Suzuki LT-Z50 User manual

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Part No. 99011-43G51-01L
July, 2006 EN, FR, DU
LT-Z50
99011-43G51-01LLT-Z50
TK
K7 Printed in Taiwan
300 TAKATSUKA, HAMAMATSU, JAPAN
13 mm13 mmNo.1989 LT-Z50 99011-43G51-01L 2/1No.1989 LT-Z50 99011-43G51-01L 2/1 DIC184(TDP006) DIC157
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUEL DU PROPRIETAIRE
HANDLEIDING
This owner’s manual contains
important safety information.
Please read it carefully.
Never allow anyone under 6
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 6 ans à
piloter ce V.T.T.
Deze handleiding bevat belangrijke
veiligheidsinformatie.
Lees de handleiding zorgvuldig door.
Laat nooit iemand onder 6 jaar
op deze ATV rijden.

LT-Z50
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
Please read this manual and follow its
instructions carefully. To emphasize
special information, the symbol 
and the words WARNING or CAU-
TION have special meanings. Pay
special attention to the messages
highlighted by these signal 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 your youngster rides your
new ATV. Failure to follow the
warnings contained in this manual
can result in INJURY or DEATH.
• Do not allow anyone under age 6
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-
Z50’s seat.
• All information, illustrations, pho-
tographs and specifications con-
tained in this manual are based on
the latest product information
available at the time of publication.
Due to improvements or other
changes, there may be some dis-
crepancies between information in
this manual and your ATV. Suzuki
reserves the right to make produc-
tion changes at any time, without
notice and without incurring any
obligation to make same or similar
changes to vehicles previously
built or sold.
• Suzuki Motor Corporation
believes in conservation and pro-
tection of Earth’s natural
resources. To that end, we
encourage every vehicle owner to
recycle, trade in, or properly dis-
pose of, as appropriate, used
motor oil, coolant, and other fluids,
batteries, and tires.
© COPYRIGHT SUZUKI MOTOR
CORPORATION 2006
NOTICE TO PARENTS
Your SUZUKI LT-Z50 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 OWNERS
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 roll-over 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 6 years old should
never operate any ATV, regard-
less of engine size.
• 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 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
footrests 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,
maintain a steady speed when
climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special pro-
cedure 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, following the
procedure described in this man-
ual.
• 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.
• The combined weight of the rider,
gear, and any accessories or
cargo must never exceed the vehi-
cle’s load capacity of 38 kg (84
lbs).

• Never ride the LT-Z50 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
INSTRUCTING THE YOUNG RIDER
FUEL AND OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
RIDING YOUR ATV
ACCESSORY USE AND VEHICLE LOADING
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
TRANSPORTING
CLEANING PROCEDURE AND STORAGE PROCEDURE
CONSUMER INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

1-1
1
INSTRUCTING THE YOUNG RIDER
IMPORTANT ADVICE TO THE PARENT ........................................................... 1-2
REMOTE ENGINE STOP SWITCH ..................................................................... 1-3
GETTING TO KNOW THE LT-Z50 ...................................................................... 1-5
STARTING OFF AND STOPPING ...................................................................... 1-5
TURNING ............................................................................................................. 1-7
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ............................................................................ 1-8

1-2
INSTRUCTING THE
YOUNG RIDER
IMPORTANT ADVICE TO THE
PARENT
Your child’s safety depends on your
commitment to take the time neces-
sary to fully educate him/her on the
proper operation of the LT-Z50. The
best way for your child to learn to ride
is by taking a training course. If you
decide to teach him/her on your own,
remember that proper instruction
before your child begins to ride is just
as important as proper instruction and
supervision during riding.
Please go through this manual with
your child, page by page. Explain all
of the instructions and warnings it
contains. Be sure to put special
emphasis on safety precautions.
Question your child as you go through
the manual to make sure he/she
understands what you are saying.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in injury or death.
WARNING
Allowing a child under 16 to oper-
ate this ATV without adult supervi-
sion can be hazardous.
If the child rides beyond his or her
abilities, or rides into unfamiliar
areas without close supervision,
he or she may lose control of the
ATV, causing an accident.
Never let your child ride an ATV
without close adult supervision.
Intervene if your child begins to
ride beyond his or her abilities.
Introduce new riding areas slowly
and make sure the riding area
matches your child’s skill level.

1-3
REMOTE ENGINE STOP SWITCH
The LT-Z50 comes equipped with a
remote engine stop switch which is
operated by pulling the leash-like lan-
yard attached to the stop switch cap.
An adult supervising operation of the
vehicle can use the lanyard to stop
the engine while walking behind the
vehicle. The adult who trains the
young rider should always use this
lanyard until the rider develops suffi-
cient skills for safe operation of the
vehicle.
1Switch body
2Rubber cap
3Engine stop switch lanyard
This switch consists of a rubber cap
fitted over a plastic socket. When the
rubber cap is in place, the engine can
operate. When the rubber cap is
removed from the switch body, the
engine cannot be started. If the
engine is running and the rubber cap
is removed by pulling the lanyard
attached to the cap, the engine will
stop running.
WARNING
Failure to follow all of the warn-
ings in the “Riding Your ATV” sec-
tion of this manual can be
hazardous.
Failure to follow all of the warn-
ings contained in the “Riding Your
ATV” section could lead to an
accident, causing severe injury or
even death to your child.
• Before teaching your child how
to ride an ATV, carefully read the
“Riding Your ATV” section start-
ing on page 4-2 of this manual.
Make sure your child follows all
of the warnings contained in
that section.
• When teaching your child how
to ride the LT-Z50, be sure to
take breaks as his/her attention
begins to wander. Full attention
at all times is needed to safely
operate any motorized vehicle,
including the LT-Z50.

1-4
To use the remote engine stop switch:
1. Fit the rubber cap on the remote
engine stop switch located at the
rear end of the vehicle.
2. Put your fingers through the loop
at the end of the lanyard.
3. As your youngster is riding,
observe his/her actions and the
condition of the trail. If you notice
any driving hazard or unsafe situ-
ation, pull the lanyard forcefully so
that the rubber cap comes off.
This will activate the remote
engine stop switch to stop the
engine.
NOTE:
• The vehicle will continue to roll for
some distance after you pull the
remote engine stop switch.
Remember this when judging
when to operate the remote
engine stop switch.
• Adjust the maximum speed to
walking speed by adjusting the
throttle limiter when you use the
remote engine stop switch.
The lanyard can be stowed on the LT-
Z50 when the rider has developed
sufficient skills to be able to operate
the vehicle safely without parental
lanyard use. However, you must still
supervise your child’s use of the LT-
Z50 at all times.
NOTE: Be sure to fit the rubber cap to
the remote engine stop switch, or the
engine will not start.

1-5
GETTING TO KNOW THE LT-Z50
Your child should become completely
familiar with the names and functions
of all controls. Let the young rider sit
on the LT-Z50, with the engine off, and
ask him/her to operate specific con-
trols. Demonstrate operation of the
controls if necessary. Ask the child to
do such things as “apply the brakes,
turn off the engine, lock the parking
brake,” etc. Practice this exercise until
the child can operate all of the con-
trols without hesitation and without
looking at them.
Go over the INSPECTION BEFORE
RIDING section with your child until
he/she knows all of the items that
should be checked and how they
should be checked. Give examples of
things to look for.
STARTING OFF AND STOPPING
To help your child develop confidence,
he/she should PRACTICE FIRST
WITH THE ENGINE OFF, as follows:
1. Have your child sit on the LT-Z50
and tell him/her to release the
parking brake.
2. Tell your child to keep his/her eyes
straight ahead while you slowly
push the vehicle from behind.
3. As you push the LT-Z50, instruct
your child to steer straight ahead
and perform operations such as
stopping the vehicle and turning
off the engine stop switch while
moving. Watch your child closely
to make sure he/she is operating
the controls correctly and without
looking at them.
4. As you reach the end of the prac-
tice area, tell the rider to stop the
vehicle, apply the parking brake
and get off. You should then drag
the end of the LT-Z50 around so
you can push it straight ahead in
the opposite direction.

1-6
Practice with the engine off until your
child gets the feel of using the brakes
and can stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine stop switch without looking
at the controls, and without hesitation.
Next, start the LT-Z50’s engine and
have your child practice starting off,
riding in a straight line and stopping.
Make sure the throttle limiter is set to
provide low speed capability. Walk
alongside of the ATV. You can also
walk behind the ATV and use the
remote engine stop switch. Watch
closely to make sure the rider:
1. Opens the throttle gently when
starting off.
2. Releases the throttle and then
applies the brakes when stopping.
3. Becomes aware of the distance it
takes the vehicle to stop when the
brakes are applied or when the
engine stop switch is turned off.
As you approach the end of the prac-
tice area, you should again tell the
rider to stop the vehicle, apply the
parking brake, and get off so you can
turn it around for him/her. Practice
this exercise until your child can start
off, accelerate, move and stop cor-
rectly and with confidence.

1-7
TURNING
After your child has learned to ride
the LT-Z50 in a straight line and can
stop it when he/she wants to, you
should teach the child how to turn the
vehicle. Explain the proper body
movements for turning, and let your
child PRACTICE FIRST WITH THE
ENGINE OFF, as you push the vehi-
cle from behind. When turning, watch
to make sure your child:
1. Shifts his/her weight slightly for-
ward.
2. Leans his/her upper body into the
turn and turns the handlebars in
the direction of the turn.
When the rider is able to properly turn
the LT-Z50 in both directions with the
engine off, he/she should practice
with the vehicle under power. Again,
make sure that the throttle limiter is
adjusted to provide a low speed capa-
bility. Watch closely to make sure the
rider is using the proper turning tech-
nique. The rider should practice turn-
ing until he/she can do it correctly and
with confidence.

1-8
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
When your child has mastered the
basic riding maneuvers in the previ-
ous steps, he/she should practice put-
ting them all together. Instruct the
rider to perform various maneuvers
such as turning right, turning left,
stopping, parking, etc. Mix up the
order of these maneuvers so the child
will not know what he/she will be
asked to do next. Practice the exer-
cise until you are confident that the
rider has mastered all the basic
maneuvers.
The exercises you have practiced with
your child will help the first-time rider
learn the most basic riding tech-
niques. To become a skilled rider,
your child will need a great deal of
practice and instruction. Be patient
with your child; take extra time when
teaching him/her additional tech-
niques for climbing and descending
hills.
After your child has mastered all of
the basic riding techniques at slow
speed, you can adjust the throttle lim-
iter to provide higher speed capabili-
ties, according to the rider’s skill and
experience.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in injury or death.

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

2-2
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.
NOTE:
• To help clean the air, SUZUKI rec-
ommends that you use oxygen-
ated 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.
CAUTION
Spilled gasoline containing alco-
hol can harm your motorcycle.
Alcohol can damage painted sur-
faces.
Be careful not to spill any fuel
when filling the fuel tank. Wipe
spilled gasoline up immediately.

2-3
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.
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
SAE API JASO
10W-40 SF or SG –
10W-40 SH or SJ MA