Page 25 of 100

3-11
3. Tighten the locknut to the speci-
fied torque.
EC000018
cCAlways tighten the locknut against
the adjusting nut, and then tighten
the locknut to the specified torque.
EAU00315
wThis shock absorber contains
highly pressurized nitrogen gas.
For proper handling, read and
understand the following informa-
tion before handling the shock
absorber. The manufacturer can-
not be held responsible for proper-
ty damage or personal injury that
may result from improper han-
dling.
8Do not tamper with or attempt
to open the gas cylinder.
8Do not subject the shock
absorber to an open flame or
other high heat sources, other-
wise it may explode due to
excessive gas pressure.
8Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as
this will result in poor damp-
ing performance.
8Always have a Yamaha dealer
service the shock absorber.
EAU00330
SidestandSidestandThe sidestand is located on the left
side of the frame. Raise the side-
stand or lower it with your foot while
holding the motorcycle upright.NOTE:
The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system,
which cuts the ignition in certain situ-
ations. (See further down for an
explanation of the ignition circuit cut-
off system.)
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3Spring preload:
Minimum (soft):
Distance A = 1 mm
Standard:
Distance A = 5.5 mm
Maximum (hard):
Distance A = 12 mm
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
42 Nm (4.2 m
0kgf)
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 24
Page 26 of 100

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
Page 27 of 100

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
Page 28 of 100
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Pre-operation check list .................................................................... 4-1
4
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Page 29 of 100

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
Page 30 of 100
4-2
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4
Clutch•Check operation.
•Lubricate cable if necessary.
•Check lever free play.
•Adjust if necessary.3-4, 6-20
Throttle grip•Make sure that operation is smooth.
•Check free play.
•If necessary, have Yamaha dealer make adjustment or lubricate.6-16, 6-27
Control cables•Make sure that operation is smooth.
•Lubricate if necessary.6-27
Drive chain•Check chain slack.
•Adjust if necessary.
•Check chain condition.
•Lubricate if necessary.6-25–6-26
Wheels and tires•Check for damage.
•Check tire condition and tread depth.
•Check air pressure.
•Correct if necessary.6-16–6-19
Brake and shift pedals•Make sure that operation is smooth.
•Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-28
Brake and clutch levers•Make sure that operation is smooth.
•Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-28
Sidestand•Make sure that operation is smooth.
•Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-28 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
4PT-E7 (English) 6/29/01 9:13 AM Page 29
Page 31 of 100
4-3
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4
Chassis fasteners•Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
•Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches•Check operation.
•Correct if necessary.3-1–3-4, 6-33–6-36
Sidestand switch•Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
•If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-11–3-13 ITEM CHECKS PAGENOTE:
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
wIf any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operat-
ing the motorcycle.
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Page 32 of 100
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