Yamaha RAPTOR YFM50S User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY!
It contains important safety information.
w
LIT-11626-17-13 5YF-28199-10
This ATV should not be ridden by anyone under 6 years of age.
YFM50S
PRINTED IN JAPAN
2003.5–2.3×1 !
(E)
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE INJURY or DEATH.
qWARNING
ALWAYS USE
AN APPROVED
HELMET AND
PROTECTIVE GEAR
NEVER USE
ON PUBLIC
ROADS
NEVER CARRY
PASSENGERS
NEVER USE
WITH DRUGS
OR ALCOHOL
NEVER operate:
9without proper training or instruction.
9at speeds too fast for your skills or the
conditions.
9 on public roads - a collision can occur with
another vehicle.
9with a passenger - passengers affect
balance and steering and increase risk
of losing control.
ALWAYS:
9use proper riding techniques to avoid
vehicle overturns on hills and rough
terrain and in turns.
9avoid paved surfaces - pavement may
seriously affect handling and control.
EBU00438
LOCATE AND READ OWNER’S MANUAL. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
(For replacement manual, call 1-800-532-1558)
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
5YF-9-10-Hyosi 4/23/03 10:14 PM Page 1

5YF-9-10-Hyosi 4/23/03 10:14 PM Page 2

EBU14280
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YFM50. It represents the result of many years of
Yamaha experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting 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 machine. This manual includes important safety
information. It provides information about special techniques and skills necessary to ride your
machine. It also includes basic maintenance and inspection procedures. If you have any questions
regarding the operation or maintenance of your machine, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:
8READ THIS MANUAL TOGETHER WITH TIPS FOR THE ATV RIDER CAREFULLY AND COM-
PLETELY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MACHINE. MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL
INSTRUCTIONS.
8PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WARNING AND CAUTION LABELS ON THE MACHINE.
8NEVER OPERATE AN ATV WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING OR INSTRUCTION. FREE TRAINING
IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO BUYS A NEW ATV. CALL 1-800-887-2887 FOR MORE INFOR-
MATION.
8THIS ATV, AND ANY OTHER ATV OVER 50cc, SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED BY A CHILD
UNDER 6 YEARS OF AGE.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 1

AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This ATV is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this ATV, you should understand the instructions
and warnings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them.
Children differ in skills, physical abilities 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.
Your ATV was delivered with an adjustable speed limiter. Yamaha recommends that all beginners
start off with the speed limiter screw turned in to limit the amount of speed available while they learn.
The speed limiter screw may be gradually turned out to increase maximum speed as the beginner
becomes more familiar with operating the ATV.
If your child is a beginner or is inexperienced, he or she should take a training course. See the previ-
ous page for information about the free training available to purchasers of new ATVs.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2

EBU00801
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL CAN RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
QThe Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
wFailure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death
to the machine operator, a bystander or a person inspecting or repairing the
machine.
cCA CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the machine.
NOTE: A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 3

EBU00011
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This machine is designed and manufactured for OFF-ROAD use only. It is illegal and unsafe to oper-
ate this machine on any public street, road or highway.
This machine complies with all applicable OFF-ROAD noise level and spark arrester laws and regula-
tions in effect at the time of manufacture.
Please check your local riding laws and regulations before operating this machine.
AFFIX DEALER
LABEL HERE
EBU13330 YFM50S
OWNER’S MANUAL
©2003 by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
1st edition, April 2003
All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission
of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in Japan.
P/N LIT-11626-17-13
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 4

LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS.......................1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION.........................2-1
DESCRIPTION AND MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION.....................................3-1
Identification number records ...............3-2
Key identification number .....................3-2
Vehicle identification number ...............3-3
Model label ...........................................3-3
CONTROL FUNCTIONS..........................4-1
Main switch...........................................4-1
Indicator lights ......................................4-1
Handlebar switches ..............................4-2
Engine stop switch with cord (lanyard).....4-3
Throttle lever ........................................4-5
Speed limiter ........................................4-6
Front brake lever ..................................4-7
Rear brake lever...................................4-8
Parking brake .......................................4-8
Shift lever ...........................................4-10
Fuel tank cap......................................4-10
Fuel cock ............................................4-11
Choke lever ........................................4-12
Seat ....................................................4-12
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS....................5-1
Front and rear brakes...........................5-2
Fuel ......................................................5-3
Engine oil.............................................5-5
Final gear oil.........................................5-5
Throttle lever ........................................5-6
EBU00014
w
Indicates a potential hazard that could result
in serious injury or death.
CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 5

Fittings and fasteners ...........................5-6
Switches ...............................................5-6
Battery ..................................................5-6
Tires .....................................................5-7
How to measure tire pressure ..............5-8
Tire wear limit .......................................5-9
OPERATION............................................6-1
Starting a cold engine...........................6-1
Starting a warm engine ........................6-3
Warming up ..........................................6-3
To start out and accelerate...................6-4
Engine break-in ....................................6-6
Parking .................................................6-7
Parking on a slope................................6-8
Accessories and loading ......................6-9
Riding Your ATV ......................................7-1
Getting to know your ATV.....................7-3
Ride with care and good
judgement...........................................7-4
Be careful where you ride...................7-16
Turning your ATV ...............................7-22
Climbing uphill ....................................7-24
Riding downhill ...................................7-29
Crossing a slope.................................7-31
Crossing through shallow water .........7-33
Riding over rough terrain....................7-35
Sliding and skidding ...........................7-36
What to do if .......................................7-38
What to do ..........................................7-38
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT .........................................8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit .................8-1
Periodic maintenance/lubrication .........8-3
Engine oil..............................................8-5
Final gear oil.........................................8-7
Spark plug inspection ...........................8-9
Air filter cleaning.................................8-10
Spark arrester cleaning ......................8-13
Carburetor adjustment........................8-15
Idle speed adjustment ........................8-15
8
7
6
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 6

Valve clearance adjustment ...............8-16
Cam chain adjustment........................8-16
Front and rear brake shoe
inspection .........................................8-16
Front brake lever free play
adjustment........................................8-17
Rear brake lever adjustment ..............8-19
Cable inspection and lubrication ........8-21
Brake lever lubrication........................8-21
Knuckle shaft and steering shaft
lubrication .........................................8-22
Wheel removal ...................................8-22
Wheel installation ...............................8-22
Battery ................................................8-23
Replenishing the battery fluid .............8-25
Fuse replacement...............................8-26
Troubleshooting..................................8-27
Troubleshooting chart.........................8-28
CLEANING AND STORAGE....................9-1
A. Cleaning ...........................................9-1
B. Storage ............................................9-3
SPECIFICATIONS .................................10-1
NOISE REGULATION............................11-1
MAINTENANCE RECORD.....................12-1
ATV LIMITED WARRANTY....................13-1
YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE
(Y.E.S.)...................................................14-1
9
10
11
12
13
14
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 7

Read and understand all of the labels on your
machine. They contain important information for
safe and proper operation of your ATV.
Never remove any labels from your ATV. If a label
becomes difficult to read or comes off, a replace-
ment label is available from your Yamaha dealer.
1-1
EBU00464
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS
1
3
4
2
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 8

1-2
1
12
qWARNING
UNDER
6
Operating this ATV if you are under
the age of 6increases your chance
of severe injury or death.
NEVER permit children under age 6
to operate this ATV.
5YF-21697-00
Adult supervision required for children
under age 16.
qWARNING
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH.
ALWAYS USE NEVER USE NEVER CARRY NEVER USE
AN APPROVED ON PUBLIC PASSENGERS WITH DRUGS
HELMET AND ROADS OR ALCOHOL
PROTECTIVE
GEAR
NEVER operate :
9 without proper training or instruction.
9 at speeds too fast for your skills or
the conditions.
9 on public roads-a collision can occur
with another vehicle.
9 with a passenger-passengers affect balance
and steering and increase risk
of losing control.
ALWAYS :
9use proper riding techniques to avoid
vehicle overturns on hills and rough terrain
and it turns.
9 avoid paved surfaces-pavement may
seriously affect handling and control.
LOCATE AND READ OWNER'S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
5FE-21568-01
(For replacement manual, call 1-800-532-1558)
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 9

1-3
43
qWARNING
IMPROPER TIRE PRESSURE OR OVERLOADING CAN
CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.
LOSS OF CONTROL CAN RESULT IN SEVERE
INJURY OR DEATH.
OPERATING TIRE PRESSURE: Set with tires cold
9
Recommended : FRONT : 20 kPa, {
0.20 kgf/cm2}2.9 psi
REAR
: 20 kPa, {
0.20 kgf/cm2}2.9 psi
9 Minimum
: FRONT : 17 kPa, {
0.17 kgf/cm2}2.5 psi
REAR
: 17 kPa, {
0.17 kgf/cm2}2.5 psi
9 Never set tire pressure below minimum.
It could cause the tire to dislodge from the rim.
LOADING
9 Maximum Vehicle Load :40 kg, (88 lbs).
Includes weight of operator, cargo and accessories.
5YF-21696-00
qWARNING
NEVER ride as a
passenger.
Passengers can cause
a loss of control,
resulting in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH.
5FE-2151H-01
5YF-21696-00
5FE-2151H-01
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 10

2-1
EBU14300
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 maneuvers such as turning and riding 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:
8Read this manual and all labels carefully and follow the operating procedures described.
8Never operate an ATV without proper training or instruction. Take a Training Course. Beginners
should receive training from a certified instructor. Contact an authorized ATV dealer or call 1-800-
887-2887 to find out about the training courses nearest you.
8Always follow the age recommendation:
- A child under 6 years old should never operate an ATV with engine size greater than 50cc.
- A child under 12 years old should never operate an ATV with engine size greater than 70cc.
- A child under 16 years old should never operate an ATV with engine size greater than 90cc.
8Never 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 abilities to operate it safely.
8Never carry a passenger on an ATV.
qSAFETY INFORMATION 2
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-1

2-2
8Always avoid operating an ATV on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, parking lots
and streets.
8Never operate an ATV on any public street, road or highway, even a dirt or gravel one.
8Never 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.
8Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this ATV.
8Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills or the conditions. Always go at a speed that is prop-
er for the terrain, visibility and operating conditions, and your experience.
8Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
8Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Always
follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in this manual.
8Always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests of the ATV during opera-
tion.
8Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to
changing terrain conditions when operating the ATV.
8Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain until you have learned and practiced
the skills necessary to control the ATV on such terrain. Always be especially cautious on these
kinds of terrain.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-2

2-3
8Always 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.
8Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills.
8Always 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 excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
Shift your weight forward. Never open the throttle suddenly or make sudden gear changes. Never
go over the top of a hill at high speed.
8Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for braking on hills as described in this
manual. 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.
8Always 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.
8Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backwards when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special procedure for braking described in this manual. Instead, apply the
front brake or 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 manual.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-3

2-4
8Always 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.
8Always 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 surfaces, such as ice, go slowly
and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control.
8Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than that recommended in this manu-
al. 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 linings.
8Always use the size and type tires specified in this manual. Always maintain proper tire pressure as
described in this manual.
8Never modify an ATV through improper installation or use of accessories.
8Never exceed the stated load capacity for an ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow instructions in this manual for carrying cargo or pulling
a trailer. Allow greater distance for braking.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, call the Consumer Products Safety Commission
at 1-800-638-2772, or the ATV Distributor’s Safety Hotline at 1-800-852-5344.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-4

TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO OPERATE THE
ATV
You must make the commitment to your child’s
proper use of the ATV. Your child must rely
upon you to be sure he or she has the develop-
ment, proper training, and proper equipment, as
well as an appropriately sized ATV and an
appropriate riding area.
Be sure your child is ready to learn how to
ride
As a parent, your first step is to decide when
your child has the strength, skills, and judgment
to learn how to operate an ATV safely. To help
you make that decision, the ATV Safety Institute
publishes a readiness checklist. It is printed in
the Parents, Youngsters and ATVs booklet that
was included with your ATV when newly pur-
chased.
2-5
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Allowing a child under 16 to operate this
ATV without adult supervision (a child
under 6 should not ride this ATV even with
adult supervision).
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
If the child rides beyond his or her abili-
ties, or rides in terrain that is too difficult,
he or she may lose control of the ATV,
causing an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never let your child ride an ATV without
close adult supervision. Promptly correct
your child if he or she begins to ride
beyond his or her abilities and, if neces-
sary, intervene by pulling the cord (lan-
yard) to stop the engine.
qWARNING
Introduce new riding areas slowly and
make sure the riding area matches your
child’s skill level.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-5

2-6
You can also review the checklist on the Internet
at www.atvsafety.org. Re-evaluate your child’s
readiness before every use; a child who is too
tired or distracted should not be allowed to oper-
ate the ATV.
Be sure your child is properly trained
Your child should take a certified training
course, like the ATV RiderCourseoffered by
the ATV Safety Institute. Call ATV Enrollment
Express toll-free at 1-800-887-2887 for more
information. Training will continue with you as
the instructor, so you should be sure you thor-
oughly understand proper riding techniques
before continuing to instruct your child. Go
through this Owner’s Manual and the Parents,
Youngsters and ATVs booklet page by page
with your child and be sure he or she under-
stands how to operate the ATV properly.
Be sure your child is wearing all the proper
safety equipment
Your child must always wear an approved
motorcycle helmet that fits properly. Your child
should also wear the safety equipment
described in the Riding Your ATV section of this
manual.
Choose an appropriate riding area
Select an area appropriate for your child to learn
to ride. (See page 7-16.) Follow the instructions
in the Riding Your ATV section of this manual.
Choose a large, flat off-road area that is free of
obstacles and away from other vehicles.
Supervise every use of the ATV
Because an adult must supervise every ATV
operator under age 16, you should closely watch
your child every time he or she uses the ATV.
Be ready to intervene immediately if the child is
not operating according to your guidelines. This
ATV is fitted with an engine stop switch cord
(lanyard) device that will let you stop the engine
remotely as you walk behind the vehicle.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-6

2-7
ENGINE STOP SWITCH CORD
This model has an engine stop switch cord (lan-
yard) designed for use by an adult supervising
the child operating the ATV. When using the
engine stop switch cord, be sure the speed lim-
iter on the handlebar is adjusted to limit the ATV
to a walking speed. (See page 4-6.)
1. Push the clip on the end of the engine stop
switch cord under the engine shut-off switch
(black button).
2. Put your fingers in the loop at the other end
of the cord.
3. As your child is riding, walk behind the ATV,
closely watching his or her actions as well
as the path ahead.
4. If there is a potential hazard ahead or if your
child is not riding correctly, pull firmly on the
cord to stop the engine.
Because the ATV will continue to roll for
some distance, allow extra time and dis-
tance to pull the cord before a potentially
hazardous situation might be encountered.
When your child has developed sufficient skill to
no longer need you to follow with the cord, the
cord can be stowed under the seat of the ATV.
However, you must still closely supervise your
child at all times during ATV operation.
NOTE:
The ATV will not start without the clip in place.
Be sure to remove the cord and store it in a safe
place to prevent operation of the ATV when you
are not around to supervise.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-7

2-8
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Improper handling of gasoline.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Gasoline can catch fire and you could be
burned.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always turn off the engine when refueling.
Do not refuel right after the engine has
been running and is still very hot.
Do not spill gasoline on the engine or
exhaust pipe/muffler when refueling.
Never refuel while smoking, or while in the
vicinity of sparks, open flames, or other
sources of ignition such as the pilot lights
of water heaters and clothes dryers.
qWARNING When transporting the ATV in another
vehicle, be sure it is kept upright and that
the fuel cock is in the “OFF”position.
Otherwise, fuel may leak out of the carbu-
retor or fuel tank.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause
injuries.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
If you should swallow some gasoline or
inhale a lot of gasoline vapor, or get some
gasoline in your eyes, see your doctor
immediately.
If gasoline spills on your skin, wash with
soap and water. If gasoline spills on your
clothing, change your clothes.
5YF-10-1 4/11/03 6:10 PM Page 2-8