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6-1
6
EBU19880
OPERATION
EBU19901Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV. If there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB00631Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury.EBU29051Starting the engine NOTICEECB00150See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time.1. Turn the key to “ON” and the engine stop
switch to“”.
The following warning lights should come on
for a few seconds, then go off.
Coolant temperature warning light
Engine trouble warning light
The EPS warning light should come on, then
go off when the engine is started. (for EPS
model)
NOTICEECB00824If a warning light does not go off, see page 4-2
for the corresponding warning light circuit
check. To avoid possible damage, do not oper-
ate the ATV if a warning light stays on.2. Apply the brake pedal, and then shift the drive
select lever into the neutral or park position.
The corresponding indicator light should
come on. If the indicator light does not come
on, have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.TIPThis model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions:The drive select lever is in the neutral or park po-
sition.
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6-4
6
TIPWhen in reverse, the reverse indicator light
should come on. If the indicator light does not
come on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.Due to the synchronizing mechanism in the en-
gine, the indicator light may not come on until the
ATV starts moving.
4. Check behind for people or obstacles, and
then release the brake pedal.
5. Open the throttle lever gradually and continue
to watch to the rear while backing.EBU20682Engine break-in TIPFor ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or
hour meter, follow the figures given in hours.There is never a more important period in the life of
your engine than the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours of riding. For this reason, you should read
the following material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours. The various parts in the engine wear and
polish themselves to the correct operating clear-
ances. During this period, prolonged full-throttle
operation or any condition that might result in en-
gine overheating must be avoided.
1. Drive select lever
2. L (Low-range)
3. H (High-range)
4. N (Neutral)
5. R (Reverse)
6. P (Park)
L2H3N4R5P6
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7-13
7As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As you
do so, put your weight on the footboard to the out-
side of the turn (opposite your desired direction)
and lean your upper body into the turn. Use the
throttle to maintain an even speed through the turn.
This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside of
the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make the
turn properly.
This procedure should be practiced at slow speed
many times in a large unpaved area with no obsta-
cles. If an incorrect technique is used, your ATVmay continue to go straight. If the ATV doesn’t
turn, come to a stop and then practice the proce-
dure again. If the riding surface is slippery or loose,
it may help to position more of your weight over the
front wheels by moving forward on the seat.
Once you have learned this technique, you should
be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter
curves.
Improper riding procedures such as abrupt throttle
changes, excessive braking, incorrect body move-
ments, or too much speed for the sharpness of the
turn may cause the ATV to tip. If the ATV begins to
tip over to the outside while negotiating a turn, lean
more to the inside. It may also be necessary to
gradually let off on the throttle and steer to the out-
side of the turn to avoid tipping over.
Remember: Avoid higher speeds until you are
thoroughly familiar with the operation of your ATV.
CLIMBING UPHILL
WARNING
EWB01671Climbing hills improperly can cause overturns
or loss of control. Use proper riding tech-
niques described in this Owner’s Manual.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.U28P61E0.book  Page 13  Wednesday, March 18, 2009  9:25 AM 
     
        
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7-18
7
Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV.Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning
on any hill.Traversing a sloping surface on your ATV requires
you to properly position your weight to maintain
proper balance. Be sure that you have learned the
basic riding skills on flat ground before attempting
to cross a sloping surface. Avoid slopes with slip-
pery surfaces or rough terrain that may upset your
balance.
As you travel across a slope, lean your body in the
uphill direction. It may be necessary to correct the
steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointing
the front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes, be sure not to make sharp turns either up
or down hill.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles in
your path. As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to travel.CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
WARNING
EWB01641Operating this vehicle through deep or fast-
flowing water can lead to loss of control or an
overturn. To reduce your risk of drowning or
other injuries, use care when crossing through
water. Never operate this ATV water deeper
than the depth specified in your Owner’s Man-
ual, as tires may float, increasing the risk of an
overturn.
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8-6
8
20 Differential gear oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√√
21 Final gear oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√√
22 Cooling systemCheck coolant level and ATV for coolant leakage, 
and correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace coolant. Every 2 years
23*Moving parts and 
cablesLubricate.√√√√
24*Drive select lever 
safety system cableCheck operation and adjust or replace if neces-
sary.√√√
25*Throttle lever hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.
Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.√√√√√
26*Front and rear brake 
switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.√√√√√
27*Lights and switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Adjust headlight beams.√√√√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE 
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes 
firstmonth136612
km 
(mi)320 
(200)1300 
(800)2500 
(1600)2500 
(1600)5000 
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U28P61E0.book  Page 6  Wednesday, March 18, 2009  9:25 AM 
     
        
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8-20
8
EBU23211Checking 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 accor-
dance with the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, the condition of the spark
plug can reveal 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 included 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 medi-
um-to-light tan (the ideal color when the ATV
is ridden normally).1. Spark plug cap1
1. Spark plug wrench
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8-40
8
EBU27810Cleaning the spark arrester Select a well-ventilated area free of combustible
materials and make sure the exhaust and muffler
are cool.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the tailpipe, by pulling it out of the
muffler, and then remove the gasket.
3. Tap the tailpipe lightly, and then use a wire
brush to remove any carbon deposits from the
spark arrester portion of the tailpipe and inside
of the tailpipe housing.4. Install the gasket, and then insert the tailpipe
into the muffler and align the bolt holes.
5. Install the bolts and tighten them to the speci-
fied torque.
6. Remove the purging bolt.1. Bolt
1. Tailpipe
2. Spark arrester
3. GasketTightening torque:
Tailpipe bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
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8-48
81. Remove panel H. (See page 8-8.)
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. Turn the brake pedal free play adjusting nut in
direction (a) to increase the free play, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.4. Tighten the locknut.
5. After adjusting, there should be slight play at
the brake pedal cable joint as shown. If there
is no play, repeat steps 2 to 4.
1. Brake pedal free play
1. Locknut
2. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
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