Yamaha Rx 1 User Guide

							6-10
ESU00350
Air filter
Always check that no snow is under the air filter element.
Remove the air filter case cover and take out the air filter
element. If there is any snow under the air filter element,
remove the snow. Then install the air filter element
beneath the holding guides on the case and install the air
filter case cover.
NOTE:@ After riding the snowmobile, make sure that there is no
snow under the air filter element. 
@
ESU00110
Fittings and fasteners
Check the tightness of the fittings and fasteners. 
Tighten in proper sequence and torque if necessary. 
ESU00345
Tool kit and recommended equipment
It is good practice to carry the tool kit, spare parts, and
other necessary equipment with you while riding the
snowmobile so that minor repairs can be done if neces-
sary. The following should be carried at all times: 

Tool kit 

Flashlight 

Roll of plastic tape 

Steel wire 

Towrope 

Jumper cables 

V-belt 

Light bulbs 

Spark plugs 
When you start out for a long distance trip, extra fuel and
oil should be carried as well.
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							7-1
ESU00112 
7-OPERATION
ESU00366
Starting the engine
WARNING@ 

Be sure to check the “SAFETY INFORMATION”
section carefully before starting the engine. 

Make sure that the parking brake is applied. @
NOTE:@ Make sure that the engine stop switch is in the on posi-
tion. The starter motor cannot be operated when the
engine stop switch is in the off position. 
@
1. Fully open the starter lever (choke).
1Starter lever (choke) 
2Fully open (cold engine starting) 
3Half-open (warm engine up) 
4Closed (warm engine starting)
NOTE:@ The starter lever (choke) is not required when the engine
is warm. Put the starter lever (choke) in the closed posi-
tion. 
@
2. Turn the main switch to the “START” position. After
the engine starts, put the starter lever (choke) in the
half-open position. Warm up the engine until it does
not run roughly or begin to stall when the starter lever
is returned to the closed position.
1“START”
CAUTION:@ 

Release the switch immediately after the engine
starts. 

If the engine fails to start, release the switch, wait
a few seconds, then try again. Each attempt
should be as short as possible to preserve the
battery. Do not crank the engine more than 10
seconds on any one attempt. 
@
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							7-2
ESU00380
Break-in
There is never a more important period in the life of your
engine than the period between 0 and 500 km (300 mi).
For this reason, you should read the following material
carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an excessive
load on it for the first 500 km (300 mi). The various parts
in the engine wear and polish themselves to the correct
operating clearances. During this period, prolonged full-
throttle operation or any condition that might result in
engine overheating must be avoided.
Operating your snowmobile for the first time
Start the engine and let it idle for 15 minutes.
0–160 km (0–100 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6,000 r/min.
160–500 km (100–300 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8,000 r/min.
500 km (300 mi) and beyond
The snowmobile can now be operated normally.
CAUTION:@ 

After 800 km (500 mi) of operation, the engine oil
must be changed and the oil filter cartridge
replaced. 

If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the snowmobile. 
@
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							7-3
ESU00127 
Riding your snowmobile
Getting to know your snowmobile
A snowmobile is a rider active vehicle, and
your riding position and your balance are
the two basic factors of maneuvering your
snowmobile. 
Riding your snowmobile requires skills
acquired through practice over a period of
time. Take the time to learn the basic tech-
niques well before attempting more difficult
maneuvers. 
Riding your new snowmobile can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours
of pleasure. However, it is essential to
familiarize yourself with the operation of
the snowmobile to achieve the skill neces-
sary to enjoy riding safely. Before operating
the snowmobile, read this Owner’s Manual
completely and understand the operation
of the controls. 
Pay particular attention to the safety infor-
mation on pages 3-1–3-3. Please read all
warning and caution labels on your snow-
mobile. Also, read the Snowmobiler’s
Safety Handbook that is supplied with your
snowmobile.
Learning to ride your snowmobile
Before you ride, always perform the pre-
operation checks listed on pages 8-1–8-3.
The short time spent checking the condi-
tion of the snowmobile will be rewarded
with added safety and a more reliable
snowmobile. Always wear the proper cloth-
ing for both warmth and to help protect you
from injury if an accident occurs.
Become familiar with operating your snow-
mobile at low speeds, even if you are an
experienced rider. Do not attempt to oper-
ate at maximum performance until you aretotally familiar with the snowmobile’s han-
dling and performance characteristics.
Set the parking brake and follow the
instructions on pages 7-1–7-2 to start the
engine. Once it has warmed up, you are
ready to begin riding your snowmobile.
To start out and accelerate
1. With the engine idling, release the
parking brake. 
2. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.
The V-belt clutch will engage and you
will start to accelerate.
WARNING@ 
The operator should always keep both
hands on the handlebar. Never put your
feet outside the running boards. Avoid
high speeds until you have become
thoroughly familiar with your snowmo-
bile and all of its controls. 
@
Braking
When slowing down or stopping, release
the throttle and apply the brake gently—not
suddenly.
WARNING@ 

Many surfaces such as ice and hard-
packed snow require much longer
stopping distances. Be alert, plan
ahead, and begin decelerating early. 

Improper use of the brake can cause
the drive track to lose traction,
reduce control, and increase the
possibility of an accident. 
@
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							7-4
Tu r n i n g
For most snow surfaces, “body English” is
the key to turning.
As you approach a curve, slow down and
begin to turn the handlebar in the desired
direction. As you do so, put your weight on
the running board to the inside of the turn
and lean your upper body into the turn.
This procedure should be practiced at low
speed many times, in a large flat area with
no obstacles. Once you have learned this
technique, you should be able to perform it
at higher speeds or in tighter curves. Lean
more as the turn gets sharper or is made
at higher speeds.
Improper riding procedures such as abrupt
throttle changes, excessive braking, incor-
rect body movements, or too much speed
for the sharpness of the turn may cause
the snowmobile to tip.
If your snowmobile begins to tip while turn-
ing, lean more into the turn to regain bal-
ance. If necessary, gradually let off on the
throttle or steer to the outside of the turn.
Remember:
Avoid higher speeds until you are thor-
oughly familiar with the operation of your
snowmobile.
Riding uphill
You should practice first on gentle slopes.
Try more difficult climbs only after you have
developed your skill. As you approach a
hill, accelerate before you start the climb,
and then reduce the throttle opening to
prevent track slippage. It is also important
to keep your weight on the uphill side at all
times. On climbs straight up the hill this
can be accomplished by leaning forward
and, on steeper inclines, standing on the
running boards and leaning forward over
the handlebar. (Also see “Traversing a
slope.”)
Slow down as you reach the crest of the
hill, and be prepared to react to obstacles,
sharp drops, or other vehicles or people
which may be on the other side. If you are
unable to continue up a hill, do not spin the
track. Stop the engine and set the parking
brake. Then pull the rear of the snowmo-
bile around to point the snowmobile back
down the hill. Do not get on the downhill
side of the snowmobile. When the snow-
mobile is pointed downhill, restart the
engine, release the parking brake, and
descend the hill.
WARNING@ 
Side hills and steep slopes are not rec-
ommended for a novice snowmobiler. 
@
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							7-5
Riding downhill
When riding downhill, keep speed to a min-
imum. It is important to apply just enough
throttle to keep the clutch engaged while
descending the hill. This will allow you to
use engine compression to help slow the
snowmobile, and to keep the snowmobile
from rolling freely down the hill. Also apply
the brake frequently, with light pressure.
WARNING@ 
Use extra caution when applying the
brake during a descent. Excessive
braking will cause the drive track to
lock, causing a loss of control. 
@
Traversing a slope
WARNING@ 
Traversing slopes is not recommended
for a novice snowmobiler. 
@
Traversing a slope requires you to properly
position your weight to maintain proper bal-
ance. As you travel across the slope, lean
your body to position your weight towards
the uphill side. A recommended riding
position is to kneel with the knee of the
downhill leg on the seat and the foot of the
uphill leg on the running board. This posi-
tion will make it easier for you to shift your
body weight as needed.
Snow and ice are slippery, so be prepared
for the possibility that your snowmobile
could begin to slip sideways on the slope. If
this happens, steer in the direction of the
slide if there are no obstacles in your path.
As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to
travel.
If your snowmobile starts to tip, steer down
the hill to regain balance.
WARNING@ 
If you are unable to maintain correct
balance, and your snowmobile is going
to tip over, dismount your snowmobile
immediately on the uphill side. 
@
Ice or icy surface
Operating on ice or icy surfaces can be
very dangerous. Traction for turning, stop-
ping, or starting is much less than that on
snow.
WARNING@ 
When you have to operate on ice or icy
surfaces, drive slowly and cautiously.
Avoid accelerating, turning, or braking
rapidly. Steering is minimal and uncon-
trolled spins are an ever-present dan-
ger. 
@
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							7-6
Hard-packed snow
It can be more difficult to negotiate on
hard-packed snow as both the skis and
drive track do not have as much traction as
when the snowmobile is operated on fresh
snow. Avoid rapid acceleration, turning, or
braking.
Operation on surfaces other than
snow or ice
Operation of your snowmobile on surfaces
other than snow or ice should be avoided.
Operation under such conditions will dam-
age or result in rapid wear of the ski run-
ners, drive track, slide runners, and drive
sprockets. Operation of the snowmobile
under the following conditions should be
avoided at all costs:
1. Dirt 
2. Sand 
3. Rocks 
4. Grass 
5. Bare pavement
Other conditions that should be avoided for
the sake of drive track and slide runner life
are:
1. Glare ice surfaces 
2. Snow mixed with a lot of dirt and sand
All the above conditions have one thing in
common in regard to drive track and slide
runners; little or no lubricating ability. Drive
track and all slide rail systems require
lubrication (snow or water) between the
slide runners and the slide metal. In the
absence of lubrication, the slide runners
will rapidly wear and in severe cases, liter-
ally melt away, and the drive track will be
subjected to damage or failure.
Also traction aids such as studs, cleats,
etc., may cause further track damage or
failure.
WARNING@ 
Drive track damage or failure could
result in loss of braking ability and
snowmobile control, which could cause
an accident. 

Always check the drive track for
damage or maladjustment before
operating the snowmobile. 

Do not operate the snowmobile if
you find damage to the drive track. 
@
CAUTION:@ 
Ride on fresh snow frequently. Operat-
ing on ice or hard-packed snow will rap-
idly wear the slide runners. 
@
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							7-7
ESU00251
Maximizing drive track life
Recommendations
Track tension
During initial break-in, the new drive track will tend to
stretch quickly as the track settles. Be sure to correct the
track tension and alignment frequently. (See pages
8-28–8-30 for adjustment procedures.) A loose track can
slip (ratchet), derail or catch on suspension parts caus-
ing severe damage. Do not overtighten the drive track,
otherwise it may increase the friction between the track
and the slide runners, resulting in the rapid wear of both
components. Also, this may put an excessive load on the
suspension components, resulting in component failure.
Marginal snow
The drive track and the slide runners are lubricated and
cooled by snow and water. To prevent the drive track and
slide runners from overheating, avoid sustained high-
speed usage in areas such as icy trails, frozen lakes and
rivers that have minimal snow coverage. An overheated
track will be weakened internally, which may cause fail-
ure or damage.
Off-trail riding
Avoid off-trail riding until there is sufficient snow cover-
age. It generally takes several feet of snow to provide a
good overall base to properly cover debris, such as
rocks, logs, etc. If snow coverage is not sufficient, stay on
trails to avoid impact damage to the drive track.
Studded track
In general, track life will be shortened when studs are
installed. Drilling stud holes into the drive track will cut
the internal fibers, which weakens the track. Avoid spin-
ning the drive track. Studs may catch on an object and
pull out of the track, leaving tears and damage around
the already weakened area. To minimize possible dam-
age, consult your stud manufacturer for installation and
stud pattern recommendations. 
Yamaha does not recommend track studding.
U8FA11.book  Page 7  Thursday, April 3, 2003  4:09 PM 
						

							7-8
ESU00245 
Strap
For RX10M/RX10MS
The strap 
1 should be used only by experienced opera-
tors to assist them when traverse (side-hill) riding.
WARNING@ 
Improper use of the strap on the handlebar can
result in severe injury or death. 

Use the strap only as an operator grip point when
needed to shift weight uphill to maintain balance
during traverse (side-hill) riding. Only experi-
enced operators should traverse slopes steep
enough to require strap use. 

Keep the right hand on the right handlebar grip
for steering, and grip the strap with the left hand
to shift weight uphill for balance during traverse
riding. 

Ride cautiously while using the strap. Do not
accelerate or decelerate abruptly while holding
onto the strap. 

Do not use the strap to lift the snowmobile. 

Do not use the strap as a mounting point for
cargo or accessories. 
@
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							7-9
ESU00347
Driving
WARNING@ 
Be sure to read the “SAFETY INFORMATION” and
“Riding your snowmobile” sections carefully before
operating the snowmobile. 
@
NOTE:@ Make sure that the engine is warmed up enough before
riding. 
@
For RX10/RX10S/RX10M/RX10MS
1. Release the parking brake by moving the parking
brake lever to the right. 
2. Press the throttle lever slowly to move the snowmo-
bile. 
3. Turn the handlebar in the desired direction. 
4. Squeeze the brake lever to stop the snowmobile. 
5. Apply the parking brake by moving the parking brake
lever to the left.
For RX10R/RX10RS/RXW10/RXW10S
1. To select the desired operating position, pull the shift
lever out, slide it to “FWD” or to “REV” until it stops,
and then release it.
1Pull out 
2Slide to “FWD” (Forward) 
3Slide to “REV” (Reverse) 
4Release
WARNING@ 

Make sure that the throttle lever is fully released
and the snowmobile is at a full stop before shift-
ing. 

Be sure to slide the shift lever to “FWD” or “REV”
until it stops completely and only while the
engine is idling. 

Make sure that the area behind the snowmobile is
clear before reversing. Watch behind. 

Reduce speed and avoid sharp turning when
operating the snowmobile in reverse. 
@
U8FA11.book  Page 9  Thursday, April 3, 2003  4:09 PM