Page 19 of 104
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3
EAU11421
Coolant temperature warning light
“”
This warning light comes on when the
engine overheats. When this occurs,
stop the engine immediately and allow
the engine to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.CAUTION:
ECA10020
Do not operate the engine if it isoverheated.
5SLE1.book Page 5 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 45 of 104

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
NOTE:
When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h (22 mi/h) whenshifting from 5th to 3rd gear).
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
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 crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17091
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 7000
r/min.
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 9000
r/min.
Shift up points:
1st → 2nd: 20 km/h (12 mi/h)
2nd → 3rd: 30 km/h (19 mi/h)
3rd → 4th: 40 km/h (25 mi/h)
4th → 5th: 50 km/h (31 mi/h)
5th → 6th: 60 km/h (37 mi/h)
5SLE1.book Page 3 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 59 of 104

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
6
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-
wise 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.
4. Install the reservoir cap, and then
install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.NOTE:
The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.
If the engine overheats, see page6-43 for further instructions.
EAU20342
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.2. Remove panel A and cowling A.
(See page 6-6.)
3. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
4. Loosen the clamp screw, and then
disconnect the air intake duct.
5. Remove the radiator cap.
WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.
1. Coolant reservoir capCoolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Clamp screw
2. Air intake duct
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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