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6-22
8Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor brake performance.
8Be 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.
8Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts.
Always clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
8Have a Yamaha dealer check
the cause if the brake fluid level
goes down.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
EAU00742
Brake fluid replacementThe brake fluid should be replaced
only by trained Yamaha service per-
sonnel. Have the Yamaha dealer
replace the following components
during periodic maintenance or when
they are damaged or leaking:
8oil seals (every two years)
8brake hoses (every four years)
EAU00744
Drive chain slack checkNOTE:
Spin the wheel several times and find
the tightest position of the chain.
Check and/or adjust the chain slack
while itÕs in this tightest position.To check the chain slack the motor-
cycle must be held straight up with
both wheels on the ground and with-
out rider. Check the slack at the posi-
tion shown in the illustration. Normal
slack is approximately 30 ~ 40 mm. If
the slack exceeds 40 mm, adjust.
a
a.Chain slack
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Page 63 of 96

EC000096
cCToo little chain slack will overload
the engine and other vital parts.
Keep the slack within the specified
limits.3.After adjusting, be sure to tighten
the axle nut and caliper bracket
bolt to the specified tightening
torque.
6-23
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
EAU03006
Drive chain lubricationThe chain consists of many parts
which work with each other. If the
chain is not maintained properly, it
will wear out quickly. Therefore, the
chain must be serviced regularly.
This service is especially necessary
when riding in dusty areas. This
motorcycle is equipped with a sealed
type chain. Steam cleaning, high-
pressure washers, and solvents can
damage the drive chain, so do not
use these for cleaning it. Use only
kerosene to clean the drive chain.
Wipe it dry, and thoroughly lubricate it
with SAE 30 ~ 50W motor oil. Do not
use any other lubricants on the drive
chain. They may contain solvents
that could damage the sealed chain. Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
105 Nm (10.5 m
0kg)
Caliper bracket bolt:
48 Nm (4.8 m
0kg)
EAU01134
Drive chain slack adjustment1.Loosen the axle nut and caliper
bracket bolt.
2.Turn both left and right chain
adjusting plates the same
amount. Make sure that they are
in the same position for proper
wheel alignment. To tighten the
chain, turn in direction a. To
loosen the chain, turn in direction
b.
a
b2 1
3
1.Chain adjusting plate
2.Axle nut
3.Caliper bracket bolt
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6-28
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
EAU00800
BatteryThis motorcycle is equipped with a
sealed-type battery. Therefore it is
not necessary to check the elec-
trolyte or fill the battery with distilled
water.
8 8
If the battery seems to have dis-
charged, consult a Yamaha deal-
er.
8 8
If the motorcycle is equipped
with optional electrical acces-
sories, the battery tends to dis-
charge more quickly, so be sure
to recharge it periodically.
EC000101
cCNever try to remove the sealing
caps of the battery cells. The bat-
tery will be damaged.
Battery storage
When the motorcycle is not used for
a month or longer, remove the bat-
tery, fully charge it and store it in a
cool, dry place.
EC000102
cC8
8
Completely recharge the bat-
tery before storing. Storing a
discharged battery can cause
permanent battery damage.
8 8
Use a battery charger
designed for a sealed-type
(MF) battery. Using a conven-
tional battery charger will
cause battery damage. If you
do not have a sealed-type bat-
tery charger, contact your
Yamaha dealer.
8 8
Always make sure the connec-
tions are correct when rein-
stalling the battery.
EW000116
wBattery electrolyte is poisonous
and dangerous, causing severe
burns, etc. It contains sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes
or clothing.
ANTIDOTE:
8 8
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
8 8
INTERNAL: Drink large quanti-
ties of water or milk. Follow
with milk of magnesia, beaten
egg, or vegetable oil. Call a
physician immediately.
8 8
EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and get prompt med-
ical attention.
Batteries produce explosive
gases. Keep sparks, flame, ciga-
rettes etc., away. Ventilate when
charging or using in an enclosed
space. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHIL-
DREN.
4PT-9-E6 (ENG) 6 12/27/00 1:29 PM Page 29
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
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Page 87 of 96
SPECIFICATIONS
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
Air pressure (cold tire)
up to 90 kg load*
Front150 kPa (1.50 kg/cm
2, 1.50 bar)
Rear150 kPa (1.50 kg/cm2, 1.50 bar)
90 kg load ~ Maximum
load*
Front150 kPa (1.50 kg/cm2, 1.50 bar)
Rear225 kPa (2.25 kg/cm2, 2.25 bar)
Off-road riding
Front125 kPa (1.25 kg/cm2, 1.25 bar)
Rear125 kPa (1.25 kg/cm2, 1.25 bar)
High speed riding
Front150 kPa (1.50 kg/cm2, 1.50 bar)
Rear150 kPa (1.50 kg/cm2, 1.50 bar)
* Load is total weight of cargo, rider, passenger and accessories.
Wheels
Front
TypeSpoke wheel
Size21 ´1.85
Rear
TypeSpoke wheel
Size17 ´MT2.50 Brakes
Front
TypeSingle disc brake
OperationRight hand operation
FluidDOT 3 or DOT 4
Rear
TypeSingle disc brake
OperationRight foot operation
FluidDOT 4
Suspension
Front
TypeTelescopic fork
Rear
TypeSwingarm (new monocross)
Shock absorber
FrontCoil spring/oil damper
RearCoil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel
Front225 mm
Rear200 mm
8-3
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