Page 28 of 104

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-14
3
EAU12820
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
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 igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-24.)
EAU12870
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 con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU12930
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a po-
sition adjusting dial. To adjust the dis-
tance between the brake lever and the
handlebar grip, turn the adjusting dial
while holding the lever pushed away
from the handlebar grip. Make sure that
the appropriate setting on the adjusting
dial is aligned with the arrow mark on
the brake lever.
1. Clutch lever
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
2. Arrow mark
3. Brake lever position adjusting dial
4. Distance between brake lever and handlebar
grip
5SLE1.book Page 14 Friday, August 1, 2003 4:09 PM
Page 44 of 104

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine iscold!NOTE:The engine is warm when it quickly re-sponds to the throttle.
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.
CAUTION:
ECA10260
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 dis-
tances. 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 damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand theshock of forced shifting.
EAU16751
Recommended shift points (for
Switzerland only)
The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
5SLE1.book Page 2 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