Start YAMAHA BEAR TRACKER 250 2004 Owner's Guide

7-37
With the engine idling, lift the shift pedal to the 1st
gear position and then release the parking brake.
Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly. The centrif-
ugal clutch will engage and you will start to accel-
erate. Once the ATV has attained adequate
speed, release the throttle and lift the shift pedal to
the 2nd gear position. Release the shift pedal and
apply the throttle smoothly. Use this same proce-
dure as you move into the higher gears. Be sure to
coordinate the use of the throttle and shift pedal
properly. If the throttle is applied too abruptly or if
the throttle is not released during shifting, or if the
shift pedal is not released before applying the
throttle, the front wheels may lift off the ground re-
sulting in a loss of directional control. Avoid higher
speeds until you are thoroughly familiar with the
operation of your ATV.CAUTION:_ Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-
cur. _
U4XE65.book Page 37 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-49
WARNING
_

Always follow proper procedures for
climbing hills as described in this Owner’s
Manual.


Always check the terrain carefully before
you start up any hill.


Never climb hills with excessively slippery
or loose surfaces.


Shift your weight forward.


Never open the throttle suddenly or make
sudden gear changes. The ATV could flip
over backwards.


Never go over the top of any hill at high
speed. An obstacle, a sharp drop, or anoth-
er vehicle or person could be on the other
side of the hill.
_
U4XE65.book Page 49 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-53
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 use the rear
brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, dis-
mount the ATV immediately on the uphill side.
U4XE65.book Page 53 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-59
WARNING
_ Always follow proper procedures for going
down hills as described in this Owner’s
Manual.
Note: a special technique is required when
braking as you go down a hill.

Always check the terrain carefully before
you start down any hill.


Shift your weight backward.


Never go down a hill at high speed.


Avoid going down a hill at an angle that
would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to
one side.
Go straight down the hill where possible.
_
U4XE65.book Page 59 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-71
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or slip-
pery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If unex-
pected and uncorrected, sliding could lead to an
accident.
To reduce the tendency for the front wheels to
slide in loose or slippery conditions, positioning
your weight over the front wheels will sometimes
help.
If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the slide.
U4XE65.book Page 71 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-75
WHAT TO DO IF ...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT 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 pages 7-41–7-45.)


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 pages
7-41–7-45.)


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 pages 7-71–7-73.)
U4XE65.book Page 75 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

7-77

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 pages 7-47–7-55.)


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 pages 7-61–7-63.)
U4XE65.book Page 77 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

8-1
EBU00516
1-PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENTPeriodic inspection, adjustment and lubrication will
keep your machine in the safest and most efficient
condition possible. Safety is an obligation of the
machine owner. The most important points of ma-
chine inspection, adjustment and lubrication are
explained on the following pages.
WARNING
Never service an engine while it is running.
Moving parts can catch clothing or parts of the
body, causing injury. Electrical components
can cause shocks or can start fires. Turn off
the engine when performing maintenance un-
less otherwise specified. Have a Yamaha deal-
er perform service if you are not familiar with
machine service.
U4XE65.book Page 1 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

8-7
EBU00262
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE/LUBRICATION
ITEM ROUTINEINITIAL EVERY
1
month3
months6
months6
months1
year
Valves*Check valve clearance.
Adjust if necessary.
Spark plugCheck condition.
Adjust gap and clean.
Replace if necessary.Air filter elementClean.
Replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours
(More often in wet or dusty areas.)
Carburetor*Check starter (choke) operation.
Adjust engine idling speed.Cylinder head breather
system*Check breather hose for cracks or damage.
Replace if necessary.Exhaust system*Check for leakage.
Retighten if necessary.
Replace gasket if necessary.Fuel line*Check fuel hose for cracks or damage.
Replace if necessary.Engine oil
Replace (Warm engine before draining).Engine oil filter element
Clean.Engine oil strainer
Clean.Final gear oilCheck oil level/oil leakage.
Replace.Front brake*Check operation/fluid leakage/see NOTE page 8-8.
Correct if necessary.Rear brake*Check operation.
Adjust if necessary.Clutch*Check operation.
Adjust if necessary.U4XE65.book Page 7 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM

8-9
FBU00262
ENTRETIENS ET GRAISSAGES PÉRIODIQUES
DESCRIPTION VÉRIFICATIONINITIAL TOUS LES
1 mois 3 mois 6 mois 6 mois 1 an
Soupapes*Contrôler le jeu.
Régler si nécessaire.
BougieContrôler l’état.
Régler l’écartement des électrodes et nettoyer.
Remplacer si nécessaire.Élément du filtre à airNettoyer.
Remplacer si nécessaire.Chaque 20 à 40 heures.
(Plus souvent dans des zones
très humides ou poussiéreuses.)
Carburateur*Contrôler le fonctionnement du starter.
Régler le régime de ralenti.Ventilation du
couvre-culasse*Contrôler l’état du reniflard.
Remplacer si elle craquelée ou endommagée.Système d’échappement*Contrôler s’il y a fuite.
Resserrer si nécessaire.
Remplacer le joint si nécessaire.Canalisation de
carburant*Contrôler que le flexible de carburant n’est ni craquelé ni autre-
ment endommagé.
Le remplacer si nécessaire.Huile de moteur
Changer. (Faire d’abord chauffer le moteur.)Élément du filtre à huile mo-
teurNettoyer.Crépine à huile moteur
Nettoyer.Huile de transmission
finaleContrôler le niveau et s’il y a fuite.
Changer.Frein avant*Contrôler le fonctionnement et l’étanchéité. Voir N.B. page 8-10.
Réparer si nécessaire.Frein arrière*Contrôler le fonctionnement.
Régler si nécessaire.Embrayage*Contrôler le fonctionnement.
Régler si nécessaire.U4XE65.book Page 9 Tuesday, May 6, 2003 1:38 PM