Page 87 of 118
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
6
EAU00794
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
EW000115
WARNING
@ Securely support the motorcycle so
that there is no danger of it falling
over. @
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the
steering.
EAU01144
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the wheel bearings.
E_5mt.book Page 36 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 88 of 118

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-37
6
EAU01291
Battery This motorcycle is equipped with a
sealed-type (MF) battery, which does
not require any maintenance. There is
no need to check the electrolyte or to
add distilled water.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quickly
if the motorcycle is equipped with op-
tional electrical accessories.
EW000116
WARNING
@ l
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
• EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
• INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
• EYES: Flush with water for
15 minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
l
Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
l
KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
@To store the battery
1. If the motorcycle will not be used
for more than one month, remove
the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for
more than two months, check it at
least once a month and fully
charge it if necessary.
3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation.
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals.
E_5mt.book Page 37 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 90 of 118

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-39
6
EC000103
CAUTION:@ Do not use a fuse of a higher amper-
age rating than recommended to
avoid causing extensive damage to
the electrical system and possibly a
fire. @3. Turn the key to “ON” and turn on
the electrical circuit in question to
check if the device operates.
4. If the fuse immediately blows
again, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical system.
EAU01822
Replacing the headlight bulb This motorcycle is equipped with a
quartz bulb headlight. If the headlight
bulb burns out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove panel C. (See page 6-8
for panel removal and installation
procedures.)
2. Disconnect the headlight coupler,
and then remove the headlight
bulb cover.3. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the defective
bulb.
EW000119
WARNING
@ Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooled
down. @4. Place a new bulb into position, and
then secure it with the bulb holder.
1. Headlight coupler
2. Headlight bulb cover
1. Headlight bulb holder
E_5mt.book Page 39 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 92 of 118

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-41
6
EAU01579
Supporting the motorcycle Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motor-
cycle is in a stable and level position
before starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU01617
Front wheel To remove the front wheel
EW000122
WARNING
@ l
It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.
l
Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no danger
of it falling over.
@1. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolt, then the brake caliper bolts.
2. Loosen the wheel axle with a
19-mm hexagon wrench.1. Wheel axle
2. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
E_5mt.book Page 41 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 94 of 118

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-43
6
EAU03537
Rear wheel To remove the rear wheel
EW000122
WARNING
_ l
It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.
l
Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no danger
of it falling over.
_1. Loosen the axle nut and the brake
caliper bolts.
2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-41.3. Remove the axle nut, and then re-
move the brake caliper by remov-
ing the bolts.
4. Loosen the locknut on each side of
the swingarm.
5. Turn the drive chain adjusting
bolts fully in direction
a.6. Push the wheel forward, and then
remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
NOTE:_ The drive chain does not need to be
disassembled in order to remove and
install the rear wheel. _7. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
ECA00048
CAUTION:_ Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise the
brake pads will be forced shut. _
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
1. Bolt (´ 2)
2. Rear brake caliper
E_5mt.book Page 43 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 96 of 118

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-45
6
EAU02990
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
EW000125
WARNING
@ Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system. @
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.DryWet
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
E_5mt.book Page 45 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 97 of 118

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-46
6 Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@ l
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
l
After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hiss-
ing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
@aNOTE:@ If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible. @
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
E_5mt.book Page 46 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM
Page 102 of 118

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
EWA00001
WARNING
@ l
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires. If
necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild
detergent.
l
Before operating the motor-
cycle test its braking perfor-
mance and cornering behavior.
@
ECA00013
CAUTION:@ l
Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.
l
Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
l
Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
@NOTE:@ Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on
what products to use. @
E_5mt.book Page 3 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM