2001 YAMAHA XL 1200 tow bar

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Location of main components
1Handlebars
Use to control direction.
2Footwell
Use to place feet for balance.
3Footrest
Use to place feet for proper balance when
seated facing rearward and acting as a spotter
for a water-skier.
4Bow eye
Use to attach rope for transporting, mooring or
towing the watercraft in an emergency.
5Hood
6Front seat
7Rear seat
8Sponsons
9Gunwale

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1Fuel tank filler cap
2Rope holes
3Intake grate
Prevents debris from getting into the jet pump.
4Speed sensor
5Cleat
Use to attach a towrope for pulling water-skier,
or a rope for mooring the watercraft.
6Handgrip
Use for support when boarding the watercraft
or when seated facing rearward and acting as
a spotter for a water-skier.7Reverse gate
Controls direction of jet thrust when in reverse.
8Stern drain plugs
Use to drain water in the bilge when the water-
craft is on dry land.
9Jet thrust nozzle
Changes the direction of jet thrust according
to handlebar position.
0Ride plate

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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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Towing the watercraft
If the watercraft becomes inoperative in
the water, it can be towed to shore.
If the watercraft must be towed in an
emergency using a tow line, the operator
should ride the watercraft, holding onto the
handlebars.
CAUTION:
●Tow the watercraft slowly; water may
enter the air intake and flood the
engine compartment if the watercraft
is towed too fast.
●Tow the watercraft using the bow eye 1
only.
●The bow must be kept up out of the
water during towing to prevent water
from entering the engine compart-
ment.
WARNING
●The watercraft should only be towed in
an emergency.
●The tow line should be long enough so
that the watercraft will not collide with
the towing boat when slowing down. A
good rule of thumb is a tow line which
is three times the combined length of
the towing boat and the watercraft. A
shorter length of rope can be used if
the watercraft is towed very slowly.
●The operator of the towing boat must
keep speed to a minimum and avoid
traffic or obstacles which could be a
hazard to the rider on the watercraft.