boot YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 2012 Owners Manual

Parking ....................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-5
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-6
RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV............... 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD JUDGMENT .............................................. 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE ............. 7-9
TURNING YOUR ATV .............................. 7-12
CLIMBING UPHILL ................................... 7-13
RIDING DOWNHILL.................................. 7-16
CROSSING A SLOPE............................... 7-17
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER ................................................... 7-18
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN ........... 7-21
SLIDING AND SKIDDING ......................... 7-21
WHAT TO DO IF... .................................... 7-22
WHAT TO DO... ........................................ 7-23
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ............................................... 8-1 Owner’s manual and tool kit ....................... 8-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system ........................... 8-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart ......................................................... 8-5 Removing and installing panels ................8-10
Removing the radiator grills ......................8-20
Checking the spark plug ...........................8-20
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................8-22
Final gear oil .............................................8-27
Differential gear oil ....................................8-29
Coolant .....................................................8-32
Cleaning the air filter element ...................8-39
Cleaning the spark arrester ......................8-42
V-belt case drain plug ...............................8-44
Adjusting the throttle lever free play .........8-45
Valve clearance ........................................8-46
Adjusting the drive select lever safety
system cable ...........................................8-46
Brakes .......................................................8-46
Checking the front and rear brake pads ...8-46
Checking the rear brake hose protectors ................................................8-47
Checking the brake fluid level ...................8-48
Changing the brake fluid ...........................8-49
Checking the front and rear brake lever free play ..................................................8-50
Adjusting the brake pedal free play ..........8-50
Axle boots .................................................8-52
Checking and lubricating the cables .........8-53
Checking and lubricating the front and rear brake levers .....................................8-53
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2-1
2
EBU17431
SAFETY INFORMATION
EBU27252AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARD-OUS TO OPERATE.An ATV handles differently from other vehicles, in-
cluding motorcycles and cars. A collision or roll-
over can occur quickly, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and riding on hills or
over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precau-
tions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do
not follow these instructions:
Read this manual and all labels carefully and fol-
low the operating procedures described.
Never operate an ATV without proper training or
instruction.
Always follow the age recommendation:
– A child under 16 years old should never oper-
ate an ATV with engine size greater than 90 cc.
Never allow a child under age 16 to operate an
ATV without adult supervision, and never allow
continued use of an ATV by a child if he or she
does not have the abilities to operate it safely.

Never carry a passenger on an ATV.
Always avoid operating an ATV on any paved
surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, park-
ing lots and paved streets.
Never operate an ATV on any paved street,
paved road or motorway.
Watch carefully for other vehicles when operat-
ing on unpaved public streets or roads. Make
sure you know your country ’s laws and regula-
tions before you ride on unpaved public streets
or roads.
Never operate an ATV without wearing an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection (goggles or face
shield), gloves, boots, a long-sleeved shirt or a
jacket, and long pants.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while
operating this ATV.
Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills
or the riding conditions. Always go at a speed
that is proper for the terrain, visibility, operating
conditions, and your experience.
Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
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5-2
5
Front brake
Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
 Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add specified brake fluid to
specified level if necessary.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-46, 8-48, 8-50
Rear brake 
Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
 Check pedal free play, and adjust if necessary.
 Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
 Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add specified brake fluid to
specified level if necessary.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-46, 8-48, 8-50,
8-50
Throttle lever 
Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
 Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary. 5-4, 8-45
Control cables Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-53
Wheels and tires 
Check wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
 Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
 Check air pressure. Correct if necessary. 5-4
Brake pedal 
Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary. 8-54
Brake levers 
Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary. 8-53
Axle boots Check for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-52
Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switches 
Check operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
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7-4
7Apparel
Always wear the following to reduce risk of injury in
an accident:

Approved motorcycle helmet that fits properly
Eye protection (goggles, helmet face shield, or
protective eyewear)
Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, long-sleeved shirt
or jacket, and long pants
An approved helmet and other personal protective
equipment can reduce the severity of injuries in an
accident. WARNING! Operating without an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet increases your
chances of a severe head injury or death in the
event of an accident.
[EWB01411]
Wear eye protection when operating your ATV to
reduce the risk of a serious accident or injury. Eye
protection, such as a face shield or goggles, may
reduce the risk of foreign material getting in your
eyes and help prevent loss of vision. WARNING!
Operating without eye protection can result in
an accident and increases your chances of a
severe injury in the event of an accident.[EWB02611]
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7-5
7
Do not operate after or while consuming alco-
hol or drugs.
The operator ’s performance capability is reduced
by the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consuming al-
cohol or drugs could seriously affect your judg-
ment, cause you to react more slowly, and affect
your balance and perception. WARNING! Never
consume alcohol or drugs before or while driv-
ing this ATV. You increase your chance of an
accident.
[EWB01421]
Pre-operation checks
Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to
make sure the ATV is in safe operating condition.
Perform the pre-operation checks listed on page
5-1. Always follow the inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in the Own-
er ’s Manual. WARNING! Failure to inspect the
ATV before operating it and to maintain it prop-
erly increases the possibility of an accident or
equipment damage.
[EWB01431]
Speed limiter
For riders less experienced with this model, the
throttle lever housing is equipped with a speed lim-
iter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from fully
1. Protective clothing
2. Goggles
3. Gloves
4. Boots
5. HelmetU1HS60E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM

8-7
8
10*Chassis fasteners 
Make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened. √√√√√
11 *Shock absorber as-
semblies 
Check operation and correct if necessary.
 Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary. √√√
12 *Stabilizer bushes 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√
13 *Rear knuckle pivots Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. √√√
14 *Steering shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. √√√
15 *Steering system 
Check operation and repair or replace if damaged.
 Check toe-in and adjust if necessary. √√√√√
16 *Engine mount 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√
17 *Axle boots 
Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√√√
18 Engine oil 
Change.
 Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary. √ √√√
19 Engine oil filter car-
tridge 
Replace. √√√
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 320U1HS60E0.book Page 7 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 7:53 PM

8-52
8
6. Install the panel.
If the correct free play cannot be obtained, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust it.
TIPWhen adjusting the rear brake pedal free play:
Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.
Make sure the rear brake lever and brake pedal
do 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.
1. Brake pedal cable joint
2. Slight play (0.1 –0.5 mm [0.004– 0.02 in])
1
2
1. Front axle boot (each side)
1
1
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8-53
8
EBU24902Checking and lubricating the cables The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
WARNING
EWB02581
Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could
restrict the operation of controls and lead to
an accident or injury.
Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision.EBU24912Checking and lubricating the front and
rear brake levers The operation of the front and rear brake levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
1. Rear axle boot (each side)Recommended lubricant:Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or engine oil
1
1
Recommended lubricant:
Silicone grease
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INDEX
AAccessories and loading ................................................ 6-6
Accessories, auxiliary jack ........................................... 4-23
Air filter element, cleaning ............................................ 8-39
Axle boots .................................................................... 8-52BBattery .......................................................................... 8-56
Brake fluid, changing ................................................... 8-49
Brake fluid level, checking ........................................... 8-48
Brake hose protectors, checking the rear .................... 8-47
Brake lever, front .......................................................... 4-14
Brake levers, checking and lubricating ........................ 8-53
Brake pads, checking the front and rear ...................... 8-46
Brake pedal and rear brake lever ................................. 4-14
Brake pedal, checking and lubricating ......................... 8-54
Brake pedal free play, adjusting ................................... 8-50
Brakes .......................................................................... 8-46
Brakes, front and rear .................................................... 5-3CCables, checking and lubricating ................................. 8-53
Carrier, front ................................................................. 4-21
Carrier, rear .................................................................. 4-21
Chassis fasteners .......................................................... 5-7
Cleaning ......................................................................... 9-1
Coolant .................................................................. 5-3, 8-32
Coolant temperature warning light ................................. 4-3DDifferential gear oil ................................................ 5-3, 8-29Drive select lever ......................................................... 4-15
Drive select lever and driving in reverse ........................ 6-2
Drive select lever safety system cable, adjusting ........ 8-46
EEngine break-in .............................................................. 6-4
Engine oil ....................................................................... 5-3
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................................... 8-22
Engine stop switch ......................................................... 4-7
Engine trouble warning light .......................................... 4-3
EPS warning light (for EPS model) ................................ 4-3FFinal gear oil ......................................................... 5-3, 8-27
Four-wheel-drive/differential gear lock indicator ............ 4-4
Front and rear brake lever free play, checking ............ 8-50
Fuel ....................................................................... 4-16, 5-3
Fuel tank cap ............................................................... 4-15
Fuses, replacing .......................................................... 8-59HHandlebar switches ....................................................... 4-7
Headlight beam, adjusting ........................................... 8-63
Headlight bulb, replacing ............................................. 8-61
High-range indicator light ............................................... 4-2
Horn switch .................................................................... 4-8IIdentification numbers .................................................. 11-1
Indicator lights and warning lights .................................. 4-2
Instruments, lights and switches .................................... 5-7
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