2018 YAMAHA YFZ50 stop start

6-3
6
EBU20292Starting a warm engineFollow 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.EBU36860Engine break-inTIP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 240 km (150 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 240 km (150 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. 0–120 km (0–75 mi) or 0–10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle.
Vary the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not oper-
ate it at one set throttle position.
120–240 km (75–150 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.
240 km (150 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICEECB00221If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV. EBU36370ParkingWhen parking the ATV, apply the rear brake lever,
stop the engine, apply the parking brake, and then
turn the fuel cock to “OFF”.
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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 throt-
tle changes, excessive braking, incorrect body
movements, or too much speed for the sharpness
of the turn may cause the ATV to tip. If the ATV be-
gins to tip over to the outside while negotiating a
turn, lean more to the inside. It may also be nec-
essary to gradually let off on the throttle and steer
to the outside 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
EWB01672Climbing hills improperly can cause overturns
or loss of control. Use proper riding techniques
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 exces-
sively slippery or loose surfaces.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.
1
2
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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. Travel fast enough to maintain mo-
mentum, 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. When-
ever 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 remem-
ber that some hills are too steep for you to climb
or descend.
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
uphill side. Physically turn the ATV around and
then descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply the
rear brake, and apply the front brake gradually.
The ATV could easily tip over backwards. When
fully stopped, apply the rear brake as well, and
then lock the parking brake. Dismount the ATV im-
OK
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7WHAT TO DO...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See page 7-12.)
 If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If
necessary, gradually let off the throttle and/or
steer to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-12.)
 If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See page 7-20.)
 If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side
of the ATV and physically turn the ATV around.
If the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT
USE THE REAR BRAKE – the ATV may tip over
on top of you. Dismount the ATV on the uphill
side. (See page 7-13.) 
If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-17.)
 If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when you
come out of the water. Do not continue to ride
your ATV until you have regained adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-18.)
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INDEX
AAccessories and loading ................................................ 6-5
Air filter element, cleaning ............................................ 8-16BBattery .......................................................................... 8-32
Brake lever free play, adjusting the front ..................... 8-23
Brake lever free play (rear), adjusting ........................... 8-25
Brake lever, front ............................................................ 4-5
Brake lever, rear ............................................................. 4-6
Brake levers, checking and lubricating ........................ 8-29
Brakes .......................................................................... 8-22
Brakes, front and rear .................................................... 5-3CCables, checking and lubricating ................................. 8-29
Carburetor, adjusting ...................................................8-20
Chassis fasteners ........................................................... 5-6
Cleaning ......................................................................... 9-1DDrive chain ..................................................................... 5-3
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating ........................... 8-28
Drive chain slack .......................................................... 8-26EEngine break-in .............................................................. 6-3
Engine, cold start ........................................................... 6-1
Engine idling speed ...................................................... 8-20
Engine oil .............................................................. 5-3, 8-11
Engine, starting a warm ................................................. 6-3
Engine stop switch ......................................................... 4-1
Engine stop switch with lanyard .................................... 4-2
FFront and rear brake shoes, checking ......................... 8-22
Front arm pivots, lubricating ........................................ 8-30
Front knuckle pivots, lubricating .................................. 8-31
Fuel ........................................................................ 4-8, 5-3
Fuel cock ...................................................................... 4-10
Fuel tank cap ................................................................. 4-8
Fuse, replacing ............................................................. 8-35HHandlebar switches ....................................................... 4-1IIdentification numbers ................................................. 11-1
Instruments and switches .............................................. 5-6KKickstarter ...................................................................... 4-7LLabel locations ............................................................... 1-1MMain switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................ 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................ 8-3
Model label .................................................................. 11-1OOwner’s manual and tool kit .......................................... 8-2PPanel, removing and installing ....................................... 8-9
Parking ........................................................................... 6-3
Parking brake ................................................................. 4-6
Parking on a slope ......................................................... 6-4
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