2001 YAMAHA XL 1200 engine

2-10
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EJU00705
Engine stop switch
Push this switch 1 (red button) to stop
the engine normally.
EJU00706
Engine shut-off switch
Insert the clip 1, on the end of the engine
shut-off cord 2, under the engine shut-off
switch 3 (black button). The engine will stop
automatically when the clip is removed from
the switch, such as if the operator falls off
the watercraft.
WARNING
●Always attach the engine shut-off cord
to your wrist and the clip to the engine
shut-off switch BEFORE starting the
engine.
●To prevent accidental starting of the
engine or unauthorized use by chil-
dren or others, always remove the clip
from the shut-off switch when the
engine is not running.
EJU00350
Choke knob
Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by the
choke.
Pull the knob 1 out to turn the choke on.
Push the knob in to turn the choke off.

2-11
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EJU00351
Throttle lever
Squeeze the throttle lever 1 to increase
engine speed.
Release the throttle lever to decrease
engine speed or to return it to the idle posi-
tion.
EJU00353
Start switch
Push the start switch 1 (green button) to
start the engine.
NOTE:
●The engine will not start when the clip is
removed from the engine shut-off switch.
●The engine will not start if the “LOCK” mode
of the multifunction meter has been selected.
(See page 2-21 for “PADLOC” mode selec-
tion procedures.)

2-12
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EJU00354
Cooling water pilot outlet
This watercraft is equipped with cooling
water pilot outlets.
When the engine is running, cooling
water is circulated in the engine, and then it
is discharged from the pilot outlets.
To check for proper operation of the cool-
ing system, check that water is being dis-
charged from the pilot outlets. If water is not
being discharged from the outlets, cooling
water may not be circulating in the engine.
When this occurs, stop the engine and check
for the cause. (See pages 2-17 and 5-4 for
further instructions.)
NOTE:
If the cooling water passages are dry, it will
take about 20 seconds for the water to reach
the outlets after the engine is started.
EJU00356
Steering system
Your watercraft can be steered by turning
the handlebars 1 the same direction you
wish to travel.
When the handlebars are turned, the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle 2 is changed,
and the direction of the watercraft is
changed accordingly. Since the strength of
the jet thrust determines the speed and
direction of a turn, the throttle must always
be open when attempting a turn, except at
trolling speed.

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EJU00710
Shift lever
The shift lever is located on the starboard
side of the watercraft and is used to control
the reverse gate, which allows the watercraft
to move into reverse or forward.
When in the reverse position, the water-
craft can be launched from a trailer, or
backed up out of tight spots where you can-
not turn around easily.
To shift into reverse:
1. Release the throttle, and then let the
engine speed return to idle.
2. Pull the shift lever toward you.
WARNING
●Make sure that the throttle is com-
pletely released and that the engine is
at idle before shifting into reverse.
●Do not use the reverse function to
slow down or stop the watercraft as it
could cause you to lose control, be
ejected, or impact the handlebars.
●Use reverse for slow-speed maneuver-
ing only.
●Make sure that there are no obstacles
or people behind you before shifting
into reverse.
●Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
To shift into forward:
1. Release the throttle, and then let the
engine speed return to idle.
2. Push the shift lever away from you.

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EJU00360a
Quick Shift Trim System
(QSTS) selector
The QSTS selector 1 is located at the
left handlebar grip and is used to adjust the
trim angle of the watercraft.
Operating the QSTS selector changes the
angle of the jet thrust nozzle vertically. This
changes the trim angle of the watercraft.
There are 5 positions: 2 bow down posi-
tionsA and B, neutral “N,” and 2 bow up
positionsC and D.
To change the trim angle:
1. Reduce engine speed to 3,000 r/min or
less.
2. Squeeze the shift lock lever 2, and then
turn the QSTS selector to the desired
position.
3. Release the shift lock lever to lock the
QSTS selector.
CAUTION:
Do not turn the QSTS selector while
operating the watercraft at full throttle,
otherwise damage could occur to the
QSTS.
The neutral “N” position will provide good
performance for most operating conditions.
To enhance particular types of perfor-
mance, select bow down or bow up.

2-17
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EJU00366
Engine overheat warning
system
The model has an overheat warning
device. If the engine starts to overheat, the
warning light, indicator and “W.TEMP” on
the meter begin to blink and the buzzer
sounds intermittently. If this happens,
reduce the engine speed and return to
beach at low speed. If there is no water dis-
charge at the cooling water pilot outlet while
the engine is running, check the jet intake
and impeller for clogging.
WARNING
Before attempting to remove weeds or
debris from the intake grate or impeller,
shut the engine off and remove the clip
from the engine shut-off switch. Severe
injury or death could result from coming
in contact with the rotating parts of the
jet pump.
CAUTION:
●Return to shore at low speed if the
overheat warning indicator and buzzer
are on, and the display shows
“W.TEMP.” If you ignore these signals,
the engine will stop running and can-
not be restarted until the exhaust sys-
tem cools.
●Have your watercraft inspected and
serviced by a Yamaha dealer if the
engine stopped due to overheating.

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If the initial overheat warning is ignored,
engine and exhaust system heat can
increase, particularly if the watercraft contin-
ues to be operated at higher speed. If so,
the warning indicators and buzzer will
change from intermittent to constantly on
and the overheat system will stop ignition to
the engine to reduce the risk of severe over-
heating. The engine cannot be restarted
until it cools down, so it may be necessary to
have the watercraft towed back to the
beach. Refer to “Towing the watercraft” on
page 5-7.
NOTE:
●The buzzer stops sounding if any button
on the meter is pressed.
●Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect the
watercraft if there is no apparent reason
for overheating.

2-20
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EJU00698b
Multifunction meter
This meter contains following functions for
help and convenience in operating the
watercraft.
1
“MODE” button
2
“SET” button
3
“CODE” setting buttons
4
Tachometer
5
Speedometer
6
Fuel meter
7
Engine oil meter
8
Display for Clock, Hour meter, Trip meter and
Trip timer
9
Warning light
0
Display for PADLOC and direction of warning
indicator
A
Battery warning indicator
B
Engine overheat warning indicator
C
Fuel warning indicator
D
Oil warning indicator
CAUTION:
●Do not run the engine at full throttle or
more than 15 seconds to check the
meter for operation on land. The
engine could overheat.
●Use the specified resistor-type spark
plugs and caps, otherwise the meter
may function erratically.
NOTE:
The demonstration mode display starts
showing after the engine starts. Then all dis-
plays light up and the buzzer sounds twice.
The meter will operate normally after a few
seconds. The current display will continue to
operate for 30 seconds after the engine
stops.