SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit of
203 kg (448 lb). When loading within
this weight limit, keep the following in
mind:
Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Make
sure to distribute the weight as
evenly as possible on both sides of
the motorcycle to minimize imbal-
ance or instability.
Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.
Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. These items, in-
cluding such cargo as sleeping
bags, duffel bags, or tents, can
create unstable handling or slow
steering response.Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re-
sponsible for the proper selection, in-
stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac-
cessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.
Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessoriesare added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.
Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
U5WME1E0.book Page 3 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3 To unlock the steering
Push the key into the main switch, and
then turn it to “OFF” while still pushing
it.
WARNING
EWA10060
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving,
otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident. Make
sure that the vehicle is stopped be-
fore turning the key to “OFF” or“LOCK”.
EAU10920
(Parking)
The steering is locked, the taillight and
auxiliary light are on, and the hazard
light can be turned on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “”.
CAUTION:
ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-wise the battery may discharge.
EAU11001
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
1. Push.
2. Turn.
1. Left turn signal indicator light “”
2. Neutral indicator light “”
3. Oil level warning light “”
4. High beam indicator light “”
5. Right turn signal indicator light “”
6. Immobilizer system indicator light “”
U5WME1E0.book Page 3 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3
Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinders.
Do not subject the shock ab-
sorbers to an open flame or oth-
er high heat sources, otherwise
they may explode due to exces-
sive gas pressure.
Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinders in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.
Always have a Yamaha dealerservice the shock absorbers.
EAU15230
Luggage strap holders There are four luggage strap holders,
two of which can be turned out for eas-
ier access.
EAU15300
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.NOTE:The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation ofthe ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact 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 respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as described
1. Luggage strap holder
U5WME1E0.book Page 18 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15591
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.NOTE:Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very shorttime; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING
EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operatingthe vehicle.
U5WME1E0.book Page 1 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5 gine, and then check the engine oil
level and the vehicle for oil leakage.
If necessary, add engine oil, and
then check the warning light again. If
the warning light does not come on
when turning the key to “ON”, or if it
does not go off after starting the en-
gine with sufficient engine oil, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
6. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine iscold!
7. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter(choke) turned off.
EAU16640
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EAU16671
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 il-
lustration.NOTE:To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel, and then slightly raise it.1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U5WME1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
6
CAUTION:
ECA10570
Improper drive chain slack will over-
load 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 thespecified limits.
3. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque.
EAU23020
Lubricating the drive chain The 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.CAUTION:
ECA10580
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle orriding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.CAUTION:
ECA11120
To prevent damaging the O-rings, do
not clean the drive chain with steam
cleaners, high-pressure washers orinappropriate solvents.
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
1. Locknut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Axle nut
4. Alignment marks
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kgf, 108 ft·lbf)
U5WME1E0.book Page 21 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
7
EAU26040
Care While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. 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 outlets with plas-
tic bags after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:
ECA10770
Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
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.
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasivecleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound afterwashing.
U5WME1E0.book Page 1 Thursday, September 11, 2003 11:10 AM