2016 YAMAHA VIKING Owners Manual

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1XD-F8446-00
Be Prepared
Adjust, lock and never remove handhold.
Always use handhold, Never hold cage.
Always wear seatbelt and helmet.13
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EBU31150
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATION
EBU33300Be a responsible owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are responsible for the safe and proper operation of your Yamaha
Viking. While understanding all parts of this manual are important for vehicle ownership, be sure
to read this chapter and the instructions in Chapter 7 before operating your Yamaha Viking. Also
use these two chapters an d the labels on the vehicle to instruct new operators and passengers.
Do not allow anyone else to operate your vehicl e or ride as a passenger if you are unsure that
he/she is willing and able to follow these instructions.
Get to know your vehicle
This off-road vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from cars, ATVs, go-carts, golf-cars
and grounds-keeping vehicles. Follow these instructions to reduce your risk of an accident and
to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.UB427AE0.book Page 1 Monday, May 18, 2015 9:17 AM

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Before you operate your Yamaha Viking
Prepare yourself and your passengers:
• This vehicle is intended for use only by an op erator 16 or older with a valid motor vehicle li-
cense. Check country laws fo r minimum age requirements.
• This vehicle is designed to carry the driver and two passengers. Never carry passengers in
the cargo bed.
• The driver and passengers should wear seat belts properly.
• The driver and passengers must be able to pu t both feet flat on the floorboard while seated
upright with their backs against the backrests. The passengers must be able to reach and
hold the passenger handhold within the cage/frame.
• The driver and passengers should wear an ap proved motorcycle helmet that fits properly.
The driver and passengers should also wear eye protection (goggles or a face shield), gloves,
over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and long pants.
DRIVER
UNDER
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• Do not drive or ride as a passenger after using drugs or alcohol.
Prepare your vehicle
Perform the pre-operation checks each time you use the vehicle to make sure it is in safe oper-
ating condition. Failure to inspect or maintain th e vehicle properly increases the possibility of an
accident or equipment damage. See page 5-1 for a list of pre-operation checks.
Prepare your load or trailer
Carrying loads, towing a trailer, or pulling object s can affect handling, stability, and cause the risk
of overturns or other accidents.
 Read Chapter 6 before loading, towing, or pulling objects.
 Do not overload the vehicle or trailer. Refer to label in cargo bed for cargo bed load limit. Refer
to label next to hitch for tongue weight and trailer load limits.
 Keep weight in the cargo bed centered side to side, and as low and as far forward as possible.
 Secure cargo so that it will not shift – a loose load could change handling unexpectedly or be
thrown forward and strike occupants.
While using your Yamaha Viking
 Keep your body completely inside the vehicle at all times. Keep both hands on the steering
wheel. Be sure the passengers are seated, belted, and holding onto the passenger handhold.
Close doors before driving. Any part of your body (arms, legs, and head) outside the vehicle
can be struck by objects your vehicle is passin g or crushed by the vehicle cage/frame in a roll-
over accident.
 Watch for branches, brush, or other hazards that could enter the vehicle.
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Abrupt maneuvers or aggressive driving, even on flat, open areas, can cause loss of control,
including rollovers. The Viking has higher gro und clearance and other features to handle rug-
ged terrain, and, as a result, can overturn in situations where some other vehicles may not.
 Avoid rollovers:
• Use care when turning:
• Turning the steering wheel too far or too fast can result in a rollover.
• Avoid sideways sliding, skidding, or back-wheel sliding, and never do donuts.
• Slow down before entering a turn and avoid hard braking in a turn.
• When making tight turns from a stop or at sl ow speeds, avoid sudden or hard acceleration.
• Drive straight up and down inclines, not across them. If crossing a hill is unavoidable, drive
slowly and turn downhill immediately if you feel the vehicle may tip.
• Avoid paved surfaces. Turn gradually and go slowly if you must drive on pavement. This
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If you think or feel that the vehicle may tip or ro ll, keep your body completely inside the protec-
tive structure of the vehicle:
• Brace yourself by pressing your feet firmly on the floorboard and keep a firm grip on the
steering wheel or passenger handhold.
• Do not put your hands or feet outside of the vehicle for any reason. Your arm or leg could be
crushed.
• Do not try to stop a vehicle tipover using your arm or leg.
 Do not operate this vehicle on any public street, road, or highway, even if dirt or gravel.
 Do not operate the vehicle in fast-flowing water or water deeper than 37 cm (15 in). If you must
cross shallow, slow-moving water, choose your path carefully to avoid sharp drop-offs, large
rocks, or slippery surfaces. Operating this vehi cle through deep or fast-flowing water can lead
to loss of control or overturn. To reduce your risk of drowning or other injuries, use care when
crossing through water.
 When loaded with cargo or towing a trailer:
• Reduce speed, operate in low gear only, and allow more room to stop.
• Avoid hills and rough terrain. Use extreme caution when towing or carrying a load on inclines.
• Load trailer properly and use extra care when towing or pulling.
 Do not tow or pull objects from any part of the vehicle other than the trailer hitch bracket or
winch (if installed).
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and eventually death.UB427AE0.book Page 5 Monday, May 18, 2015 9:17 AM

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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 enclosed or poor ly-ventilated areas. If you experience any symp-
toms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave th e area immediately, get fresh air, and SEEK MED-
ICAL TREATMENT.
 Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open win-
dows and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or partia lly enclosed areas such as barns, garages, or
carports.
 Do not run engine outdoors where engine exhaust can be drawn into a building through open-
ings such as windows and doors.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your Viking is an important decision. Genuine Yamaha Accessories,
which are available only from a Yamaha dealer, have been designed, tested, and approved by
Yamaha for use on your Viking. Many companies with no connect ion to Yamaha manufacture parts and accessories or offer oth-
er modifications for Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is no t in a position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce. Therefore, Yamaha can neither endorse nor recommend the
use of accessories not sold by Yamaha or modifications not specifically recommended by
Yamaha, even if sold and installed by a Yamaha dealer.UB427AE0.book Page 6 Monday, May 18, 2015 9:17 AM

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Aftermarket parts, accessories, and modifications
While you may find aftermarket products similar in design and quality to genuine Yamaha Acces-
sories, recognize that some aftermarket accessories or modifications are not suitable because
of potential safety hazards to yo u or others. Installing aftermarket products or having other mod-
ifications performed to your Viking that change any of the vehicle’s design or operation charac-
teristics can put you and others at greater risk of serious injury or death. You are responsible for
injuries related to changes in the vehicle.
Aftermarket tires and rims
The tires and rims that came with your Viking were designed to match the performance capabil-
ities and to provide the best combination of handli ng, braking, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be appropriate. Refe r to page 8-40 for tire specifications and more
information on replacing your tires.UB427AE0.book Page 7 Monday, May 18, 2015 9:17 AM