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6-3
6
EBU20291Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for starting 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.EBU20382Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse NOTICEECB00170Before shifting, stop the ATV, otherwise the
transmission may be damaged.Shifting: Forward1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift from neutral to forward and vice versa by moving the drive select lever along the shift
guide.TIPMake sure that the drive select lever is completely
shifted into position.
4. Open the throttle lever gradually.
Shifting: Reverse
WARNING
EWB00720Improper operation in reverse could make you
hit an obstacle or even a person behind you,
resulting in serious injury. When you shift into
reverse, make sure there are no people or ob-
stacles behind you. When it is safe to proceed,
go slowly.1. Drive select lever
2. F (Forward)
3. N (Neutral)
4. R (Reverse)
1
F2
N3R4
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6-4
61. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift from neutral to reverse and vice versa by
moving the drive select lever along the shift
guide.
TIPWhen in reverse, the reverse indicator light should
come on. If the indicator light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical circuit.
4. Check behind for people or obstacles, andthen release the brake pedal.
5. Open the throttle lever gradually and continue to watch to the rear while backing.EBU20682Engine break-in TIP●For 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. F (Forward)
3. N (Neutral)
4. R (Reverse)
1
F2
N3R4
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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, and 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.
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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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Page 91 of 144
8-8
8
EBU28391TIP●Some maintenance items need more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet, dusty, sandy or
muddy areas, or at full-throttle.●Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinder and calipers, and changethe brake fluid.
Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.23 *Front and rear brake
switches Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√√
24 *Lights and switches Check operation and correct if necessary.
Adjust headlight beams.
√√√√√
NO. ITEM
CHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOB INITIAL EVERY
Whichev- er comes first month136612
km
(mi) 320
(200) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U1NS61E0.book Page 8 Tuesday, May 15, 2012 5:19 PM
Page 92 of 144
8-9
8
EBU23213Checking 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 plug1. 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 cap
1. Spark plug wrench
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8-23
82. Remove the tailpipe by pulling it out of the
muffler.
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. Insert the tailpipe into the muffler and align the
bolt holes.
5. Install the tailpipe bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.
1. Tailpipe bolt
2. Tailpipe
1. Tailpipe
2. Spark arresterTightening torque:Tailpipe bolt:10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
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8-35
84. Tighten the locknut at the brake lever.
5. Check gap “A” again and, if necessary, adjust
it.
TIPWhen adjusting the rear brake lever free play:●Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.●Make sure the brake pedal does not move.
EBU24230Axle boots The axle boots must be checked for damage at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Check the axle boots for tears or
damage. If any damage is found, have them re-
placed by a Yamaha dealer.EBU29881Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake levers, should come on just be-
fore braking takes effect.
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
1. Axle boot (each side)
1 1
U1NS61E0.book Page 35 Tuesday, May 15, 2012 5:19 PM