User manual YAMAHA BIG BEAR 400 4X4-2000

[. . . ] This manual includes important safety information. It provides information about special techniques and skills necessary to ride your machine. It also includes basic maintenance and inspection procedures. If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your machine, please consult a Yamaha dealer. [. . . ] Stay alert for holes, rocks, or roots in the terrain, and other hidden hazards which may cause the machine to upset. WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Failure to use extra care when operating this ATV on unfamiliar terrain. WHAT CAN HAPPEN You can come upon hidden rocks, bumps, or holes, without enough time to react. Could result in the ATV overturning or going out of control. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating the ATV. 7-18 WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Failure to use extra care when operating on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain. WHAT CAN HAPPEN Could cause loss of traction or vehicle control, which could result in an accident, including an overturn. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Do not operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain until you have learned and practiced the skills necessary to control the ATV on such terrain. Always be especially cautious on these kinds of terrain. 7-19 When riding in an area where you might not easily be seen, such as desert terrain, mount a caution flag on the machine. DO NOT use the flag pole bracket as a trailer hitch. WHAT CAN HAPPEN You could be in a collision. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always mount a caution flag on the machine to make you more visible. Do not ride in areas posted "no trespassing". It could also cause engine or drive train damage. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed before shifting to a lower gear. 7-22 TURNING YOUR ATV To achieve maximum traction while riding off-road, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one axle and 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 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. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD 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. 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 direction) 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. WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Turning improperly. [. . . ] Box 6555 Cypress, California 90630 Attention: Warranty Department This will ensure that Yamaha Motor Corporation, U. S. A. has an up-to-date registration record in accordance with federal law. 1313 1313 13 1313 13-2 EBU00435 YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE (Y. E. S. ) Keep your Yamaha protected even after your warranty expires with genuine Yamaha Extended Service (Y. E. S. ). E Y. E. S. is designed and administered by Yamaha Motor Corporation to provide maximum owner satisfaction. You get uninterrupted factory-backed coverage for extra peace of mind. [. . . ]