
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTE:_ If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt. _
ECA00022
CAUTION:_ l
The coolant temperature warn-
ing light and fuel level warning
light should come on when the
start switch is pushed, and they
should go off when the start
switch is released.
l
If the coolant temperature warn-
ing light remains on after start-
ing, immediately stop the
engine, and then have a
Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
l
If the fuel level warning light re-
mains on after starting, stop the
engine, and then check the fuel
level. If necessary, refuel assoon as possible, and then
check the warning light again. If
the warning light does not come
on when pushing the start
switch, or if it does not go off af-
ter starting with sufficient fuel,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.
_5. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) lever back halfway.
ECA00045
CAUTION:_ For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold! _6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:_ The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off. _
EAU01258
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
E_4tx.book Page 2 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU00423
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.NOTE:@ To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it. @
EC000048
CAUTION:@ l
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
l
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
@
EAU02941
Recommended shift points
(for Switzerland only) The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.CF-01ENOTE:_ When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 4th to 2nd gear). _
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
Shift point
(km/h)
1st®2nd
2nd®3rd
3rd®4th
4th®5th23
36
50
60
E_4tx.book Page 3 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:l
Thoroughly warm up the engine.
l
Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.
l
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
l
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
l
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU00436
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1,000 km. For this rea-
son, you should read the following ma-
terial carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1,000 km. The various parts in the en-
gine wear and polish themselves to the
correct operating clearances. During
this period, prolonged full-throttle oper-
ation or any condition that might result
in engine overheating must be avoided.
EAU00440*
0–150 kml
Avoid prolonged operation above
5,000 r/min.
l
After every hour of operation, stop
the engine, and then let it cool for
five to ten minutes.
l
Vary the engine speed from time
to time. Do not operate the engine
at one set throttle position.
150–500 km
l
Avoid prolonged operation above
6,000 r/min.
l
Rev the engine freely through the
gears, but do not use full throttle at
any time.
500–1,000 km
l
Avoid prolonged full-throttle oper-
ation.
l
Avoid prolonged operation above
7,000 r/min.
E_4tx.book Page 4 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-2
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ..... 6-5
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-7
Engine oil and oil filter element ............................ 6-9
Coolant .............................................................. 6-11
Cleaning the air filter element ............................ 6-15
Adjusting the carburetors ................................... 6-18
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-18
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-19
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-19
Tires ................................................................... 6-19
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .................... 6-23
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-23
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-24
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-25
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-25
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-26
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-27
Lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-29
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-29Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and
cable ............................................................... 6-30
Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ...................................................... 6-30
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-31
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............ 6-31
Lubricating the rear suspension ........................ 6-32
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-32
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-33
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-33
Battery ............................................................... 6-34
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-35
Replacing a headlight bulb ................................ 6-36
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ..................... 6-37
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...................... 6-38
Supporting the motorcycle ................................ 6-39
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-39
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-41
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-43
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-44
E_4tx.book Page 1 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
EAU03541
NOTE:_l
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
l
Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinder and caliper, and change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
_22
*Carburetors• Check starter (choke) operation.
• Adjust engine idling speed and synchronization.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
23 Engine oil• Change.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
24 Engine oil filter element• Replace.ÖÖÖ
25*Cooling system• Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
• Change. Every 3 years
26*Front and rear brake
switches• Check operation.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
27 Moving parts and cables• Lubricate.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
28*Lights, signals and
switches• Check operation.
• Adjust headlight beam.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (´1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
E_4tx.book Page 4 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-7
6
EAU01668
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which are easy to check.
Since heat and deposits will cause any
spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plugs should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
To remove a spark plug
1. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-5
for cowling removal and installa-
tion procedures.)
2. Remove the spark plug cap.3. Remove the spark plug as shown
with the spark plug wrench includ-
ed in the owner’s tool kit.
To check the spark plugs
1. Check that the porcelain insulator
around the center electrode on
each spark plug is a medium-to-
light tan (the ideal color when the
motorcycle is ridden normally).
2. Check that all spark plugs installed
in the engine have the same color.
NOTE:@ If any spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be defec-
tive. Do not attempt to diagnose such
problems yourself. Instead, have a
Yamaha dealer check the motorcycle. @3. Check each spark plug for elec-
trode erosion and excessive car-
bon or other deposits, and replace
it if necessary.
1. Spark plug cap
1. Spark plug wrench
Specified spark plug:
DPR8EA-9 (NGK) or
X24EPR-U9 (DENSO)
E_4tx.book Page 7 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-9
6
EAU01692
Engine oil and oil filter
element The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.NOTE:@ Make sure that the motorcycle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking the oil
level. A slight tilt to the side can result in
a false reading. @2. Start the engine, warm it up for
15 minutes, and then turn it off.3. Check the oil level through the
check window located on the right
side of the engine oil tank.
NOTE:@ l
The engine oil tank is located be-
hind the cylinders.
l
The engine oil should be between
the minimum and maximum level
marks.
@4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment)
1. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
2. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Engine oil tank cap
E_4tx.book Page 9 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-11
68. Add the specified amount of the
recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil tank
cap.
EC000072
CAUTION:@ l
In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives with
the oil or use oils of a higher
grade than “CD”. In addition, do
not use oils labeled “ENERGY
CONSERVING II” or higher.
l
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
@9. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off
and check for the cause.
10. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU03495
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
If the engine overheats, see page 6-45
for further instructions.
To check the coolant level
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.NOTE:@ l
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.
l
Make sure that the motorcycle is
positioned straight up when
checking the coolant level. A slight
tilt to the side can result in a false
reading.
@
Tightening torques:
Engine oil drain bolt A:
35 Nm (3.5 m·kg)
Engine oil drain bolt B:
30 Nm (3.0 m·kg)
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter element
replacement:
3.5 L
With oil filter element
replacement:
3.6 L
Total amount (dry engine):
4.2 L
E_4tx.book Page 11 Wednesday, October 4, 2000 4:28 PM