2011 YAMAHA PW50 light

SAFETY INFORMATION
2-4
2 cornering clearance, limit suspen-
sion travel, steering travel or con-
trol operation.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution. If accesso-
ries are added to the handlebar
or front fork area, they must be
as lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.


Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, anelectric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 7-12 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
Transporting the motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.


Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.


Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.


Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.


Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).


Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.


The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
U5PG8AE0.book Page 4 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-3
4
EAU12950
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.
EAU13212
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. 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
U5PG8AE0.book Page 3 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-7
4
EAU13680
Kickstarter To start the engine, fold out the kick-
starter lever, move it down lightly with
your foot until the gears engage, and
then push it down smoothly but force-
fully.
EAU40920
Seat To remove the seat
1. Remove the mudguard by remov-
ing the bolts and washers.
2. Pull the seat off.
To install the seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of
the seat into the seat holder as
shown.2. Place the seat in the original posi-
tion.
3. Install the mudguard by installing
the washers and bolts.
TIPMake sure that the seat is properly se-
cured before riding.
1. Kickstarter
1
1. Bolt and washer
2. Mudguard
1
2
1. Seat holder
2. Projection
1
2
U5PG8AE0.book Page 7 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-1
6
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU40888
Starting and warming up a
cold engine 1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “O” (on).
2. Set the engine stop switch to
“START”.
3. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 4-6.)
4. While applying the front or rear
brake, start the engine by pushing
the kickstarter lever down.
5. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.
NOTICE: For maximum engine
life, never accelerate hard when
the engine is cold!
[ECA11041]
6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off and set the en-
gine stop switch to “RUN”.TIPThe engine is warm when it responds
quickly to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
EAU16660
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm. Instead, start
the engine with the throttle slightly
open.TIPIf the engine does not start after several
kicks, try again with the throttle 1/4 to
1/2 open.
U5PG8AE0.book Page 1 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-5
7
TIPThe air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.10
*Transmission oil
Check for oil leakage .Correct if necessary.Change.
11
*Front and rear brake
lever pivot
Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly.
12
*
Centerstand pivot
Check operation.Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly.
13
*Shock absorber
assemblies
Check operation and for oil leakage.Replace if necessary.
14
*Control cables
Apply Yamaha chain and cable lube or engine oil
10W-30 lightly.
15
*Throttle grip housing
and cable
Check operation and free play.Apply Yamaha chain and cable lube or engine oil
10W-30 lightly. NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBINITIALTHEREAFTER
EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months12
months
7*Check for grease leakage.Check gears for damage and wear.Lubricate gears with lithium-soap-based grease.Every 2 years
8*Chassis fastenersCorrect if necessary.
A 9*utolube pumpCheck operation.Correct if necessary. Middle and final gear
cases
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners.
U5PG8AE0.book Page 5 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-6
7
EAU19604
Checking 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 accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plug can re-
veal 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 includ-
ed 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 medium-to-light tan
(the ideal color when the vehicle is
ridden normally).
TIPIf the spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be oper-
ating improperly. Do not attempt to
diagnose such problems yourself. In-
stead, have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.
2. Check the spark plug for electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, and replace it if
necessary.
3. Measure the spark plug gap with a
wire thickness gauge and, if nec-
essary, adjust the gap to specifica-
tion.
1. Spark plug cap
1
1. Spark plug wrench
1
Specified spark plug:
NGK/BPR4HS
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
1
U5PG8AE0.book Page 6 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-10
7 5. Insert the sponge material into the
air filter case. NOTICE: Make sure
that the sponge material is prop-
erly seated in the air filter case.
The engine should never be op-
erated without the sponge mate-
rial installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.
[ECA15621]
6. Install the air filter case cover by in-
stalling the screw.
7. Install the seat.
EAU41221
Cleaning the spark arrester The spark arrester should be cleaned
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
WARNING
EWA10980


Always let the exhaust system
cool prior to touching exhaust
components.


Do not start the engine when
cleaning the exhaust system.
1. Remove the tailpipe by removing
the screw, and then pulling it out of
the muffler.2. Tap the tailpipe lightly, and then
use a wire brush to remove any
carbon deposits from the spark ar-
rester portion of the tailpipe and in-
side of the tailpipe housing.
3. Insert the tailpipe into the muffler,
and then install and tighten the
screw.
TIPMake sure to align the screw hole when
inserting the tailpipe.
Recommended oil:
Yamaha foam air filter oil or other
quality foam air filter oil
1. Tailpipe
2. Screw
3. Muffler1
2
3
1. Spark arrester
1
U5PG8AE0.book Page 10 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-21
76. Remove the exhaust manifold
bolts, and then remove the ex-
haust chamber, the power reduc-
tion plate and the gasket.
7. Remove the right-side rear shock
absorber mounting bolt and then
tilt the rear shock absorber upward
as shown.8. Remove the axle nut while apply-
ing the rear brake.
9. Remove the rear arm by removing
the nuts and washers.10. Pull the wheel to the right to sepa-
rate it from the final gear case, and
then remove the wheel.
EAU41522
To install the rear wheel
1. Apply a light coating of lithium-
soap-based grease to the splines
of the final gear case and wheel
hub.
2. Install the wheel by inserting it into
the wheel hub.
3. Install the rear arm by installing the
washers and nuts.
4. Install the axle nut.
1. Exhaust manifold bolt
1
1. Rear shock absorber mounting bolt
1. Axle nut
1
1
1. Rear arm
2. Washer
3. Rear arm nut
1
2
3
U5PG8AE0.book Page 21 Thursday, April 8, 2010 8:37 AM