2009 YAMAHA YFM50R brakes

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to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply the
rear brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, ap-
ply the front brake gradually, or dismount the ATV
immediately on the uphill side.
WARNING

EWB01761
Maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:

Keep weight uphill.

Apply the brakes.

Lock the parking brake after you are
stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:

Keep weight uphill.

Never apply the rear brake while rolling
backwards. Apply the front brake.

When fully stopped, apply the rear brake as
well, and then lock the parking brake.
Dismount on uphill side or to a side if pointed
straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described in
the Owner’s Manual.RIDING DOWNHILL
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your arms
straight. Allow the engine compression to do most
of the braking for you. Improper braking may cause
a loss of traction.
Use caution while descending a hill with loose or
slippery surfaces. Braking ability and traction may
be adversely affected by these surfaces. Improper
braking may also cause a loss of traction.
Whenever possible, ride your ATV straight down-

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Owner’s Manual. Remember that wet brakes
may have reduced stopping ability. Test your
brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply
them several times to let friction dry out the lin-
ings. If the ATV is operated through deep or
fast flowing water, the tires may float, causing
loss of traction and loss of control, which
could lead to an accident.
Test your brakes after leaving the water. Do not
continue to ride your ATV without verifying that you
have regained proper braking ability.
NOTICE
ECB00240
After riding your ATV in water, be sure to drain
the trapped water by removing the check hose
at the bottom of the air filter case. Wash the
ATV in fresh water if it has been operated in
salt water or muddy conditions.

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If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the slide.
With practice, over a period of time, skill at con-
trolled sliding can be developed. The terrain
should be chosen carefully before attempting such
maneuvers, since both stability and control are re-
duced. Bear in mind that sliding maneuvers should
always be avoided on extremely slippery surfaces
such as ice, since all control may be lost.
WARNING

EWB01661
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
control.
WHAT TO DO IF...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT TO DO...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See page 7-12.)

If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If nec-
essary, gradually let off the throttle and/or steer
to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-12.)

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If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See page 7-20.)

If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side of
the ATV and physically turn the ATV around. If
the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT USE
THE REAR BRAKE – the ATV may tip over on
top of you. Instead, apply the front brake or dis-
mount the ATV on the uphill side. (See
page 7-14.)

If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-17.)

If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-ter drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-18.)

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4. Tighten the lower locknut.
5. While applying the front brake, turn out the up-
per adjusting bolt until the upper and lower ca-
ble lengths are equal. The cable joint will
become vertical.6. Tighten the upper locknut.
WARNING

EWB02080
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that the free play is correct.

Make sure the brakes do not drag.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
1. Upper locknut
2. Upper adjusting bolt
3. Lower locknut
4. Lower adjusting bolt
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3(a)(b)(a)
(b)

1. Cable joint1

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adjusting nut on the brake cable at the rear
wheel hub in direction (a), and to decrease it,
turn the nut in direction (b).
7. Tighten the locknut at the brake lever.
TIP

If the specified free play cannot be obtained as de-
scribed above or if the rear brake does not operate
correctly, have a Yamaha dealer check the internal
rear brake mechanism.
WARNING

EWB02080
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that the free play is correct.

Make sure the brakes do not drag.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24900
Checking and lubricating the cables
The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
1. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
1
(a)(b)

Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil

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EBU25860
CLEANING AND STORAGE
EBU25880
Cleaning
Frequent, thorough cleaning of your ATV will not
only enhance its appearance but will improve its
general performance and extend the useful life of
many components.
1. Before cleaning the ATV:
a. Block off the end of the exhaust pipe to
prevent water entry. A plastic bag and
strong rubber band may be used.
b. Make sure the spark plug and all filler caps
are properly installed.
2. If the engine case is excessively greasy, apply
degreaser with a paint brush. Do not apply de-
greaser to the wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure to do the job.
NOTICE

ECB00710
Excessive water pressure may cause water
seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings,
brakes, transmission seals and electrical de-
vices. Many expensive repair bills have result-
ed from improper high-pressure detergentapplications such as those available in coin-
operated car washers.
4. Once most of the dirt has been hosed off,
wash all surfaces with warm water and mild,
detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush or bot-
tle brush is handy for hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the ATV off immediately with clean wa-
ter and dry all surfaces with a chamois, clean
towel or soft absorbing cloth.
6. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery cleaner
to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
7. Automotive type wax may be applied to all
painted and chrome plated surfaces. Avoid
combination cleaner-waxes. Many contain
abrasives which may mar the paint or protec-
tive finish. When finished cleaning, start the
engine and let it idle for several minutes.
WARNING
EWB02310
Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability,
increasing the chance of an accident. Test the
brakes after washing. Apply the brakes several
times at slow speeds to let friction dry out the

INDEX
A
Accessories and loading ................................................ 6-7
Air filter element, cleaning ............................................ 8-13
B
Battery .................................................................. 5-6
,
8-26
Brake lever free play, adjusting the front...................... 8-21
Brake lever free play (rear), adjusting .......................... 8-23
Brake lever, front ............................................................ 4-6
Brake lever, rear............................................................. 4-6
Brake levers, checking and lubricating......................... 8-25
Brakes, front and rear .................................................... 5-3
Brake shoes, checking the front and rear .................... 8-20
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ................................. 8-24
Carburetor, adjusting.................................................... 8-18
Chassis fasteners........................................................... 5-6
Choke ........................................................................... 4-10
Cleaning ......................................................................... 9-1
D
Drive select lever............................................................ 4-7
E
Engine break-in .............................................................. 6-5
Engine, cold start ........................................................... 6-1
Engine idling speed ...................................................... 8-18
Engine oil ............................................................... 5-3
,
8-9
Engine, starting a warm ................................................. 6-3Engine stop switch ......................................................... 4-2
Engine stop switch with lanyard ..................................... 4-2
F
Final gear oil......................................................... 5-3
,
8-12
Front knuckle pivots, lubricating ................................... 8-25
Fuel ........................................................................ 4-8
,
5-3
Fuel cock ........................................................................ 4-9
Fuel tank cap.................................................................. 4-7
Fuse, replacing............................................................. 8-28
H
Handlebar switches ........................................................ 4-2
I
Identification numbers .................................................. 11-1
Indicator light .................................................................. 4-1
Instruments, lights and switches .................................... 5-6
K
Key identification number ............................................. 11-1
L
Label locations ............................................................... 2-1
M
Main switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-2
N
Neutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-1