Can-Am DS250 Manual

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. A collision or rollover
can occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers such as turning and
driving on hills or over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precautions.
For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in this
Operator's Guide and the labels on your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH!
Keep this Operator's Guide with the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator’s Guide,
SAFETY VIDEO and on-product labels could cause
injury including the possibility of death!
vmo2009-002 en AG
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2008 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This Operator's Guide has been prepared to acquaint the owner/operator of a new
vehicle with the various vehicle controls, maintenance and safe operating instruc-
tions. It is indispensable for the proper use of the product.
This Operator’s Guide utilizes the following symbols to emphasize particular infor-
mation:
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazard situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction which, if not followed, could severely dam-
age vehicle components or other property.
NOTE: Indicates supplementary information needed to fully complete an instruc-
tion.
All safety documentation should remain with the vehicle at the time of sale.
All content of the
SAFETY INFORMATION section should be interpreted by the
reader as a warning which, if not followed, may result in injury including the
possibility of death.
In Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
(BRP).
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc.:
Can-Am™
DS 250™
XP-S™
______________________ 1

FOREWORD
Congratulations on your purchase of a new Can-Am™ ATV. It is backed by the BRP
warranty and a network of authorized Can-Am dealers ready to provide the parts,
service or accessories you may require.
Your dealer is committed to your satisfaction. He has taken training to perform the
initial setup and inspection of your vehicle as well as completed the final adjust-
ment before you took possession. At delivery, your dealer would have explained
the operation, maintenance and safety features of the vehicle. We trust you have
taken full advantage of this! If you need more complete servicing information,
please ask your dealer.
At delivery, you were also informed of the warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST to ensure your new vehicle was prepared to your
entire satisfaction.
You are invited to contact our customer assistance center should you experience
problems which cannot be resolved by an authorized Can-Am dealer.
It is understood that this Operator’s Guide may be translated into another
language. In the event of any discrepancy, the English version shall prevail.
Throughout this document the masculine is used to denote the masculine or
feminine.
If you want to view and/or print an extra copy of your Operator's Guide, simply visit
the following website www.operatorsguide.brp.com. Alsonotethattheguideis
available in several languages.
The information and components/system descriptions contained in this docu-
ment are correct at the time of publication. BRP, however, maintains a policy of
continuous improvement of its products without imposing upon itself any obliga-
tion to install them on products previously manufactured. Due to late changes,
some differences between the manufactured product and the descriptions and/or
specifications in this guide may occur. BRP reserves the right at any time to
discontinue or change specifications, designs, features, models or equipment
without incurring any obligation upon itself.
The illustrations in this document show the typical construction of the different as-
semblies and may not reproduce the full detail or exact shape of the parts. Howev-
er, they represent parts that have the same or similar function.
The use of RIGHT and LEFT indications in the text always refers to driving position
(when sitting on vehicle).
Specifications are given in the SI metric system with the SAE U.S. equivalent
in parenthesis. Where precise accuracy is not required, some conversions are
rounded off for easier use.
We recommend genuine BRP products for replacement parts and accessories.
They’ve been especially designed for your vehicle and manufactured to meet
BRP’s demanding standards.
2_______________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANTINFORMATION....................................................... 1
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... 7
SAFETY INFORMATION
SPECIALSAFETYMESSAGES ................................................... 10
OPERATIONWARNINGS.......................................................... 13
FUELING............................................................................. 39
Recommended Fuel ............................................................ 39
Fueling ........................................................................... 39
RIDINGTHEVEHICLE.............................................................. 40
Pre-OperationCheck............................................................ 40
Clothing.......................................................................... 41
CarryingLoads .................................................................. 42
Hauling a Trailer (if so equipped) ............................................... 43
WorkingwithyourVehicle...................................................... 43
RecreationalRiding ............................................................. 43
Environment..................................................................... 44
DesignLimitation ............................................................... 44
Off-HighwayOperation......................................................... 44
General Operating and Safety Precautions ................................... 44
UphillDriving .................................................................... 45
DownhillDriving................................................................. 45
Side Hilling ....................................................................... 45
Drop-Offs........................................................................ 46
Riding Techniques............................................................... 46
RoutineMaintenance........................................................... 51
HANGTAG........................................................................... 52
IMPORTANTON-PRODUCTLABELS............................................ 53
VEHICLE INFORMATION
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT .................................... 58
1)ThrottleLever................................................................. 59
2)FrontBrakeLever ............................................................ 59
3)RearBrakeLever ............................................................. 59
4)ParkingBrake................................................................. 60
5)TransmissionLever........................................................... 60
6)MultifunctionSwitch......................................................... 61
______________________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT (cont’d)
7)IndicatorLamps .............................................................. 63
8)IgnitionSwitch................................................................ 64
9) Fuel Valve ..................................................................... 64
10)RearBrakePedal............................................................ 65
11)ToolKit ....................................................................... 65
12)SeatLatch ................................................................... 65
13)12-VoltPowerOutlet ....................................................... 66
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 67
OperatingDuringBreak-in...................................................... 67
StartingtheEngine.............................................................. 67
ShiftingtheTransmission....................................................... 68
StoppingtheEngine ............................................................ 68
Post-OperationCare ............................................................ 68
TUNEYOURRIDE .................................................................. 70
SuspensionAdjustment........................................................ 70
VEHICLETRANSPORTATION..................................................... 71
Front.............................................................................. 71
Rear .............................................................................. 71
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
MAINTENANCECHART ........................................................... 74
10-HOURINSPECTION ............................................................ 78
ENGINE .............................................................................. 79
AirFilter.......................................................................... 79
EngineOil........................................................................ 80
Radiator.......................................................................... 83
EngineCoolant.................................................................. 83
SparkArrester................................................................... 86
AirInjectionValve ............................................................... 87
CVTTRANSMISSION.............................................................. 88
DriveBelt ........................................................................ 88
CVTCoverDrainTube........................................................... 88
GEARBOX ........................................................................... 89
Gearbox Recommended Oil.................................................... 89
GearboxOilLevel ............................................................... 89
GearboxOilChange............................................................. 89
FUEL SYSTEM ...................................................................... 90
ThrottleCable ................................................................... 90
4_______________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ELECTRICALSYSTEM ............................................................. 92
SparkPlug ....................................................................... 92
Battery ........................................................................... 92
Fuses............................................................................. 93
Lights............................................................................. 93
DRIVESYSTEM..................................................................... 96
DriveChain ...................................................................... 96
SprocketandPinion............................................................. 97
Wheels........................................................................... 97
Wheel Bearing/Bushings ....................................................... 97
Tires/Wheels .................................................................... 98
SUSPENSION....................................................................... 99
Suspension Lubrication......................................................... 99
SuspensionInspection ......................................................... 99
BRAKES............................................................................ 100
BrakeInspection .............................................................. 100
BrakeFluid..................................................................... 100
BODY/FRAME..................................................................... 102
EngineArea.................................................................... 102
Hitch/Trailer Ball Condition (if so equipped) ................................. 102
Frame Fasteners .............................................................. 102
SeatFasteners ................................................................ 102
VehicleCleaningandProtection ............................................. 102
STORAGEANDPRESEASONPREPARATION................................ 103
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLEIDENTIFICATION ...................................................... 106
Vehicle Identification Number Location ..................................... 106
EngineIdentificationNumberLocation ..................................... 107
ComplianceLabel............................................................. 107
NOISE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM REGULATION ...................... 108
TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS.................................................. 109
TROUBLESHOOTING
TECHNICALGUIDELINES....................................................... 114
______________________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2009 CAN-AMTM ATV . . 120
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2009 CAN-AMTM ATV ..... 125
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA: 2009
CAN-AMTM ATV................................................................... 129
PRIVACYOBLIGATION/DISCLAIMER......................................... 133
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 134
6_______________________

INTRODUCTION
Your dealer should have provided you with some basic information on the partic-
ular controls and features of your new vehicle. Please take the time to study this
Operator's Guide and all on-product warning labels as well as the
SAFETY VIDEO
that came with this vehicle. They more completely describe what you should
know about this vehicle before riding it.
Whether you are a new user or an experienced rider, it isimportant for your person-
al safety that you know the controls and features of this vehicle. Equally important
is knowing how to properly ride.
Irrespective of your age, experience or state regulations, it is always prudent for
you or any other person who may ride your vehicle, to take an approved safe riding
course. Please check with your dealer or local authorities for availability in your
area. If you are a completely new rider, this should be done before your first ride.
Your instructor should be able to provide advice on local conditions and safe riding
practices particular to the area.
Riding conditions vary from place to place. Each is subject to weather conditions
which may radically change from time to time and from season to season.
Riding on sand is different than riding on snow or through forests or marshes.
Each location may require a greater degree of awareness and skill. Show good
judgement. Always proceed with caution. Please do not take any unnecessary
risks that could leave you stranded or possibly injured.
The contents of this Operator's Guide provide riding information which has been
proven reliable by other users. They are not intended as a definitive means of
avoiding accidents. How you apply this information, coupled with your mental
and physical condition, the particular terrain hazard and your risk acceptance level
will have an effect on your riding experience. Have fun... and ride responsibly.
______________________ 7

INTRODUCTION
8_______________________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ____________ 9

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE.
This vehicle handles differently from other vehicles including motorcycles and
cars. A collision or rollover can occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers
such as turning and driving on hills or over obstacles, if you fail to take proper
precautions.
WARNING
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do not follow these instruc-
tions:
Read this Operator's Guide and all on-product warning labels carefully and follow
the operating procedures described. Watch and pay attention to the
SAFETY
VIDEO
before operation.
Never operate this vehicle without proper instruction. Take a training course. All
operators should receive training from a certified instructor. Contact an authorized
Can-Am dealer for more information.
USA and Canada only: to find out about available training course nearest you
or call the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) at 1 800 887-2887 or in
Canada, the Canada Safety Council (CSC) at 1 613 739-1535 ext. 227.
Always follow this age recommendation: A person under 16 years old should nev-
er operate this vehicle.
Never carry a passenger on this vehicle.
Never operate this vehicle on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways,
parking lots and streets.
Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, even a dirt or grav-
el one.
Never take place on this vehicle without wearingan approved helmet that fits prop-
erly. You should also wear eye protection (goggles or face shield), gloves, boots,
long sleeved shirt or jacket, and long pants.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They slow reaction time and im-
pair judgement.
Never operate at excessive speeds. Always go at a speed that is proper for the ter-
rain, visibility, and operating conditions, and your experience.
Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
Always inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating
condition. Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and sched-
ules described in this Operator's Guide.
Always keep both hands onthe handlebarsand both feet on the footpegs ofthe ve-
hicle during operation.
Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain.
Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating this vehicle.
10 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION____________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Never operate on excessively rough, slippery orloose terrainuntil you havelearned
and practiced the skills necessary to control this vehicle on such terrain. Always be
especially cautious on these kinds of terrain.
Always follow proper procedures for turningas described further in this Operator's
Guide. Practice turning at low speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds.
Do not turn at excessive speed.
Never operate this vehicle on hills too steep for the vehicle or for your abilities.
Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger hills.
Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described further in this Op-
erator's Guide. Check the terrain carefully before you start up any hill. Never climb
hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight forward. Never
open the throttle suddenlyor make sudden gear changes. Never go over the top of
any hill at high speed.
Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for braking on hills as
described further in this Operator's Guide. 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 vehicle 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 further
in this Operator's Guide. Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
Shift your weight to the uphill side of the vehicle. Never attempt to turn the
vehicle around on any hill until you have mastered the turning technique described
in this Operator's Guide 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 stalling, use proper gear and maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill.
If you stall or roll backwards, follow the special procedure for braking described in
this Operator's Guide. Dismount on the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight
uphill. Turn the vehicle around and remount, following the procedure described
further in this Operator's Guide.
Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never attemptto oper-
ate over large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow proper
procedures when operating over obstacles as described further in this Operator's
Guide.
Always be careful when skidding or sliding. Learn to safely control skidding or slid-
ing by practicing at low speeds and on level smooth terrain. On extremely slippery
surfaces, such as ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance
of skidding out of control.
Never operate this vehicle in fast flowing water or in water deeper than that speci-
fied in this Operator's Guide. Remember that wet brakes may have reduced stop-
ping ability. Test your brakes after leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the pads.
Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind the vehicle when you op-
erate in reverse. When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 11

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
Always use the size and type tires specified further in this Operator's Guide. Al-
ways maintain proper tire pressure as described further in this Operator's Guide.
Never modify this vehicle through improper installation or use of accessories.
Only use BRP's approved accessories. NEVER install passenger seat.
Any load carried on the vehicle will affect the stability and control of the vehicle.
Never exceed the stated load limits for this vehicle including operator, all other
loads and added accessories. Cargo should be properly distributed and securely
attached. Always make sure the load is secured and cannot interfere with your
proper control. Always be aware that the “load” may slide or fall off and create an
accident. Avoid loads that may protrude sideways and get snagged or caught in
brush or other obstacles. Avoid covering and obstructing the headlights or taillight
with the cargo. Reduce speed and allow greater distance for braking.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, contact an authorized
Can-Am dealer to find out about available training courses nearest you.
USA and Canada only: call the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) at
1 800 887-2887 or in Canada, the Canada Safety Council (CSC) at 1 613 739-1535
ext. 227.
12 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION____________

OPERATION WARNINGS
While reading this Operator’s Guide, reminder that:
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that, if not avoided, could result in serious
injury or death.
The following warning and their format have been requested by the United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission and are required to be in the Operator's
Guide for all ATVs.
NOTE: The following illustrations are general representations only. Your model
may differ.
WARNING
V00A0AQ
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle without proper instruction.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The risk of an accident is greatly increased if the operator does not know
how to operate this vehicle properly in different situations and on different
types of terrain.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Beginning and inexperienced operators should complete a training course.
They should then regularly practice the skills learned in the course and the
operating techniques described in this Operator's Guide.
For more information about the training course, contact an authorized
Can-Am dealer.
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 13

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A01Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Failure to follow the age recommendations for this vehicle.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
A lack of respect for this age recommendation can lead to severe injury or
death of the child.
Even though a child may be within the age group for which this vehicle is
recommended, he may not have the skills, abilities, or judgment needed to
operate this vehicle safely and may be involved in a serious accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
No one under 16 should operate this vehicle.
14 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION____________

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A02Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Carrying a passenger on this vehicle.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Greatly reduces your ability to balance and control this vehicle.
Could cause an accident, resulting in harm to you and/or your passenger.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never carry a passenger. Even with a long seat that provides unrestricted
operator movement, it is not designed nor intended to carry passenger(s).
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 15

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A03Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on paved surfaces.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The tires are designed for off-road use only, not for use on pavement. Paved
surfaces may seriously affect handling and control of this vehicle, and may
cause the vehicle to go out of control.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never operate this vehicle on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks,
driveways, parking lots and streets.
16 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION____________

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A04Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on public streets, roads or highways.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
You can collide with another vehicle.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, even a dirt
or gravel one. In many states or provinces it is illegal to operate this vehicle
on public streets, roads or highways.
____________ SAFETY INFORMATION ___________ 17

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A06Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Riding this vehicle without wearing an approved helmet, eye protection and
protective clothing.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The following items concern all ATV's operator:
– Riding without an approved helmet increases the chances of a severe
head injury or death in the event of an accident
– Riding without eye protection can result in an accident and increases the
chances of a severe injury in the event of an accident
– Riding without protective clothing increases the chances of severe injury
in the event of an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always wear an approved helmet that fits properly. You should also wear:
– Eye protection (goggles or face shield)
– Gloves and boots
– Long sleeved shirt or jacket
–Longpants.
18 ___________ SAFETY INFORMATION____________