User manual YAMAHA KODIAK 400 AUTO. 4X4-2000

[. . . ] This manual includes important safety information. It provides information about special techniques and skills necessary to ride your ATV. It also includes basic maintenance and inspection procedures. If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your ATV, please consult a Yamaha dealer. [. . . ] HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always avoid paved surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and streets. 7-16 Do not ride on any public road, street, or highway. Riding on public roads can result in collisions with other vehicles. WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Operating this ATV on public streets, roads or highways. WHAT CAN HAPPEN You can collide with another vehicle. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Never operate this ATV on any public street, road or highway, even a dirt or gravel one. In many states it is illegal to operate ATVs on public streets, roads and highways. 7-17 Know the terrain where you ride. Stay alert for holes, rocks, or roots in the terrain, and other hidden hazards which may cause the ATV 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. 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. WHAT CAN HAPPEN ATV could go out of control, causing a collision or overturn. 7-22 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. This procedure should be practiced at slow speed many times in a large off-road area with no obstacles. 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. [. . . ] WHAT CAN HAPPEN Wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability, increasing the chance of an accident. HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Test the brakes after washing. Apply the brakes several times at slow speeds to let friction dry out the linings. 9-2 EBU00530 B. STORAGE Long term storage (60 days or more) of your machine will require some preventive procedures to guard against deterioration. [. . . ]