4-9
4
To release the differential gear lock, stop the ATV
and push the switch to the “4WD” position.
TIPIf the differential gear lock is not engaging prop-
erly, turn the handlebar back and forth to help it
engage.Riding before the differential gear lock is proper-
ly engaged will cause the vehicle speed to be
limited until engagement is complete.When the ATV is in four-wheel-drive differential
gear lock, the maximum traveling speed is limit-
ed to 31 km/h (19 mi/h). However, if conditions
require full engine power to be available, pushand hold the override switch to disable the differ-
ential gear lock speed limiter. (See page 4-5 for
a detailed explanation of this switch.)
EBU18282Throttle lever Once the engine is running, pushing the throttle le-
ver will increase the engine speed.
Regulate the speed of the ATV by varying the
throttle position. Because the throttle is spring-
loaded, the ATV will decelerate, and the engine will
return to an idle any time the throttle lever is re-
leased.
1. On-Command differential gear lock switch “4WD”/“LOCK”
1. Throttle lever
U4S264E0.book Page 9 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
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, 8-29, 8-30, 8-32
Rear brakeCheck operation, and correct if necessary.
Lubricate cables if necessary.
Check lever and pedal free play, and adjust if necessary.5-3, 8-29, 8-32
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.5-4, 8-27
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-37
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.8-39
Brake leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-38
Axle bootsCheck for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-36
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-6
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-6 ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU4S264E0.book Page 2 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
6-5
6 0–160 km (0–100 mi) or 0–10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Vary
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
160–320 km (100–200 mi) or 10–20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine freely, but do not use full throttle at any
time.
320 km (200 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICEECB00220If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV.EBU20702Parking When parking the ATV, apply the brake pedal, shift
the drive select lever into the forward position, stop
the engine, apply the parking brake, and then turn
the fuel cock to “OFF”.
EBU20764Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00831Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, shift the drive select lever to the for-
ward position, stop the engine, apply the park-
ing brake, and then block the front and rear
wheels with rocks or other objects.1. Parking brake lock plate
U4S264E0.book Page 5 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
7-7
7
Drive more slowly than you would without a load.
The more weight you carry, the slower you should
go. Although conditions vary, it is good practice to
drive slowly (shift into first gear or low drive if avail-
able on this model) whenever you are carrying
heavier loads or when towing a trailer.During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during op-
eration; otherwise, they may contact the rear
wheels. WARNING! Removing even one hand
or foot can reduce your ability to control the
ATV or could cause you to lose your balance
and fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot
from a footboard, your foot or leg may come
into contact with the rear wheels, which could
injure you or cause an accident.
[EWB01471]
Avoid wheelies and jumping. WARNING! At-
tempting wheelies, jumps, and other stunts in-
creases the chance of an accident, including MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rider,
accessories, and tongue):
210.0 kg (463 lb)
Fron t c a rr ie r :
40.0 kg (88 lb)
Rear carrier:
80.0 kg (176 lb)
Storage compartment:
2.0 kg (4 lb)
Trailer hitch:
Pulling load (total weight of trailer and car-
go):
4900 N (500 kgf, 1102 lbf)
Tongue weight (ver tical weight on trailer
hitch point):
147 N (15 kgf, 33 lbf)
U4S264E0.book Page 7 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
7-8
7an overturn. Never attempt stunts, such as
wheelies or jumps. Don’t try to show off.
[EWB01481]Modifications and accessories
Never modify this ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories or other modification. All
parts and accessories added to this ATV should be
genuine Yamaha or equivalent components de-
signed for use on this ATV and should be installed
and used according to instructions. If you have
questions, consult an authorized ATV dealer.
WARNING! Operating this ATV with improper
modifications may cause changes in handling
which in some situations could lead to an acci-
dent.
[EWB01491]
Exhaust system
WARNING
EWB01501Dry grass or brush or other combustible ma-
terial accumulated around the engine area
could catch fire. Do not operate, idle, or park
the ATV in dry grass or other dry ground cov-
er. Keep the engine area free of dry grass,
brush, or other combustible material.Someone touching the exhaust system dur-
ing or after operation could be burned. Do
not touch the hot exhaust system. Do not
park the ATV in a place where others might
be likely to touch it.The muffler and other engine parts become ex-
tremely hot during operation and remain hot after
the engine has stopped. To reduce the risk of fire
during operation or after leaving the ATV, do not let
brush, grass and other materials collect under the
vehicle, near the muffler or exhaust pipe, or next to
other hot parts. Check under the vehicle after op-
erating in areas where combustible materials may
have collected. Do not idle or park the vehicle in
long dry grass or other dry ground cover.
U4S264E0.book Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
7-12
7Select 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, and turning tech-
niques in this area before trying more difficult ter-
rain.
Set the parking brake 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, return the starter (choke) to the
closed position, shift the drive select lever into the
forward position, and then release the parking
brake. 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.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.
As 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.
U4S264E0.book Page 12 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
7-13
7
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 ATV
may 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.Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for
the ATV or for your abilities. The ATV can
overturn more easily on extremely steep hills
than on level surfaces or small hills.Always check the terrain carefully before
you start up any hill. Never climb hills with
excessively slippery or loose surfaces.Shift your weight forward.Never open the throttle suddenly. The ATV
could flip over backwards.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.U4S264E0.book Page 13 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
7-15
7 Do not attempt to climb hills until you have mas-
tered basic maneuvers on flat ground. Always
check the terrain carefully before attempting any
hill. In all cases avoid inclines with slippery or loose
surfaces, or obstacles that might cause you to lose
control.
To climb a hill, you need traction, momentum, and
steady throttle. For more traction and control for
climbing steeper and/or rougher slopes, select the
“4WD” or 4WD-LOCK (“DIFF. LOCK”). Travel fast
enough to maintain momentum, but not so fast that
you cannot react to changes in the terrain as you
climb.
It is important when climbing a hill to make sure
that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV.
This can be accomplished by leaning forward and,
on steeper inclines, standing on the footboards
and leaning forward over the handlebars. Whenev-
er possible, ride straight up hills.
Slow down when you reach the crest of the hill if
you cannot see clearly what is on the other side –
there could be another person, an obstacle, or a
sharp drop-off. Use common sense and remember
that some hills are too steep for you to climb or de-
scend.If you are climbing a hill and you find that you have
not properly judged your ability to make it to the
top, you should turn the ATV around while you still
have forward motion (provided you have the room
to do so) and go down the hill.
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
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 either
brake abruptly. If you are in “2WD”, apply only the
front brake. When fully stopped, apply the rear
brake as well, and then lock the parking brake. If
you are in “4WD”, because all wheels are intercon-
nected by the drive train, applying either brake will
brake all wheels, therefore, avoid sudden applica-
tion of either the front or rear brake as the wheels
on the uphill side could come off the ground. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Apply both
the front and rear brakes gradually. When fully
stopped, lock the parking brake and dismount the
ATV immediately on the uphill side, or to a side if
pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and
U4S264E0.book Page 15 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM