4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSThe condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
EAU03439
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Front brake
Check operation, fluid level and fluid leakage.
Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.6-19–6-21
Rear brake6-18–6-21
ClutchCheck operation, condition and free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-17–6-18
Throttle grip and housing
Make sure that operation is smooth.
Check free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer make adjustment or lubricate.
6-13, 6-24
Engine oilCheck oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.6-7–6-10
Drive chainCheck chain slack and condition.
Adjust if necessary.6-21–6-23
Wheels and tiresCheck tire pressure, wear and damage. 6-14–6-17
Control and meter cablesCheck smooth operation.
Lubricate if necessary.6-23
Brake and shift pedal
shaftsCheck smooth operation.
Lubricate if necessary.6-24
Brake and clutch lever
pivotsCheck smooth operation.
Lubricate if necessary.6-25
Center and sidestand
pivotsCheck smooth operation.
Lubricate if necessary.6-25
E_4br.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
5-1
5
EAU00372
5-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU00373
WARNING
@
Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly
understand.
Never 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.
Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
@
EAU00381*
Starting a cold engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:
The transmission is in the neutral
position.
The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
EW000054
WARNING
@
Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-17.
Never ride with the sidestand
down.
@1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
3. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
NOTE:@ When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit. @4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-12 for starter (choke) oper-
ation.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.NOTE:@ If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt. @
E_4br.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU00423
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the
illustration.NOTE:@ To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it. @
EC000048
CAUTION:@
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
@
EAU02937
Recommended shift points
(for Switzerland only) The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table
below.CF-02ENOTE:@ When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 5th to 3rd gear). @
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
Shift point
(km/h)
1st→2nd
2nd→3rd
3rd→4th
4th→5th
5th→6th20
30
40
50
60
E_4br.book Page 3 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-2
Removing and installing the panel ....................... 6-5
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-6
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .......................... 6-7
Cleaning the air filter element ............................ 6-10
Adjusting the carburetors ................................... 6-12
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-13
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-13
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-14
Tires ................................................................... 6-14
Cast wheels ....................................................... 6-17
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .................... 6-17
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-18
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-19
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-19
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-20
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-21
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-21
Lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-23
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-23Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and
cable ............................................................... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift
pedals ............................................................. 6-24
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch
levers ............................................................... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the centerstand and
sidestand ......................................................... 6-25
Lubricating the rear suspension ........................ 6-25
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-26
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-26
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-27
Battery ............................................................... 6-27
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-29
Replacing the headlight bulb (for XJ600S)......... 6-30
Replacing the headlight bulb (for XJ600N) ........ 6-31
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-33
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-35
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-36
Troubleshooting chart ........................................ 6-37
E_4br.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-2
6
EAU03685
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart
NOTE:_
The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance is performed instead.
From 50,000 km, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10,000 km.
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and techni-
cal skills.
_CP-01ECP-01ENO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (×1,000 km)
Annual
check
1 10203040
1
*Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses and vacuum hose for cracks or damage.√√√√ √
2*Fuel filterCheck condition.√√
3 Spark plugsCheck condition.
Clean and regap.√√
Replace.√√
4*ValvesCheck valve clearance.
Adjust.Every 20,000 km
5 Air filter elementClean.√√
Replace.√√
6ClutchCheck operation.
Adjust.√√√√√
7*Front brakeCheck operation, fluid level and vehicle for fluid leakage.
(See NOTE on page 6-4.)√√ √ √ √ √
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
8*Rear brakeCheck operation, fluid level and vehicle for fluid leakage.
(See NOTE on page 6-4.)√√ √ √ √ √
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
E_4br.book Page 2 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-10
6
EC000072
CAUTION:_
In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives with
the oil or use oils of a higher
grade than “CD”. In addition, do
not use oils labeled “ENERGY
CONSERVING II” or higher.
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
_9. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off
and check for the cause.NOTE:_ After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient. _
EC000067
CAUTION:_ If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle. _10. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU02928*
Cleaning the air filter element The air filter element should be cleaned
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Clean the air filter element more fre-
quently if you are riding in unusually
wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the seat. (See page 3-12
for seat removal and installation
procedures.)
2. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”,
and then remove the fuel cock le-
ver by removing the screw.1. Screw
E_4br.book Page 10 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6
EAU03773
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU00694
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 2–3 mm as shown. Periodically
check the clutch lever free play and, if
necessary, adjust it as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch le-
ver.
2. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection
a. To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction
b.3. If the specified clutch lever free
play could be obtained as de-
scribed above, tighten the locknut
and skip the rest of the procedure,
otherwise proceed as follows.
4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction
a to loos-
en the clutch cable.
5. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
6. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection
a. To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
nut in direction
b.1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
c. Clutch lever free play
1. Clutch lever cable
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
3. Locknut
E_4br.book Page 17 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6 7. Tighten the locknut at the clutch
lever and the crankcase.
EAU00712
Adjusting the brake pedal
position The top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 40 mm below
the top of the footrest as shown. Peri-
odically check the brake pedal position
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha
dealer adjust it.
EW000109
WARNING
@ A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
pedal can indicate the presence of
air in the hydraulic system. If there
is air in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will diminish
the braking performance, which
may result in loss of control and an
accident.@
a. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
E_4br.book Page 18 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM