
6-13
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
EC000076
cCAfter changing the engine oil, be
sure to check the oil pressure as
described below.11. Remove the air bleed screw, and
then start the engine. If oil does
not seep out of the hole after a
few minutes, immediately stop
the engine and have a Yamaha
dealer check for the cause. If oil
seeps out of the hole, turn the
engine off and install the air
bleed screw.12. 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.
13. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
1
1. Air bleed screw
EAU03514
Cleaning the air filter
elementAir filter element, cleaningThe air filter element should be
cleaned at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. Clean the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in
unusually wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove panel B. (See page 6-8
for panel removal and installation
procedures.)
2. Remove the air filter case cover
by removing the screws, and
then pull the air filter element
out.
1
1
1. Screw (×7)
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 50

6-26
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
NOTE:
Make sure that both adjusting plates
are in the same position for proper
wheel alignment.
EC000096
cCImproper drive chain slack will
overload the engine as well as
other vital parts of the motorcycle
and can lead to chain slippage or
breakage. To prevent this from
occurring, keep the drive chain
slack within the specified limits.3. Tighten the axle nut and the
brake caliper bracket bolt to the
specified torques.2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
ECA00052
cCDo not use engine oil or any other
lubricants for the drive chain, as
they may contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
EAU03006
Lubricating the drive chainDrive chain, lubricatingThe drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly
wear out, especially when riding in
dusty or wet areas. Service the drive
chain as follows.
EC000097
cCThe drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle or
riding in the rain.1. Clean the drive chain with
kerosene and a small soft brush.
ECA00053
cCTo prevent damaging the O-rings,
do not clean the drive chain with
steam cleaners, high-pressure
washers or inappropriate solvents.
Tightening torques:
Axle nut:
105 Nm (10.5 m0kgf)
Brake caliper bracket bolt:
48 Nm (4.8 m0kgf)
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6-27
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
EAU02962
Checking and lubricating the
cablesCables, checking and lubricatingThe operation of all control cables
and the condition of the cables
should be checked before each ride,
and the cables and cable ends
should be lubricated if necessary. If a
cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer
check or replace it.
EAU04034
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cableThrottle grip and cable, checking and lubricatingThe operation of the throttle grip
should be checked before each ride.
In addition, the cable should be lubri-
cated or replaced at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
chart.
EW000112
wDamage to the outer sheath may
interfere with proper cable opera-
tion and will cause the inner cable
to rust. Replace a damaged cable
as soon as possible to prevent
unsafe conditions.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 64

7-1
EAU03521
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
CareCareWhile the open design of a motorcy-
cle reveals the attractiveness of the
technology, it also makes it more vul-
nerable. Rust and corrosion can
develop even if high-quality compo-
nents are used. A rusty exhaust pipe
may go unnoticed on a car, however,
it detracts from the overall appear-
ance of a motorcycle. Frequent and
proper care does not only comply
with the terms of the warranty, but it
will also keep your motorcycle looking
good, extend its life and optimize its
performance.Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov-
ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug cap, are tightly
installed.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such
products onto seals, gaskets,
sprockets, the drive chain and
wheel axles. Always rinse the dirt
and degreaser off with water.Cleaning
ECA00010
cC8
8
Avoid using strong acidic
wheel cleaners, especially on
spoked wheels. If such prod-
ucts are used on hard-to-
remove dirt, do not leave the
cleaner on the affected area
any longer than instructed.
Also, thoroughly rinse the area
off with water, immediately dry
it, and then apply a corrosion
protection spray.
8 8
Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent
and water to clean plastic.
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7-4
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
StorageStorageShort-term
Always store your motorcycle in a
cool, dry place and, if necessary, pro-
tect it against dust with a porous
cover.
ECA00014
cC8Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cov-
ering it with a tarp, while it is
still wet, will allow water and
humidity to seep in and cause
rust.
8To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for
several months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. For motorcycles equipped with a
fuel cock that has an “OFF” posi-
tion: Turn the fuel cock lever to
“OFF”.
3. Drain the carburetor float cham-
ber by loosening the drain bolt;
this will prevent fuel deposits
from building up. Pour the
drained fuel into the fuel tank.
4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
5. Perform the following steps to
protect the cylinder, piston rings,
etc. from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap
and spark plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine
oil into the spark plug bore.c. Install the spark plug cap onto
the spark plug, and then place
the spark plug on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes
are grounded. (This will limit
sparking during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This
will coat the cylinder wall with
oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap
from the spark plug, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.
EWA00003
wTo prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turn-
ing the engine over.
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8-1
EAU01038
SPECIFICATIONS
8
SpecificationsSpecifications
Model XT500E/XT600E
Dimensions
Overall length 2,220 mm
2.295 mm (N, S, CH only)
Overall width 865 mm
825 mm (CH only)
Overall height 1,205 mm
Seat height 855 mm
Wheel base 1,440 mm
Ground clearance 230 mm
Minimum turning radius 2,300 mm
Basic weight (with oil and full
fuel tank)176 kg
172 kg (CH only)
Engine
Engine type Air-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC,
gasoline
Cylinder arrangement Forward inclined single
cylinder
Displacement 499 cm
3
595 cm
3
Bore ×Stroke 87.0 ×84.0 mm (XT500E)
95.0 ×84.0 mm (XT600E)
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Starting system Electric starter
Lubrication system Dry sump
Engine oil
Type
Recommended engine oil
classification API Service SE, SF, SG type
or highercCBe 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, result-
ing in reduced component life and poor engine performance.
Capacity
Without oil filter element
replacement 2.7 L
With oil filter element
replaced 2.8 L
Total amount (dry engine) 3.3 L
–10° 0° 10° 20° 30°
40°
SAE 10W/30
SAE 10W/40
SAE 20W/40
SAE 20W/50
–20°
SAE 15W/40 50°C
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INDEX
E
Engine break-in ..................................... 5-4
Engine idling speed ............................. 6-15
Engine oil and oil filter element ........... 6-10
Engine, starting a warm ......................... 5-2
F
Front and rear brake pads, checking ... 6-22
Front fork, checking ............................. 6-29
Front wheel........................................... 6-37
Installing ............................................ 6-37
Removing .......................................... 6-37
Fuel ....................................................... 3-6
Fuel cock ............................................... 3-8
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...... 5-4
Fuel tank cap ......................................... 3-6
Fuse, replacing .................................... 6-32
H
Handlebar switches ............................... 3-3
Light switch ......................................... 3-3
Pass switch ......................................... 3-3
Dimmer switch .................................... 3-3
Turn signal switch ............................... 3-3
Horn switch ......................................... 3-3
Engine stop switch .............................. 3-4
Start switch ......................................... 3-4
Headlight bulb, replacing ..................... 6-33
Helmet holder ...................................... 3-10
I
Identification numbers ........................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ............... 3-12
Indicator lights ....................................... 3-2
High beam indicator light .................... 3-2
Neutral indicator light .......................... 3-2
Turn signal indicator light .................... 3-2
K
Key identification number ...................... 9-1
M
Main switch/steering lock ...................... 3-1
Model label ............................................ 9-2
P
Parking .................................................. 5-5
Part locations ......................................... 2-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart .................................................... 6-3
Pre-operation check list ......................... 4-1
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting ........ 6-22
Rear suspension, lubricating ............... 6-29
Rear wheel ........................................... 6-39
Removing .......................................... 6-39
Install ................................................ 6-40
S
Seat ....................................................... 3-9
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-5
Shift points (for Switzerland only) .......... 5-3
Shifting .................................................. 5-3
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ... 3-10
Sidestand ............................................ 3-11
A
Air filter element, cleaning ................... 6-13
B
Battery ................................................. 6-31
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating ......................................... 6-28
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating ......................................... 6-28
Brake fluid level, checking ................... 6-23
Brake fluid, changing ........................... 6-24
Brake lever ............................................ 3-5
Brake lever free play, adjusting ........... 6-21
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-5
Brake pedal position, adjusting ........... 6-21
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ......... 6-27
Carburetor, adjusting ........................... 6-14
Care ....................................................... 7-1
Clutch lever ........................................... 3-4
Clutch lever free play, adjusting .......... 6-20
Conversion table ................................... 8-5
Cowling and panels, removing and
installing .............................................. 6-6
D
Drive chain slack ................................. 6-25
Checking ........................................... 6-25
Adjusting ........................................... 6-25
Drive chain, lubricating ........................ 6-26
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 96