2001 YAMAHA XL 700 light

1-11
E
●This watercraft is not equipped with light-
ing required for night operation. Do not
operate the watercraft after sunset or
before dawn, otherwise you increase the
risk of colliding with another boat, which
could result in severe injury or death.
EJU00735a
Operation requirements
●All riders must wear a personal flotation
device (PFD) that is approved by the
appropriate authorities and suitable for
personal watercraft use.
●Wear protective clothing. Severe internal
injuries can occur if water is forced into
body cavities as a result of falling into
water or being near the jet thrust nozzle.
Normal swimwear does not adequately
protect against forceful water entry into
rectum or vagina. All riders must wear a
wetsuit bottom or clothing that provides
equivalent protection. Such clothing
includes thick, tightly woven, sturdy and
snug-fitting apparel such as denim, but
does not include spandex or similar fab-
rics, like those used in bicycle shorts.
1
Authority-approved PFD
2
Wetsuit bottom
●Eye protection is recommended to keep
wind, water, and glare from the sun out of
your eyes while you operate your water-
craft. Restraining straps for eyewear are
made which are designed to float should
your eyewear fall in the water.
Footwear and gloves are recommended.
E_F0M-72-1.fm Page 11 Thursday, July 27, 2000 10:40 AM

2-12
E
EJU00367a
Handgrip
The handgrip 1 provides a handhold for
boarding the watercraft and for a spotter
when facing rearward.
CAUTION:
Do not use to tow objects, lift watercraft,
or attach tie downs, otherwise damage
could occur.
EJU00371
Oil level warning lamp
If the oil remaining in the tank drops to
about 1.2 L (0.31 US gal, 0.26 Imp gal) or
the oil filter is clogged, the oil level warning
lamp begins to blink.
If the oil level warning lamp begins to
blink, refill with engine oil as soon as possi-
ble.
NOTE:
●The lamp will light up for 2 seconds after
starting the engine to check the lamp
operation.
●If the warning lamp blinks with adequate
oil in the tank, check for a clogged oil fil-
ter.
E_F0M-72-2.fm Page 12 Thursday, July 27, 2000 9:50 AM

2-13
E
EJU00672a
Storage compartments
A front storage compartment, a glove
compartment, and seat storage compart-
ments are provided.
NOTE:
●Make sure that the storage compartments
are properly secured before operating the
watercraft.
●The storage compartments are not
designed to be waterproof. If you carry
objects that must be kept dry, such as the
manuals, put them in a waterproof bag.
Front storage compartment
Two storage compartments are located at
the bow.
To open the front storage compartment,
pull the hood latch 1 up, and then open the
hood.
To close the front storage compartment,
push down on the rear of the hood until it
latches securely.
NOTE:
The lower storage compartment 3 is provided
under the upper storage compartment 2.
To access the lower storage compartment,
remove the upper storage compartment.
CAUTION:
Store only soft, light weight objects,
such as rope or rags, in the lower storage
compartment. Storing hard or heavy
objects, such as tools or cans, may dam-
age the compartment.
Upper storage compartment:
Capacity: 44 L (4.4 US gal, 3.6 Imp gal)
Load limit: 5 kg (11 lb)
E_F0M-72-2.fm Page 13 Thursday, July 27, 2000 9:50 AM

3-17
E
5. While lightly squeezing the throttle lever,
push the start switch (green button).
WARNING
On this watercraft, the engine is con-
nected directly to the jet pump. Starting
the engine immediately generates some
thrust. Apply only enough throttle to
keep the engine running.
6. Release the start switch as soon as the
engine starts to run.
CAUTION:
●Never push the start switch while the
engine is running.
●Do not operate the start switch for
more than 5 seconds, otherwise the
battery will be discharged and the
engine will not start. Also, the starter
motor may be damaged. If the engine
does not start in 5 seconds, release
the start switch, wait 15 seconds, and
try again.
7. After the engine has warmed up, push
the choke knob in to its original position.
NOTE:
If the choke knob is left pulled out, the
engine will stall.
E_F0M-72-3.fm Page 17 Thursday, July 27, 2000 9:52 AM

3-19
E
EJU00674
Operating your watercraft
Getting to know your
watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills
acquired through practice over a period of
time. Take the time to learn the basic tech-
niques well before attempting more difficult
maneuvers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a
very enjoyable activity, providing you with
hours of pleasure. However, it is essential to
familiarize yourself with the operation of the
watercraft to achieve the skill level neces-
sary to enjoy riding safely. Before operating
this watercraft, read this Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual, the Riding Practice Guide and all
warning and caution labels on the water-
craft. Pay particular attention to the safety
information on pages 1-9 to 1-16. These
materials should give you an understanding
of the watercraft and its operation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or
allow more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a
water-skier is being pulled) to ride the water-
craft at one time.
EJU00474
Learning to operate your
watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always
perform the pre-operation checks listed on
page 3-5. The short time spent checking the
watercraft will reward you with added safety
and reliability.
Check state and local laws before operat-
ing your watercraft.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft. Select a wide
area to learn in, where you have good visi-
bility and light boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with
someone nearby. Scan constantly for peo-
ple, objects, and other watercraft. Be alert
for conditions that limit your visibility or block
your vision of others.
Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your wrist and keep it free from the han-
dlebars so that the engine stops if the opera-
tor falls off.
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
All riders must wear an authority-approved
PFD that is suitable for personal watercraft
use. Maximum load: 240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, opera-
tor and passengers.
E_F0M-72-3.fm Page 19 Thursday, July 27, 2000 9:52 AM

4-16
E
EJU00566a
●Intermediate housing
Using a grease gun, fill the intermediate
housing with water resistant grease through
the grease nipple 1.
Grease capacity:
Initial 10 hours or 1 month:
33.0–35.0 cm
3 (1.11–1.18 oz)
Every 100 hours or 6 months:
6.0–8.0 cm
3 (0.20–0.27 oz)
EJU00570
Adjusting the choke cable
Check that the choke cable is properly
adjusted.
1. Pull the choke knob out until it stops, and
then release the knob. The knob should
not move.
2. If the choke knob moves back on its own,
tighten the choke knob adjusting nut 1
slightly. If the knob is difficult to move,
loosen the adjusting nut slightly.
E_F0M-72-4.fm Page 16 Thursday, July 27, 2000 9:53 AM

5-2
E
Engine runs irregu-
larly or stallsFuel Empty Refill as soon as
possible3-3
Stale or contaminated Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-9
Choke Knob pulled Push fully in 2-8
Fuel filter Clogged or water
pooledHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Fuel tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 4-13
Incorrect heat range Replace 4-13
Gap incorrect Adjust 4-13
Spark plug cap Loose Connect properly 4-13
Cracked, torn, or dam-
agedReplace
—
Electrical
wiringLoose connection Tighten or connect
properly—
Carburetor Incorrect idle adjust-
mentAdjust idle
4-19
Clogged Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Warning light or
indicator blinksFuel level Empty Refill as soon as possi-
ble3-3
Oil filter clogged Clean 4-11
Wate rcr af t slow or
loses powerCavitation Jet intake clogged Clean 5-3
Impeller damaged or
wornHave serviced by
Yamaha dealer—
Engine over-
heatedJet intake clogged Clean
5-3
Fuel filter Clogged Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Spark plug Fouled or defective Replace 4-13
Incorrect heat range Replace 4-13
Gap incorrect Adjust 4-13
Spark plug
capsLoose Connect properly
4-13
Electrical
wiringLoose connection Tighten or connect
properly—
Fuel Stale or contaminated Have serviced by
Yamaha dealer4-10
Bilge Water in bilge Drain 3-7 TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY PAGE
E_F0M-72-5.fm Page 2 Thursday, July 27, 2000 9:58 AM