wheel YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 2004 User Guide

7-39
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction while riding off-road
in 2WD or 4WD, the two rear wheels are mounted
solidly on one axle and turn together at the same
speed. Furthermore, when riding in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”), the front wheels also 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 turn-
ing technique 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.
WARNING
_ Always 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. Operate at a
slow speed and allow extra time and distance
for maneuvers when in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”). _
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7-41 1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.
1. Se pencher vers l’intérieur du virage.
2. S’appuyer sur le repose-pied extérieur.
1. Inclínese hacia el interior del giro.
2. Descanse su peso en el descansapie exterior.
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
outside of the turn (opposite your desired direc-
tion) 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.
This procedure should be practiced at slow speed
many times in a large off-road 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.
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7-51
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 either
brake abruptly. If you are in 2WD, apply only the
front brake. When this ATV is in 4WD or 4WD-
LOCK, all wheels (front and rear) are interconnect-
ed by the drive train. This means that applying ei-
ther the front brake or the rear brake will brake all
wheels. When descending hills, using either brake
lever or the brake pedal will brake the wheels on
the downhill side. Avoid sudden application of ei-
ther the front or rear brake because the wheels on
the uphill side could come off the ground. The ATV
could easily tip over backwards. Apply both the
front and rear brakes gradually, or dismount the
ATV immediately on the uphill side.
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7-55
RIDING DOWNHILL
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your
arms straight. Engine compression will do most of
the braking for you. For maximum engine com-
pression braking effect, select low range “L” and
change to 4WD or 4WD-LOCK before beginning
to descend the hill. Improper braking may cause a
loss of traction. Use caution while descending a hill
with loose or slippery surfaces. Braking ability and
traction may be adversely affected by these sur-
faces. Improper braking may also cause a loss of
traction.
When this ATV is in 4WD or 4WD-LOCK, all
wheels (front and rear) are interconnected by the
drive train. This means that applying either the
front brake or the rear brake will brake all wheels.
When descending hills, using either brake lever or
the brake pedal will brake the wheels on the down-
hill side. Avoid sudden application of either the
front or rear brake because the wheels on the up-
hill side could come off the ground. Apply both the
front and rear brakes gradually.
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7-59
CROSSING A SLOPE
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.
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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.
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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 7-39–7-43.)


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
7-39–7-43.)


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.)
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8-8
* Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the service.NOTE:

Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4


Brake fluid replacement:
When disassembling the master cylinders or caliper cylinders, replace the brake fluid. Normally
check the brake fluid level and add fluid as required.
On the inner parts of the master cylinders and caliper cylinders, replace the oil seals every two years.
Replace the brake hoses every four years, or if cracked or damaged.
V-belt*Check operation.
Check for cracks or damage.Wheels*Check balance/damage/runout.
Repair if necessary.Wheel bearing*Check bearing assemblies for looseness/damage.
Replace if damaged.Front and rear
suspension*Check operation.
Correct if necessary.Steering system*Check operation./Replace if damaged.
Check toe-in./Adjust if necessary.Drive shaft universal
joint*Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.Engine mount*
Check for cracks or damage.Axle boots*Check operation.
Replace if damaged.Fittings and fasteners*Check all chassis fittings and fasteners.
Correct if necessary.Lights and switches*Check operation.
Adjust headlight beams.
ITEM ROUTINEWhichever
comes firstINITIAL EVERY
km 320 1,200 2,400 2,400 4,800
hours 20 75 150 150 300
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8-89 a. Brake pad thickness
a.Épaisseur de plaquette de frein
a. Espesor de la pastilla del freno
EBU13770
Front brake pad check
Check the brake pads for damage and wear. If a
brake pad thickness is less than 1.0 mm, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the pads as a set.NOTE:_ The wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See pages 8-111–8-113 for removal
and installation procedures.) _
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8-91 1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1. Rainure d’indication d’usure de plaquette de frein
1. Ranura del indicador de desgaste de la pastilla del freno
EBU06212
Rear brake pad check
Check the brake pads for damage or wear. Wear
indicator grooves are provided on the brake pads.
These indicators allow checking of brake pad wear
without disassembling the brake. Check the wear
indicator grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the
point that the wear indicator grooves have almost
disappeared, ask a Yamaha dealer to replace the
pads as a set.NOTE:_ The wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See pages 8-111–8-113 for wheel re-
moval and installation procedures.) _
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