Page 17 of 102

3-1
EAU00029
Main switch/steering lockMain switch/steering lockThe main switch/steering lock con-
trols the ignition and lighting systems,
and is used to lock the steering. The
various positions are described
below.
EAU00036
ON
All electrical systems are supplied
with power, and the engine can be
started. The key cannot be removed.
EAU00038
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
EAU00040
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electri-
cal systems are off. The key can be
removed.
To lock the steering1. Turn the handlebars all the way
to the left.
2. Push the key in from the “OFF”
position, and then turn it to
“LOCK” while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.
To unlock the steeringPush the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.
EW000016
wNever turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the scooter is mov-
ing, otherwise the electrical sys-
tems will be switched off, which
may result in loss of control or an
accident. Make sure that the scoot-
er is stopped before turning the
key to “OFF” or “LOCK”.
EAU03733
.
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the tail-
light, license light and auxiliary light
are on, but all other electrical sys-
tems are off. The key can be
removed.
To turn the main switch to “
.”:
1. Turn the key to “LOCK”.
2. Slightly turn the key counter-
clockwise until it stops.
3. While still turning the key coun-
terclockwise, push it in until it
snaps into place.
ECA00043
cCDo not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
EAU00027
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3
IGNITION
P
LOCK
ON
OFF
OPENPUSHPUSH
5GJ-9-E1 9/4/01 1:27 PM Page 16
Page 22 of 102

3-6
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3
EAU00109
Anti-theft alarm (optional)Anti-theft alarm (optional)This scooter can be equipped with an
optional anti-theft alarm by a Yamaha
dealer. Contact a Yamaha dealer for
more information.
EAU03826
Hazard switch “0”Hazard switchWith the key in the “ON” or “
.” posi-
tion, use this switch to turn on the
hazard light (simultaneous flashing of
all turn signal lights).
The hazard light is used in case of an
emergency or to warn other drivers
when your scooter is stopped where
it might be a traffic hazard.EC000006
cCDo not use the hazard light for an
extended length of time, otherwise
the battery may discharge.
EAU00118
Handlebar switchesHandlebar switches
EAU00120
Pass switch “PASS”Pass switchPress this switch to flash the head-
light.
EAU03888
Dimmer switch “&/%”Dimmer switchSet this switch to “&” for the high
beam and to “%” for the low beam.
12
34
5
1. Pass switch “PASS”
2. Dimmer switch “&/%”
3. Turn signal switch “4/6”
4. Horn switch “*”
5. Hazard switch “0”
5GJ-9-E1 9/4/01 1:27 PM Page 21
Page 39 of 102

5-1
EAU00372
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
EAU03981
w8Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer
regarding any control or func-
tion that you do not thorough-
ly understand.
8Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.
8For safety, always start the
engine with the centerstand
down.
8When the centerstand is down
and the engine is idling, keep
your hands and feet away from
the rear wheel.
EAU03843
Starting the engineStarting the engine
EC000046
cCSee page 5-4 for engine break-in
instructions prior to operating the
vehicle for the first time.In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, the side-
stand must be up.
EW000054
w8Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system
according to the procedure
described on page 3-16.
8Never ride with the sidestand
down.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch
is set to “#”.
2. Close the throttle completely.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch while applying the
front or rear brake.NOTE:
If the engine does not start, release
the start switch, wait a few seconds,
and then try again. Each starting
attempt should be as short as possi-
ble to preserve the battery. Do not
crank the engine more than 10 sec-
onds on any one attempt. If the
engine does not start, try with the
throttle open 1/8 turn.
ECA00045
cCFor maximum engine life, never
accelerate hard when the engine is
cold!
5GJ-9-E1 9/4/01 1:27 PM Page 38
Page 41 of 102

5-3
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
EAU00435
BrakingBraking1. Close the throttle completely.
2. Apply both front and rear brakes
simultaneously while gradually
increasing the pressure.
EW000057
w8Avoid braking hard or sudden-
ly (especially when leaning
over to one side), otherwise
the scooter may skid or over-
turn.
8Railroad crossings, streetcar
rails, iron plates on road con-
struction sites, and manhole
covers become extremely slip-
pery when wet. Therefore,
slow down when approaching
such areas and cross them
with caution.
8Keep in mind that braking on a
wet road is much more diffi-
cult.
8Ride slowly down a hill, as
braking downhill can be very
difficult.
EAU03093
Tips for reducing fuel
consumptionFuel consumption, tips for reducingFuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the follow-
ing tips to reduce fuel consumption:
8Thoroughly warm up the engine.
8Avoid high engine speeds during
acceleration.
8Avoid high engine speeds with
no load on the engine.
8Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at
traffic lights or at railroad cross-
ings).
5GJ-9-E1 9/4/01 1:27 PM Page 40
Page 91 of 102

8-1
EAU01038
SPECIFICATIONS
8
SpecificationsSpecifications
Model XP500
Dimensions
Overall length 2,235 mm
Overall width 775 mm
Overall height 1,410 mm
Seat height 795 mm
Wheelbase 1,575 mm
Ground clearance 130 mm
Minimum turning radius 2,800 mm
Basic weight (with oil and full
fuel tank)217 kg
Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Forward inclined 2–cylinder
Displacement 499 cm
3
Bore ×Stroke 66.0 ×73.0 mm
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Starting system Electric starter
Lubrication system Dry sumpEngine oil
Type SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Recommended engine oil
classification API Service SE, SF, SG
type or higher
cCBe sure to use motor oils that do not contain anti-friction
modifiers. Passenger car motor oils (often labeled “ENERGY
CONSERVING
II”) contain anti-friction additives which will
cause clutch and/or starter clutch slippage, resulting in
reduced component life and poor engine performance.
Quantity
Without oil filter cartridge
replacement 2.8 L
With oil filter cartridge
replacement 2.9 L
Total amount (dry engine) 3.6 L
Chain drive oil
Type SAE 80API “GL-4” hypoid
gear oil
Total amount 0.7 L
5GJ-9-E1 9/4/01 1:27 PM Page 90