3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Main switch/steering lock ..................................... 3-1
Steering lock (for XJ600N).................................... 3-3
Indicator and warning lights ................................ 3-3
Speedometer unit (for XJ600S) ........................... 3-4
Speedometer unit (for XJ600N) ........................... 3-5
Tachometer .......................................................... 3-5
Handlebar switches ............................................. 3-6
Clutch lever .......................................................... 3-7
Shift pedal ............................................................ 3-8
Brake lever .......................................................... 3-8
Brake pedal .......................................................... 3-9
Fuel tank cap ....................................................... 3-9Fuel ................................................................... 3-10
Fuel tank breather hose (for Germany only) ..... 3-11
Fuel cock ........................................................... 3-11
Starter (choke) lever .......................................... 3-12
Seat ................................................................... 3-12
Helmet holders .................................................. 3-13
Storage compartment ....................................... 3-14
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ............ 3-14
Luggage strap holders ...................................... 3-15
Sidestand .......................................................... 3-15
Ignition circuit cut-off system ............................. 3-16
E_4br.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
EAU02934
Steering lock (for XJ600N)To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebar all the way to
right.
2. Open the steering lock cover, and
then insert the key.
3. Turn the key 1/8 turn counter-
clockwise, push it in while turning
the handlebar slightly to the left,
and then turn the key 1/8 turn
clockwise.
4. Check that the steering is locked,
remove the key, and then close
the lock cover.To unlock the steering
1. Open the steering lock cover, and
then insert the key.
2. Push the key in, turn it 1/8 turn
counterclockwise so that it moves
out, and then release it.
3. Remove the key, and then close
the lock cover.
EAU03034
Indicator and warning lights
EAU04121
Turn signal indicator lights “”
and “”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU00061
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
1. Steering lock
1. Left turn signal indicator light “”
2. High beam indicator light “”
3. Right turn signal indicator light “”
4. Neutral indicator light “”
5. Oil level warning light “”XJ600S
E_4br.book Page 3 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
3
EAU00118
Handlebar switches
EAU00120
Pass switch “PASS”
Press this switch to flash the headlight.
EAU03888
Dimmer switch “/”
Set this switch to “” for the high
beam and to “” for the low beam.
EAU03826
Hazard switch “”
With the key in the “ON” or “P” position,
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 motorcycle is stopped
where it might be a traffic hazard.
EC000006
CAUTION:_ Do not use the hazard light for an ex-
tended length of time, otherwise the
battery may discharge. _
EAU03889
Turn signal switch “/”
To signal a right-hand turn, push this
switch to “”. To signal a left-hand
turn, push this switch to “”. When
released, the switch returns to the cen-
ter position. To cancel the turn signal
lights, push the switch in after it has re-
turned to the center position.
EAU00129
Horn switch “”
Press this switch to sound the horn.
1. Dimmer switch “/”
2. Pass switch “PASS”
3. Hazard switch “”
4. Turn signal switch “/”
5. Horn switch “”
E_4br.book Page 6 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-7
3
EAU03890
Engine stop switch “/”
Set this switch to “” before starting
the engine. Set this switch to “” to
stop the engine in case of an emergen-
cy, such as when the motorcycle over-
turns or when the throttle cable is
stuck.
EAU03898
Light switch “//”
Set this switch to “” to turn on the
auxiliary light, meter lighting and tail-
light. Set the switch to “” to turn on
the headlight also. Set the switch to
“” to turn off all the lights.
EAU00143
Start switch “”
Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter.
EC000005
CAUTION:@ See page 5-1 for starting instruc-
tions prior to starting the engine. @
EAU00152
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-16 for an explanation of the ignition
circuit cut-off system.)
1. Engine stop switch “/”
2. Light switch “//”
3. Start switch “”
1. Clutch lever
E_4br.book Page 7 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
NOTE:_ Pre-operation checks should be made each time the motorcycle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very
short time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved. _
EWA00033
WARNING
_ If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the motorcycle. _Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
FuelCheck fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.3-9–3-10
Lights, signals and
switchesCheck proper operation.— ITEM CHECKS PAGE
E_4br.book Page 2 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Thoroughly warm up the engine.
Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU00436
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1,000 km. For this rea-
son, you should read the following ma-
terial carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1,000 km. The various parts in the en-
gine wear and polish themselves to the
correct operating clearances. During
this period, prolonged full-throttle oper-
ation or any condition that might result
in engine overheating must be avoided.
EAU00440*
0–150 km
Avoid prolonged operation above
5,000 r/min.
After every hour of operation, stop
the engine, and then let it cool for
five to ten minutes.
Vary the engine speed from time
to time. Do not operate the engine
at one set throttle position.
150–500 km
Avoid prolonged operation above
6,000 r/min.
Rev the engine freely through the
gears, but do not use full throttle at
any time.
E_4br.book Page 4 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
EAU03884
NOTE:_
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.
Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
_22
*CarburetorsCheck starter (choke) operation.
Adjust engine idling speed and synchronization.√√√√√ √
23 Engine oilChange.√√√√√ √
Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage.√√√√√ √
24 Engine oil filter cartridgeReplace.√√√
25*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√ √
26 Moving parts and cablesLubricate.√√√√ √
27*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√ √ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (×1,000 km)
Annual
check
1 10203040
E_4br.book Page 4 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments, switch-
es and lights), breather hoses
and vents.
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning
compounds for plastic may
leave scratches on the wind-
shield. Test the product on a
small hidden part of the wind-
shield to make sure that it does
not leave any marks. If the wind-
shield is scratched, use a quali-
ty plastic polishing compound
after washing.
@After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.After riding in the rain, near the sea or
on salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.NOTE:@ Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring. @1. Clean the motorcycle with cold
water and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
ECA00012
CAUTION:@ Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of the
salt. @2. After drying the motorcycle, apply
a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces to prevent cor-
rosion.
E_4br.book Page 2 Wednesday, July 25, 2001 1:40 PM