warning YAMAHA YFM250R-W 2012 User Guide

4-14
4To install the seat
Insert the projections on the front of the seat into
the seat holders and push down on the seat at the
rear. Make sure that the seat is securely fitted.
EBU18993Adjusting the front shock absorber as-
semblies The spring preload can be adjusted to suit the rid-
er’s weight and the riding conditions.
WARNING
EWB00400Always adjust the shock absorber assemblies
on the left and right side to the same setting.
Uneven adjustment can cause poor handling
and loss of stability, which could lead to an ac-
cident.Adjust the spring preload as follows.
Turn the spring preload adjusting ring in direction
(a) to increase the spring preload and thereby
harden the suspension, and in direction (b) to de-
crease the spring preload and thereby soften the
suspension.
Align the appropriate notch in the adjusting ring
with the position indicator on the shock absorber.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
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4-16
4
TIP
A special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment.
The spring preload setting is determined by
measuring distance A, shown in the illustration.
The shorter distance A is, the higher the spring
preload; the longer distance A is, the lower the
spring preload. With each complete turn of the
adjusting nut, distance A is changed by 1.0 mm
(0.04 in).
3. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.
NOTICE: Always tighten the locknut
against the adjusting nut, and then tighten
it to the specified torque.
[ECB00081]
WARNING
EWB00450This shock absorber assembly contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. If the shock absorb-
er assembly is damaged, it could explode
causing injury or property damage. Shock ab-
sorber cylinder damage could also result in
poor handling which could cause an accident.
1. Locknut
2. Spring preload adjusting nut
3. Distance A
2
1
(b) 3(a)
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
Distance A = 234.0 mm (9.21 in)
Standard:
Distance A = 230.0 mm (9.06 in)
Maximum (hard):
Distance A = 222.0 mm (8.74 in)
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
42 Nm (4.2 m·kgf, 30 ft·lbf)
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5-1
5
EBU19201
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EBU19224Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always
follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWB00481Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equip-
ment damage. Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected
by the procedures provided in this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank, and add recommended fuel if neces-
sary.
Check fuel line for leakage. Correct if necessary.4-9, 5-3
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine, and add recommended oil to specified lev-
el if necessary.
Check ATV for oil leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-11
Front brakeCheck 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, 8-22, 8-23, 8-25
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5-4
5
EBU19770Drive chain Check the condition of the drive chain and check
the drive chain slack. Lubricate and adjust the
drive chain as necessary. (See page 8-29.)EBU28083Tires Check tire pressure regularly to make sure it is at
the recommended specifications. Also check for
wear and damage.
Tire pressure
Use the low-pressure tire gauge to check and ad-
just tire pressures when the tires are cold. Tire
pressures must be equal on both sides.
WARNING! Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause severe injury
or death from loss of control or rollover. Tire
pressure below the minimum specified could
also cause the tire to dislodge from the rim un-
der severe riding conditions.
[EWB02541]
Set tire
pressures to the following specifications:The low-pressure tire gauge is included as stan-
dard equipment. Make two measurements of the
tire pressure and use the second reading. Dust or
dirt in the gauge could cause the first reading to be
incorrect.Recommended tire pressure:
Fron t
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Rear
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Minimum tire pressure:
Fron t
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm², 3.6 psi)
Rear
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm², 3.6 psi)
Maximum tire seating pressure:
Fron t
250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear
250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
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5-5
5
Tire wear limit
When the tire groove decreases to 3 mm (0.12 in)
due to wear, replace the tire.Tire information
This ATV is equipped with tubeless tires with
valves.
WARNING
EWB02551Use of improper tires on this ATV may cause
loss of control, increasing your risk of an acci-
dent.After extensive tests, only the tires listed below
have been approved for this model by MBK
INDUSTRIE.
1. Low-pressure tire gauge
1. Tire wear limit
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6-1
6
EBU19881
OPERATION
EBU19901Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV. If there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB00631Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury.EBU20184Starting a cold engine NOTICEECB00150See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time.1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the key to “ON” and the engine stop
switch to“”.4. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral
indicator light should come on. If the indicator
light does not come on, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the electrical circuit.
TIPThis model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions.
The transmission is in neutral.
The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift into
neutral before starting the engine.5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:
Position (1):
Cold engine start with ambient temperature
below 5 °C (40 °F).
Position (2):
Cold engine start with ambient temperature
between 0 °C (30 °F) and 30 °C (90 °F).
Position (3):
Cold engine start with ambient temperature
above 25 °C (80 °F).
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6-3
6
EBU20522Shifting This ATV has a 5-speed forward transmission. The
transmission allows you to control the amount of
power you have available at a given speed or for
starting, accelerating, climbing hills, etc.
To shift into neutral, release the throttle lever, ap-
ply the clutch, and then repeatedly depress the
shift pedal until it stops.
When it stops, it will be in first gear. Raise the pedal
slightly to reach the neutral position, and then re-
lease the clutch.
EBU28112To start out and accelerate
1. Release the throttle lever, and then release
the parking brake.NOTICEECB00200Always close the throttle before shifting gears,
otherwise damage to the engine and drive train
may result.2. Pull the clutch lever to disengage the clutch.
3. Shift into first gear.
4. Open the throttle gradually and at the same
time, release the clutch lever slowly.
WARNING! Opening the throttle abruptly
or releasing the clutch lever too quickly
could make the ATV wheelie, which would
increase the chance of an accident, includ-
ing an overturn.
[EWB00731]
WARNING
EWB02401Stones or mud may come off the rear tires and
be thrown backwards when starting or acceler-
ating. Use caution when starting out or acceler-
ating when others are behind the ATV.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3 4 5N1
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6-4
6 5. Once the ATV has attained adequate speed,
release the throttle, and at the same time,
quickly pull in the clutch lever.
6. Shift the transmission into second gear.
(Make sure not to shift the transmission into
neutral.)
7. Open the throttle part way and gradually re-
lease the clutch lever.
8. Follow the same procedure when shifting to
the next higher gear.
EBU20650To decelerate
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.
WARNING
EWB00710Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could make the wheels stop rotating and losetraction. This could cause loss of control, an
accident and injury. It could also cause engine
or drive train damage.
NOTICEECB00180
Even with the transmission in the neutral po-
sition, do not coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not tow the ATV
for long distances. The transmission is prop-
erly lubricated only when the engine is run-
ning. Inadequate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch when changing gears.
The engine, transmission and drive train are
not designed to withstand the shock of
forced shifting and can be damaged by shift-
ing without using the clutch.EBU20672Engine break-in TIP
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.
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6-6
6
EBU20865Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00851Avoid 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, shift into first gear, stop the engine, ap-
ply the parking brake, and then block the front
and rear wheels with rocks or other objects.
Never park the ATV on hills that are too steep
to walk up easily.1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the front
brake, shift into first gear, and then stop the
engine.
2. With the front and rear brakes applied, apply
the parking brake.
3. Release the front and rear brakes.
4. Turn the fuel cock to “OFF”.
EBU20910Accessories and loading EBU20921Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your ATV is an important
decision. Genuine Yamaha Accessories, which
are available only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved by Yamaha
for use on your ATV. Many companies with no con-
nection to Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for Yamaha
vehicles. Yamaha is not in a position to test the
products that these aftermarket companies pro-
duce. Therefore, Yamaha can neither endorse nor
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6-7
6recommend the use of accessories not sold by
Yamaha or modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and installed by
a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket parts, accessories, and modifica-
tions
While you may find aftermarket products similar in
design and quality to genuine Yamaha Accesso-
ries, recognize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable because of poten-
tial safety hazards to you or others. Installing after-
market products or having other modifications
performed to your ATV that change any of the ve-
hicle’s design or operation characteristics can put
you and others at greater risk of serious injury or
death. You are responsible for injuries related to
changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following in mind when considering an
accessory or operating an ATV which has acces-
sories.

Accessories should be rigidly and securely
mounted. An accessory which can shift position
or come off while you are riding could affect your
ability to control the ATV.

Do not mount an accessory where it could inter-
fere with your ability to control the ATV. Exam-
ples include (but are not limited to) a heavy or
bulky object attached to the handlebars which
could make steering difficult, an accessory that
limits your ability to move around on the seat, or
one that limits your view.
Use extra caution when riding an ATV with ac-
cessories. The ATV may handle differently than
it does without accessories.EBU20941Loading
WARNING
EWB00820Never exceed the stated load capacity for this
ATV. Overloading this ATV or carrying or tow-
ing cargo improperly could cause changes in
ATV handling which could lead to an accident.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached. Reduce speed when carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow greater dis-
tance for braking.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-
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