Page 77 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-31
6
EAU23271
Checking the front fork The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
WARNING
EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so thatthere is no danger of it falling over.
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
CAUTION:
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-pair it.
EAU23280
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
WARNING
EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so thatthere is no danger of it falling over.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
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Page 78 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-32
6
EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU23440
Battery This model is equipped with a sealed-
type (MF) battery, which does not re-
quire any maintenance. There is no
need to check the electrolyte or to add
distilled water.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quickly
if the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
WARNING
EWA10760
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
5SLE1.book Page 32 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 81 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-35
6
EAU23940
Replacing a headlight bulb This model is equipped with quartz bulb
headlights. If a headlight bulb burns
out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove panel B (if replacing the
left headlight bulb) or panel A (if re-
placing the right headlight bulb).
(See page 6-6.)
2. Remove the headlight bulb cover
by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Disconnect the headlight coupler.4. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the defective
bulb.
WARNING
EWA10790
Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooleddown.
5. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with the
bulb holder.CAUTION:
ECA10650
Take care not to damage the follow-
ing parts:
Headlight bulb
Do not touch the glass part of
the headlight bulb to keep it free
from oil, otherwise the transpar-
ency of the glass, the luminosity
of the bulb, and the bulb life will
be adversely affected. Thor-
oughly clean off any dirt and fin-
gerprints on the headlight bulb
using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.
1. Headlight bulb cover
1. Headlight coupler
1. Headlight bulb holder
5SLE1.book Page 35 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 85 of 104
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-39
6 a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU24510
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10820
It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.
Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle bolt, the wheel
axle pinch bolts, and then the
brake caliper bolts.
2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-38.3. Remove the brake hose holder on
each side by removing the bolt.
4. Remove the brake caliper on each
side by removing the bolts.
5. Remove the axle bolt, pull the
wheel axle out, and then remove
the wheel.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
1. Brake hose holder
2. Brake caliper
3. Axle bolt
4. Bolt
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Page 87 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-41
6 12. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU25310
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10820
It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.
Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-38.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Loosen the locknut on each side of
the swingarm.
5. Turn the drive chain slack adjust-
ing bolts fully in direction (a).
6. Push the wheel forward, and then
remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
NOTE:The drive chain does not need to be
disassembled in order to remove andinstall the rear wheel.
7. While supporting the brake caliper
bracket, pull the wheel axle out,
and then remove the wheel.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt A
2. Front wheel axle pinch bolt B
3. Front wheel axle pinch bolt C
4. Front wheel axle pinch bolt D
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Brake caliper
5. Brake caliper bracket
5SLE1.book Page 41 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 89 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-43
6
EAU25911
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
WARNING
EWA10840
Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system.
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
5SLE1.book Page 43 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 90 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-44
6Engine overheating
WARNING
EWA10400
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 hissingsound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
NOTE:If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolantas soon as possible.
Wait 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.
5SLE1.book Page 44 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 92 of 104

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning. Use the
special sponge, which is included in the
plastic bag containing the owner’s
manual, to clean the muffler and to re-
move any discoloration from it.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.NOTE:Salt sprayed on roads in the winter mayremain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
CAUTION:
ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of thesalt.
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply
a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces to prevent cor-
rosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA10930
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires. If
necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent.
Before operating the motor-
cycle test its braking perfor-mance and cornering behavior.
5SLE1.book Page 2 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM