User manual YAMAHA GRIZZLY 125 AUTOMATIC-2004

[. . . ] It contains important safety information. OWNER'S MANUAL YFM125S w LIT-11626-17-56 This ATV should not be ridden by anyone under 16 years of age. 1C5-28199-10 EBU13290 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YFM125. It represents the result of many years of Yamaha experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pace-setting 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. [. . . ] 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 procedure 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. 7-23 Once you have learned this technique you should be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter curves. Improper riding procedures such as abrupt throttle changes, excessive braking, incorrect body movements, or too much speed for the sharpness of the turn may cause the ATV to tip. If the ATV begins to tip over to the outside while negotiating a turn, lean more to the inside. It may also be necessary to gradually let off on the throttle and steer to the outside of the turn to avoid tipping over. Remember: Avoid higher speeds until you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of your ATV. CLIMBING UPHILL Use proper riding techniques to avoid vehicle overturns on hills. Be sure that you can maneuver your ATV well on flat ground before attempting any incline and then practice riding first on gentle slopes. Try more difficult climbs only after you have developed your skill. In all cases avoid inclines with slippery or loose surfaces, or obstacles that might cause you to lose control. qWARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Operating on excessively steep hills. WHAT CAN HAPPEN The vehicle can overturn more easily on extremely steep hills than on level surfaces or small hills. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills before attempting large hills. It is important when climbing a hill to make sure that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV. This can be accomplished by leaning forward and, on steeper inclines, standing on the footboards and leaning forward over the handlebars. 7-24 qWARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Climbing hills improperly. WHAT CAN HAPPEN Could cause loss of control or cause the ATV to overturn. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in this Owner's Manual. Always check the terrain carefully before you start up any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Never go over the top of any hill at high speed. 7-25 An obstacle, a sharp drop, or another vehicle or person could be on the other side of the hill. If you are climbing a hill and you find that you have not properly judged your ability to make it to the top, you should turn the ATV around while you still have forward motion (provided you have the room to do so) and go down the hill. When crossing the side of a hill: Always follow proper procedures as described in the Owner's Manual. Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the ATV. qWARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Improperly crossing hills or turning on hills. [. . . ] (See page 8-25. ) Lubricate all control cables. Block up the frame to raise all wheels off the ground. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe outlet to prevent moisture from entering. If storing in a humid or salt-air atmosphere, coat all exposed metal surfaces with a light film of oil. [. . . ]