5-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
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.
ECA00045
cC
For maximum engine life, never
accelerate hard when the engine is
cold!
NOTE:
The engine is warm when it quickly
responds to the throttle.
EC000048
cC
8Even 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.
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.
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
5PS-28199-E1 8/29/02 9:16 AM Page 41
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .....................................................6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart .........6-2
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ......6-5
Checking the spark plugs .....................................6-7
Engine oil and oil filter element ............................6-8
Coolant ...............................................................6-11
Replacing the air filter element ...........................6-16
Adjusting the engine idling speed .......................6-17
Adjusting the throttle cable free play ..................6-18
Adjusting the valve clearance .............................6-18
Tires ...................................................................6-18
Cast wheels ........................................................6-22
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .....................6-22
Adjusting the brake pedal position .....................6-23
Adjusting the rear brake light switch ...................6-24
Checking the front and rear brake pads .............6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ............................6-25
Changing the brake fluid ....................................6-26
Drive chain slack ................................................6-27
Lubricating the drive chain .................................6-28
Checking and lubricating the cables ...................6-29
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip
and cable .........................................................6-29Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ......................................................6-30
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers ....................................................6-30
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ..............6-30
Lubricating the rear suspension .........................6-31
Checking the front fork .......................................6-31
Checking the steering .........................................6-32
Checking the wheel bearings .............................6-32
Battery ................................................................6-33
Replacing the fuses ............................................6-34
Replacing a headlight bulb .................................6-35
Replacing a tail/brake light bulb .........................6-37
Replacing a turn signal light bulb .......................6-37
Supporting the motorcycle ..................................6-38
Front wheel .........................................................6-39
Rear wheel .........................................................6-40
Troubleshooting ..................................................6-43
Troubleshooting charts .......................................6-44
6
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6-2
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
EAU03685
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chartPeriodic maintenance and lubrication chartNOTE:
8The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance is performed instead.
8From 50,000 km, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10,000 km.
8Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and
technical skills.
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (× 1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
1
*Fuel line•Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage.√√√√ √
2 Spark plugs•Check condition.
•Clean and regap.√√
•Replace.√√
3
*Valves•Check valve clearance.
•Adjust.Every 40,000 km
4 Air filter element•Replace.√
5 Clutch•Check operation.
•Adjust.√√√√√
6
*Front brake•Check operation, fluid level and vehicle for fluid leakage.
(See NOTE on page 6-4.)√√√√√ √
•Replace brake pads.Whenever worn to the limit
7
*Rear brake•Check operation, fluid level and vehicle for fluid leakage.
(See NOTE on page 6-4.)√√√√√ √
•Replace brake pads.Whenever worn to the limit
8
*Brake hoses•Check for cracks or damage.√√√√ √
•Replace. (See NOTE on page 6-4.)Every 4 years
9
*Wheels•Check runout and for damage.√√√√
5PS-28199-E1 8/29/02 9:16 AM Page 47
6-11
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
ECA00133
cC
8In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives.
Do not use oils with a diesel
specification of “CD” or oils of
a higher quality than specified.
In addition, do not use oils
labeled “ENERGY CONSERV-
ING II” or higher.
8Make sure that no foreign
material 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.
10. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.2. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.
NOTE:
The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
EAU04879
CoolantCoolantThe coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the
coolant must be changed at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart.
To check the coolant level
Checking1. Place the motorcycle on the cen-
terstand.
NOTE:
8The coolant level must be
checked on a cold engine since
the level varies with engine tem-
perature.
8Make sure that the motorcycle is
positioned straight up when
checking the coolant level. A
slight tilt to the side can result in
a false reading.
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6-22
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
EAU03773
Cast wheelsWheelsTo maximize the performance, dura-
bility, and safe operation of your
motorcycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.
8The wheel rims should be
checked for cracks, bends or
warpage before each ride. If any
damage is found, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A
deformed or cracked wheel must
be replaced.
8The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced.
An unbalanced wheel can result
in poor performance, adverse
handling characteristics, and a
shortened tire life.
EAU00694
Adjusting the clutch lever
free play
Clutch lever free play, adjustingThe clutch lever free play should
measure 10–15 mm as shown.
Periodically check the clutch lever
free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch
lever.
2. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in
direction a. To decrease the
clutch lever free play, turn the
adjusting bolt in direction b.
1
a2
a c
b
1. Locknut (clutch lever)
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
c. Clutch lever free play
8Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for
it to develop its optimal charac-
teristics.
5PS-28199-E1 8/29/02 9:16 AM Page 67
6-23
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
63. If the specified clutch lever free
play could be obtained as
described 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 ato
loosen the clutch cable.
1
a2
a
1. Locknut (clutch lever)
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
EAU00712
Adjusting the brake pedal
position
Brake pedal position, adjustingThe top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 32 mm
below the top of the footrest as
shown. Periodically check the brake
pedal position and, if necessary,
have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
a. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
5. Loosen the locknut at the
crankcase.
6. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in
direction a. To decrease the
clutch lever free play, turn the
adjusting nut in direction b.
7. Tighten the locknut at the clutch
lever and the crankcase.
12
b
a
1. Locknut (crankcase)
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
5PS-28199-E1 8/29/02 9:16 AM Page 68
6-30
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
EAU03370
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricatingThe operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before
each ride, and the pedal pivots
should be lubricated if necessary.
EAU03165
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand
Sidestand, checking and lubricatingThe operation of the sidestand
should be checked before each ride,
and the sidestand pivot and metal-to-
metal contact surfaces should be
lubricated if necessary.
EW000113
w
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or repair it.
EAU03164
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricatingThe operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before
each ride, and the lever pivots should
be lubricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
5PS-28199-E1 8/29/02 9:17 AM Page 75
8
8-1
EAU01038
SPECIFICATIONS
SpecificationsSpecifications
Model TDM900
Dimensions
Overall length 2,180 mm
Overall width 800 mm
Overall height 1,290 mm
Seat height 825 mm
Wheelbase 1,485 mm
Ground clearance 160 mm
Minimum turning radius 2,900 mm
Basic weight (with oil and full
fuel tank)221 kg
Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Forward-inclined parallel
2-cylinder
Displacement 897 cm
3
Bore ×Stroke 92.0 ×67.5 mm
Compression ratio 10.4:1
Starting system Electric starter
Lubrication system Dry sumpEngine oil
Type
Recommended engine oil
classification API Service SE, SF, SG type
or higher
cC
In order to prevent clutch slippage (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel specification of “CD” or oils of a
higher quality than specified. In addition, do not use oils
labeled “ENERGY CONSERVING II” or higher.
Capacity
Without oil filter element
removal 3.8 L
With oil filter element removal 3.9 L
Total amount (dry engine) 4.7 L
5PS-28199-E1 8/29/02 9:17 AM Page 98