Page 49 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-10
6
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU20143
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.
Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to theside can result in a false reading.
2. Remove the seat. (See page
3-14.)
3. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
NOTE:The coolant should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, open the
coolant reservoir cap.5. Add coolant or distilled water to
raise the coolant to the specified
level, close the coolant reservoir
cap, and then install the seat.
CAUTION:
ECA10470
If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt) (0.24 Imp.qt)
5VXE1.book Page 10 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 50 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-11
6wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.
If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness ofthe coolant will be reduced.WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.NOTE:
The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.
If the engine overheats, see page6-37 for further instructions.
EAU33030
Changing the coolant
WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.
The coolant must be changed at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. Have a
Yamaha dealer change the coolant.
EAU32881
Replacing the air filter element The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the seat. (See page
3-14.)
2. Remove panels A and B. (See
page 6-5.)
3. Remove the fuel tank bolts, and
then lift the fuel tank away from the
air filter case.
4. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws.1. Bolt
5VXE1.book Page 11 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 51 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
6 5. Pull the air filter element out.
6. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case.
CAUTION:
ECA10480
Make sure that the air filter ele-
ment is properly seated in the
air filter case.
The engine should never be op-
erated without the air filter ele-
ment installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) maybecome excessively worn.
7. Install the air filter case cover by in-
stalling the screws.
8. Place the fuel tank in the original
position and install the bolts.
WARNING
EWA11330
Before installing the fuel tank,
make sure that the fuel hoses
are not damaged. If any fuel
hose is damaged, do not start
the engine but have a Yamaha
dealer replace the hose, other-
wise fuel may leak.
Make sure that the fuel hoses
are properly connected and
routed, and not pinched.
Be sure to place the fuel tank
breather hose and the fuel tank
overflow hose in the original po-sition.
9. Install the panels.
1. Screw
2. Air filter case cover
1. Air filter element
1. Fuel tank breather hose
2. Fuel tank overflow hose
1. Original position (white marks)
5VXE1.book Page 12 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 52 of 90
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
610. Install the seat.
EAU21320
Adjusting the engine idling
speed The engine idling speed must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted as
follows at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
The engine should be warm before
making this adjustment.NOTE:
The engine is warm when it quickly re-sponds to the throttle.
Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, adjust it to specification by
turning the throttle stop screw. To in-
crease the engine idling speed, turn the
screw in direction (a). To decrease the
engine idling speed, turn the screw in
direction (b).
NOTE:
If the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have aYamaha dealer make the adjustment.1. Throttle stop screwEngine idling speed:
1250–1350 r/min
5VXE1.book Page 13 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 53 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6
EAU21380
Adjusting the throttle cable
free play The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EAU21400
Adjusting the valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21771
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10500
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).
The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approvedfor this model.
1. Throttle cable free play
5VXE1.book Page 14 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 54 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6
WARNING
EWA11020
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your motorcycle, you should
keep the following precautions in
mind.
NEVER OVERLOAD THE
MOTORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider,
passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum load for the
vehicle.
Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.
Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.
Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.
Check the tire condition and airpressure before each ride.Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always complywith the local regulations.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
90–190 kg (198–419 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
High-speed riding:
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Maximum load*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
5VXE1.book Page 15 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 55 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-16
6
WARNING
EWA10470
Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.
The replacement of all wheel
and brake related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-edge and experience.
Tire informationThis motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10480
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motor-
cycle cannot be guaranteed.
After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model by
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.
Use only the tire valves and
valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during ahigh-speed ride.
WARNING
EWA10600
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.
Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.
Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT020F GG
DUNLOP/D252F
Rear tire:
Size:
180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT020R GG
DUNLOP/D252
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Va l ve c o r e :
#9000A (original)
5VXE1.book Page 16 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM
Page 56 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installing a new tire.
The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.
Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operatingconditions.
EAU21960
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU22080
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
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. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Clutch lever free play
5VXE1.book Page 17 Monday, February 9, 2004 5:39 PM