maintenance YAMAHA YFM350R 2008 Owners Manual

EBU17170
INTRODUCTION
EBU17320Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YFM35RX. This ATV represents the result of many years
of Yamaha experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. With the
purchase of this Yamaha, you can now appreciate the high degree of craftsmanship and reliability that have
made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will provide you with a good basic understanding of the features and operation of this ATV.
This manual includes important safety information. It provides information about special tech-
niques and skills necessary to ride the ATV. It also includes basic maintenance and inspection proce-
dures. If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your ATV, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:
READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR ATV. MAKE SURE YOU UNDER-
STAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WARNING AND CAUTION LABELS ON THE ATV.
THIS ATV, AND ANY OTHER ATV OVER 90 cc, SHOULD NOT BE RIDDEN BY ANYONE UNDER 16
YEARS OF AGE.
THIS ATV IS A HIGH-PERFORMANCE ATV FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY, FOR SPORT-TYPE REC-
REATIONAL AND COMPETITIVE USE BY EXPERIENCED OPERATORS.
U5YT64E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 1:03 PM

Starting a warm engine .............................. 6-3
Operating the drive select lever and
driving in reverse ...................................... 6-3
Shifting ....................................................... 6-4
Engine break-in .......................................... 6-6
Parking ....................................................... 6-6
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-7
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-8
RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV............... 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND
GOOD JUDGEMENT ................................ 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE ............. 7-9
TURNING YOUR ATV .............................. 7-13
CLIMBING UPHILL ................................... 7-14
RIDING DOWNHILL.................................. 7-17
CROSSING A SLOPE............................... 7-18
CROSSING THROUGH
SHALLOW WATER................................. 7-19
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN ........... 7-21
SLIDING AND SKIDDING ......................... 7-22
WHAT TO DO IF... .................................... 7-23
WHAT TO DO... ........................................ 7-23PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR .............................................8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit .......................8-1
Periodic maintenance chart
for the emission control system ................8-3
General maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................................8-5
Checking the spark plug .............................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter element .................8-11
Cleaning the air filter element ...................8-14
Cleaning the spark arrester ......................8-18
Adjusting the carburetor ............................8-19
Adjusting the engine idling speed .............8-20
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .........8-21
Valve clearance ........................................8-21
Checking the front and rear brake pads ...8-22
Checking the brake fluid level ...................8-23
Changing the brake fluid ...........................8-24
Checking the front brake lever free play ...8-24
Checking the brake pedal position ............8-25
Adjusting the parking brake free play .......8-26
Brake light switches ..................................8-27
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ...........8-28
Drive chain slack .......................................8-29
Lubricating the drive chain ........................8-31
Checking and lubricating the cables .........8-32
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1-2
1

Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to
make sure it is in safe operating condition. Al-
ways follow the inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in this
manual.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars and
both feet on the footboards of the ATV during
operation.
Always go slowly and be extra careful when op-
erating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to
changing terrain conditions when operating the
ATV.
Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or
loose terrain until you have learned and prac-
ticed the skills necessary to control the ATV on
such terrain. Always be especially cautious on
these kinds of terrain.
Always follow proper procedures for turning as
described in this manual. Practice turning at low
speeds before attempting to turn at faster
speeds and never turn at excessive speeds.
Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the
ATV or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills.

Always follow proper procedures for climbing
hills as described in this manual. Check the ter-
rain carefully before you start up any hill. Never
climb hills with excessively slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the
throttle suddenly or make sudden gear changes.
Never go over the top of a hill at high speed.
Always follow proper procedures for going down
hills and for braking on hills as described in this
manual. 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 ve-
hicle to lean sharply to one side. Go straight
down the hill where possible.
Always follow proper procedures for crossing
the side of a hill as described in this manual.
Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV. Never attempt to turn the ATV around on
any hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique described in this manual on level ground.
Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll
backwards when climbing a hill. To avoid stall-
ing, use the proper gear and maintain a steady
U5YT64E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 9, 2007 1:03 PM

5-1
5
EBU19200
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EBU19222Pre-operation check list Before operating this ATV, be sure to check the items listed in the following table.
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.NOTE:The maintenance of some items in the table has to be performed by a Yamaha dealer. Refer to the periodicmaintenance charts on page 8-3 to determine which service should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank, and add recommended fuel if neces-
sary.
Check fuel line for leakage. Correct if necessary.4-8, 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 recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-22, 8-23, 8-24
U5YT64E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 1:03 PM

8-1
8
EBU28781
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EBU21670Safety is an obligation of the owner. Periodic in-
spection, adjustment and lubrication will keep your
ATV in the safest and best operating condition
possible. The most important points of inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are explained on the
following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart should be considered as a
general guide under normal riding conditions.
However, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER,
TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, AND
INDIVIDUAL USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORTENED.
WARNING
EWB01840Never 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 start fires. Turn off the en-
gine when performing maintenance unlessotherwise specified. Have a Yamaha dealer
perform the service if you are not familiar with
maintenance work.EBU21690Owner’s manual and tool kit Be sure to put this owner’s manual and the low-
pressure tire gauge in the plastic bag and always
carry them along with the owner’s tool kit under the
seat.1. Owner’s tool kit
2. Owner’s manual
3. Low-pressure tire gauge
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8-2
8The service information included in this manual
and the tools provided in the owner’s tool kit are in-
tended to assist you in the performance of preven-
tive maintenance and minor repairs. However,
additional tools such as a torque wrench may be
necessary to perform certain maintenance work
correctly.
NOTE:If you do not have the tools or experience required
for a particular job, have a Yamaha dealer performit for you.
WARNING
EWB01850Never modify this ATV through improper in-
stallation or use of accessories, as it may
cause changes in handling, which in some sit-
uations could lead to an accident. 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. If
you have questions, consult an authorizedYamaha ATV dealer.U5YT64E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 9, 2007 1:03 PM

8-3
8
EBU21742Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system NOTE:
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the month maintenance intervals.
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the km (mi) or hours maintenance inter-
vals. However, keep in mind that if the ATV isn’t used for a long period of time, the month maintenance
intervals should be followed.
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools,data and technical skills.NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320
1*Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses for cracks or other damage, and
replace if necessary.√√√
2 Spark plugCheck condition and clean, regap, or replace if
necessary.√√√√√
3*ValvesCheck valve clearance and adjust if necessary.√ √√√
4*CarburetorCheck starter (choke) operation and correct if nec-
essary.
Check engine idling speed and adjust if neces-
sary.√√√√
5*Crankcase breather
systemCheck breather hose for cracks or other damage,
and replace if necessary.√√√
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8-4
8
6*Exhaust systemCheck for leakage and replace gasket(s) if neces-
sary.
Check for looseness and tighten all screw clamps
and joints if necessary.√√√
7 Spark arresterClean.√√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U5YT64E0.book Page 4 Monday, April 9, 2007 1:03 PM

8-5
8
EBU21864General maintenance and lubrication chart NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320
1 Air filter elementClean and replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours (more often in wet or
dusty areas)
2*ClutchCheck operation and adjust if necessary.√ √√√
3*Front brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4*Rear brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6*Parking brakeCheck operation and adjust if necessary.√√√√√
7*WheelsCheck runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.√ √√√
8*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.
Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.√ √√√
9*Wheel hub bearingsCheck for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.√ √√√
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8-6
8
10*Swingarm pivotsCheck operation and for excessive play, and re-
place bearings if necessary.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
11*Upper and lower
arm pivotsLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
12 Drive chainCheck chain slack and adjust if necessary.
Check rear wheel alignment and correct if necess-
sary.
Clean and lubricate.√√√√√
13*Drive chain rollersCheck for wear and replace if necessary.√√√
14*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened.√√√√√
15*Shock absorber as-
sembliesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.√√√
16*Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting pointsCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√√
17*Steering shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.√√√
18*Steering systemCheck operation and repair or replace if damaged.
Check toe-in and adjust if necessary.√√√√√
19 Engine oilChange.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.√ √√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U5YT64E0.book Page 6 Monday, April 9, 2007 1:03 PM