
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-10
3
EAU01183
Fuel Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in
the tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom
of the filler tube as shown in the illustra-
tion.
EW000130
WARNING
@ l
Do not overfill the fuel tank, oth-
erwise it may overflow when the
fuel warms up and expands.
l
Avoid spilling fuel on the hot
engine.
@
EAU00185
CAUTION:@ Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-
es or plastic parts.@
EAU00191
NOTE:@ If knocking (or pinging) occurs, use
gasoline of a different brand or with a
higher octane grade. @
EAU00196
Fuel tank breather hose
(for Germany only) Before operating the motorcycle:l
Check the fuel tank breather hose
connection.
l
Check the fuel tank breather hose
for cracks or damage, and replace
it if damaged.
l
Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather hose is not blocked
and clean it if necessary.
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Fuel level
Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
research octane number of 91 or
higher
Fuel tank capacity:
Total amount:
17.0 L
Reserve amount:
3.5 L
1. Fuel tank breather hose
E_4br.book Page 10 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
3
EAU02976
Starter (choke) lever Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction
a to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction
b to turn off
the starter (choke).
EAU02925
Seat To remove the seat
Insert the key into the seat lock, turn it
counterclockwise, and then pull the
seat off.To install the seat
Insert the projections on the front of the
seat into the seat holder, push the rear
of the seat down to lock it in place, and
then remove the key.
NOTE:@ Make sure that the seat is properly se-
cured before riding. @
1. Starter (choke) lever
1. Unlock.
1. Projection (´ 2)
2. Seat holder
E_4br.book Page 12 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-13
3
EAU02936
Helmet holders The helmet holders are located under
the seat.
To secure a helmet to a helmet holder
1. Remove the seat. (See page 3-12
for seat removal and installation
procedures.)
2. Attach the helmet to the helmet
holder, and then securely install
the seat.
EWA00015
WARNING
@ Never ride with a helmet attached to
a helmet holder, since the helmet
may hit objects, causing loss of
control and possibly an accident. @To release a helmet from a helmet
holder
Remove the seat, remove the helmet
from the helmet holder, and then install
the seat.
EAU01688
Storage compartment This storage compartment is designed
to hold a genuine Yamaha U-LOCK.
(Other locks may not fit.) When placing
a U-LOCK in the storage compartment,
securely fasten it with the straps. When
the U-LOCK is not in the storage com-
partment, be sure to secure the straps
to prevent losing them.
When storing the owner’s manual or
other documents in the storage com-
partment, be sure to wrap them in a
plastic bag so that they will not get wet.
When washing the motorcycle, be
careful not to let any water enter the
storage compartment.
1. Helmet holder (´ 2)
1. Strap for U-LOCK (´ 2)
E_4br.book Page 13 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6
EAU00687
Wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.l
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
l
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
l
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU00694
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 2–3 mm as shown. Periodically
check the clutch lever free play and, if
necessary, adjust it as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch le-
ver.
2. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection
a. To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction
b.3. If the specified clutch lever free
play could be obtained as de-
scribed above, tighten the locknut
and skip the rest of the procedure,
otherwise proceed as follows.
4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction
a to loos-
en the clutch cable.
5. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
6. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection
a. To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
nut in direction
b.1. Clutch lever free play locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
c. Clutch lever free play
1. Clutch lever cable
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
3. Locknut
E_4br.book Page 17 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6 7. Tighten the locknut at the clutch
lever and the crankcase.
EAU00712
Adjusting the brake pedal
position The top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 40 mm below
the top of the footrest as shown. Peri-
odically check the brake pedal position
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha
dealer adjust it.
EW000109
WARNING
@ A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
pedal can indicate the presence of
air in the hydraulic system. If there
is air in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will diminish
the braking performance, which
may result in loss of control and an
accident.@
a. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
E_4br.book Page 18 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
6
l
Be careful that water does not en-
ter the master cylinder when refill-
ing. Water will significantly lower
the boiling point of the fluid and
may result in vapor lock.
l
Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
l
As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to
gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
EAU03238
Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the brake master cylinder and caliper
as well as the brake hose replaced at
the intervals listed below or whenever
they are damaged or leaking.l
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
l
Brake hose: Replace every four
years.
EAU00745
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the
centerstand.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Spin the rear wheel several times
to locate the tightest portion of the
drive chain.
4. Measure the drive chain slack as
shown.a. Drive chain slack
E_4br.book Page 21 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
6 5. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU00762
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut, then the
chain puller locknut at each end of
the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
adjusting nut at each end of the
swingarm in direction
a. To loos-
en the drive chain, turn the adjust-
ing nut at each end of the
swingarm in direction
b, and then
push the rear wheel forward.
NOTE:@ Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both adjusting nuts are in the same po-
sition for proper wheel alignment. @
EC000096
CAUTION:@ Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within the
specified limits. @3. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque. Drive chain slack:
30–40 mm
1. Axle nut
2. Chain puller locknut
3. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
4. Alignment marks
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
105 Nm (10.5 m·kg)
E_4br.book Page 22 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM

10-INDEXAAir filter element, cleaning ...................... 6-10BBattery ................................................... 6-27
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating ............................................ 6-25
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating ............................................ 6-24
Brake fluid, changing ............................. 6-21
Brake fluid level, checking...................... 6-20
Brake lever...............................................3-8
Brake light switch (rear), adjusting ......... 6-19
Brake pads, checking............................. 6-19
Brake pedal..............................................3-9
Brake pedal position, adjusting .............. 6-18CCables, checking and lubricating............ 6-23
Carburetors, adjusting............................ 6-12
Care.........................................................7-1
Centerstand and sidestand, checking
and lubricating ..................................... 6-25
Clutch lever ..............................................3-7
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ............. 6-17
Controls and instruments (XJ600N) .........2-6
Controls and instruments (XJ600S)..........2-3
Conversion table ......................................8-5DDimmer switch .........................................3-6
Drive chain, lubricating ........................... 6-23
Drive chain slack ................................... 6-21
Adjusting .......................................... 6-22
Checking .......................................... 6-21EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-4
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............... 6-7
Engine stop switch................................... 3-7FFront fork, checking ............................... 6-26
Front wheel ........................................... 6-33
Installing........................................... 6-33
Removing......................................... 6-33
Fuel ....................................................... 3-10
Fuel cock ............................................... 3-11
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ......... 5-4
Fuel tank breather hose
(Germany only) ................................... 3-10
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-9
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-29HHandlebar switches ................................. 3-6
Hazard switch .......................................... 3-6
Headlight bulb, replacing (for XJ600N) .. 6-31
Headlight bulb, replacing (for XJ600S) .. 6-30
Helmet holders ...................................... 3-13
High beam indicator light ......................... 3-4
Horn switch ............................................. 3-6IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Idling speed, adjusting ........................... 6-13
Ignition circuit cut-off system ..................3-16
Indicator lights ..........................................3-3KKey identification number (for XJ600N) ....9-1
Key identification number (for XJ600S) ....9-1LLeft view (XJ600N) ...................................2-4
Left view (XJ600S) ...................................2-1
Light switch ..............................................3-7
Luggage strap holders ...........................3-15NNeutral indicator light ...............................3-3MMain switch/steering lock .........................3-1
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic ......6-2
Model label ..............................................9-2OOperation .................................................5-1
Oil level warning light ...............................3-4PPass switch ..............................................3-6
Panel, removing and installing..................6-5
Parking.....................................................5-5
Part locations ...........................................2-1
Pre-operation check list ............................4-1RRear wheel.............................................6-35
Installing...........................................6-36
Removing .........................................6-35
E_4br.book Page 1 Thursday, August 17, 2000 11:29 AM