2009 YAMAHA PW50 warning

INTRODUCTION
EAU41072
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha PW50(Y). 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.
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur-
rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this
manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING

EWA10031
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this motorcycle.
WARNING

EWA14351
This motorcycle is designed and manufactured for off-road use only. It is illegal to operate this motorcycle on any
public street, road or highway. Such use is prohibited by law. This motorcycle complies with almost all state
off-highway noise level and spark arrester laws and regulations. Please check your local riding laws and regulations
before operating this motorcycle.
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 notice labels on the motorcycle.

Never operate a motorcycle without proper training or instruction.

Weight of the rider should not exceed 25 kg (55 lb).

INTRODUCTION
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.
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 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 maintenance requirements in this Owner’s Manual.

Obtain qualified training in safe and proper riding techniques.

Obtain professional technical service as indicated in this Owner’s Manual and/or when made necessary by mechanical
conditions.

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10132
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP

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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-

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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3. Tighten the locknut.
TIP

The adjusting range of the speed limiter
screw is from the fully turned-in position
to 7 mm (0.28 in) turned out. When thescrew is turned out to 7 mm (0.28 in),
the throttle grip can only be opened ap-
proximately halfway. If more power is
required, please consult a Yamaha
dealer.
WARNING

EWA14630
Improper adjustment of the speed
limiter could cause improper throttle
operation. You could lose control,
have an accident or be injured. Do
not turn the adjusting screw out
more than 7 mm (0.28 in) before con-
sulting a Yamaha dealer. Always
make sure the throttle cable free
play is adjusted to 1.5–3.5 mm
(0.06–0.14 in). (See page 6-11.)
Power reduction plate
Once the rider can operate with skill at
the top speed permitted by adjusting
the speed limiter alone, the power re-
duction plate can be removed. (See
page 6-6.)
EAU12890
Brake lever
The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting screw
1. No more than 7 mm (0.28 in)
1
(a)(b)2
1

1. Front brake lever
1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
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5
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9

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Rear brake lever
The rear brake lever is located on the
left handlebar grip. To apply the rear
brake, pull this lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
EAU13182
Fuel tank cap
To remove the fuel tank cap, turn it
counterclockwise, and then pull it off.
To install the fuel tank cap, insert it into
the tank opening, and then turn it clock-
wise.
WARNING

EWA11091
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly closed after filling fuel.
Leaking fuel is a fire hazard.
EAU13221
Fuel
Make sure there is sufficient gasoline in
the tank.
WARNING

EWA10881
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are
extremely flammable. To avoid fires
and explosions and to reduce the
risk of injury when refueling, follow
these instructions.
1. Before refueling, turn off the en-
gine and be sure that no one is sit-
ting on the vehicle. Never refuel
while smoking, or while in the vi-
cinity of sparks, open flames, or
other sources of ignition such as
the pilot lights of water heaters and
clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. When
refueling, be sure to insert the
pump nozzle into the fuel tank filler
hole. Stop filling when the fuel
reaches the bottom of the filler
tube. Because fuel expands when
it heats up, heat from the engine or
the sun can cause fuel to spill out
of the fuel tank.
1. Rear brake lever
1

1. Fuel tank cap
1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
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3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately.
NOTICE:
Immediately wipe
off spilled fuel with a clean, dry,
soft cloth, since fuel may deteri-
orate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.

[ECA10071]

4. Be sure to securely close the fuel
tank cap.
WARNING

EWA15151
Gasoline is poisonous and can
cause injury or death. Handle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gaso-
line by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline inyour eyes, see your doctor immedi-
ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU41981
For Canada
NOTICE

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. If
knocking (or pinging) occurs, use agasoline 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% (E10). Gasohol
containing methanol is not recom-
mended by Yamaha because it can
cause damage to the fuel system or ve-
hicle performance problems.
Except for Canada
NOTICE

ECA15590
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Fuel level
2 1

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)

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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15595
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
Before using this vehicle, check the following points: