wheel YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 2006 Owners Manual

Axle boots ................................................ 8-42
Brake light switches ................................. 8-42
Checking and lubricating the cables ........ 8-43
Checking and lubricating the front and rear
brake levers .............................................. 8-43
Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal ........................................................ 8-44
Checking the wheel bearings ................... 8-44
Lubricating the drive shaft universal
joint ........................................................... 8-44
Lubricating the knuckle pivots .................. 8-45
Lubricating the knuckle shafts .................. 8-45
Lubricating the steering shaft ................... 8-45
Battery ...................................................... 8-45
Replacing a fuse ...................................... 8-47
Replacing a headlight bulb ....................... 8-48
Adjusting a headlight beam ...................... 8-50
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ............ 8-51
Removing a wheel .................................... 8-51
Installing a wheel ...................................... 8-52
Troubleshooting ....................................... 8-53
Troubleshooting charts ............................. 8-54
CLEANING AND STORAGE .......................... 9-1
Cleaning ..................................................... 9-1
Storage ....................................................... 9-2SPECIFICATIONS .......................................10-1
CONSUMER INFORMATION.......................11-1
Identification numbers ...............................11-1
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1
EBU17430
SAFETY INFORMATION
EBU17531AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARD-OUS TO OPERATE.
An ATV handles differently
from other vehicles including motorcycles and
cars. A collision or rollover can occur quickly, even
during routine maneuvers such as turning and
riding on hills or over obstacles, if you fail to take
proper precautions.
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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3-2
3
EBU17712Controls and instrumentsNOTE:The ATV you have purchased may differ slightlyfrom the figures shown in this manual.1. Rear brake lever
2. Left handlebar switches
3. Starter (choke)
4. Drive select lever
5. Main switch
6. Speedometer unit
7. Fuel tank cap
8. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch
9. Front brake lever
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4-2
4
EBU17810Indicator lights and warning light EBU17840Reverse indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the reverse position.NOTE:If the indicator light flashes or the speedometer
does not show the speed while riding, have aYamaha dealer check the speed sensor circuit.
EBU17860Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.EBU17920Coolant temperature warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs during operation, stop the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so and allow it to
cool down for about 10 minutes.CAUTION:ECB00010
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage tothe engine.EBU26590Four-wheel-drive indicator “”
This indicator comes on when the 2WD/4WD
switch is set to the 4WD position.
1. Coolant temperature warning light “”
2. Neutral indicator light “N”
3. Reverse indicator light “R”
4. Park indicator light “P”
5. Four-wheel-drive indicator “”U3C260E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, August 2, 2005 9:52 AM

4-5
4
EBU26600On-Command four-wheel-drive switch
“2WD”/“4WD”
This ATV is equipped with a switch to change from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice-versa.
Select the appropriate drive according to the ter-
rain and the conditions.
“2WD” (two-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear wheels.
“4WD” (four-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear and front wheels.
To change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“4WD” position. Then, the four-wheel-drive indica-
tor “” comes on in the speedometer unit display.
To change from four-wheel drive to two-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“2WD” position.
WARNING
EWB00160Always stop the ATV before changing from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice-
versa. The ATV handles differently in two-
wheel drive than in to four-wheel drive in some
circumstances. Changing from two-wheel
drive to four-wheel drive or vice-versa while
moving may cause the ATV to unexpectedly
handle differently. This could distract the oper-
ator and increase the risk of losing control andof causing an accident.1. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch “2WD”/“4WD”
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5-2
5
WARNING
EWB00480Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’sManual. Failure to inspect increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.Rear brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-36, 8-37, 8-40
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-5, 8-35
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-43
Wheels and tiresCheck wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-5, 5-6, 5-7
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-44
Brake leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-43
Axle bootsCheck for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-42
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7 ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
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6-6
6
EBU20820Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00860Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, stop the engine, shift the drive select
lever to the park position, and then block the
front and rear wheels with rocks or other ob-
jects.
Do not park the ATV at all on hills that are sosteep you could not walk up them easily.
1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the
brakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the brake pedal applied, shift the drive
select lever to the park position.
EBU20910Accessories and loading EBU20920Accessories
Accessories can affect the handling and control of
your ATV. Keep the following in mind when consid-
ering an accessory or operating an ATV which has
accessories.
Choose only accessories designed for your
ATV. Your Yamaha dealer has a variety of gen-
uine Yamaha accessories. Other accessories
may also be available on the market. However,
it is not possible for Yamaha to test all non-
Yamaha accessories, nor control over their qual-
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7-7
7 Loading and accessories
As originally equipped, this ATV is not designed to
carry cargo or tow a trailer. If you choose to add ac-
cessories so that you can carry cargo or tow a trail-
er, you must use common sense and good
judgment.
Use extra caution when riding the ATV with addi-
tional loads, such as accessories or cargo. The
ATV’s handling may be adversely affected. Re-
duce your speed when adding additional loads.
WARNING
EWB01460
Never exceed the stated load capacity for
this ATV.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached.
Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.

Always follow the instructions in your Own-
er’s Manual for carrying cargo or pulling atrailer.
During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during op-
eration, otherwise they may contact the rear
wheels.
WARNING
EWB01470Always keep both hands on the handlebars
and both feet on the footboards of your ATV
during operation. Removing even one hand or MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rider,
accessories, and tongue):
100.0 kg (220 lb)
Storage compartment:
2.0 kg (4 lb)
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7-8
7foot can reduce your ability to control the ATV
or could cause you to lose your balance and
fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot from a
footboard, your foot or leg may come into con-
tact with the rear wheels, which could injure
you or cause an accident.
Avoid wheelies and jumping. You may lose control
of the ATV or overturn.
WARNING
EWB01480Never attempt stunts, such as wheelies orjumps. Don’t try to show off.Modifications
WARNING
EWB01490Never modify this ATV through improper in-
stallation or use of accessories. All parts and
accessories added to this ATV should be gen-
uine Yamaha or equivalent components de-
signed for use on this ATV and should be
installed and used according to instructions.
Improper installation of accessories or modifi-
cation of this ATV may cause changes in han-
dling which in some situations could lead to an
accident. If you have questions, consult an au-thorized ATV dealer.
Exhaust system
The exhaust system on the ATV is very hot during
and following operation. To prevent burns, avoid
touching the exhaust system. Park the ATV in a
place where pedestrians or children are not likely
to touch it. Also, avoid parking in or around dry
grass, brush or other combustible materials to pre-
vent causing a fire hazard.
WARNING
EWB01500
Do not touch the hot exhaust system.
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7-12
7Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, and turning tech-
niques in this area before trying more difficult ter-
rain. Always avoid riding on paved surfaces: the
ATV is designed for use on unpaved surfaces only,
and handling maneuvers are more difficult to per-
form on pavement.
Shift to the park position and follow the instruction
on page 6-1 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your ATV.
Remember that the engine and exhaust pipe will
be hot when riding and afterwards; do not allow
skin or clothing to come in contact with these com-
ponents.With the engine idling, return the starter (choke) to
the closed position, and shift the drive select lever
into the forward position. Apply the throttle slowly
and smoothly. The centrifugal clutch will engage
and you will start to accelerate. If the throttle is ap-
plied too abruptly, the front wheels may lift off the
ground, resulting in a loss of directional control.
Avoid higher speeds until you are thoroughly famil-
iar with the operation of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the possi-
bility of an accident.
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning 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.
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