Yamaha RS90NL, RS90RL, RS90NRL, RS90ML, RS90GTL User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

SNOWMOBILE

LIT-12628-02-50

RS90NL

RS90RL/RS90NRL

RS90ML

RS90GTL

RSG90L

8GG-28199-11

A

ESU00286

1-

MACHINE IDENTIFICATION

Identification number records

A. FRAME NUMBER:

CZ-01E

B

B. ENGINE NUMBER (PRIMARY ID):

CZ-01E

C. KEY NUMBER:

C

CZ-01E

Record the frame number, engine number (Primary ID),
and key number in the spaces provided for assistance
when ordering spare parts from a Yamaha dealer.

1

The

frame number

is the seventeen-digit number
stamped on the frame of the snowmobile. (See
fig.È.)

2

The

engine number

is stamped in the location as

shown. (See fig. É.)

3

Key number

(See fig. Ê.)

Also, record and keep the ID numbers in a separate
place in case the snowmobile is stolen.

ESU00011

2-

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Yamaha snowmo­bile. This model is the result of Yamaha’s vast experience
in the production of fine sporting and touring snowmo­biles. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship and
reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these
fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of the opera­tion, inspection, and basic maintenance of this snowmo­bile. If you have any questions concerning the operation
or maintenance of your snowmobile, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
To maintain the high quality and performance of this
snowmobile, it is important that you and your Yamaha
dealer pay close attention to the recommended mainte­nance schedules and operating instructions contained
within this manual.

RS90NL

RS90RL/RS90NRL

RS90ML

RS90GTL

RSG90L

OWNER’S MANUAL

©2005 by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

1st Edition, July 2005

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-12628-02-50

WARNING

@

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL
COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING THE SNOWMO­BILE.

@

NOTE:

@

●

Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product
design and quality. Therefore, while this manual con­tains the most current product information available
at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepan­cies between your snowmobile and this manual. If
there is any question concerning this manual, please
consult a Yamaha dealer.

●

This manual should be considered a permanent part
of this snowmobile and should remain with the snow­mobile when resold.

@

Particularly important information is distinguished in this
manual by the following notations.

The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME
ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

WARNING

@

Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in
severe injury or death to the snowmobile operator, a
bystander, or a person inspecting or repairing the snow­mobile.

CAUTION

@

:

A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be
taken to avoid damage to the snowmobile.

NOTE:

@

A NOTE provides key information to make procedures
easier or clearer.

ESU00003

CONTENTS

YAMAHA MOTOR
CORPORATION, U.S.A.
SNOWMOBILE LIMITED
WARRANTY

YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE
(Y.E.S.)

LOCATION OF THE
IMPORTANT LABELS

SAFETY INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Main switch......................................5-1

Starter lever (choke) ........................5-2

Throttle lever....................................5-2

Engine overheating prevention

system .............................................5-2

Throttle override system

(T.O.R.S.) ........................................5-3

Speedometer unit ............................5-4

High beam indicator light .................5-4

Fuel meter and grip/thumb

warmer level indicator......................5-5

Fuel level warning indicator .............5-6

Oil level warning indicator................5-6

Low coolant temperature

indicator light ...................................5-6

Coolant temperature warning

indicator ...........................................5-7

Self-diagnostic system.....................5-7

Engine stop switch...........................5-8

Brake lever ......................................5-8

Parking brake lever..........................5-9

Shift lever.........................................5-9

Headlight beam switch ..................5-10

Auxiliary DC jack ...........................5-10

Shroud latches...............................5-11

.......................................1-1

...............................................1-4

.......................2-1

...................3-1

...................................4-1

....................5-1

Drive guard....................................5-11

V-belt holders ................................5-11

Carburetor coolant shut-off

lever...............................................5-12

Rear suspension damping force

remote adjustment dial ..................5-12

Storage compartment....................5-12

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

Fuel .................................................6-1

Engine oil.........................................6-2

Engine oil level ................................6-3

Coolant ............................................6-4

Throttle lever ...................................6-5

Throttle override system

(T.O.R.S.) ........................................6-5

Brake ...............................................6-6

Brake fluid leakage..........................6-7

V-belt ...............................................6-7

Drive guard......................................6-7

Drive track .......................................6-8

51-mm (2.0-in) high-profile

pattern drive track............................6-8

Slide runners ...................................6-9

Skis and ski runners ........................6-9

Steering system.............................6-10

Lights.............................................6-10

Air filter ..........................................6-10

Fittings and fasteners ....................6-11

Tool kit and recommended

equipment......................................6-11

OPERATION

Starting the engine ..........................7-1

Break-in ...........................................7-2

Riding your snowmobile ..................7-3

Getting to know your snowmobile ...7-3
Learning to ride your snowmobile ...7-3

To start out and accelerate..............7-3

Braking ............................................7-3

Turning ............................................7-4

Riding uphill.....................................7-4

......................................7-1

..............6-1

Riding downhill ................................7-5

Traversing a slope ...........................7-5

Ice or icy surface .............................7-5

Hard-packed snow...........................7-6

Operation on surfaces other than

snow or ice ......................................7-6

Maximizing drive track life ...............7-7

Strap ................................................7-8

Driving .............................................7-9

Stopping the engine.......................7-10

Transporting ..................................7-11

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ...............8-1

Periodic maintenance chart for the

emission control system ..................8-1

General maintenance and

lubrication chart ...............................8-2

Tool kit .............................................8-5

Checking the spark plugs ................8-5

Adjusting the engine idling speed ....8-7

Adjusting the throttle cable ..............8-7

Adjusting the carburetors.................8-7

Adjusting the high-altitude

settings ............................................8-8

Adjusting the valve clearance..........8-8

Changing the engine oil...................8-9

Cooling system ..............................8-12

Replacing the V-belt ......................8-14

Checking the drive chain
housing oil level and the drive

chain tension .................................8-16

Checking the brake pads...............8-18

Checking the parking brake

pads...............................................8-18

Checking the brake fluid level........8-19

Changing the brake fluid................8-19

Suspension....................................8-19

Adjusting the drive track ................8-29

Aligning the skis.............................8-31

Adjusting the handlebar.................8-31

Lubrication .....................................8-33

Replacing a headlight bulb ............8-34

Adjusting the headlight beam ........8-34

Battery ...........................................8-35

Replacing a fuse............................8-35

TROUBLESHOOTING .......................9-1

STORAGE ........................................10-1

SPECIFICATIONS............................11-1

Dimensions....................................11-1

Engine ...........................................11-2

Chassis..........................................11-2

Electric...........................................11-4

WIRING DIAGRAM ..........................12-1

ESU05070

1-

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.

SNOWMOBILE LIMITED WARRANTY

CW-07E

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. hereby warrants that
new Yamaha snowmobiles purchased from an autho­rized Yamaha snowmobile dealer in the continental United
States will be free from defects in material and workman­ship for the period of time stated herein, subject to certain
stated limitations.

WARRANTY PERIOD:

1. All Yamaha snowmobiles shall be warranted for a
term of one (1) year from the date of purchase, plus
a special early-season extension (if applicable).

2. All Yamaha snowmobile clutch components are war­ranted against abnormal wear for one (1) year from
the date of purchase, plus a special early-season
extension (if applicable).

DURING THE PERIOD OF WARRANTY any au-

thorized Yamaha snowmobile dealer will, free of charge,
repair or replace, at Yamaha’s option, any part adjudged
defective by Yamaha due to faulty workmanship or
material from the factory. Parts used in warranty repairs
will be warranted for the balance of the snowmobile’s
warranty period. All parts replaced under warranty be­come the property of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS from this warranty shall

include any failures to the machine caused by:

1. Competition, racing, or non-Yamaha authorized rental
use.

2. Operation on surfaces other than snow or ice.

3. Installation of parts or accessories that are not qual­itatively equivalent to genuine Yamaha parts.

4. Abnormal strain, neglect, or abuse.

5. Lack of proper maintenance.

6. Accident or collision damage.

7. Modification to original parts.

2. Give notice to an authorized Yamaha snowmobile
dealer of any and all apparent defects within ten (10)
days after discovery, and make the machine avail­able at that time for inspection and repairs at such
dealer’s place of business. You may locate your
nearest authorized Yamaha dealer through your
local telephone directory.

WARRANTY TRANSFER: To transfer any remain-

ing warranty from the original purchaser to any subse­quent purchaser, it is imperative that the machine be
inspected and registered for warranty by an authorized
Yamaha snowmobile dealer. In order for this warranty
to remain in effect, this inspection and registration must
take place within ten (10) days after ownership transfer.
An inspection and registration fee will be charged for this
service.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA also warrants to the
ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser of
each 2006 and later model Yamaha snowmobile cov­ered by this warranty that the vehicle is designed, built,
and equipped so as to conform at the time of sale with
all U.S. emissions standards applicable at the time of
manufacture and that it is free from defects in materials
and workmanship which would cause it not to meet
these standards within the period listed immediately
below. Failures other than those resulting from defects
in material or workmanship which arise solely as a
result of owner abuse and/or lack of proper mainte­nance are not covered by this warranty.

All Models

Thirty (30) months from the original purchase date

SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS

include parts replaced due to normal wear or routine
maintenance including oil, spark plugs, clutch drive belts,
slide runners, and track.

THE CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY

warranty shall be to:

1. Operate and maintain the snowmobile as specified in
the appropriate Owner’s Manual.

from this warranty shall

under this

1-1

CW-08E

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.
MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. ALL IMPLIED WAR­RANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FIT­NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHICH
EXCEED THE OBLIGATIONS AND TIME LIM­ITS STATED IN THIS WARRANTY ARE HEREBY
DISCLAIMED BY YAMAHA MOTOR CORPO­RATION, U.S.A. AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS
WARRANTY.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS
ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU. ALSO EXCLUDED FROM
THIS WARRANTY ARE ANY INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING
LOSS OF USE. SOME STATES DO NOT AL­LOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM­AGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LE­GAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE
TO STATE.

WARRANTY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS

Q. What costs are my responsibility during the warranty

period?

A. The customer’s responsibility includes all costs of

normal maintenance services, non-warranty repairs,
accident and collision damages, as well as oil, spark
plugs, clutch drive belts, and slide runners.

Q. What are some examples of “abnormal” strain, ne-

glect, or abuse?

A. These terms are general and overlap each other in

areas. Specific examples include: Running the ma­chine out of oil, hitting an object submerged under
snow, operation on surfaces other than snow or ice,
operating the machine with a broken or damaged
part which causes another part to fail, and so on. If
you have any specific questions on operation or
maintenance, please contact your dealer for advice.

Q. May I perform any or all of the recommended main-

tenance shown in the Owner’s Manual instead of
having the dealer do them?

A. Yes, if you are a qualified snowmobile mechanic and

follow the procedures specified in the Owner’s and
Service Manual. We do recommend, however, that
items requiring special tools or equipment be done by
a Yamaha snowmobile dealer.

SPECIAL EARLY-SEASON WARRANTY EX­TENSION

A special warranty extension is available for all new
Yamaha snowmobiles purchased between June 1 and
December 1.

All new Yamaha snowmobiles purchased between June
1 and December 1 will have the warranty extended to
November 30 of the following year.

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.

Post Office Box 6555

Cypress, California 90630

Q. Under what conditions is the clutch not covered by

warranty?

A. Clutches as well as clutch components wear with

use. Normal wear is not covered under warranty such
service is the customer’s responsibility. Abnormal
wear is, however, covered for one (1) year from the
date of purchase. Your Yamaha snowmobile dealer
possesses criteria as to what constitutes abnormal
wear.

Q. Will the warranty be void or canceled if I do not

operate or maintain my new Yamaha exactly as
specified in the Owner’s Manual?

A. No. The warranty on a new Yamaha cannot be

“voided” or “canceled.” However, if a particular failure
is caused by operation or maintenance other than as
shown in the Owner’s Manual, that failure may not be
covered under warranty.

1-2

CW-09E

Q. What responsibility does my dealer have under this

warranty?

A. Each Yamaha snowmobile dealer is expected to:

1. Completely set up every new machine before sale.

2. Explain the operation, maintenance, and warranty
requirements to your satisfaction at the time of sale,
and upon your request at any later date.

3. In addition, each Yamaha snowmobile dealer is held
responsible for his setup, service and warranty repair
work.

Q. Whom should I contact if I have further questions

about this warranty?

A. Your Yamaha snowmobile dealer has the informa-

tion and experience necessary to answer almost any
questions about this warranty. If the dealer is not able
to do so, he is expected to contact Yamaha Motor
Corporation, U.S.A., for clarification or assistance.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

When contacting Yamaha Motor Corpora­tion, U.S.A. be sure to include the model,
serial number, names, dates, and receipts.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The federal government requires each manufacturer of a
motor vehicle to maintain a complete, up-to-date list of all
first purchasers against the possibility of a safety-related
defect and recall. This list is compiled from the purchase
registrations sent to Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
by the selling dealer at the time of your purchase.

If you should move after you have purchased your new
snowmobile, please advise us of your new address by
sending a postcard listing your snowmobile model name,
engine serial number, dealer number (or dealer’s name)
as it is shown on your warranty registration identification,
your name and new mailing address. Mail to:

If your machine requires warranty service, you must take
it to any authorized Yamaha snowmobile dealer within
the continental United States. Be sure to bring your
warranty identification card or other valid proof of the
original date of purchase. If a question or problem arises
regarding warranty, first contact the owner of the dealer­ship. Since all warranty matters are handled at the dealer
level, this person is in the best position to help you. If you
are still not satisfied and require additional assistance,
please write:

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

DEPARTMENT

P.O. Box 6555

Cypress, California 90630

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.

WARRANTY DEPARTMENT

P.O. Box 6555

Cypress, California 90630

This will ensure that Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
has an up-to-date registration record in accordance with
federal law.

1-3

ESU04280

CW-06E

YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE (Y.E.S.)

1-4

1

RS90N/RS90M

1

RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/RSG90

ESU04050

2-

LOCATION OF THE IMPORTANT

LABELS

Please read the following labels carefully before operat­ing this snowmobile.

NOTE:

@

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as nec­essary.

@

8EK-77761-E0

2

8FB-77761-E0

2-1

34

8ES-14427-00

CAUTION ATTENTION

Severe engine damage
can result from oil loss if
crankcase breather hoses
are not installed correctly.
Inspect hoses and clamps
for correct installation
after battery service or
air box removal.

See Service Manual.

Des dommages graves risquent de survenir par
suite de fuites d’huile résultant d’un mauvais
branchement des tuyaux de reniflard du carter.
Après l’entretien de la batterie ou après la
dépose de l’épurateur d’air, assurez­vous que les brides et les tuyaux
sont installès correctement.
Consultez le manuel
d’entretien.

8ES-14488-00

55RS90GT

6 RS90M

7 RS90M

4AA-22259-70

4AA-22259-60

8ED-2191H-E0

2-2

8 RS90M/RSG90

2-3

RS90M

RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

NOTE:

@

The following suspension adjustment charts are included
with the Owner’s Manual.

@

2-4

ESU00008

3-

SAFETY INFORMATION

When you ride your snowmobile, you must know and use
the following for your safety. Severe injury or death may
result if you ignore any of the following.

Before operating

1. Read the Owner’s Manual and all labels before oper-
ating this snowmobile. Become familiar with all of the
operating controls and their function. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or function you do
not understand.

2. This snowmobile was not manufactured for use on
public streets, roads, or highways. Such use is pro­hibited by law, and you could collide with another
vehicle.

3. This snowmobile is designed to carry the OPERA­TOR ONLY.
Passengers are prohibited. Carrying a passenger
can cause loss of control.

4. Do not operate the snowmobile after drinking alcohol
or taking drugs. Your ability to operate the snowmo­bile is reduced by the influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. For safety and proper care of the snowmobile, always
perform the pre-operation checks on pages 6-1–6-11
before starting the engine. Check the throttle, brake,
and steering for proper operation every time before
starting the engine. Make sure that the throttle lever
moves freely and it returns to the home position when
it is released.

6. Apply the parking brake before starting the engine.
Never drive the snowmobile with the parking brake
applied. This may overheat the brake disc and reduce
braking ability.

3-1

7. Do not allow anyone to stand behind the snowmobile
when starting, inspecting, or adjusting the snowmo­bile. A broken track, track fittings, or debris thrown by
the track could be dangerous to the operator or
bystanders.

8. Handle fuel with care; it is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.

Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot.

●

Allow the engine to cool for several minutes after
running.
Use an approved fuel container.

●

Fill the fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.

●

Never remove the fuel cap indoors. Never fill the
fuel tank indoors.
Never refuel while smoking or in the vicinity of an

●

open flame.
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is closed securely

●

after refueling. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi­ately.

9. If you swallow some gasoline, inhale a lot of gasoline
vapor, or get some gasoline into your eyes, see your
doctor immediately. If any gasoline spills on your skin
or clothing, immediately wash your skin with soap
and water, and change your clothes.

10. Wear protective clothing. Wear an approved helmet,
and a face shield or goggles. Also, wear a good qual­ity snowmobile suit, boots, and a pair of gloves or mit­tens that will permit use of your thumbs and fingers
for operation of the controls.

Operation

1. Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting
the engine to transport the snowmobile in or out of
the building. Open the outside doors; exhaust fumes
are dangerous.

2. Be careful where you ride. There may be obstacles
hidden beneath the snow. Stay on established trails
to minimize your exposure to hazards. Ride slowly
and cautiously when you ride off of established trails.
Hitting a rock or stump, or running into wires could
cause an accident and injury.

3-2

3. This snowmobile is not designed for use on surfaces
other than snow or ice. Use on dirt, sand, grass,
rocks, or bare pavement may cause loss of control
and may damage the snowmobile.

4. Avoid operating on glare ice, or on snow which has a
lot of dirt or sand mixed in. Operation under such
conditions will damage or result in rapid wear of ski
runners, drive track, slide runners, and drive sprock­ets.

5. Always ride with other snowmobilers when going on a
ride. You may need help if you run out of fuel, have an
accident, or damage your snowmobile.

6. Many surfaces such as ice and hard-packed snow
require much longer stopping distances. Be alert,
plan ahead and begin decelerating early. The best
braking method on most surfaces is to release the
throttle and apply the brake gently—not suddenly.

Maintenance and storage

1. Do not leave the snowmobile on its left side for an
extended period of time. Fuel may leak out from the
fuel breather hose.

2. Modifications made to the snowmobile not approved
by Yamaha, or the removal of original equipment may
render your snowmobile unsafe for use that may
cause severe personal injury. Modifications may also
make the snowmobile illegal to use.

3. Never store the snowmobile with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are present
such as hot water and space heaters, an open flame,
sparks, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine
to cool off before storing the snowmobile in an
enclosed space.

4. Always refer to the “STORAGE” section if the snow-
mobile is to be stored for an extended period.

5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

3-3

RS90N/RS90NR

RS90R/RS90GT

ESU00012

4-

DESCRIPTION

RS90M

RSG90

4-1

Windshield

1

Steering handlebar

2

Seat

3

Frame

4

Storage compartment

5

Slide rail suspension

6

Rear suspension damping force

7

remote adjustment dial
(RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90)
Drive track

8

Skis

9

Headlights

0

Shroud

A

Strap (RS90M)

B

Tail/brake lights

C

Snow flap

D

Brake lever

E

Parking brake lever

F

Grip warmer adjustment switch

G

Headlight beam switch

H

Engine stop switch

I

Thumb warmer adjustment switch

J

Throttle lever

K

Shift lever

L

(RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/RSG90)
Shroud latch

M

Main switch

N

Auxiliary DC jack (RS90GT)

O

Starter lever

P

Tachometer

Q

Low coolant temperature indicator

R

light
High beam indicator light

S

Warning light

T

Self-diagnosis warning indicator

U

Coolant temperature warning

V

indicator
Fuel level warning indicator

W

Oil level warning indicator

X

Speedometer

Y

Grip warmer indicator

Z

Select/reset button

[

Thumb warmer indicator

\

Fuel meter and grip/thumb warmer

]

level indicator
Odometer/tripmeter

_

4-2

ESU00013

5-

CONTROL FUNCTIONS

ESU00362

Main switch

The main switch controls the following items.

“OFF”

1

The ignition circuit is switched off.
The key can be removed only in this position.

“ON”

2

The ignition circuit is switched on.

“START”

3

The starting circuit is switched on.
The starter motor starts.

CAUTION

@

:

Release the switch immediately after the engine
starts.

@

NOTE:

@

The headlights, meter lights, and taillights come on after
the engine starts.

@

5-1

ESU00201

Starter lever (choke)

Use the starter lever (choke) when starting and warming
up a cold engine.

Starter lever (choke)

1

When starting a cold engine.

2

Warming up

3

When the engine is warm.

4

NOTE:

@

Refer the “Starting the engine” section for proper opera­tion.

@

ESU00022

Throttle lever

Once the engine is running cleanly, squeezing a the throt­tle lever 1 will increase the engine speed and cause
engagement of the drive system. Regulate the speed of
the snowmobile by varying the throttle position. Because
the throttle is spring-loaded, the snowmobile will deceler­ate, and the engine will return to idle when it is released b.

WARNING

@

Check the throttle, brake, and steering for proper
operation before starting the engine.

@

ESU00361

Engine overheating prevention system

This model is equipped with an engine overheating pre­vention system to prevent overheating when the engine
is idling.
When the engine has been idling for at least 3 minutes
and the coolant temperature has risen above 100 °C
(212 °F), the engine automatically shuts off to prevent
overheating.

NOTE:

The engine can be started after it shuts off.

5-2

ESU04151

Throttle override system (T.O.R.S.)

If the carburetor or throttle cable should malfunction dur­ing operation, the T.O.R.S. will operate when the throttle
lever is released.
The T.O.R.S. is designed to interrupt the ignition and
keep the engine speed between 2,800 and 3,000 r/min if
the carburetor fails to return to idle when the lever is
released.

WARNING

@

●

If the T.O.R.S. is activated, make sure that the
cause of the malfunction has been corrected and
that the engine can be operated without a prob­lem before restarting the engine.

●

Be sure to use the specified spark plug and spark

A

B

plug cap. Otherwise, the T.O.R.S. will not work
properly.

@

CA-19E

Mode

Item

A

Idling/

starting

B C

Running Trouble

Throttle switch Off On Off
Throttle position

sensor

Engine Run Run

Closed Open Open

T.O.R.S.
will operate

Idling/starting

È

Running

É

Tr o u b l e

Ê

Throttle position sensor (throttle valve position)

C

1

Throttle switch

2

Throttle cable

3

On

a

Off

b

Open

c

Closed

d

NOTE:

@

When the T.O.R.S. is activated, the warning light 4 and
self-diagnosis warning indicator 5 will flash and the two­digit code “84” 6 will flash in the tripmeter/odometer dis­play.

@

5-3

ESU04160

Speedometer unit

The speedometer unit is equipped with the following:

a digital speedometer (which shows riding speed)

●

an odometer (which shows the total distance trav-

●

eled)
a tripmeter (which shows the distance traveled since

●

it was last set to zero)
warning indicators (which show self-diagnosis, cool-

●

ant temperature, fuel level, and oil level warnings)
a fuel meter (which shows the fuel remaining in the

●

fuel tank)
a grip/thumb warmer level indicator (which shows the

●

grip warmer level or the thumb warmer level)

After the engine is started, the tachometer 1 makes one
sweep, and the low coolant temperature indicator
light2, the warning light 3, and all segments of the
meter4 turn on and off once.
The grip warmer level is initially displayed for 5 seconds,
then switches to the fuel meter display.

Odometer and tripmeter modes

Pushing the select/reset button 5 switches the display
between the odometer mode “ODO” and the tripmeter
mode “TRIP”.
To reset the tripmeter, push the select/reset button for at
least one second while the tripmeter is displayed.

NOTE:

@

To switch the speedometer, odometer, and tripmeter dis­plays between kilometers and miles, select the odometer
mode “ODO”, and then push the select/reset button
for at least 10 seconds while the snowmobile is stopped.

@

5

ESU00363

High beam indicator light

The high beam indicator light 1 comes on when the high
beams of the headlights are switched on. (See page 5-10
for headlight beam switch operation.)

5-4

ESU03821

Fuel meter and grip/thumb warmer level indica­tor

The fuel meter and grip/thumb warmer level indicator
have eight segments 1 which show the amount of fuel
remaining in the fuel tank, the grip warmer level, or the
thumb warmer level.

Fuel meter

As the fuel level decreases in the fuel tank, the segments
disappear until the level goes down to the last segment
“E” (Empty). When this occurs, the fuel level warning
indicator 2 and the warning light 3 come on.
If the fuel level warning indicator and the warning light
come on, fill the fuel tank at the first opportunity.

NOTE:

@

The snowmobile must be stopped on a level surface to
obtain an accurate fuel meter reading. The fuel meter
reading changes as the snowmobile moves and depend­ing on the inclination of the snowmobile.

@

Grip/thumb warmer level indicator

The grip warmer adjustment switch 1 and the thumb
warmer adjustment switch 2 control the electrically
heated handlebar grips and throttle lever respectively.
To raise the temperature, press each switch to “HI”. To
lower the temperature, press each switch to “LO”.

NOTE:

@

The grip warmer indicator 3 comes on and the dis-

●

play switches to the grip warmer level when the grip
warmer adjustment switch is pressed.
The thumb warmer indicator 4 comes on and the

●

display switches to the thumb warmer level when the
thumb warmer adjustment switch is pressed.
The grip/thumb warmer level is displayed for 5 sec-

●

onds after releasing the grip/thumb warmer adjust­ment switch, then switches to the fuel meter.
The top segment of the grip/thumb warmer level indica-

●

tor flashes once if the grip/thumb warmer adjustment
switch is continually pressed at the maximum level. The
bottom segment of the grip/thumb warmer level indica­tor flashes once if the grip/thumb warmer adjustment
switch is continually pressed at the minimum level.
When the engine is started, the grip/thumb warmer

●

levels are set to the levels saved when the engine
was stopped.

@

5-5

ESU04260

Fuel level warning indicator

The fuel level warning indicator indicates a malfunction­ing sensor, disconnected coupler, broken lead, or short
circuit when detected by the self-diagnosis device of the
snowmobile.
The fuel level warning indicator 1, warning light 2, and
all segments of the fuel meter 3 warn the rider of the
above problems by flashing continuously.
When this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
snowmobile as soon as possible.

ESU00377

Oil level warning indicator

The oil level warning indicator 1 and the warning light
come on when the engine oil level is low.
If the oil level warning indicator and the warning light
come on, place the snowmobile on a level surface and
allow it to idle for one minute.
If the oil level warning indicator and the warning light go
off, the engine oil level is sufficient, however it is getting
low. Add engine oil as soon as possible.
If the oil level warning indicator and the warning light do
not go off, check the engine oil level in the oil tank (see
page 6-3), and add engine oil if necessary.

2

ESU04171

Low coolant temperature indicator light

The low coolant temperature indicator light 1 comes on
when the coolant temperature is low and informs the
rider that the snowmobile must be warmed up. After the
engine is started, warm it up until the indicator light goes
off.
The snowmobile can be operated normally after the indi­cator light goes off.

NOTE:

@

Operate the snowmobile at low speeds when the low
coolant temperature indicator light is on. If the engine
speed is too high, the warning light 2 and self-diagnosis
warning indicator 3 will flash and the two-digit code
“86”4 will flash slowly in the tripmeter/odometer display.
When this occurs, the engine control system prevents
the engine speed from rising.

@

5-6

ESU04180

Coolant temperature warning indicator

If the engine overheats, the coolant temperature warning
indicator 1 and the warning light 2 come on. When this
occurs, stop the engine immediately and allow the
engine to cool down, and then check the coolant level in
the coolant reservoir. (See page 6-4.)

CAUTION

@

:

Do not operate the engine if it overheats.

@

ESU04254

Self-diagnostic system

This model is equipped with a self-diagnostic system for
various electrical circuits.
If any of those circuits are defective, the warning light
and the self-diagnosis warning indicator 2 will flash, and
then an error code (e.g., 16 and 81) 3 will flash slowly in
the tripmeter/odometer display.

WARNING

@

●

If the self-diagnosis warning indicator and warn­ing light flash continuously, and an error code is
displayed during operation, there may be some
problem with the electrical circuit, lead couplers,
etc.

●

Stop the engine and allow it to cool off. Then,
check that the wire harness couplers in the
engine compartment are connected properly.

●

If the self-diagnosis warning indicator, warning
light, and an error code flash after the engine has
been restarted, note the error code, and then
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the snowmobile as
soon as possible.

@

1

5-7

ESU00031

Engine stop switch

The engine stop switch 1 is used to stop the engine in
an emergency. Simply push 2 the stop switch to stop the
engine. To start the engine, pull 3 the stop switch and
proceed with starting the engine. (See page 7-1 for more
details.)
During the first few rides, practice using the stop switch
so that you can react quickly in an emergency.

ESU02410

Brake lever

The snowmobile is stopped by braking the entire drive
system.
Squeeze the brake lever towards the handlebar grip to
stop the snowmobile.

Brake lever

1

Brake lever end

2

Handlebar end

3

NOTE:

@

When the brake lever is operated, the brake light will illu­minate.

@

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that the brake lever end does not project
out over the handlebar end. This will help prevent
brake lever damage when the snowmobile is placed
on its side for service.

@

For RS90N/RS90NR/RS90GT

The brake lever is equipped with a position adjuster.
To adjust the brake lever position:

1. Loosen the locknut 1.

2. While lightly pushing the brake lever in direction a,
finger tighten the adjusting bolt 2 to set the brake
lever to the desired position.

3. Tighten the locknut securely after adjusting the brake
lever.

5-8

A

ESU00035

Parking brake lever

When parking the snowmobile or starting the engine,
apply the parking brake by moving the brake lever 1 to
the left.
To release the parking brake, move the parking brake
lever 1 to the right.

To apply the parking brake

B

È

To release the parking brake

É

WARNING

@

●

Always set the parking brake before attempting to
start the engine.

●

Never run the snowmobile with the parking brake
applied. This may overheat the brake disc and
reduce braking ability.

@

ESU00341

Shift lever

For RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/RSG90

The shift lever is used to put the snowmobile into forward
or reverse. After coming to a complete stop, pull the shift
lever out, slide it to “FWD” or to “REV” until it stops, and
then release it.

Shift lever

1

Pull out

2

Slide to “FWD” (Forward)

3

Slide to “REV” (Reverse)

4

Release

5

CAUTION

@

:

Do not shift from “FWD” to “REV” or from “REV” to
“FWD” while the snowmobile is moving. Otherwise,
the drive system could be damaged.

@

5-9

ESU00039

Headlight beam switch

Push the headlight beam switch to change the headlight
beam to high or low.

Headlight beam switch

1

Push

2

High beam

3

Low beam

4

ESU04301

Auxiliary DC jack

For RS90GT

The auxiliary DC jack is located in the front panel and
can be used for accessories.

NOTE:

@

The auxiliary DC jack cannot be used if the engine is not
running.

@

1. Start the engine.

2. Open the auxiliary DC jack cap 1, and then insert
the accessory power plug into the jack 2.

NOTE:

@

After using the auxiliary DC jack, be sure to remove the
accessory power plug from the jack and close the auxil­iary DC jack cap.

@

CAUTION

@

●

Do not use accessories requiring more than the

:

maximum rated capacity for the auxiliary DC jack.
This may overload the circuit and cause the fuse
to blow. (See pages 8-35–8-37 for the specified
amperage.)

●

Do not use an automotive cigarette lighter or
other accessory with a plug that gets hot
because the jack can be damaged.

@

Maximum rated capacity:

DC 12 V, 2.5 A (30 W)

5-10

ESU00481

Shroud latches

To open the shroud, unhook the shroud latches, and then
slowly raise the shroud forward until it stops. When clos­ing the shroud, slowly lower it to its home position, and
then hook the shroud latches.

Shroud latch

1

Shroud

2

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that all cables and wires are in place when
closing the shroud.

@

WARNING

@

●

Do not drive the snowmobile with the shroud
open, unlatched, or removed.

●

Keep your body and clothing away from rotating
parts when servicing with the shroud open.

●

Do not touch the hot muffler and engine during or
immediately after operation.

@

ESU00521

Drive guard

The drive guard is designed to cover the V-belt clutch
and V-belt in case parts break or come loose.

WARNING

@

●

Make sure that the drive guard is tightened
securely before operating the snowmobile.

●

Never run the engine with the V-belt or drive
guard removed.

@

ESU00053

V-belt holders

Keep a spare V-belt for emergency use by placing it into
the V-belt holders provided.

CAUTION

@

Make sure that the V-belt is installed securely in the
holders.

@

:

5-11

ESU04080

Carburetor coolant shut-off lever

For RS90M

The carburetor coolant shut-off lever controls the flow of
coolant through the carburetor.
Make sure that the lever is in the “ON” position to allow
the coolant to flow and warm the carburetor while the
ambient temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F).

Carburetor coolant shut-off lever

1

“ON” (open)

2

“OFF” (closed)

3

A B

CAUTION

@

:

When operating the snowmobile in temperatures
above 0 °C (32 °F), move the carburetor coolant shut­off lever to the “OFF” position to stop the flow of
coolant, since the carburetor does not need to be
warmed.

@

ESU04130

Rear suspension damping force remote adjust­ment dial

For RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

Turn the remote adjustment dial to adjust the rear sus­pension damping force. (See page 8-25 for adjustment
procedures.)

Rear suspension damping force remote adjustment

1

dial

ESU02421

Storage compartment

Open the storage compartment to store the tool kit,
spare parts, or other small items.

RS90N/RS90NR/RS90M

È

RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

É

5-12

ESU00072

R+M

2

6-

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

NOTE:

@

Pre-operation checks should be made each time the
snowmobile is used.

@

WARNING

@

The engine and muffler will be very hot after the
engine has been run.
Avoid touching the engine and muffler while they are
still hot with any part of your body or clothing during
inspection or repair.

@

ESU00075

Fuel

Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank.

Recommended fuel:

Unleaded gasoline

Pump octane ; 88 or higher

Fuel tank capacity:

39.3 L (8.6 Imp gal, 10.4 US gal)

WARNING

@

●

Fuel is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and poisonous.
Check the “SAFETY INFORMATION” section
carefully before refueling. (See page 3-2.)

●

Do not fill the fuel tank above the bottom of the
filler tube 1. Fuel could overflow if the snowmo­bile is tilted on its side or if the ambient tempera­ture rises, causing the fuel to warm up and
expand.

●

Make sure that the fuel tank cap is closed
securely after refueling. Leaking fuel can catch
fire.

@

Fuel level

2

6-1

CAUTION

@

Oxygenated fuels (gasohol) containing a maxi-

●

:

mum 5% of ethanol can be used, although richer
jetting may be required to prevent engine dam­age. Consult a Yamaha dealer. Gasohol contain­ing methanol is not recommended.
Make sure that snow or ice does not enter the fuel

●

tank when refueling.
Do not use alcohol deicers or water absorbing

●

additives with oxygenated fuel.
The fuel tank should be filled with straight gaso-

●

line as specified.

@

ESU04031

Engine oil

Use a combination of the recommended SAE and API oil
classifications shown in the chart below.

CB-02E

-40˚

-20˚ 0˚

-40˚

-29˚ -18˚

CAUTION

@

Use only 4-stroke engine oil.

@

6-2

SAE API

60˚ F

40˚

20˚

SAE 0W-30

16˚ C

4˚

-7˚

:

SE, SF, SG

or

higher

ESU03441

Engine oil level

The engine oil level should be checked before each use.

CAUTION

@

:

Do not run the engine with too much or not enough
oil in the oil tank. Oil could flow into the air filter case
and the engine could be damaged.

@

Checking the engine oil level

1. Place the snowmobile on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.

2. Start the engine, warm it up for 10–15 minutes, and
then turn it off.

NOTE:

@

The engine can also be warmed up by operating the

●

snowmobile for 10–15 minutes.
After operating the snowmobile, allow the engine to

●

idle for at least 10 seconds before turning it off.

@

3. Disconnect the oil level gauge coupler 1.

CAUTION

@

:

Disconnect the oil level gauge coupler before remov­ing the oil level gauge/dipstick. Otherwise, the cable
can twist and break.

@

4. Remove the oil level gauge/dipstick 2, wipe it clean,
insert it back into the filler hole (without screwing it
in), and then remove it again to check the oil level.

NOTE:

@

The engine oil should be between the “F” 3 and “E”

4

level marks on the oil level gauge/dipstick.

@

5. If the engine oil is below the “E” level mark, add suffi­cient oil of the recommended type to raise it to the “F”
level mark. (See page 6-2 for the recommended oil.)

CAUTION

@

●

When adding the engine oil, be careful not to fill

:

above the “F” level mark on the oil level
gauge/dipstick.

●

Make sure that no foreign material enters the
engine oil tank.

@

6-3

6. Insert the oil level gauge/dipstick into the oil filler
hole, and then tighten it securely.

7. Connect the oil level gauge coupler.

ESU00086

Coolant

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below the

“COLD LEVEL” mark, add soft water until it reaches the
“COLD LEVEL” mark. (See pages 8-12–8-13 for more

details.)

“COLD LEVEL” mark

1

WARNING

@

Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot.

@

CAUTION

@

●

Hard water or salt water is harmful to the engine

:

parts. You may use boiled or distilled water, if soft
water is not available.

●

Tap water can be used temporarily in an emer­gency.

@

6-4

ESU00087

Throttle lever

Check the throttle lever operation before starting the
engine.
The throttle lever must open smoothly and spring back to
its home position when released.

ESU00090

Throttle override system (T.O.R.S.)

Check the T.O.R.S. for proper operation.

WARNING

@

When checking T.O.R.S.:

●

Make sure that the parking brake is applied.

●

Make sure that the throttle lever moves smoothly.

●

Do not run the engine up to clutch engagement
r/min. Otherwise, the snowmobile could start
moving forward unexpectedly, which could cause
an accident.

@

1. Start the engine.

NOTE:

@

Refer to the “Starting the engine” section.

@

2. Hold the pivot point of the throttle lever away from the
throttle switch by putting your thumb (above) and
forefinger (below) between the throttle lever pivot
and the engine stop switch housing 2.
While holding the pivot point as described above,
press the throttle lever 3 gradually.
The T.O.R.S. will operate and the engine should run
between 2,800 and 3,000 r/min.

1

WARNING

@

If the engine does not run between 2,800 and
3,000 r/min, stop the engine by turning the main switch
to the “OFF” position and consult a Yamaha dealer.

@

6-5

ESU00091

Brake

1. Brake lever
Test the brake at a low speed when starting out to
make sure that it is working properly. If the brake
does not provide proper braking performance,
inspect the brake for wear or brake fluid leakage.
(See pages 8-18–8-19 for more details.)

WARNING

@

●

A soft, spongy feeling in the brake lever indicates
a failure in the brake system.

●

Do not operate the snowmobile if you find any
problems in the brake system. You could lose
braking ability, which could lead to an accident.
Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect and repair the
brake system.

@

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that the brake lever end does not project
out over the handlebar end. This is to prevent brake
lever damage when the snowmobile is placed on its
side.

@

2. Brake fluid
Check the brake fluid level. (See page 8-19.)
Add fluid if necessary.

Lower level

1

Specified brake fluid: DOT 4

6-6

ESU00093

Brake fluid leakage

Apply the brake for a few minutes. Check to see if any
brake fluid leaks out from the brake hose joints or the
master cylinder.

WARNING

@

If brake fluid leakage is found, ask a Yamaha dealer
for immediate repairs.

@

CAUTION

@

:

Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or plas­tic parts. Never spill any brake fluid. If any is spilled,
clean it up immediately.

@

ESU00941

V-bel t

Open the shroud and remove the drive guard.
Check the V-belt for wear and damage. Replace if neces­sary.

Wear limit a: 32.5 mm (1.28 in)

WARNING

@

●

Make sure that the drive guard is tightened
securely before operating the snowmobile.

●

Never run the engine without the V-belt or with
the drive guard removed.

@

ESU00096

Drive guard

Check the drive guard mounts for damage. Make sure
that the drive guard is firmly in place.

6-7

ESU00097

Drive track

Check the drive track for deflection, wear, or damage.
Adjust or replace if necessary. (See pages 8-29–8-31 for
more details.)

WARNING

@

Do not operate the snowmobile if you find damage to
the drive track, or if it has been maladjusted. Drive
track damage or failure could result in loss of brak­ing ability and snowmobile control, which could
cause an accident.

@

ESU00243

51-mm (2.0-in) high-profile pattern drive track

For RS90M

This snowmobile is originally equipped with a 51-mm
(2.0-in) high-profile pattern drive track specifically for use
in deep snow riding conditions.
Therefore, avoid prolonged operation on hard surfaces
such as ice, hard-packed snow, dirt, etc., to extend the
life of the track and slide runners.

CAUTION

@

●

Only use in deep snow riding conditions.

●

Operation on areas with light snowfall, ice, hard-

:

packed snow, dirt, or grass will result in rapid
wear or damage to the track and slide runners
from lack of snow which serves as a lubricant.

@

6-8

ESU00982

Slide runners

Check the slide runners for wear and damage.
If the slide runners reach the wear limit, they should be
replaced.

Slide runners

1

Wear limit

a

Wear limit height:

10.5 mm (0.41 in)

CAUTION

@

:

Ride on fresh snow frequently. Operating on ice or
hard packed snow will rapidly wear the slide runners.

@

ESU03201

Skis and ski runners

Check the skis and ski runners for wear and damage.
Replace if necessary.

For RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/RSG90

Ski runner wear limit a:

8 mm (0.31 in)

Ski wear limit b:

12 mm (0.47 in)

For RS90M

Ski runner wear limit a:

8 mm (0.31 in)

Ski wear limit b:

24 mm (0.94 in)

CAUTION

@

Avoid scratching the skis when loading and unload­ing the snowmobile, when riding in areas with little
or no snow, or on sharp edges such as concrete,
curbs, etc. This will wear or damage the skis.

@

:

6-9

ESU00103

Steering system

Check the handlebar for excessive free play:

1. Push the handlebar up and down and back and forth.

2. Turn the handlebar slightly to the right and left.

If excessive free play is noticed, consult a Yamaha
dealer.

ESU00378

Lights

Check the lights.
Replace any burned out bulbs.

CAUTION

@

:

Avoid using a scraper or hot water for cleaning the
plastic lenses 1.

@

ESU03502

Air filter

Always check that there is no snow under the air filter
element frame.

1. Unhook the air filter case cover fasteners and the
latch.

2. Remove the air filter case cover.

3. Lift up the air filter element frame and check the air
filter element. If there is any snow on the air filter ele­ment, remove the element and brush off the snow,
and then install the air filter element.

4. Place the air filter element frame in its original posi­tion, and then install the air filter case cover. Hook the
fasteners and the latch onto the air filter case cover.

NOTE:

@

After riding the snowmobile, make sure that there is no
snow under the air filter element frame.

@

6-10

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 neces­sary. 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.

6-11

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 posi­tion. The starter motor cannot be operated when the
engine stop switch is in the off position.

@

1. Fully open the starter lever (choke).

Starter lever (choke)

1

Fully open (cold engine starting)

2

Half-open (warm engine up)

3

Closed (warm engine starting)

4

NOTE:

@

The starter lever (choke) is not required when the engine
is warm. Put the starter lever (choke) in the closed posi­tion.

@

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.

“START”

1

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.

@

7-1

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 full­throttle 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.

@

7-2

ESU01272

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 tech­niques 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 neces­sary 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 infor­mation on pages 3-1–3-3.
Please read all warning and caution labels
on your snowmobile. Also, read the Snow­mobiler’s Safety Handbook that is supplied
with your snowmobile.

Learning to ride your snowmobile

Before you ride, always perform the pre­operation checks listed on pages 8-1–8-4.
The short time spent checking the condi­tion of the snowmobile will be rewarded
with added safety and a more reliable
snowmobile. Always wear the proper cloth­ing for both warmth and to help protect you
from injury if an accident occurs.
Become familiar with operating your snow­mobile at low speeds, even if you are an
experienced rider. Do not attempt to oper­ate at maximum performance until you are

totally 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 the engine 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 snowmo­bile 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 hard­packed 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.

@

7-3

Tu rn in g

Riding uphill

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
speeds 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 techniques such as abrupt
throttle changes, excessive braking, incor­rect 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 turn­ing, lean more into the turn to regain bal­ance. If necessary, gradually let off on the
throttle or steer to the outside of the turn.

Remember:

Avoid higher speeds until you are thor­oughly familiar with the operation of your
snowmobile.

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 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 snowmo­bile around to point the snowmobile back
down the hill. When the snowmobile is
pointed downhill, mount your snowmobile
from the uphill side. Restart the engine,
release the parking brake, and descend
the hill.

WARNING

@

Side hills and steep slopes are not rec­ommended for a novice snowmobiler.

@

7-4

Riding downhill

When riding downhill, keep speed to a min­imum. 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

downhill leg on the seat and the foot of
your uphill leg on the running board. This
position 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, stop­ping, and starting is much less than that on
snow.

WARNING

@

Traversing slopes is not recommended
for a novice snowmobiler.

@

Traversing a slope requires you to properly
position your weight to maintain proper bal­ance. 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 your

WARNING

@

When you have to operate on ice or icy
surfaces, drive slowly and cautiously.
Avoid accelerating, turning, and braking
rapidly. Steering is minimal and uncon­trolled spins are an ever-present dan­ger.

@

7-5

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,
and 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 dam­age or result in rapid wear of the ski run­ners, drive track, slide runners, and drive
sprockets. Operation of the snowmobile on
the following surfaces should be avoided at
all times:

1. Dirt

2. Sand

3. Rocks

4. Grass

5. Bare pavement
Other surfaces 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 of the above surfaces 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, liter­ally melt away, and the drive track will be
subject 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. Operat­ing on ice or hard-packed snow will rap­idly wear the slide runners.

@

7-6

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
8-29–8-31 for adjustment procedures.) A loose track can
slip (ratchet), derail or catch on suspension parts caus­ing 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 high­speed 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 fail­ure or damage.

Off-trail riding

Avoid off-trail riding until there is sufficient snow cover­age. 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 spin­ning 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 dam­age, consult your stud manufacturer for installation and
stud pattern recommendations.

Yamaha does not recommend track studding.

7-7

ESU00245

Strap

For RS90M

The strap 1 should be used only by experienced opera­tors 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 experi­enced 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.

@

7-8

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 RS90N/RS90M

1. Release the parking brake by moving the parking
brake lever to the right.

2. Press the throttle lever slowly to move the snowmo­bile.

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 RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/RSG90

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.

Pull out

1

Slide to “FWD” (Forward)

2

Slide to “REV” (Reverse)

3

Release

4

WARNING

@

●

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

●

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.

@

7-9

CAUTION

@

:

Do not shift from “FWD” to “REV” or from “REV” to
“FWD” while the snowmobile is moving. Otherwise,
the drive system could be damaged.

@

NOTE:

@

The reverse buzzer beeps while the shift lever is in
reverse.

@

2. Release the parking brake by moving the parking
brake lever to the right.

3. Press the throttle lever slowly to move the snowmo­bile.

4. Turn the handlebar in the desired direction.

5. Squeeze the brake lever to stop the snowmobile.

6. Apply the parking brake by moving the parking brake
lever to the left.

ESU00136

Stopping the engine

Turn the main switch to the “OFF” position to stop the
engine.

“OFF”

1

WARNING

@

Push down the engine stop switch to stop the

●

engine in an emergency.
Make sure that the key is removed from the main

●

switch whenever the operator leaves the snow­mobile, to prevent accidental starting.

@

7-10

ESU00367

Transporting

When transporting your snowmobile on a trailer or in a
truck, observe the following recommendations to help
protect it from damage:

Make sure that the fuel level in the fuel tank is lower

●

than the bottom of the carburetors. Otherwise, the
vibration and bumps from the road surface could
make it possible for fuel to flow through the carbure­tors into the cylinders. This can result in “hydrostatic
lock,” a condition where the engine cannot rotate
because of fuel accumulated in the engine. Severe
engine damage can result from hydrostatic lock.
When possible, the fuel tank should be empty during
transportation, especially if the trip takes longer than
30 minutes.
If transporting the snowmobile in an open trailer or

●

truck, put a tight fitting cover on the snowmobile. A
cover specifically designed for your snowmobile is
best. This will help keep foreign objects out of the
cooling vents in the shroud, and also help protect the
snowmobile against damage from debris on the road.
If transporting the snowmobile in an open trailer or

●

truck in areas where road salt is used, coat metal
suspension surfaces lightly with oil or another pro­tectant. This will help protect against corrosion. Be
sure to clean the snowmobile when you get to your
destination to remove any corrosive salts.

7-11

ESU04960

8-

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Safety is an obligation of the owner. Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrication will
keep your snowmobile in the safest and most efficient condition possible. The most impor­tant points of snowmobile inspection, adjustment, and lubrication are explained on the fol­lowing pages.

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of devices and systems related to emissions
control may be performed by any repair establishment or individual that is certified
(if applicable).

WARNING

@

If you are not familiar with maintenance work, have a Yamaha dealer do it for you.

@

PROPER PERIODIC MAINTENANCE OF YOUR SNOWMOBILE IS IMPORTANT IN
ORDER TO ENJOY LONG, PLEASURABLE SERVICE. ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT ARE
THE MAINTENANCE SERVICES RELATED TO EMISSIONS CONTROL. THESE SER­VICES NOT ONLY ENSURE CLEANER AIR, BUT ARE ALSO VITAL TO PROPER
ENGINE OPERATION AND MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. IN THE FOLLOWING PERI­ODIC MAINTENANCE CHARTS, THE SERVICES RELATED TO EMISSIONS CONTROL
ARE GROUPED SEPARATELY. THESE SERVICES REQUIRE SPECIALIZED DATA,
KNOWLEDGE, AND EQUIPMENT. YAMAHA DEALERS ARE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED
TO PERFORM THESE PARTICULAR SERVICES.

ESU04970

Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system

CD-31E

Pre-

Item Remarks

Check condition.

Spark plugs

Valve clearance

∗

Crankcase breather

∗

system

Fuel filter

∗

It is recommended that these items be serviced by a Yamaha dealer.

∗

Adjust gap and clean.
Replace if necessary.

Check clearance.
Adjust clearance when engine
is cold.

Check breather hose for
cracks or damage.
Replace if necessary.

Check condition.
Replace if necessary.

operation

check
(Daily)

Every 40,000 km (25,000 mi) 8-8

Initial

1 month

or

800 km

(500 mi)

(40 hr)

Every

Seasonally

or

4,000 km

(2,500 mi)

(200 hr)

●

●

●

Page

8-5–8-6

8-1

Pre-

Item Remarks

operation

check
(Daily)

Check fuel hose for cracks or

Fuel line

∗

damage.
Replace if necessary.

Idle speed

∗

Carburetors

∗

Check and adjust engine idle
speed.

Adjust the jets.

Adjust synchronization of car-

Whenever operating condition
(elevation/temperature) is changed.

buretors.

Check for leakage.

Exhaust system

∗

Tighten or replace gasket if
necessary.

It is recommended that these items be serviced by a Yamaha dealer.

∗

ESU04980

General maintenance and lubrication chart

CD-32E

Pre-

Item Remarks

Engine oil

Engine oil filter

∗

cartridge

Check oil level.

Replace.

∗

Replace.

Fuel Check fuel level.

Check coolant level.

Engine coolant

Air bleed the cooling system

∗

if necessary.

Throttle lever
(carburetor side)

Throttle lever
(handlebar side)

Throttle override
system (T.O.R.S.)

Engine stop switch

It is recommended that these items be serviced by a Yamaha dealer.

∗

Check throttle lever operation.

Check operation.

Repair if necessary.

∗

Check operation.

Repair if necessary.

∗

Check operation.

Repair if necessary.

∗

operation

check
(Daily)

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

Initial

1 month

or

800 km

(500 mi)

(40 hr)

Every

Seasonally

or

4,000 km

(2,500 mi)

(200 hr)

●

●●

●●

●

Initial

1 month

or

800 km

(500 mi)

(40 hr)

Every

Seasonally

or

4,000 km

(2,500 mi)

(200 hr)

●●

Every
20,000 km

●

(12,000 mi)

●

Page

8-7

Page

6-3–6-4

8-9–8-11

8-9–8-11

6-1–6-2

6-4

8-12

8-7

5-2, 6-5

5-3, 6-5

5-8

8-2

Pre-

Item Remarks

operation

check
(Daily)

Check for cracks, bends or

Drive guard

V-belt

Drive track and idler
wheels

Slide runners

Brake and parking
brake

damage.

Replace if necessary.

∗

Check for wear and damage.
Replace if necessary.

Check deflection, and for wear
and damage.

Adjust/replace if necessary.

∗

Check for wear and damage.

Replace if necessary.

∗

Check operation and fluid
leakage.

Adjust free play and/or re-

∗

●

●

●

●

●

place pads if necessary.

Replace brake fluid. See NOTE on page 8-4. 8-19

∗

Disc brake

∗

installation

Drive chain oil

Drive chain

Skis and ski runners

Steering system

Strap (RS90M)

Lights

Battery

∗

It is recommended that these items be serviced by a Yamaha dealer.

∗

Check for slight free play.
Lubricate shaft with specified
grease as required.

Check oil level.

Replace.

∗

Check deflection.

Adjust if necessary.

∗

Check for wear and damage.

Replace if necessary.

∗

Check operation.

Adjust toe-out if necessary.

∗

Check for damage.

Replace if necessary.

∗

Check operation.
Replace bulbs if necessary.

Check condition.
Charge if necessary.

Initial at 500 km (300 mi) and every
800 km (500 mi) thereafter.

●

●

●

●

Initial

1 month

or

800 km

(500 mi)

(40 hr)

●

Every

Seasonally

or

4,000 km

(2,500 mi)

(200 hr)

●

●

Every
1,600 km
(1,000 mi)

●

●

●

●

Page

5-11, 6-7

6-7,

8-14–8-16

6-8,

8-29–8-31

6-9

5-8–5-9,
6-6–6-7,

8-18–8-19

8-16–8-17

8-17

6-9

6-10

6-10, 8-34

8-3

Pre-

Item Remarks

operation

check
(Daily)

Check engagement and shift
speed.
Adjust if necessary.

Whenever operating elevation is changed.

Inspect sheaves for wear/
damage.

Primary and second-

∗

ary clutches

Inspect weights/rollers and
bushings for wear-for primary.
Inspect ramp shoes/bushings
for wear-for secondary.
Replace if necessary.

Lubricate with specified
grease.

Steering column

∗

bearing

Ski and front

∗

suspension

Suspension

∗

component

Parking brake cable

∗

end and lever end/
throttle cable end

Shroud latches

Fittings and fasteners

Tool kit and recom­mended equipment

It is recommended that these items be serviced by a Yamaha dealer.

∗

Lubricate with specified
grease.

Lubricate with specified
grease.

Lubricate with specified
grease.

Lubricate with specified
grease.

Check cable damage.
Replace if necessary.

Make sure that the shroud
latches are hooked.

Check tightness.

Repair if necessary.

∗

Check for proper placement.

●

●

●

Initial

1 month

or

800 km

(500 mi)

(40 hr)

Every

Seasonally

or

4,000 km

(2,500 mi)

(200 hr)

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

Page

8-33

8-33

8-33

5-11

6-11

6-11

NOTE:

@

Brake system:

After disassembling the master cylinder or caliper cylinder, always change the brake

●

fluid. Regularly check the brake fluid level and add fluid if necessary.
Replace the oil seals of the master cylinder and caliper cylinder every two years.

●

Replace the brake hose every four years, or if cracked or damaged.

●

@

8-4

A

ESU03761

Tool kit

The owner’s tool kit has the tools which are sufficient for
most periodic maintenance and minor repairs. A torque
wrench is also necessary to properly tighten nuts and
bolts.

Tool kit

B

1

RS90N/RS90NR/RS90M

È

RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

É

CAUTION

@

:

Before starting the engine, make sure that the tool
kit is properly seated in its holder and is securely
fastened.

@

NOTE:

@

If you do not have a torque wrench available during a
service operation requiring one, take your snowmobile to
a Yamaha dealer to check the torque settings and adjust
them if necessary.

@

ESU03681

Checking the spark plugs

The spark plug is an important engine component and is
easy to inspect. The condition of the spark plug can indi­cate the condition of the engine. Check the coloration on
the white porcelain insulator around the center electrode.
The ideal coloration at this point is a medium to a light
tan color for a snowmobile that is being ridden normally.
If a spark plug shows a distinctly different color, there
could be something wrong with the engine. For example,
a very white center electrode porcelain color could indi­cate an intake track air leak or carburetion problem for
that cylinder. Do not attempt to diagnose such problems
yourself. Instead, take the snowmobile to a Yamaha
dealer for inspection and possible repairs. You should
periodically remove and inspect the spark plug because
heat and deposits will cause a spark plug to slowly break
down and erode. Consult a Yamaha dealer before chang­ing to a different type of spark plug.

8-5

Specified spark plug:

· R · CR8E (NGK) or CR8E (NGK)

Spark plugs are produced in several different thread
lengths. The thread length or reach is the distance from
the spark plug gasket seat to the end of the threaded
portion. If the reach is too long, overheating and engine
damage may result. If the reach is too short, spark plug
fouling and poor performance may result. Also, if the
reach is too short, carbon will form on the exposed
threads resulting in combustion chamber hot spots and
thread damage. Always use a spark plug with the speci­fied reach.

Spark plug reach a: 19.0 mm (0.75 in)

Before installing any spark plug, measure the electrode
gap with a wire thickness gauge and adjust to specifica­tion.

Spark plug gap b: 0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)

When installing the spark plug, always clean the gasket
surface. Wipe off any grime from the threads and tighten
the spark plug to the specified torque.

Spark plug tightening torque:

12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9 ft·lb)

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that the spark plug caps are securely
installed. Otherwise the spark plug caps could be
damaged due to engine vibration.

@

8-6

ESU03701

Adjusting the engine idling speed

CAUTION

@

●

Be sure to have a Yamaha dealer make this

:

adjustment.

●

Make sure that the throttle lever moves smoothly.

●

Make sure that the carburetor is synchronized
first.

@

1. Start the engine and warm it up.

NOTE:

@

Refer to the “Starting the engine” section.

@

2. Turn the throttle stop screw 1 in or out to adjust the
engine idle speed.

Standard engine idle speed: 1,400 ± 100 r/min

ESU01472

Adjusting the throttle cable

CAUTION

@

Be sure to adjust the engine idle speed first.

@

1. Loosen the locknut.

2. Turn the adjuster in or out until the proper throttle
lever free play is achieved.

:

Throttle lever free play a:

2.0–3.0 mm (0.08–0.12 in)

Locknut

1

Adjuster

2

3. Tighten the locknut.

ESU04870

Adjusting the carburetors

The carburetors are an important part of the engine and
its emission control system, which require very sophisti­cated adjustment. Therefore, carburetor adjustments
should be left to a Yamaha dealer, who has the neces­sary professional knowledge and experience.

8-7

ESU04860

Adjusting the high-altitude settings

Operating at high altitude reduces the performance of a
gasoline engine about 3% for every 305 m (1,000 ft) of
elevation. This is because there is less air as altitude
increases. Less air means less oxygen available for com­bustion.
Your snowmobile can be adjusted to overcome most of
the problems found in high-altitude riding. Carburetor
adjustments are the most important. Less air at high alti­tude makes the air/fuel ratio too rich, which can cause
poor performance. Common problems are hard starting,
bogging, and plug fouling. Proper carburetion adjust­ments will correct the air/fuel ratio. Be sure to have a
Yamaha dealer make these adjustments.

Remember:

Less air at higher altitude means there is
less horsepower available, even with proper carburetion.
Expect acceleration and top speed to be reduced at
higher altitudes.
To overcome operating with less power at high altitudes,
your snowmobile may also require different settings for
the drive chain gears and V-belt clutch to avoid poor per­formance and rapid wear. If you plan to operate your
snowmobile at an altitude different from the area where
you bought it, be sure to consult a Yamaha dealer. The
dealer can tell you if there are any changes necessary
for the altitude where you plan to ride.

CAUTION

@

:

The drive chain gears and V-belt clutch should be
adjusted when operating above a high altitude of
900 m (3,000 ft). Consult a Yamaha dealer.

@

ESU00348

Adjusting the valve clearance

The valve clearance changes with use, resulting in
improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To prevent
this from occurring, the valve clearance must be adjusted
by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals specified in the peri­odic maintenance chart.

8-8

ESU04201

Changing the engine oil

It is recommended to have a Yamaha dealer change the
engine oil.

WARNING

@

Engine oil is extremely hot immediately after the
engine is turned off. Coming into contact with or get­ting any engine oil on your clothes could result in
burns.

@

CAUTION

@

●

Do not run the engine with too much or not

:

enough oil in the oil tank. Oil could spray out or
the engine could be damaged.

●

Be sure to change the engine oil after the first
800 km (500 mi) of operation, and every 4,000 km
(2,500 mi) thereafter or at the start of a new sea­son, otherwise the engine will wear quickly.

●

The oil filter cartridge should be replaced every
20,000 km (12,000 mi) of operation.

@

To change the engine oil (with or without oil filter
cartridge replacement)

1. Place the snowmobile on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.

2. Remove the bottom panel 1 and right side cover 2.

3. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and
then turn it off.

4. Place oil pans under both the engine and the oil tank
to collect the used oil.

5. Disconnect the oil level gauge coupler 3.

6. Remove the oil level gauge/dipstick 4 and the cylin­der head cap 5, and then remove the crankcase
engine oil drain bolt 6 and the oil tank engine oil
drain bolt 7 to drain the oil from the crankcase and
the oil tank.

NOTE:

@

A “” mark 8 is stamped on the crankcase near the

●

crankcase engine oil drain bolt.
Dispose of used oil according to local regulations.

●

Skip steps 7–9 if the oil filter cartridge is not being

●

replaced.

@

8-9

7. Remove the oil filter cartridge 9 with an oil filter
wrench.

NOTE:

@

An oil filter wrench is available at a Yamaha dealer.

@

8. Apply a thin coat of engine oil to the O-ring of the new
oil filter cartridge.

9. Install the new oil filter cartridge with an oil filter
wrench, and then tighten it to the specified torque.

Tightening torque:

Oil filter cartridge:

17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lb)

10. Install the engine oil drain bolts, and then tighten
them to the specified torques.

Tightening torques:

Crankcase engine oil drain bolt:

10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lb)

Oil tank engine oil drain bolt:

16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lb)

11. Add 2.0 L (1.8 Imp qt, 2.1 US qt) of the recom­mended engine oil to the oil tank, and then install and
tighten the oil level gauge/dipstick and the cylinder
head cap.

Recommended engine oil:

See page 6-2.

Oil quantity:

With oil filter cartridge replacement:

3.0 L (2.6 Imp qt, 3.2 US qt)

Without oil filter cartridge replacement:

2.8 L (2.5 Imp qt, 3.0 US qt)

Total amount:

3.7 L (3.3 Imp qt, 3.9 US qt)

12. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and
then turn it off.

8-10

13. Add sufficient oil of the recommended type to raise it
to the “F” level mark on the oil level gauge/dipstick.
(See page 6-3 for the checking procedure.)

CAUTION

@

When adding the engine oil, be careful not to fill

●

:

above the “F” level mark on the oil level gauge/
dipstick.
Make sure that no foreign material enters the

●

engine oil tank.

@

14. Start the engine, and then let it idle for several min­utes while checking it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off and make sure the
engine oil drain bolts, cylinder head cap, and oil level
gauge/dipstick are installed correctly.

15. Turn the engine off, connect the oil level gauge cou­pler, and then install the bottom panel and right side
cover.

CAUTION

@

:

If oil is leaking or the oil level warning indicator
comes on when the engine is running, immediately
turn the engine off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the snowmobile. Continuing to operate the engine
under such conditions could cause severe engine
damage.

@

8-11

ESU03173

Cooling system

Bleeding the cooling system

WARNING

@

●

Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when
the engine is hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam
may be blown out under pressure, which could
cause serious injury.
When the engine has cooled, place a thick rag or
towel over the coolant reservoir cap, and slowly
rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent.
This procedure allows any residual pressure to
escape. When the hissing sound has stopped,
press down on the cap while turning counter­clockwise and remove it.

●

The cooling system must be bled of air if the
coolant reservoir becomes empty, if air can be
seen in the cooling system, or if there is a cooling
system leak. Consult a Yamaha dealer.

@

CAUTION

@

:

Operating the engine with an improperly bled cool­ing system can cause overheating and severe
engine damage.

@

Replenishing the coolant

1. Remove the coolant reservoir cap and add coolant
until it reaches the “COLD LEVEL” mark.

Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene glycol antifreeze containing corro­sion inhibitors.
Antifreeze and water mixing ratio: 60:40
Total amount:

For RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT

4.8 L (4.22 Imp qt, 5.07 US qt)

For RS90M/RSG90

5.6 L (4.93 Imp qt, 5.92 US qt)

8-12

“COLD LEVEL” mark

1

Coolant reservoir cap

2

2. Start the engine and add coolant until the coolant
level does not go down, and then stop the engine.

3. Fill the coolant reservoir with coolant until it reaches
the “COLD LEVEL” mark.

4. Install the coolant reservoir cap. Check for any cool­ant leakage.

NOTE:

@

If you find any leaks, consult a Yamaha dealer.

@

8-13

ESU01661

Replacing the V-belt

WARNING

@

When installing the new V-belt, make sure it is posi­tioned from 1.5 mm (0.06 in) above the edge of the
secondary sheave assembly to 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
below the edge a.
If not, the V-belt clutch engagement speed will be
changed. The snowmobile may move unexpectedly
when the engine is started.
Adjust the V-belt position by removing or adding a
spacer 1 on each adjusting bolt.
Have a Yamaha dealer make this adjustment.

@

CAUTION

@

:

As the V-belt wears, adjustment may be necessary.
To ensure proper clutch performance, the V-belt
position should be adjusted by adding a spacer on
each adjusting bolt when the V-belt position reaches

1.5 mm (0.06 in) below the edge.
Have a Yamaha dealer make this adjustment.

@

CD-05E

New belt width 34.5 mm (1.36 in)

Belt wear limit width 32.5 mm (1.28 in)

NOTE:

@

Apply the parking brake before replacing the V-belt.

@

1. Remove the drive guard.

2. Rotate the secondary sliding sheave clockwise

1

and push 2 it so that it separates from the secondary
fixed sheave.

8-14

3. Pull 3 the V-belt up over the secondary fixed sheave.

4. Remove the V-belt from the secondary sheave
assembly and primary sheave assembly.

5. Put the new V-belt back on the secondary sheave
assembly only. Do not force the V-belt between the
sheaves; the secondary sliding and fixed sheaves
must touch each other. Measure the V-belt position.

Standard V-belt position a:

From 1.5 mm (0.06 in) above the edge of the second­ary sheave to 0.5 mm (0.02 in) below the edge.

6. If the position is incorrect, adjust the V-belt position
by removing or adding a spacer 4 on each adjusting
bolt 5.

CD-06E

V-belt position Adjustment

More than 1.5 mm (0.06 in)
above the edge

From 1.5 mm (0.06 in)
above the edge to 0.5 mm
(0.02 in) below the edge

More than 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
below the edge

Remove spacer

Not necessary
(It is correct.)

Add spacer

7. Tighten each adjusting bolt.

Adjusting bolt tightening torque:

10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lb)

8-15

8. Install the V-belt over the primary sheave assembly.

9. Rotate the secondary sliding sheave clockwise

6

and push 7 it so that it separates from the secondary
fixed sheave.

10. Install the V-belt 8 between the secondary sliding
and secondary fixed sheaves.

11. Install the drive guard.

WARNING

@

Never run the engine with the V-belt or drive guard
removed.

@

ESU03513

Checking the drive chain housing oil level and the drive chain tension

Checking the oil level

WARNING

@

The engine, oil tank, brake disc, and coolant hoses
will be very hot after the engine has been run. Avoid
contact while they are still hot with any part of your
body or clothing during inspection or repair.

@

1. Place the snowmobile on a level surface.

2. Remove the dipstick 1, wipe it off with a clean rag,
and then insert it back into the filler hole.

8-16

A B

3. Remove the dipstick and check that the oil is between
the maximum and minimum level marks. If the oil is
below the minimum level mark, add sufficient oil to
raise it to the maximum level mark.

Maximum level mark

2

Minimum level mark

3

Drive chain oil: GL-3

75W or 80W

For models without reverse transmissions

È

(RS90N/RS90M)
For models with reverse transmissions

É

(RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/RSG90)

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that no foreign material enters the drive
chain housing.

@

4. Install the dipstick, making sure to align the notch

4

in the dipstick handle with the projection 5 on the
drive chain housing.

Adjusting the chain tension

1. Loosen the locknut.

2. Turn the adjusting bolt clockwise until it is finger tight,
and then loosen it 1/4 turn.

3. Hold the adjusting bolt in place while tightening the
locknut.

Locknut

1

Adjusting bolt

2

8-17

ESU00174

Checking the brake pads

Check the brake pads for wear.
If the brake pads reach the wear limit, ask a Yamaha
dealer to replace them.

Brake pad wear indicator

1

Wear limit a: 1.5 mm (0.06 in)

ESU00352

Checking the parking brake pads

Check the parking brake pads for wear by measuring the
thickness of the pads. If the parking brake pads reach
the wear limit, ask a Yamaha dealer to replace them.

Wear limit a: 1.2 mm (0.05 in)

Adjustment

As the parking brake pads wear, adjustment may be nec­essary to ensure proper brake performance.

WARNING

@

Be sure to have a Yamaha dealer make this adjust­ment.

@

1. Loosen the locknut 1 and the adjusting bolt 2.

2. Loosen the cable locknut 3.

3. Turn the cable adjuster 4 in or out to adjust the cable
length.

Cable length a: 43.5–46.5 mm (1.713–1.831 in)

4. Tighten the cable locknut.

5. Turn the adjusting bolt in or out to adjust the clear­ance between the parking brake pads 5 and the
brake disc 6.

Clearance b + c: 1.5–2.0 mm (0.059–0.079 in)

6. Tighten the locknut.

8-18

ESU00180

Checking the brake fluid level

Place the snowmobile on a level surface. Check that the
brake fluid is above the lower level and replenish when
necessary.

Lower level

1

Specified brake fluid: DOT 4

WARNING

@

Be careful that water does not enter the master cylin­der when refilling. Water will significantly lower the
boiling point of the fluid and may result in vapor
lock.
If the brake fluid level goes down, consult a Yamaha
dealer.

@

CAUTION

@

:

Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or plas­tic parts. Never spill any fluid. If any is spilled, clean
it up immediately.

@

ESU01811

Changing the brake fluid

Brake fluid replacement is necessary when the following
components are replaced during the periodic mainte­nance or if they are damaged or leaking.

a. All oil seals of the master cylinder and caliper cylinder

b. The brake hose

WARNING

@

Make sure that the brake fluid and the above parts
are replaced by a Yamaha dealer.

@

ESU00183

Suspension

The suspension can be adjusted to suit rider preference.
A softer setting, for example, may provide greater rider
comfort, while a harder setting may allow more precise
handling and control over certain types of terrain or riding
conditions.

WARNING

@

Be sure to have a Yamaha dealer make this adjust­ment.

@

8-19

ESU04821

Adjusting the ski spring preload

The spring preload can be adjusted by turning the spring
preload adjuster 1.

For RS90R/RSG90

CD-11E

Spring seat length*

Increased

Preload Harder

Maximum

Length

a

172.0 mm
(6.77 in)

The spring seat length changes approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in) with

∗

each full turn of the adjuster.

Standard

←→

←→

162.0 mm
(6.38 in)

Decreased

Softer

Minimum

155.5 mm
(6.12 in)

For RS90M

CD-11E

Spring seat length*

Increased

Preload Harder

Maximum

Length

a

162.0 mm
(6.38 in)

The spring seat length changes approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in) with

∗

each full turn of the adjuster.

Standard

←→

←→

152.0 mm
(5.98 in)

Decreased

Softer

Minimum

152.0 mm
(5.98 in)

For RS90GT

CD-11E

Spring seat length*

Increased

Preload Harder

Maximum

Length

a

129.6 mm
(5.10 in)

The spring seat length changes approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in) with

∗

each full turn of the adjuster.

NOTE:

@

Standard

←→

←→

123.0 mm
(4.84 in)

Decreased

Softer

Minimum

119.6 mm
(4.71 in)

For RS90N/RS90NR:
To adjust the shock absorbers, refer to the separate
shock absorber owner’s manual.

@

8-20

CAUTION

@

:

The left and right ski spring preload must be set to
the same setting. Uneven settings can cause poor
handling and loss of stability.

@

WARNING

@

This shock absorber contains highly pressurized
nitrogen gas. It could explode by improper handling,
causing injury or property damage.

Do not tamper with or attempt to open the shock

●

absorber.
Do not subject the shock absorber to an open

●

flame or other high heat source, which could
cause it to explode.
Do not deform or damage the shock absorber in

●

any way.
Do not dispose of a worn or damaged shock

●

absorber by yourself. Take the unit to a Yamaha
dealer.

@

ESU04750

Adjusting the ski damping forces
For RS90GT
Compression damping force

The compression damping force of each ski shock
absorber can be adjusted by turning the compression
damping force adjusting knob 1.

CD-28E

Adjusting knob
position

14 clicks

out out

Minimum Standard

Turns out

b

∗

8 clicks

2 clicks

out

Maximum

Turns in

a

Damping

∗

With the adjuster fully turned in direction

8-21

Soft Hard

a

Rebound damping force

The rebound damping force of each ski shock absorber
can be adjusted by turning the rebound damping force
adjusting knob 2.

CD-29E

Adjusting knob
position

20 clicks

out out

Minimum Standard

Turns out

b

10 clicks

∗

3 clicks

out

Maximum

Turns in

a

Damping

∗

With the adjuster fully turned in direction

NOTE:

@

Soft Hard

a

The damping forces will not decrease past the minimum
levels even if the adjusting knobs are turned out more
than the minimum settings.

@

CAUTION

@

:

The damping forces for the left and right ski shock
absorbers must be adjusted to the same settings.
Uneven settings can cause poor handling and loss
of stability.

@

WARNING

@

This shock absorber contains highly pressurized
nitrogen gas. It could explode by improper handling,
causing injury, or property damage.

Do not tamper with or attempt to open the shock

●

absorber.
Do not subject the shock absorber to an open

●

flame or other high heat source, which could
cause it to explode.
Do not deform or damage the shock absorber in

●

any way.
Do not dispose of a worn or damaged shock

●

absorber by yourself. Take the unit to a Yamaha
dealer.

@

8-22

ESU04043

Adjusting the rear suspension spring preload

The rear suspension spring preload can be adjusted by
turning the spring preload adjuster 1 on the shock
absorber (RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90) or each shock
absorber (RS90N/RS90NR/RS90M).

A

B

For RS90N/RS90NR

CD-17E

Spring seat length*

Increased

Preload Harder

Maximum

Length (front)

È a

123.5 mm
(4.86 in)

The spring seat length changes approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in) with

∗

each full turn of the adjuster.

Standard

←→

←→

113.5 mm
(4.47 in)

Decreased

Softer

Minimum

107.5 mm
(4.23 in)

For RS90M

CD-13E

Spring adjuster position 12345

Preload Soft Hard

Standard (front) 3

É

C

For RS90N/RS90NR/RS90M

CD-23E

Spring adjuster position S M H

Preload Soft Medium Hard

Standard (rear) M

Ê

D

For RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

CD-26E

Spring adjuster position 1234567

Preload Soft Hard

Standard 4

Ë

8-23

NOTE:

@

The rear suspension spring preload can be further
adjusted by changing the position of the spring seat.
Have a Yamaha dealer make this adjustment as it
requires special tools.

@

WARNING

@

Be sure to have a Yamaha dealer make this adjust­ment.
This shock absorber contains highly pressurized
nitrogen gas. It could explode by improper handling,
causing injury or property damage.

●

Do not tamper with or attempt to open the shock
absorber.

●

Do not subject the shock absorber to an open
flame or other high heat sources, which could
cause it to explode.

●

Do not deform or damage the shock absorber in
any way.

●

Do not dispose of a worn or damaged shock
absorber by yourself. Take the unit to a Yamaha
dealer.

@

8-24

ESU04763

Adjusting the rear suspension damping forces
For RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

The rebound damping force can be adjusted by turning
the rear suspension damping force remote adjustment
dial in direction a “HARD” or direction b “SOFT”.

Rear suspension damping force remote adjustment

1

dial
Standard position

2

WARNING

@

Do not turn the remote adjustment dial while the
snowmobile is moving as this could cause loss of
control, an accident, and injury.

@

CD-25E

Dial position

Damping force

CAUTION

@

11 clicks

“MAX SOFT”

Direction

:

Standard

b

Soft Hard

11 clicks

“MAX HARD”

Direction

a

Be sure to stop the remote adjustment dial at a
marked position around the dial where there is a
click.

@

WARNING

@

This shock absorber contains highly pressurized
nitrogen gas. It could explode by improper handling,
causing injury, or property damage.

Do not tamper with or attempt to open the shock

●

absorber.
Do not subject the shock absorber to an open

●

flame or other high heat source, which could
cause it to explode.
Do not deform or damage the shock absorber in

●

any way.
Do not dispose of a worn or damaged shock

●

absorber by yourself. Take the unit to a Yamaha
dealer.

@

8-25

For RS90N/RS90NR

The compression damping force can be adjusted by turn­ing the adjuster 1.

CD-30E

Adjuster position

20 clicks

out out

Minimum Standard

Turns out

b

11 clicks

∗

1 click

out

Maximum

Turns in

a

Damping force

∗

With the adjuster fully turned lightly in direction

CAUTION

@

Do not continue to turn the adjuster in

●

:

Soft Hard

a

direction a after it stops. The shock absorber
can be damaged and damping force adjustments
cannot be made.
Do not turn the adjuster in direction b more than

●

20 clicks. Even if the adjuster is continually
turned after 20 clicks, there will be no change in
the damping force.
Be sure to stop the adjuster at a position where

●

there is a click.

@

WARNING

@

This shock absorber contains highly pressurized
nitrogen gas. It could explode by improper handling,
causing injury, or property damage.

Do not tamper with or attempt to open the shock

●

absorber.
Do not subject the shock absorber to an open

●

flame or other high heat source, which could
cause it to explode.
Do not deform or damage the shock absorber in

●

any way.
Do not dispose of a worn or damaged shock

●

absorber by yourself. Take the unit to a Yamaha
dealer.

@

8-26

ESU04092

Adjusting the control rods

The weight transfer can be adjusted by turning the con­trol rod adjuster or adjusting nut.

For RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

1. Loosen the locknut 1.

2. Turn the control rod adjuster 2 in direction a to
increase weight transfer or direction b to decrease
weight transfer.

CD-27E

Adjuster turning
direction

Weight transfer Increased

a ←→ b

←→

Decreased

3. Check the adjuster length c using the scale on the
special wrench 3 included in the owner’s tool kit as
shown. Make sure that the rim d of the control rod
body is within the range e of the scale.

4. Tighten the locknut while holding the adjuster in
place.

Locknut tightening torque:

35 Nm (3.5 m·kgf, 25 ft·lb)

CAUTION

@

:

When using the special wrench, make sure that it is
situated at a right angle to the control rod, and that it
is tightly fitted to the locknut or the control rod
adjuster.

@

WARNING

@

Never adjust the control rod beyond the range of the
scale on the special wrench.

@

8-27

For RS90N/RS90NR/RS90M

1. Loosen the locknut 1.

2. Turn the control rod adjusting nut 2 in direction a to
increase weight transfer or direction b to decrease
weight transfer.

3. Tighten the locknut while holding the adjusting nut in
place.

Locknut tightening torque:

25 Nm (2.5 m·kgf, 18 ft·lb)

CAUTION

@

When using the two wrenches included in the

●

:

owner’s tool kit, make sure that they are situated
at a right angle to the control rod as shown, and
that they are tightly fitted to the locknut and the
control rod adjusting nut.
The left and right adjusting nuts must be set to

●

the same position. Uneven settings can cause
poor handling and loss of stability.

@

WARNING

@

Never adjust the control rods beyond the maximum
range indicated on the rods with red paint 3.

@

Adjustable range

c

Standard position

d

8-28

ESU03532

Adjusting the drive track

WARNING

@

A broken track, track fittings or debris thrown by the
drive track could be dangerous to an operator or
bystanders. Observe the following precautions:

●

Do not allow anyone to stand behind the snow­mobile when the engine is running.

●

When the rear of the snowmobile is raised to
allow the drive track to spin, a suitable stand
must be used to support the rear of the snowmo­bile. Never allow anyone to hold the rear of the
snowmobile off the ground to allow the drive
track to spin. Never allow anyone near a rotating
drive track.

●

Inspect the drive track condition frequently.
Replace damaged slide metal. Replace the drive
track if it is damaged to the depth where fabric
reinforcement material is visible or support rods
are broken. Otherwise, track damage or failure
could result in loss of braking ability and snow­mobile control, which could cause an accident.

@

Measuring the drive track deflection

1. Lay the snowmobile on its side.

2. Measure the drive track deflection with a spring
scale. Pull at the center of the drive track with a force
of 100 N (10 kg, 22 lb).

NOTE:

@

Measure the gap between the slide runner and the edge
of the track window. Measure both sides.

@

Deflection

1

100 N (10 kg, 22 lb)

2

Standard drive track deflection:

For RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90M/RS90GT

30–35 mm (1.18–1.38 in) / 100 N (10 kg, 22 lb)

For RSG90

25–30 mm (0.98–1.18 in) / 100 N (10 kg, 22 lb)

3. If the deflection is incorrect, adjust the drive track.

8-29

Adjusting the drive track

WARNING

@

Be sure to have a Yamaha dealer make this

●

adjustment.
Support the snowmobile securely on a suitable

●

stand before working underneath the snowmo­bile.
Operate the engine in a well-ventilated area.

●

@

1. Lift the rear of the snowmobile onto a suitable stand
to raise the drive track off the ground.

2. Loosen the rear axle nut 1.

3. Start the engine and rotate the drive track one or two
turns. Stop the engine.

4. Check the drive track alignment with the slide runners

. If the alignment is incorrect, align the drive track

2

by turning the left and right adjusters.

CD-08E

Drive track

alignment

Left adjuster Turn out Turn in

3

Right adjuster Turn in Turn out

4

Shifted to right6 Shifted to left

5

5 6

Slide runners

7

Drive track

8

Slide metal

9

Gap

a

Forward

b

5. Adjust the drive track deflection to specification.

CD-09E

Drive track

deflection

Left adjuster Turn in Turn out

3

Right adjuster Turn in Turn out

4

8-30

More than

specified

Less than

specified

CAUTION

@

:

The right and left adjusters should be turned to an
equal amount.

@

6. Recheck alignment and deflection. If necessary,
repeat steps 3 to 5 until the proper adjustment is
achieved.

7. Tighten the rear axle nut.

Rear axle tightening torque:

75 Nm (7.5 m·kgf, 54.2 ft·lb)

ESU02001

Aligning the skis

1. Turn the handlebar so the skis face straight ahead.

2. Check the following for ski alignment:
a. Skis are facing forward.
b. Ski toe-out (1 – 2) is within specification.

Ski toe-out (1 – 2): 0–15 mm (0–0.59 in)

3. If the alignment is not correct, consult a Yamaha
dealer.

ESU03543

Adjusting the handlebar

For RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

1. Remove the handlebar cover 1.

8-31

2. Loosen the handlebar bolts.

3. Move the handlebar up or down to adjust the handle­bar height to the desired position.

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that the projection on the handlebar is not
installed into the area a shown.

@

4. Tighten the handlebar bolts and install the handlebar
cover.

Handlebar bolt tightening torque:

14.5 Nm (1.45 m·kgf, 10.5 ft·lb)

CAUTION

@

:

Make sure that the small gap b side of the handlebar
holders faces forward c.

@

8-32

ESU00371

Lubrication

Lubricate the following points.

Lubricant: Low-temperature grease

Throttle cable end

1

22

3

3

WARNING

@

Apply a dab of grease onto the cable end only. Do
not grease the throttle cable because it could
become frozen, which could cause loss of control.

@

Front suspension

2

Rear suspension

3

WARNING

@

Be sure to have a Yamaha dealer lubricate the front
and rear suspensions.

@

8-33

ESU02082

Replacing a headlight bulb

1. Lift up the shroud.

2. Disconnect the headlight coupler.

3. Remove the bulb holder cover.

4. Unhook the bulb holder by pushing it in, then upward.

Bulb holder cover

1

Bulb holder

2

5. Remove the bulb.

WARNING

@

Keep flammable products and your hands away from
the hot bulb until it has cooled down.

@

6. Install the new bulb, and then hook the bulb holder
onto the headlight unit.

Bulb type: 12 V, 60/55 W

7. Install the bulb holder cover, and then connect the
headlight coupler.

CAUTION

@

:

Keep oil and your hands away from the glass part of
the bulb or its life and illumination will be affected.
If the glass is oil stained, thoroughly clean it with a
cloth moistened with alcohol or lacquer thinner.

@

ESU03721

Adjusting the headlight beam

1. Lift up the shroud.

2. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the hole under the
shroud to access the headlight beam adjuster 1.

3. Turn the headlight beam adjuster to adjust the head­light beam.

Headlight beam movement:

Down

a

Up

b

8-34

ESU00355

Battery

This snowmobile is equipped with a sealed-type (MF)
battery, which does not require any maintenance. There
is no need to check the electrolyte or to add distilled
water.

To charge the battery

Have a Yamaha dealer charge the battery as soon as
possible if it seems to have discharged. Keep in mind
that the battery tends to discharge more quickly if the
snowmobile is equipped with electrical accessories.

WARNING

@

Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dangerous. It
contains sulfuric acid and can cause severe burns.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
ANTIDOTE:

●

EXTERNAL: Flush with water.

●

INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg,
or vegetable oil. Call physician immediately.

●

EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.

Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks,
flame, cigarettes, etc. away. Ventilate when charging
or using in an enclosed space. Always shield your
eyes when working near batteries.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

@

ESU04232

Replacing a fuse

WARNING

@

Be sure to use the specified fuse. A wrong fuse
could cause electrical system damage or A FIRE
HAZARD.

@

CAUTION

@

Be sure to turn the main switch off and disconnect
the negative battery lead to prevent accidental short­circuiting.

@

:

8-35

1. Lift up the shroud.

2. Remove the right side cover 1.

3. Unhook the latch 2.

4. Loosen the clamp screws 3.

5. Slide the oil tank breather hose clamp 4 away from
the air filter case, and then disconnect the oil tank
breather hose 5.

6. Slide the crankcase breather hose clamp 6 up, and
then disconnect the crankcase breather hose 7 from
the engine.

7. Lift up the air filter case, slide the crankcase breather
hose clamp 8 down, disconnect the crankcase
breather hose from the air filter case, and then
remove the air filter case.

8. Disconnect the negative battery lead.

9. Replace the blown fuse with one of the proper
amperage.

10. Connect the negative battery lead.

11. Install the air filter case by reversing the removal
steps.

NOTE:

@

When installing the air filter case, connect the crankcase
breather hose to the air filter case first, and then connect
it to the engine.

@

CAUTION

@

:

Be sure to connect the breather hoses securely when
installing the air filter case.

@

NOTE:

@

If the fuse immediately blows again, ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect the snowmobile.

@

8-36

Specified fuses:

Main fuse: 30 A

9

“HEAD” (Headlight) fuse: 20 A

0

“SIG” (Signal) fuse: 10 A

A

“DC TERM” (Auxiliary DC jack) fuse: 3 A

B

“C/W” (Carburetor warmer) fuse: 20 A

C

“IGN” (Ignition) fuse: 15 A

D

Spare fuses (20 A, 10 A, 15 A, 3 A)

E

Spare main fuse

F

8-37

ESU04241

9-

TROUBLESHOOTING

A. Engine turns over but does not start

1. Fuel system
No fuel supplied to combustion cham­ber
No fuel in tank ... Supply fuel.

●

Clogged fuel line ... Clean fuel line.

●

Clogged carburetor ... Clean carbure-

●

tor.
Fuel supplied to combustion chamber
Flooded engine (too much choke) ...

●

Crank engine with throttle open or wipe
the spark plugs dry.

2. Electrical system
Poor or no spark
Spark plugs are dirty with carbon or are

●

wet ... Remove carbon or wipe the
spark plugs dry; replace if necessary.
Faulty ignition system ... Ask a Yamaha

●

dealer to inspect.
T.O.R.S. system malfunction ... Discon-

●

nect the throttle switch connectors and
connect the wire harness connectors
together to bypass the T.O.R.S.

A

WARNING

@

●

Before bypassing the T.O.R.S., make
sure that the throttle returns prop­erly to the fully closed position.

●

The T.O.R.S. is an important safety
device; in the case of a malfunction,
take the snowmobile to a Yamaha
dealer immediately for repair.

@

3. Compression
Insufficient
Loose cylinder head nuts ... Tighten

●

nuts properly.
Worn or damaged gasket ... Replace

●

gasket.
Worn or damaged piston and cylinder

●

... Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect.

B. Starting the engine with a dis-

charged battery

If the snowmobile battery is discharged,
the engine can be started using a 12-volt
battery and jumper cables. Two connecting
leads have been provided for jump-starting
the snowmobile. Due to the rubber engine
mounting, the snowmobile frame is not a
suitable grounding point for jump-starting
the engine.

B

RS90N/RS90NR/RS90M

È

RS90R/RS90GT/RSG90

É

WARNING

@

●

Connect the jumper cables only to
the connecting lead terminals. Do
not connect them to the frame or
any wire or other lead.

●

When connecting the jumper cables,
do not contact the jumper cables or
connecting lead terminals to each
other or to the frame or any metal
part of the snowmobile. This can
cause electrical system damage or
A FIRE HAZARD.

@

9-1

CAUTION

@

:

Use the connecting leads to jump-start
the snowmobile only. Do not use the
connecting leads for any other purpose.

@

1. Apply the parking brake and turn the
main switch to “OFF”.

2. Open the shroud.

3. Remove the red (+) lead from the lead
holder and move it away from the black
(-) lead.

5. Connect the other end of the red (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal
of the booster battery.

6. Connect the black (-) jumper cable to
the negative (-) terminal of the booster
battery.

7. Pull the black (-) lead cover to expose
the terminal through the slit in the
cover, and then connect the black (-)
jumper cable to the black terminal of
the discharged battery.

CAUTION

@

:

Be sure to connect the red (+) jumper
cable to the red (+) lead and the black (-)
jumper cable to the black (-) lead. Do
not reverse the connections.

@

4. Pull the red (+) lead cover to expose
the terminal through the slit in the
cover, and then connect the red (+)
jumper cable to the red terminal of the
discharged battery.

9-2

8. Start the engine.

9. Disconnect the black (-) jumper cable
from the black (-) connecting lead, and
then pull the cover completely over the
lead terminal.

10. Disconnect the black (-) jumper cable
from the negative (-) terminal of the
booster battery.

11. Disconnect the red (+) jumper cable
from the positive (+) terminal of the
booster battery.

12. Disconnect the red (+) jumper cable
from the red (+) connecting lead, and
then pull the cover completely over the
lead terminal.

13. Install the red (+) lead into the lead
holder.

NOTE:

@

Make sure that both the red (+) lead and
the black (-) lead are seated securely in the
lead holders.

@

WARNING

@

Be sure to pull the lead covers back
over the terminals completely. If the ter­minals are exposed, they could come
into contact with the frame or a metal
part of the snowmobile and this can
cause electrical system damage or A
FIRE HAZARD.

@

4. Seized engine ... Seizure is caused by
poor lubrication, inadequate fuel, or an
air leak—Ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.

5. “Hydrostatic lock” occurs when fuel has
filled the cylinders when the vehicle

has been transported. ... Remove the

spark plugs and turn the engine over
several times with the ignition off to
expel excess fuel. Ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect.

D. Engine power is low

1. Low coolant temperature indicator light
is flashing ... Warm the engine up.

2. Faulty spark plugs ... Clean or replace
the spark plugs.

3. Incorrect jetting for altitude or tempera­ture ... Carburetor. Ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect.

4. Improper fuel flow ... See A.1 above.

5. Incorrect V-belt clutch settings for alti­tude or conditions ... Ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect.

E. Engine constantly backfires or mis-

fires

1. Faulty spark plugs ... Replace the
spark plugs.

2. Clogged fuel system ... See A.1. above.

3. Malfunctioning T.O.R.S. system ... See
A.2. above.

C. Electric starter does not operate or

operates slowly

1. Engine stop switch is pushed in ... Pull
it out.

2. Faulty wire connections ... Check con­nections or ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.

3. Discharged battery... Charge battery or
see B above.

F. Engine overheats

1. Insufficient coolant ... Add coolant.

2. Air in cooling system ... Bleed air or ask
a Yamaha dealer to inspect.

3. Leaking coolant ... Ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect.

9-3

G. Snowmobile does not move

1. Malfunctioning V-belt clutch ... Ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect.

2. Drive track does not move ... Foreign
object is caught in the drive track, or
slide runners have melted to the slide
metal due to lack of lubrication.

3. Tight, loose, or broken drive chain ...
Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect.

H. V-belt twists

1. Improper V-belt ... Replace with the
correct V-belt.

2. Incorrect V-belt clutch offset ... Ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect.

3. Loose or broken engine mount ... Ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect.

I. V-belt slips or burns

1. Oily or dirty V-belt or primary and sec­ondary sheave assembly surfaces ...
Clean.

2. Problem with the driveline ... See H
above.

K. Noise or excessive vibration in drive

chain and sprockets

1. Broken V-belt clutch components ...
Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect.

2. Worn or damaged bearings ... Ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect.

3. Worn or damaged V-belt with flat spots
... Replace.

4. Worn or damaged idler wheels or
shafts ... Ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.

5. Worn or damaged drive track ... Ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect.

J. Engine does not upshift or down-

shift properly or engages harshly

1. Worn or damaged V-belt ... Replace the
V-belt or ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.

2. Incorrect V-belt clutch settings for alti­tude or conditions ... Ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect.

3. Worn or sticking primary sheave
assembly ... Ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.

4. Worn or sticking secondary sheave
assembly ... Ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.

9-4

ESU03594

10-

STORAGE

Long-term storage requires some preven­tive procedures to guard against deteriora­tion.

1. Cleaning

Thoroughly clean the snowmobile, inside
and out, to remove the corrosive salts and
acids that can accumulate. Use Yamaha
Mud, Grease, and Engine Cleaner, or an
equivalent product, to loosen mud, grease,
and grime. Wash with mild soap, then rinse
and dry completely.

2. Lubrication

Lubricate moving parts, suspension link­age, and pivot points. Use the grease or
lubricant specified in the MAINTENANCE
section, or Yamaha Lube-Zall general-pur­pose lubricant. Proper lubrication fights
corrosion while it reduces friction.

bustion chamber and crankshaft from
corrosion. An alternate method is to
remove the carburetor silencer and squirt
oil into the carburetor throats while the
engine is running.

CAUTION

@

:

Do not attempt to store the snowmobile
by simply starting the engine occasion­ally during the storage period. This can
cause more harm than good! Moisture
and acids form during combustion
which can actually increase the chance
for corrosion damage during the stor­age period.

@

5. Surface protection
Apply a coat of wax to painted surfaces.
Apply suitable protectants to the exterior of
the engine, drive track, and to other metal,
plastic, and rubber parts.

3. Fuel system
Add Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer and Condi­tioner, or an equivalent stabilizer, to the
fuel tank to help prevent fuel oxidation and
gum and varnish deposits, and to inhibit
corrosion in the fuel system and carbure­tor. In areas where oxygenated fuel (gaso­hol) is used, completely drain the fuel
system. Consult a Yamaha dealer if further
information is needed.

4. Engine
Proper storage of the engine is essential to
prevent costly rust and corrosion damage
to internal engine components. This is
more important in areas where oxygenated
fuel (gasohol) is used, because the alcohol
content in the fuel increases the chance for
water to enter the engine. Use Yamaha
Stor-Rite Engine Fogging Oil, or an equiva­lent fogging oil, to protect both the com-

6. Battery
Remove the battery from the snowmobile.
Store it in a cool, dry place that is above
0 °C (32 °F), but less than 30 °C (90 °F).
Check the condition of the battery once a
month, and charge it as necessary.

WARNING

@

●

Never smoke around the battery
while it is being charged. Sparks
may ignite the hydrogen gas created
by the battery.

●

Never connect the battery to or dis­connect it from the snowmobile
while it is being charged. Sparks
may ignite the hydrogen gas created
by the battery.

●

Make sure that the battery terminals
are tight.

@

10-1

CAUTION

@

Always keep the battery charged.

●

:

Storing a discharged battery can
cause permanent battery damage.
To charge a sealed-type (MF) battery,

●

a special (constant-voltage) battery
charger is required. Using a conven­tional battery charger will damage
the battery. If you do not have
access to a sealed-type (MF) battery
charger, have a Yamaha dealer
charge your battery.
Do not charge the battery quickly.

●

Charge the battery for 10 hours at

1.8 amperes.

@

7. Drive track
Loosen the drive track and block up the
chassis so that the track is suspended
above the ground.

8. V-belt
Remove the V-belt and store separately.

Returning to service after storage

When returning your snowmobile to ser­vice, install the V-belt and battery and
adjust the drive track.
Remove the spark plugs and clean or
replace them if necessary. Perform all
other pre-operation and seasonal mainte­nance checks listed in the periodic mainte­nance chart.

NOTE:

@

Before installing the battery, have a
Yamaha dealer inspect and fully charge it.

@

For peak performance, it is recommended
that you have your snowmobile checked
and tuned by a Yamaha dealer. The dealer
has the experience and training to help you
get the maximum performance and use out
of your Yamaha snowmobile.

9. Storage
Store the snowmobile in a dry, well-venti­lated place out of direct sunlight. Put a fab­ric cover over the snowmobile, preferably
one that is designed for it. Do not use a
plastic or vinyl cover—condensation could
be trapped underneath which could
increase the chances of rusting.

10-2

ESU00228

11-

ESU00229

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions

CS-01E

RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90M/

RS90GT/RSG90

Overall length 2,755 mm (108.5 in): RS90N/RS90R/

RS90NR/RS90GT
3,185 mm (125.4 in): RS90M
3,000 mm (118.1 in): RSG90

Overall width 1,225 mm ( 48.2 in): RS90N/RS90R/

RS90NR/RS90GT/

RSG90
1,165 mm ( 45.9 in): RS90M

Overall height 1,090 mm ( 42.9 in): RS90N/RS90NR

1,215 mm ( 47.8 in): RS90R/RSG90
1,250 mm ( 49.2 in): RS90M
1,150 mm ( 45.3 in): RS90GT

Dry weight 246 kg ( 542 lb): RS90N

250 kg ( 551 lb): RS90R/RS90NR/

RS90GT

266 kg ( 586 lb): RS90M
260 kg ( 573 lb): RSG90

Ski stance 1,086 mm ( 42.8 in): RS90N/RS90R/

RS90NR/RS90GT/

RSG90

980 mm ( 38.6 in): RS90M

11-1

ESU00230

R + M

2

Engine

CS-02E

RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90M/

RS90GT/RSG90
Type Liquid cooled 4-stroke, 12 valves
Cylinder arrangement Parallel 3-cylinder
Displacement 973 cm

3

Bore × Stroke 79.0 × 66.2 mm (3.12 × 2.61 in)
Idle speed 1,400 ± 100 r/min
Engine oil type API SE, SF, SG or higher

SAE 0W-30
Carburetor type KEIHIN, CVK40 × 3
Fuel Unleaded gasoline

Pump octane ; 88 or higher

Starting system Electric starter

ESU00231

Chassis

CS-03E

RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90M/

RS90GT/RSG90

Drive track and suspension:

Track Molded rubber, fiber glass rod reinforced
Width 381 mm (15.0 in)
Track deflection 30–35 mm (1.18–1.38 in)/

100 N (10 kg, 22 lb): RS90N/RS90R/

RS90NR/RS90M/
RS90GT

25–30 mm (0.98–1.18 in)/

100 N (10 kg, 22 lb): RSG90

Length on ground 723 mm (28.5 in): RS90N/RS90NR

768 mm (30.2 in): RS90R/RS90GT

1,068 mm (42.0 in):RS90M

960 mm (37.8 in): RSG90

Suspension type Slide Rail Suspension
Drive sprocket Quadruple polyethylene, 9 teeth:

RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90GT/
RSG90

Quadruple polyethylene, 8 teeth:

RS90M

11-2

RS90N/RS90R/RS90NR/RS90M/

RS90GT/RSG90

Transmission:

Type Automatic centrifugal engagement, infinite-

ly variable 3.8:1–1:1

Sheave distance Approx. 268.5 mm (10.57 in)
Sheave offset Approx. 15 mm (0.59 in)
Engagement speed

1

∗

Approx. 3,600 r/min:RS90N/RS90NR/

RSG90
Approx. 4,000 r/min:RS90M
Approx. 3,500 r/min:RS90R/RS90GT

Shift speed

1

∗

Approx. 8,500 r/min

2

∗

Drive chain Silent chain enclosed in oil bath
Reduction ratio 40/21 (1.90): RS90N/RS90NR

38/22 (1.73): RS90R/RS90GT
40/20 (2.00): RS90M
39/22 (1.77): RSG90

Fuel tank:

Tank capacity 39.3 L (8.6 lmp gal, 10.4 US gal)

Oil quantity:

With oil filter cartridge replacement 3.0 L (2.6 lmp qt, 3.2 US qt)
Without oil filter cartridge replacement 2.8 L (2.5 lmp qt, 3.0 US qt)
Total amount 3.7 L (3.3 lmp qt, 3.9 US qt)

Brake:

Type Hydraulic disc type (ventilated disc)
Operation Handle lever, left hand operated

Throttle:

Operation Handle lever, right hand operated

1 Subject to change according to elevation settings.

∗

2 Usually achieved after approximately 800 m (0.5 mi) traveled.

∗

11-3