EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 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 lights and warning lights .............. 4-2
Multi-function display .................................. 4-5
Handlebar switches .................................... 4-7
Throttle lever ............................................ 4-13
Speed limiter ............................................ 4-13
Front brake lever ...................................... 4-14
Brake pedal and rear brake lever ............. 4-14
Drive select lever ...................................... 4-15
Fuel tank cap ............................................ 4-15
Fuel .......................................................... 4-16
Seat .......................................................... 4-18Storage compartments .............................4-18
Front carrier ..............................................4-21
Rear carrier ...............................................4-21
Adjusting the front and rear shock
absorber assemblies ...............................4-21
Auxiliary DC jack .......................................4-23
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Fuel .............................................................5-3
Engine oil ....................................................5-3
Final gear oil ...............................................5-3
Differential gear oil ......................................5-3
Coolant .......................................................5-3
Front and rear brakes .................................5-3
Throttle lever ...............................................5-4
Tires ............................................................5-4
Chassis fasteners .......................................5-7
Instruments, lights and switches .................5-7
OPERATION...................................................6-1
Starting the engine ......................................6-1
Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse ......................................6-2
Engine break-in ...........................................6-4U28P61E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
1-6
1
**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi
NEVER use with drugs or alcohol.
NEVER store fuel or flammable liquids.
This unit contains high-pressure nitrogen
gas.
Mishandling can cause explosion. Do not
incinerate, puncture or open.
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Measure tire pressure when tires are cold.Adjust tire pressure.
Improper tire pressure can cause loss of
control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
Turning the ATV in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”) takes more effort.
Operate at a slow speed and allow extra
time and distance for maneuvers to avoid
loss of control.
This pictogram shows the loading limits
and/or maximum load capacity for this ATV.
Follow all load limits and other loading
guidelines in this manual.
Load may include the driver, passenger,
human protective gear, accessories, goods,
luggage, and all other load related items.
Make sure you do not exceed the load limits.
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
U28P61E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
2-3
2 steady speed 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 several
times to let friction dry out the linings.
Always be sure there are no obstacles or people
behind you when you operate in reverse. When
it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.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.
WARNING
EWB00071Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nau-
sea, confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless,
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
U28P61E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
5-2
5
Front brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-43, 8-45, 8-46
Rear brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check pedal free play, and adjust if necessary.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-43, 8-45, 8-46,
8-47
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-4, 8-42
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-50
Wheels and tiresCheck wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-4
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-51
Brake leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-50
Axle bootsCheck for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-49
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7 ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU28P61E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
5-4
5Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If a lever moves slow-
ly inward, there may be a leak in the brake system.
If there is any leakage, the brake system should be
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance, check
the brake pads for wear. (See page 8-43.)
EBU19761Throttle lever Check the operation of the throttle lever. It must
open smoothly and spring back to the idle position
when released. Have a Yamaha dealer correct if
necessary.
EBU19794Tires Check tire pressure regularly to make sure it is at
the recommended specifications. Also check for
wear and damage.
Tire pressure
Use the low-pressure tire gauge to check and ad-
just tire pressures when the tires are cold. Tire
pressures must be equal on both sides.
WARNING! Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause severe injury
or death from loss of control or rollover. Tire
pressure below the minimum specified could
also cause the tire to dislodge from the rim un-
der severe riding conditions.
[EWB02541]
Set tire
pressures to the following specifications: Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
U28P61E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
5-6
5
Tire information
This ATV is equipped with tubeless tires with
valves.
WARNING
EWB02551Use of improper tires on this ATV may cause
loss of control, increasing your risk of an acci-
dent.After extensive tests, only the tires listed below
have been approved for this model by Yamaha
Motor Co., Ltd.1. Tire wear limit
Front:
Manufacturer/model:
YFM550FAPZ CHENG SHIN/C828-4P
YFM550FAZ CHENG SHIN/C828-4P
YFM5FGPHZ DUNLOP/KT421
YFM5FGPZ DUNLOP/KT421
YFM5FGZ DUNLOP/KT421
Size:
AT25 x 8-12
Ty p e :
Tu b e l e s s
Rear:
Manufacturer/model:
YFM550FAPZ CHENG SHIN/C828-4P
YFM550FAZ CHENG SHIN/C828-4P
YFM5FGPHZ DUNLOP/KT425
YFM5FGPZ DUNLOP/KT425
YFM5FGZ DUNLOP/KT425
Size:
AT25 x 10-12
Ty p e :
Tu b e l e s s
U28P61E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
5-7
5 Aftermarket tires and rims
The tires and rims that came with your ATV were
designed to match the performance capabilities
and to provide the best combination of handling,
braking, and comfort. Other tires, rims, sizes, and
combinations may not be appropriate.
EBU19840Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are prop-
erly tightened.EBU19850Instruments, lights and switches Check that all instruments, lights and switches are
working properly. Correct if necessary.U28P61E0.book Page 7 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM
7-12
7 Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, shifting procedures,
and turning techniques in this area before trying
more difficult terrain.
Shift to the park position and follow the instruction
on page 6-1 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your ATV.
With the engine idling, shift the drive select lever
into the low-range position or the high-range posi-
tion. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.
The centrifugal clutch will engage and you will start
to accelerate. If the throttle is applied too abruptly,
the front wheels may lift off the ground, resulting in
a loss of directional control. Avoid higher speeds
until you are thoroughly familiar with the operation
of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the possi-
bility of an accident.
NOTICEECB00251Do not shift from low-range to high-range or
vice versa without coming to a complete stop.
Damage to the engine or drive train may occur.TURNING YOUR ATV
WARNING
EWB01771Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions. ATV could go
out of control, causing a collision or overturn.To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels turn together at the same
speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside
of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction,
the ATV will resist turning. A special turning tech-
nique must be used to allow the ATV to make turns
quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill be
learned first at low speed.
U28P61E0.book Page 12 Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:25 AM