INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
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95 kg (11 lb) for the rear storage
compartment.
Do not exceed the maximum
load of XP500 190 kg (419 lb)
XP500A 185 kg (408 lb) for the
vehicle.
EAU15090
Shock absorber
WARNING
EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.
Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinder.
Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.
Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.
Always have a Yamaha dealer
service the shock absorber.
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 of
the 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
4-1
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45
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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
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 short
time; 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 operating
the vehicle.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
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Wheels and tires
Check for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-19, 6-21
Brake levers
Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-25
Centerstand, sidestand
Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivots if necessary.6-25
Chassis fasteners
Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches
Check operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switch
Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-18
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16791
Braking
1. Close the throttle completely.
2. Apply both front and rear brakes
simultaneously while gradually in-
creasing the pressure.
FrontRear
WARNING
EWA10300
Avoid braking hard or suddenly
(especially when leaning over to
one side), otherwise the scooter
may skid or overturn.
Railroad crossings, streetcar
rails, iron plates on road con-
struction sites, and manhole
covers become extremely slip-
pery when wet. Therefore, slow
down when approaching such
areas and cross them with cau-
tion.
Keep in mind that braking on a
wet road is much more difficult.
Ride slowly down a hill, as brak-ing downhill can be very diffi-
cult.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
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*
Brake hoses
Check for cracks or damage.
√√√√ √
Replace. Every 4 years
11
*
Wheels
Check runout and for damage.
√√√√
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*
Tires
Check tread depth and for damage.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.
√√√√ √
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*
Wheel bearings
Check bearing for looseness or damage.
√√√√
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*
Steering bearings
Check bearing play and steering for roughness.
√√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 20000 km
15
*
Chassis fasteners
Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly
tightened.
√√√√ √
16
Sidestand, centerstand
Check operation.
Lubricate.
√√√√ √
17
*
Sidestand switch
Check operation.
√√√√√ √
18
*
Front fork
Check operation and for oil leakage.
√√√√
19
*
Shock absorber assem-
bly
Check operation and shock absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
20
*
Electronic fuel injection
Adjust engine idling speed and synchronization.
√√√√√ √
21
Engine oil
Change. (See pages 3-5 and 6-10.)
√
When the oil change indicator flashes
(every 5000 km)
Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage. Every 5000 km
√
22
Engine oil filter cartridge
Replace.
√√√
23
*
Cooling system
Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.
√√√√ √
Change. Every 3 years
24
Chain drive oil
Check vehicle for oil leakage.
Change.
√√√√
25
*
V-belt
Replace.When the V-belt replacement indicator flashes
(every 20000 km)
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (
×
1000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-19
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EAU33600
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10500
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).
The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING
EWA11200
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your vehicle, you should keep
the following precautions in mind.
NEVER OVERLOAD THE VEHI-
CLE! Operation of an overload-
ed vehicle may result in tire
damage, loss of control, or se-vere injury. Make sure that the
total weight of rider, passenger,
cargo, and accessories does
not exceed the specified maxi-
mum load for the vehicle.
Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.
Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
vehicle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.
Adjust the tire air pressure with
regard to the load.
Check the tire condition and air
pressure before each ride.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb) :
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm
2
)
XP500 90–190 kg (198–419 lb)
XP500A 90–185 kg (198–408 lb) :
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear:
280 kPa (41 psi) (2.80 kgf/cm
2
)
Maximum load*:
XP500 190 kg (419 lb)
XP500A 185 kg (408 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger,
cargo and accessories
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-34
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9Engine 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 hissing
sound 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 coolant
as 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.
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SCOOTER CARE AND STORAGE
EAU26100
Care
While the open design of a scooter re-
veals the attractiveness of the technol-
ogy, it also makes it more vulnerable.
Rust and corrosion can develop even if
high-quality components are used. A
rusty exhaust pipe may go unnoticed
on a car, however, it detracts from the
overall appearance of a scooter. Fre-
quent and proper care does not only
comply with the terms of the warranty,
but it will also keep your scooter looking
good, extend its life and optimize its
performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag 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 cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and abrush, but never apply such prod-
ucts onto seals, gaskets and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:
ECA10780
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 incontact with strong or abrasive
cleaning 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 scooters 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