EAU46141
Read this manual carefully before operating this vehicle. This manual should stay with this vehicle if it is sold.
EC
Declarationof Conformityconforming to Directive 98/ 37/
EC
We, YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD. 2500 Shingai, Iwata, Japan,
declare in soleresponsibility, that the product
PW50 J YA3PT00000416070)
(
(Make, model)
to
whichthis declarationapplies, conforms to the essential health
and safety requirements of Directive 98/ 37/ EC,If
applicable ()andto
the otherrelevant Directives of EEC
89/
336/ EEC or 2004 / 108
/EC
Title (
)
and / or
numberand date of issue of theother Directives of
EEC
If
applicable ()
To effectcorrect
application of the essential health and safety requirements
stated in the Directives of EEC, the following
standards and / or technical
specifications were consulted:
Title (
and / or number and date of issue of)
standards and/
or specifications
Authorized Representative
YAMAHAMOTOR
EUROPEN.V.
Koolhovenlaan 101,1119NC Schiphol
Rijk,
The NetherlandsSignature
Akira Araki
Senior Executive Officer
MotorcycleHeadquarters
Product Development Operations
Date of Issue24March
, 2008
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
1-3
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-
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU40886
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.
NOTICE:
For maximum engine
life, always warm the engine up
before starting off. Never accel-
erate hard when the engine is
cold!
[ECA11131]
6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off and set the en-
gine stop switch to “RUN”.
TIP
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.
TIP
If the engine does not start after sever-
al kicks, try again with the throttle 1/4
to 1/2 open.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
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2
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4
5
6
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EAU41001
Starting off
TIP
Before starting off, allow the engine to
warm up.
1. While applying the rear brake le-
ver, push the motorcycle off the
centerstand.
2. Completely close the throttle.
3. Set the engine stop switch to
“RUN”.
4. Check for oncoming off-road vehi-
cles, and then slowly turn the throt-
tle grip in order to take off.
EAU16780
Acceleration and deceleration
The speed can be adjusted by opening
and closing the throttle. To increase the
speed, turn the throttle grip in direction
(a). To reduce the speed, turn the throt-
tle grip in direction (b).
EAU41012
Braking
WARNING
EWA14571
Avoid braking hard or suddenly
(especially when leaning over to
one side), otherwise the motor-
cycle may skid or overturn.
Keep in mind that braking on
wet surfaces is much more diffi-
cult.
Ride slowly down a hill, as brak-
ing downhill can be very diffi-
cult.
1. Close the throttle completely.
2. Apply both front and rear brakes
simultaneously while gradually in-
creasing the pressure.
(a)(b)
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
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9 Front
Rear
EAU42030
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the first 5
hours of riding. It is also important to ac-
custom the rider to the motorcycle dur-
ing this time. Please read the following
information carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first 5
hours of operation. The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided. However, momentary
full-throttle operation under load (i.e.,
two to three seconds maximum) does
not harm the engine. Each full-throttle
acceleration should be followed with a
substantial rest period for the engine.
To allow the engine to cool down from
the temporary buildup of heat, cruise at
a lower engine speed.
After the first 5 hours of operation, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-justments thoroughly, especially
cables. In addition, check all fittings and
fasteners for looseness, and tighten if
necessary.
NOTICE
ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
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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).
TIP
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 orother deposits, and replace it if
necessary.
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.
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
1
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37833
Matte color caution
NOTICE
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.
EAU40633
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
NOTICE
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