Page 15 of 96

3-1
ON
OFF
LOCK
P
EAU00029
Main switch/steering lockThe main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. Its operation is
described below.
EAU00036
ON
Electrical circuits are switched on.
The engine can be started. The key
cannot be removed in this position.
EAU00038
OFF
All electrical circuits are switched off.
The key can be removed in this posi-
tion.
EAU00042
LOCK
The steering is locked in this position
and all electrical circuits are switched
off.
The key can be removed in this posi-
tion.
To lock the steering, turn the handle-
bars all the way to the left. With the
key at ÒOFFÓ, push it into the main
switch and release it, turn it counter-
clockwise to ÒLOCKÓ and remove it.
To release the lock, turn the key to
"OFF".
EW000016
wNever turn the key to ÒOFFÓ or
ÒLOCKÓ when the motorcycle is
moving. The electrical circuits will
be switched off which may result
in loss of control or an accident.
Be sure the motorcycle is stopped
before turning the key to ÒOFFÓ or
ÒLOCKÓ.
EAU01590
. .
(Parking)
The steering is locked in this position,
and the taillight and auxiliary light
come on but all other circuits are off.
The key can be removed in this posi-
tion.
To use the parking position, first lock
the steering, then turn the key to Ò
.
Ó.
Do not use this position for an
extended length of time as the bat-
tery may discharge.
EAU00027
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
1. Push2.Turn
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Page 24 of 96

3-10
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
1
23
4
5
6
7
8
9 Shortening spring set length
increases spring preload, length-
ening spring set length decreas-
es spring preload.
EC000015
cCNever attempt to turn an adjuster
beyond the maximum or minimum
setting.3.Tighten the locknut to the speci-
fied torque.
EC000018
cCAlways tighten the locknut against
the spring adjusting nut and tight-
en the locknut to the specified
torque.
1
1.Measuring distance ÒAÓ
Spring preload:
Minimum (soft):
Distance ÒAÓ = 248.5 mm
Standard:
Distance ÒAÓ = 243 mm
Maximum (hard):
Distance ÒAÓ = 237.5 mm
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
42 Nm (4.2 m
0kg)
a
b
1 2
EAU01650
Rear shock absorber
adjustmentThis shock absorber is equipped with
a spring preload adjuster. Adjust
spring preload as follows.
1.Loosen the locknut.
2.Turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion ato increase spring preload
and in direction bto decrease
spring preload. The spring pre-
load is determined by the spring
set length.1.Locknut
2.Adjusting nut
4PT-9-E6 (ENG) 1~5 12/27/00 1:28 PM Page 23
Page 33 of 96

5-1
EAU00373
w8 8
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.
8 8
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.
Always operate your motorcy-
cle in an area with adequate
ventilation.
8 8
Before starting out, always be
sure the sidestand is up.
Failure to retract the sidestand
completely can result in a seri-
ous accident when you try to
turn a corner.
EAU03011
Starting the engineNOTE:
This motorcycle is equipped with an
ignition circuit cut-off system. The
engine can be started only under one
of the following conditions:
8The transmission is in neutral.
8The sidestand is up, the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch
is disengaged.
The motorcycle must not be ridden
when the sidestand is down.
EW000054
wBefore going through the following
steps, check the function of the
sidestand switch and clutch
switch. (Refer to page 3-12.)
EAU00372
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
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Page 37 of 96

5-5
EAU00436
Engine break-inThere is never a more important peri-
od in the life of your motorcycle than
the period between zero and 1,000
km. For this reason we ask that you
carefully read the following material.
Because the engine is brand new,
you must not put an excessive load
on it for the first 1,000 km. The vari-
ous parts in the engine wear and pol-
ish themselves to the correct operat-
ing clearances. During this period,
prolonged full throttle operation, or
any condition which might result in
excessive heating of the engine,
must be avoided.
EAU00440
0 ~ 150 km
Avoid operation above 4,000 r/min.
Stop the engine and let it cool for 5 to
10 minutes after every hour of opera-
tion. Vary the speed of the motorcy-
cle from time to time. Do not operate
it at one set throttle position.
150 ~ 500 km
Avoid prolonged operation above
5,000 r/min. Rev the motorcycle
freely through the gears, but do not
use full throttle at any time.
500 ~ 1,000 km
Avoid prolonged full throttle opera-
tion. Avoid cruising speeds in excess
of 6,000 r/min.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
9
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumptionYour motorcycleÕs fuel consumption
depends to a large extent on your rid-
ing style. The following tips can help
reduce fuel consumption:
8Warm up the engine before rid-
ing.
8Turn off the starter (choke) as
soon as possible.
8Shift up swiftly and avoid high
engine speeds during accelera-
tion.
8Do not double-clutch or rev the
engine while shifting down and
avoid high engine speeds with
no load on the engine.
8Turn off the engine instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time, i.e. in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or railroad crossings.
4PT-9-E6 (ENG) 1~5 12/27/00 1:28 PM Page 36
Page 85 of 96

SPECIFICATIONS
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
Specifications
ModelXT500E/XT600E
Dimensions
Overall length2,220 mm
2.295 mm (N, S, CH only)
Overall width865 mm
825 mm (CH only)
Overall height1,205 mm
Seat height855 mm
Wheel base1,440 mm
Minimum ground clearance230 mm
Minimum turning radius2,300 mm
Basic weight (with oil and full
fuel tank)176 kg
172 kg (CH only)
Engine
Engine typeAir-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC,
gasoline
Cylinder arrangementForward inclined single
cylinder
Displacement499 cm
3
595 cm
3
Bore
´Stroke87.0 ´84.0 mm (XT500E)
95.0 ´84.0 mm (XT600E)
Compression ratio8.5:1
Starting systemElectric starter
Lubrication systemDry sumpEngine oil
Type
Recommended engine oil
classificationAPI Service SE, SF, SG type
or higher
cCBe sure to use motor oils that do not contain anti-friction
modifiers. Passenger car motor oils (often labeled
ÒEnergy ConservingÓ) contain anti-friction additives which
will cause clutch and/or starter clutch slippage, resulting in
reduced component life and poor engine performance.
Capacity
Periodic oil change2.7 L
With oil filter replacement2.8 L
Total amount3.3 L
EAU01038
SPECIFICATIONS
8-1
–10° 0° 10° 20° 30°
40°
SAE 10W/30
SAE 10W/40
SAE 20W/40
SAE 20W/50
–20°
SAE 15W/40 50°C
4PT-9-E6 (ENG) 7~9 12/27/00 1:30 PM Page 8