Page 20 of 67

EAU12690
Start switch “START”
Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter.
ECA10050
CAUTION
See page 5-1 for starting instruc-
tions prior to starting the engine.
EAU12820
Clutch lever
1. Clutch lever
The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the hand-
lebar grip. To engage the clutch, rele-
ase the lever. The lever should be
pulled rapidly and released slowly for
smooth clutch operation.The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the
ignition circuit cut-off system. (See
page 3-8.)
EAU12870
Shift pedal
1. Shift pedal
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 6-speed
constant-mesh transmission equip-
ped on this motorcycle.
EAU12890
Brake lever
1. Brake lever
The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front bra-
ke, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
1
1
1
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Page 31 of 67

EAU16671
Shifting
1. Shifting
Shifting 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 rai-
se it.
ECA10260
CAUTION
Even 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. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dama-
ging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
EAU16800
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption
Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the follo-
wing tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high
engine speeds during accelera-
tion.
Do not rev the engine while shif-
ting down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engi-
ne.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at
traffic lights or at railroad cros-
sings).
5
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2 6
5
4
3
2
N 1
1
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Page 57 of 67

Engine overheatingEWA10400
s s
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the his-
sing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
6Wait until the
engine has cooled.Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.
The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.
Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again, have a
Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
NOTE:
If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended
coolant as soon as possible.
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