position. Otherwise, fuel
may leak out of the carburetor or fuel tank.

Gasoline is poisonous. If you should swal-
low some gasoline or inhale a lot of gasoline
vapor, or get some gasoline in your eyes,

1-6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

seek medical help immediately. If gasoline
spills on your skin, wash with soap and wa-
ter. If gasoline spills on your clothing,
change your clothes.
WARNING

EWB00070
Always operate your ATV in an area with ade-
quate ventilation. Never start or run the engine
in a closed area. Exhaust fumes are poisonous
and may cause loss of consciousness and
death within a short time.

2-1
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

EBU17660
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND SPECIFICATION LABELS
1
5
4
32

2-3
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
SHIZUOKA JAPANp
4GB-2155A-00
5FK-2151H-00
<
65YF-21697-20
WARNINGUNDER6
Operating this ATV if you are under
the age of 6 increases your chance
of severe injury or death.
NEVER permit children under age 6
to operate this ATV. Adult supervision required for children
under age 16.
WARNINGNEVER ride as a
passenger.Passengers can causea loss of control,resulting in SEVEREINJURY or DEATH.
5YF-21697-00
5FE-2151H-01
For Oceania For Europe For Europe
For Europe For Oceania
12
3