Suzuki LT-Z90 User manual

Top
1st cover4th cover
Top
1st cover4th cover
LT-Z90
99011-08H50-01BLT-Z90
Part No. 99011-08H50-01B
July, 2006 EN, FR
TK
K7 Printed in Taiwan
300 TAKATSUKA, HAMAMATSU, JAPAN
9 mm9 mmNo.1992 LT-Z90 99011-08H50-01B 2/1No.1992 LT-Z90 99011-08H50-01B 2/1 DIC184(TDP006) DIC157
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUEL DU PROPRIETAIRE
This owner’s manual contains
important safety information.
Please read it carefully.
Never allow anyone under 12
years old to ride this ATV.
Ce ’Manuel du propriétaire contient
des informations importantes
concernant la sécurité.
Le lire soigneusement.
Ne jamais autoriser les enfants
âgés de moins de 12 ans à
piloter ce V.T.T.

LT-Z90
OWNER’S MANUAL
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehi-
cle and should remain with the vehicle when resold or otherwise
transferred to a new owner or operator. The manual contains
important safety information and instructions which should be
read carefully before operating the vehicle.

IMPORTANT
 WARNING/CAUTION/ NOTE
Please read this manual and follow its
instructions carefully. To emphasize
special information, the symbol 
and the words WARNING or CAU-
TION and NOTE have special mean-
ings. Pay special attention to the
messages highlighted by these sig-
nal words:
NOTE: Indicates special information
to make maintenance easier or
instructions clearer.
• WARNINGs and CAUTIONs are
arranged like this:
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in death or injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in vehicle damage.
 WARNING-or-CAUTION
This first part will identify a
POTENTIAL HAZARD.
This second part will describe
WHAT CAN HAPPEN if you ignore
the WARNING or CAUTION.
This third part will describe HOW
TO AVOID THE HAZARD.

FOREWORD
• This owner’s manual contains
important safety and maintenance
information. Read it carefully
before you ride your new ATV.
Failure to follow the warnings con-
tained in this manual can result in
INJURY or DEATH.
• Do not allow anyone under age 12
to ride this ATV.
• It is important that this manual
remain with the vehicle when you
sell it. The next owner will need
this manual also. Store the
owner’s manual under the LT-
Z90’s seat.
© COPYRIGHT SUZUKI MOTOR
CORPORATION 2006
NOTICE TO PARENTS
Your SUZUKI LT-Z90 is built for use by
children, but this owner’s manual is
written for the adults who will be
supervising the children. SUZUKI
strongly recommends, therefore, that
you review this entire manual with
your child and carefully explain the
instructions, requirements, and warn-
ings it contains so that your child can
understand them.
Children differ in skills, physical abili-
ties, and judgment. Some children
may not be able to operate an ATV
safely. Parents should supervise their
child’s use of the ATV at all times.
Parents should permit continued use
only if they determine that the child
has the ability to operate the ATV
safely.

NOTICE TO OWNER’S
AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN
BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE–An
ATV handles differently from other
vehicles including motorcycles and
cars. A collision or rollover can occur
quickly, even during routine maneu-
vers such as turning and driving on
hills or over obstacles, if you fail to
take proper precautions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can
result if you do not follow these
instructions:
• Read this manual and all labels
carefully and follow the operating
procedures described.
• Always follow this age recommen-
dation:
–A child under 12 years old
should never operate an ATV
with engine size greater than 70
cc.
• Never allow a child under age 16
to operate an ATV without adult
supervision, and never allow con-
tinued use of an ATV by a child if
he or she does not have the abili-
ties to operate it safely.
•Never carry a passenger on an
ATV.
• Always avoid operating an ATV on
paved surfaces, including side-
walks, paths, parking lots, drive-
ways, and streets.
• Never operate an ATV on any
public street, road or highway,
even a dirt or gravel one.
• Never operate an ATV without
wearing an approved motorcycle
helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection
(goggles or face shield), gloves,
boots, long-sleeved shirt or jacket,
and long pants.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs
before or while operating this ATV.
• Never operate at excessive
speeds. Always go at a speed that
is proper for the terrain, visibility
and operating conditions, and
your skills and experience.
• Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or
other stunts.
• Always inspect your ATV each
time you use it to make sure it is in
safe operating condition. Always
follow the inspection and mainte-
nance procedures and schedules
described in this manual.
• Always keep both hands on the
handlebars and both feet on the
footpegs of the ATV during opera-
tion.
• Always go slowly and be extra
careful when operating on unfa-
miliar 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 con-
trol 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. Do not turn at
excessive speed.

• Never operate the ATV on hills too
steep for the ATV or for your abili-
ties. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills.
• Always follow proper procedures
for climbing hills as described in
this manual. Check the terrain
carefully before you start up any
hill. Never climb hills with exces-
sively slippery or loose surfaces.
Shift your weight forward. Never
open the throttle suddenly. Never
go over the top of any hill at high
speed.
• Always follow proper procedures
for going down hills and for brak-
ing on hills as described in this
manual. Check the terrain care-
fully 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 possi-
ble.
• Always follow proper procedures
for crossing the side of a hill as
described in this manual. Avoid
hills with excessively slippery or
loose surfaces. 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 technique 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 stalling,
use the 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 manual.
Dismount on the uphill side or to a
side if pointed straight uphill. Turn
the ATV around and remount, fol-
lowing the procedure described in
this manual.
• Always check for obstacles before
operating in a new area. Never
attempt to operate over large
obstacles, such as large rocks or
fallen trees. Always follow proper
procedures when operating over
obstacles as described in this
manual.
• Always be careful when skidding
or sliding. Learn to safely control
skidding or sliding by practicing at
low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery sur-
faces, such as ice, go slowly and
be very cautious in order to
reduce the chance of skidding or
sliding out of control.
• Never operate an ATV in fast flow-
ing water or in water deeper than
that specified in this manual.
Remember that wet brakes may
have reduced stopping ability. Test
your brakes after leaving water. If
necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the lin-
ings.

• Always use the size and type tires
specified in this manual. Always
maintain proper tire pressure as
described in this manual.
• Never modify an ATV through
improper installation or use of
accessories.
• Never exceed the stated load
capacity for an ATV. Cargo should
be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed
and follow instructions in this man-
ual for carrying cargo. Allow
greater distance for braking.
• Never ride the LT-Z90 at night.
This vehicle does not have a
headlight, Unseen obstacles
could cause an accident resulting
in injury to the rider.
• Do not tow a trailer. This vehicle is
not designed for such use.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in injury or death.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
FUEL AND OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
RIDING YOUR ATV
INSTRUCTING THE YOUNG RIDER
ACCESSORY USE AND VEHICLE LOADING
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
TRANSPORTING
CLEANING PROCEDURE AND STORAGE PROCEDURE
CONSUMER INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

1-1
1
FUEL AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
FUEL .................................................................................................................... 1-2
ENGINE OIL AND FINAL REDUCTION GEAR BOX OIL ................................... 1-3

1-2
FUEL AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
FUEL
Use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 91 or higher
(Research method). Unleaded gaso-
line can extend spark plug life and
exhaust components life.
If pinking or knocking is experienced,
substitute higher octane grade gaso-
line or another brand, because there
are differences between brand.
(For Canada)
Your vehicle requires regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump octane rating of 87 ((R+M)/2
method). In some areas, the only
fuels that are available are oxygen-
ated fuels.
Oxygenated fuels which meet the
minimum octane requirement and the
requirements described below may
be used in your ATV without jeopar-
dizing the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
NOTE: Oxygenated fuels are fuels
which contain oxygen-carrying addi-
tives such as MTBE or alcohol.
Gasoline Containing MTBE
Unleaded gasoline containing MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) may be
used in your ATV if the MTBE content
is not greater than 15%. This oxygen-
ated fuel does not contain alcohol.
Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and eth-
anol (grain alcohol), also known as
GASOHOL, may be used in your ATV
if the ethanol content is not greater
than 10%.
Gasoline/Methanol Blends
Fuels containing 5% or less methanol
(wood alcohol) may be suitable for
use in your ATV if they contain co-sol-
vents and corrosion inhibitors.
DO NOT USE fuels containing more
than 5% methanol under any circum-
stances. Fuel system damage or vehi-
cle performance problems resulting
from the use of such fuels are not the
responsibility of Suzuki and may not
be covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

1-3
NOTE:
• To help minimize air pollution,
SUZUKI recommends that you
use oxygenated fuels.
• Be sure that any oxygenated fuel
you use has octane ratings of at
least 87 pump octane ((R+M)/2
method).
• If you are not satisfied with the
drivability or fuel economy of your
ATV when you are using an oxy-
genated fuel, you should switch
back to unleaded regular gaso-
line.
• If engine pinging is experienced,
substitute another brand as there
are differences between brands.
ENGINE OIL AND FINAL
REDUCTION GEAR BOX OIL
Oil quality is a major contributor to
your engine’s performance and life.
Always select good quality engine oil.
Use oil with an API (American Petro-
leum Institute) classification of SF/SG
or SH/SJ, or with a JASO classifica-
tion of MA.
API: American Petroleum Institute
JASO: Japanese Automobile Stan-
dards Organization
SAE Engine Oil Viscosity
Suzuki recommends the use of SAE
10W-40 engine oil. If SAE 10W-40
engine oil is not available, select an
alternative according to the following
chart.
NOTE: In very cold weather (below
14°F (–10°C)), use SAE 5W-30 for
good starting and smooth operation.
CAUTION
Spilled gasoline containing alco-
hol can harm your ATV.
Alcohol can damage painted sur-
faces.
Be careful not to spill any fuel
when filling the fuel tank. Wipe
spilled gasoline up immediately.
SAE API JASO
10W-40 SF or SG –
10W-40 SH or SJ MA

1-4
JASO T903
The JASO T903 standard is an index
to select engine oils for 4-stroke
motorcycle and ATV engines. Motor-
cycle and ATV engines lubricate
clutch and transmission gears with
engine oil. JASO T903 specifies per-
formance requirements for motorcy-
cle and ATV clutches and
transmissions.
There are two classes, MA and MB.
The oil container shows the classifica-
tion as follows.
1Code number of oil sales company
2Oil classification
Energy Conserving
Suzuki does not recommend the use
of “ENERGY CONSERVING” oils.
Some engine oils which have an API
classification of SH or higher have an
“ENERGY CONSERVING” indication
in the API classification doughnut
mark. These oils can affect engine life
and clutch performance.
Not recommended Recommended
E
N
E
R
G
Y
C
O
N
S
E
R
V
I
N
G
A
P
I
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
J
SAE
10W-40
A
P
I
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
J
SAE
10W-40

2-1
2
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND
ADJUSTMENTS
LOCATION OF PARTS ....................................................................................... 2-2
KEY ...................................................................................................................... 2-5
IGNITION SWITCH .............................................................................................. 2-5
LEFT HANDLEBAR ............................................................................................. 2-6
RIGHT HANDLEBAR .......................................................................................... 2-7
THROTTLE LIMITER ........................................................................................... 2-7
CHOKE LEVER ................................................................................................... 2-9
FUEL VALVE ....................................................................................................... 2-9
RECOIL STARTER ............................................................................................ 2-10
FUEL TANK CAP .............................................................................................. 2-11
SEAT LOCK ....................................................................................................... 2-12
FLAG BRACKET ............................................................................................... 2-12

2-2
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
LOCATION OF PARTS
1Rear brake lever
2Parking brake knob
3Engine stop switch
4Throttle lever
5Front brake lever
6Electric starter button
7Ignition switch
8Fuel tank cap

2-3
9Choke lever
0Fuel valve
ARecoil starter
BFuse
CBattery
DTo o l s
ESeat lock lever
FSpark plug
GEngine oil filter

2-4
HMuffler
IDrive chain
JAir cleaner
KEngine oil filler cap
LEngine oil drain plug

2-5
KEY
Two keys come with this vehicle. Keep
the spare key in a safe place. An iden-
tifying number is stamped on the
keys. Use this number when making a
replacement key.
Please write down your key number in
the box provided for your future refer-
ence.
IGNITION SWITCH
The ignition switch has two positions.
“OFF” position
The ignition circuit is off and the
engine can not be operated. The key
can be removed.
“ON” position
The ignition circuit is on and the
engine can be started. The key can-
not be removed in this position.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Key No.:

2-6
LEFT HANDLEBAR
Rear Brake Lever 1
Apply the rear brake by squeezing the
rear brake lever towards the grip.
Parking Brake Knob 2
This knob is used to set the parking
brake, which is used to prevent the LT-
Z90 from moving when it is parked,
being started, or at idle. Set the park-
ing brake by squeezing the rear brake
lever and pushing this knob to lock
the lever in the squeezed position.
Engine Stop Switch 3
“OFF” position
The ignition circuit is off and the
engine cannot start or run.
“RUN” position
The ignition circuit is on and the
engine can run.
Electric Starter Button 4
Use this button to turn the starter
motor. Before starting the engine,
make sure the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position and the parking brake is
engaged. Push the electric starter
button to start the engine.
NOTE: This vehicle has a starter
interlock switch which prevents the
starter motor from turning when the
parking brake is not engaged.

2-7
RIGHT HANDLEBAR
Throttle Lever 1
Control the engine speed with the
position of the throttle lever. Operate
this lever with your thumb. Push it for-
ward to increase engine speed.
Release it to decrease engine speed.
Front Brake Lever 2
Apply the front brake by squeezing
the front brake lever towards the grip.
THROTTLE LIMITER
Use the throttle limiter to restrict max-
imum engine power by limiting throttle
lever travel. Adjust this limiter accord-
ing to the rider’s skill and experience.
NOTE: The throttle limiter position A
is preset at 7 mm (0.27 in) from the
factory.
To adjust the throttle limiter:
1. Loosen the lock nut 1.
2. Turn the throttle limiter screw 2
clockwise or counterclockwise to
adjust maximum engine power.
Turning the screw clockwise will
restrict maximum engine power.
3. Tighten the lock nut 1.
This ATV comes from the factory with
a maximum speed reduction spacer
installed in the drive train system and
the throttle limiter set for a maximum
speed of approximately 24 km/h (15
mph). You can decrease the maxi-
mum vehicle speed further by adjust-
ing the throttle limiter according to the
previous procedure. When the rider
has developed sufficient skill and
experience to operate the ATV safely
at higher speeds, you can increase
the maximum speed capability of the
ATV by removing the maximum speed
reduction spacer from the drive train
system.