2012 YAMAHA YFM250R-W Owners Manual

2-3
2 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 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
EWB00072Avoid 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
and you can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can linger for hours or days in en-
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2-4
2closed or poorly ventilated areas. If you experi-
ence any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to
ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open
windows and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or par-
tially enclosed areas such as barns, garages,
or carports.
Do not run engine outdoors where engine
exhaust can be drawn into a building
through openings such as windows and
doors.
WARNING
EWB02591When transporting the ATV in another vehicle,
be sure it is kept upright and that the fuel cock
is in the “OFF” position. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out of the carburetor or fuel tank.U33B71E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

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3
EBU17680
DESCRIPTION
EBU17690Left view
EBU17700Right view
1. Headlight
2. Fuel cock
3. Starter (choke)
4. Throttle stop screw
5. Fuse
6. Tail/brake light
7. Shift pedal
7 123456
1. Spark arrester
2. Seat
3. Fuel tank cap
4. Steering lock
5. Oil filter element
6. Brake pedal
5 123
4
6
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3
EBU17712Controls and instruments
TIPThe ATV you have purchased may differ slightly
from the figures shown in this manual.
1. Clutch lever
2. Handlebar switches
3. Speedometer unit
4. Parking brake lever
5. Main switch
6. Engine stop switch
7. Throttle lever
8. Brake lever
1
4 2
3
5
7
6
8
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4
EBU17733
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EBU30700Main switch The positions of the main switch are as follows:
ON
All electrical systems are supplied with power. The
meter lighting, auxiliary light and taillight come on,
and the engine can be started. The key cannot be
removed.TIPThe headlight comes on when the light switch is
set to“” or“”.OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
1. Main switch
OFF ON
1
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4
EBU17793Indicator lights EBU27970Turn signal indicator light“”
This indicator light flashes when the turn signal
switch is pushed to the left or right.EBU17860Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.
EBU27980High beam indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the high beam
of the headlight is switched on.EBU28051Speedometer This speedometer is equipped with an odometer.
The odometer shows the total distance traveled.
1. High beam indicator light“”
2. Turn signal indicator light“”
3. Neutral indicator light “N”
3 2 1
1. Speedometer
2. Odometer
1 2
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4
EBU18061Handlebar switches
EBU18080Engine stop switch“/”
Set this switch to“” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch
to stop the engine in an emergency situation. The
engine will not start or run when this switch is set
to“”.EBU18101Start switch“”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er. See the starting instructions on page 6-1 prior
to starting the engine.
1. Light switch“//”
2. Start switch“”
3. Horn switch“”
4. Hazard switch“”
5. Turn signal switch“/”
12345
1. Engine stop switch“/”
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EBU28063Light switch“//”
Set the switch to“” to turn on the high beam.
Set this switch to“” to turn on the low beam.
Set the switch to“” to turn off the headlight.NOTICEECB00033Do not use the headlight with the engine turned
off for an extended period of time, otherwise
the battery may discharge to the point that the
starter motor will not operate properly. If this
should happen, remove the battery and re-
charge it. (See page 8-36.)EBU27990Turn signal switch“/”
To signal a right-hand turn, push this switch
to“”. To signal a left-hand turn, push this switch
to“”. When released, the switch returns to the
center position. To cancel the turn signal lights,
push the switch in after it has returned to the center
position.EBU18170Horn switch“”
Press the switch to sound the horn.
EBU28001Hazard switch“”
With the key in the “ON” position, use this switch to
turn on the hazard lights (simultaneous flashing of
all turn signal lights).
The hazard lights are used in case of an emergen-
cy or to warn other drivers when your vehicle is
stopped where it might be a traffic hazard.NOTICEECB00860Do not use the hazard lights for an extended
length of time with the engine not running, oth-
erwise the battery may discharge.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.
U33B71E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM