2009 YAMAHA PW50 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
................... 1-1
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
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 ......................................... 3-6
Starter (choke) lever “
1
” ................ 3-6
Kickstarter ....................................... 3-7
Seat ................................................. 3-7
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
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 .......................................... 5-1Starting 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
ADJUSTMENT
.................................... 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 .............................................. 6-11
Panel wheels ................................. 6-13
Adjusting the front and rear brake
lever free play ............................ 6-14Checking 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 ....................................6-18
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
CONSUMER INFORMATION
..............9-1
Identification numbers ......................9-1

1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU40933
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator 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 mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.

Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.

Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.
Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks eachtime you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 4-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.

This motorcycle is designed for
off-road use only, therefore, it is il-
legal to operate it on public streets,
roads, or highways, even a dirt or
gravel one. Off-road use on public
lands may be illegal. Please check
local regulations before riding.

This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator only. No passen-
gers.

The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:

Wear a brightly colored jacket.

Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.

Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.

Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators.

Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified opera-
tors.

Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.

We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle until
you have become thoroughly fa-
miliar with the motorcycle and all
of its controls.

Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
due to excessive speed or under-

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-2
1
cornering (insufficient lean angle
for the speed). Never travel faster
than warranted by conditions.

Ride cautiously in unfamiliar ar-
eas. You may encounter hidden
obstacles that could cause an ac-
cident.

The posture of the operator is im-
portant for proper control. The op-
erator should keep both hands on
the handlebar and both feet on the
operator footrests during operation
to maintain control of the motorcy-
cle.

Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
Protective apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the preven-
tion or reduction of head injuries.

Always wear an approved helmet.

Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing ahazard.

The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in
preventing or reducing abrasions
or lacerations.

Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.

Always wear protective clothing
that covers your legs, ankles, and
feet. The engine or exhaust sys-
tem become very hot during or af-
ter operation and can cause burns.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car-
bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu-
sion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be
present even if you do not see or smell
any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
and you can quickly be overcome and
unable to save yourself. Also, deadlylevels of carbon monoxide can linger
for hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poison-
ing, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.

Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.

Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.

Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories to your motorcycle
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

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1
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:
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.

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. Securely pack your
heaviest items as close to the cen-
ter of the vehicle as possible and
make sure to distribute the weight
as evenly as possible on both
sides of the motorcycle to mini-
mize imbalance or instability.

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.

Properly adjust the suspension
for your load, and check the con-
dition and pressure of your tires.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality togenuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.


Never install accessories 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 can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution. If accesso-

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1
ries 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. 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
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with yourmotorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-11 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.

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

DESCRIPTION
EAU10410
Left view
123
4 5

1. Fuel cock (page 3-6)
2. Throttle stop screw (page 6-10)
3. Air filter element (page 6-8)
4. Kickstarter (page 3-7)
5. Centerstand (page 6-17)

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU10420
Right view
3
12
4

1. Spark arrester (page 6-9)
2. Seat (page 3-7)
3. Transmission oil filler cap (page 6-7)
4. 2-stroke engine oil tank (page 3-5)

DESCRIPTION
2-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU10430
Controls and instruments
12
7 345
6

1. Rear brake lever (page 3-3)
2. Starter (choke) lever (page 3-6)
3. 2-stroke engine oil tank cap (page 3-5)
4. Right handlebar switch (page 3-1)
5. Front brake lever (page 3-2)
6. Throttle grip (page 6-11)
7. Fuel tank cap (page 3-3)