2000 YAMAHA XJ900S Owners Manual

4
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Pre-operation check list ...................................................................... 4-1

4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSOwners are personally responsible for their vehicle’s condition. Your motorcycle’s vital functions can start to deteriorate
quickly and unexpectedly, even if it remains unused (for instance, if it is exposed to the elements). Any damage, fluid leak or
loss of tire pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important that, in addition to a thorough visual in-
spection, you check the following points before each ride.
EAU00340
PRE-OPERATION CHECK LIST
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Front brake• Check operation, free play, fluid level and fluid leakage.
• Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.
6-19 ~ 6-21
Rear brake• Check operation, free play, fluid level and fluid leakage.
• Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.
Clutch• Check operation condition and free play.
• Adjust if necessary.6-18
Throttle grip and housing• Check for smooth operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-14, 6-21
Engine oil• Check oil level.
• Fill with oil if necessary.6-8 ~ 6-10
Final gear oil• Check for leakage. 6-11
Wheels and tires• Check tire pressure, wear and damage. 6-15 ~ 6-18, 6-27 ~ 6-31
Control and meter cables• Check for smooth operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-21
Brake and shift pedal
shafts• Check for smooth operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-22
Brake and clutch lever
pivots• Check for smooth operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-22
Center and sidestand
pivots• Check for smooth operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-22

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
NOTE:Pre-operation checks should be made each time the motorcycle is used. Such an inspection can be thoroughly accom-
plished in a very short time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING
If any item in the PRE-OPERATION CHECK is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the motorcycle.Chassis fasteners• Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
• Tighten if necessary.—
Fuel• Check fuel level.
• Fill with fuel if necessary.3-13
Lights, signals and
switches• Check for proper operation. 6-26 ~ 6-27 ITEM CHECKS PAGE

5
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
Starting the engine ............................................................................. 5-1
Starting a warm engine ...................................................................... 5-4
Shifting ............................................................................................... 5-4
Recommended shift points (for Switzerland only) .............................. 5-5
Tips for reducing fuel consumption .................................................... 5-5
Engine break-in .................................................................................. 5-5
Parking ............................................................................................... 5-6

5-1
5
EAU00372
5-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU00373
WARNING
@ l
Before riding this motorcycle,
become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions. Consult a
Yamaha dealer regarding any
control or function that you do
not thoroughly understand.
l
Never start your engine or let it
run for any length of time in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes
are poisonous and can cause
loss of consciousness and
death within a short time. Al-
ways operate your motorcycle
in an area with adequate ventila-
tion.
l
Before starting out, always be
sure the sidestand is up. Failure
to retract the sidestand com-
pletely can result in a serious
accident when you try to turn a
corner.
@
EAU01627
Starting the engineNOTE:@ This motorcycle is equipped with an ig-
nition circuit cut-off system.
The engine can be started only under
one of the following conditions:l
The transmission is in neutral.
l
The sidestand is up, the transmis-
sion is in gear and the clutch is dis-
engaged.
The motorcycle must not be ridden
when the sidestand is down.
@
EW000054
WARNING
@ Before going through the following
steps, check the function of the
sidestand switch and clutch switch.
(Refer to page 3-18.) @

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
CF-28E
TURN THE MAIN SWITCH TO “ON” AND THE
ENGINE STOP SWITCH TO “ ”.
IF TRANSMISSION IS IN NEUTRAL AND
SIDESTAND IS DOWN,PUSH THE START SWITCH.
ENGINE WILL START.RETRACT THE SIDESTAND AND PUT
TRANSMISSION IN GEAR.
IF TRANSMISSION IS IN GEAR AND
SIDESTAND IS UP,PULL IN THE CLUTCH LEVER AND PUSH START
THE SWITCH. ENGINE WILL START.
MOTORCYCLE CAN BE RIDDEN.
MOTORCYCLE CAN BE RIDDEN.