1989 yamaha big bear 350 4x4

[tjnabors]

I just got a 1989 big bear 350.  At least I think it's an 89.  Vin is JY44WUW04WA038153 if not please correct me.   My question is does this quad always stay in 4x4?  There seems to be a place for like a high low shifter on the front left fender but there is no shifter and also on the front right there seems to be a place for an ignition switch but the key is on the center of the handle bar along with the reverse knob.   I'm I missing something or has my atv been somehow rigged.  It runs good but slow but there's no where I see to go from 4wH to 4wL.  Thanks 

[Frank Angerano]

That bike should be a 98 not an 89 based on the vin.  That bike I believe is a full time 4x4. 

I sent a link that will take you to the user manual check pages 6-4 for shift select/operation.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/service/manuals/1998/LIT-11626-10-87_273.pdf

[tjnabors]

Thats what I got when i put the number in the VIN decodor, but it looks older than a 98.  I will attach a pic of the VIN for reference.  Thank you for your help

[Frank Angerano]

It's usually the tenth digit in the vin. 

Take a look at the link.

I also notice that the manual shows 2x4 on the cover sheet but after looking at the manual I do not see a 2x4 selector.  

 

http://www.maultechatv.com/techguides/10thdigitvin.php

[tjnabors]

You are Correct.  thank you so much.  so i guess it is a 98.  I know it stays in 4x4 all the time but should there be a way i could go from high to low or is it just one setting?

[Frank Angerano]

There should be a high and low setting that will greatly change the speed of the bike. 

That bike made a lot of changes between the 97 and 99 years putting your bike right in between the changes. Check this link out. 

https://itstillruns.com/yamaha-350-big-bear-specifications-7567083.html

[tjnabors]

thanks for the links.  i just dont see any where to change from high to low on the quad

 

[Frank Angerano]

 

[Frank Angerano]

Take a look at this maybe some help

 

It's possible that there is some missing parts. 

 

[tjnabors]

 

[tjnabors]

this one is just like mine

 

[Frank Angerano]

So maybe someone left a few parts off? Do you see any shifting levers or missing parts in that area or mounting holes where something has been taken off ?

[tjnabors]

i will have to check when i get home this evening.  thank you for all your help again