Page 25 of 111
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
EAU00152
Clutch leverThe clutch lever is located on the left
handlebar, and the ignition circuit cut-
off system is incorporated in the clutch
lever holder. Pull the clutch lever to the
handlebar to disengage the clutch, and
release the lever to engage the clutch.
The lever should be pulled rapidly and
released slowly for smooth clutch oper-
ation. (Refer to the engine starting pro-
cedures for a description of the ignition
circuit cut-off system.)
EAU00157
Shift pedalThis motorcycle is equipped with a con-
stant-mesh 6-speed transmission.
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch when shifting.
EAU00161
Front brake leverThe front brake lever is located on the
right handlebar and is equipped with a
brake lever adjusting dial. To activate
the front brake, pull the lever toward
the handlebar.
1. Shift pedal
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Page 48 of 111

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU00423
ShiftingThe transmission lets you control the
amount of power you have available at
a given speed for starting, accelerating,
climbing hills, etc. The use of the shift
pedal is shown in the illustration.
To shift into neutral, depress the shift
pedal repeatedly until it reaches the
end of its travel, then raise the pedal
slightly.
EC000048
CAUTION:@ l
Do not coast for long periods
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle a long dis-
tance. Even with gears in neu-
tral, the transmission is only
properly lubricated when the
engine is running. Inadequate
lubrication may damage the
transmission.
l
Always use the clutch when
changing gears. The engine,
transmission, and driveline are
not designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting and can
be damaged by shifting without
using the clutch.
@
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumptionYour motorcycle’s fuel consumption
depends to a large extent on your
riding style. The following tips can help
reduce fuel consumption:l
Warm up the engine before riding.
l
Turn off the starter (choke) as
soon as possible.
l
Shift up swiftly and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
l
Do not double-clutch or rev the en-
gine while shifting down and avoid
high engine speeds with no load
on the engine.
l
Turn off the engine instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time, i.e. in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or railroad crossings.
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral
E_5eb_Operation.fm Page 4 Thursday, November 18, 1999 4:05 PM
Page 60 of 111

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-10
6
ECA00021
CAUTION:@ Do not use any type of tools to re-
move or install the cap as the igni-
tion coil coupler may get damaged.
The spark plug cap may be difficult
to remove because a rubber seal on
the end of the cap is tightly fit into
the cylinder bore. To remove the
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it upward; when install-
ing the cap, twist it back and forth
while pushing it downward. @
EAU01610*
Engine oilOil level inspection
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
place and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. Warm up the engine for sev-
eral minutes.NOTE:@ Be sure the motorcycle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt toward the side can result in
false readings. @
2. Stop the engine and remove the
dipstick.NOTE:@ Wait a few minutes until the oil level
settles before checking. @3. The oil level should be between
maximum and minimum marks on
the dipstick. If the level is low, fill
the engine with sufficient oil to
reach the specified level.
1. Dipstick
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
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Page 92 of 111

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-42
6
5. Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@ Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be blown
out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Open the radiator cap as follows. Wait until the engine has
cooled. Remove the radiator cap stopper by removing the screw. Place a thick rag like a towel over the radiator 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. @NOTE:@ If it is difficult to get the recommended coolant, tap water can be temporarily used, provided that it is changed to the recom-
mended coolant as soon as possible. @
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir tank and/or radiator.
Level is OK.Level is low, check the
cooling system for leakage.
No
leakage.Leakage.
Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect
and repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Restart the engine. If the engine overheats again, ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect and repair the cooling system.
E_5eb_Periodic.fm Page 42 Thursday, November 18, 1999 4:06 PM