2002 YAMAHA XT500E engine

3-9
EAU04038
Starter (choke) knob“1”Starter (choke) knobStarting a cold engine requires a rich-
er air-fuel mixture, which is supplied
by the starter (choke).
Move the knob in direction ato turn
on the starter (choke).
Move the knob in direction bto turn
off the starter (choke).INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3
1
b
a
1. Starter (choke) knob “1”
To install the seat
1. Insert the projections on the front
of the seat into the seat holders
as shown.
2. Place the seat in the original
position, and then tighten the
bolts.NOTE:
Make sure that the seat is properly
secured before riding.
1
2
1. Projection (
×2)
2. Seat holder (×2)
EAU00240
SeatSeatTo remove the seat
Remove the bolts, and then pull the
seat off.
1
1. Bolt (×2)
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 22

3-12
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3
EW000044
wThe motorcycle must not be ridden
with the sidestand down, or if the
sidestand cannot be properly
moved up (or does not stay up),
otherwise the sidestand could con-
tact the ground and distract the
operator, resulting in a possible
loss of control. Yamaha’s ignition
circuit cut-off system has been
designed to assist the operator in
fulfilling the responsibility of rais-
ing the sidestand before starting
off. Therefore, check this system
regularly as described below and
have a Yamaha dealer repair it if it
does not function properly.
EAU03720
Ignition circuit cut-off
systemIgnition circuit cut-off systemThe ignition circuit cut-off system
(comprising the sidestand switch,
clutch switch and neutral switch) has
the following functions.
8It prevents starting when the
transmission is in gear and the
sidestand is up, but the clutch
lever is not pulled.
8It prevents starting when the
transmission is in gear and the
clutch lever is pulled, but the
sidestand is still down.
8It cuts the running engine when
the transmission is in gear and
the sidestand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system
according to the following procedure.
EW000045
wIf a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system
before riding.
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 25

3-13
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
#”.
3. Turn the key to “ON”.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
NO
NOTE:This check is most reliable if performed with
a warmed-up engine.
YESYES NO
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.
YES NO
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 26

4-1
EAU01114
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpect-
edly, even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leak-
age or loss of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thor-
ough visual inspection, to check the following points before each ride.
EAU03439
Pre-operation check list
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel•Check fuel level in fuel tank.
•Refuel if necessary.
•Check fuel line for leakage.3-6–3-7
Engine oil•Check oil level in engine.
•If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
•Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-10–6-13
Front brake•Check operation.
•If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
•Check lever free play.
•Adjust if necessary.
•Check fluid level in reservoir.
•If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
•Check hydraulic system for leakage.3-5, 6-21–6-24
Rear brake•Check operation.
•If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
•Check fluid level in reservoir.
•If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
•Check hydraulic system for leakage.3-5, 6-21–6-24
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 28

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
Starting the engine ........................................................................... 5-1
Starting a warm engine ..................................................................... 5-2
Shifting .............................................................................................. 5-3
Recommended shift points (for Switzerland only) ............................ 5-3
Tips for reducing fuel consumption .................................................. 5-4
Engine break-in ................................................................................ 5-4
Parking ............................................................................................. 5-5
5
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 31

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
neutral position.NOTE:
When the transmission is in the neu-
tral 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 3-9 for starter (choke)
operation.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
5-1
EAU00372
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
EAU00373
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.
8Before 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.
EAU03515
Starting the engineStarting the engineIn order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:
8The transmission is in the neutral
position.
8The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
EW000054
w8Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system
according to the procedure
described on page 3-13.
8Never ride with the sidestand
down.
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 32

5-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5 7. When the engine is warm, turn
the starter (choke) off.
NOTE:
The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
EAU01258
Starting a warm engineEngine, starting a warmFollow the same procedure as for
starting a cold engine with the excep-
tion that the starter (choke) is not
required when the engine is warm.
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
engine more than 10 seconds on any
one attempt.6. After starting the engine, move
the starter (choke) knob back
halfway.
ECA00055
cCFor maximum engine life, always
warm the engine up before starting
off. Never accelerate hard when
the engine is cold!
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 33

5-3
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
EAU00423
ShiftingShiftingShifting 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
cC8Even 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
distances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running.
Inadequate lubrication may
damage the transmission.
8Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmis-
sion, and drive train, which are
not designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
EAU02941
Recommended shift points
(for Switzerland only)Shift points (for Switzerland only)The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table
below.NOTE:
When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 4th to 2nd gear).
1
5
4
3
2
N
1
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
Shift point (km/h)
1st →2nd 23
2nd →3rd 36
3rd →4th 50
4th →5th 60
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 34