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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU15950
WARNING
EWA10270
Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.
Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.
Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
EAU26801
Starting the engine
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:
The transmission is in the neutral
position.
The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.
WARNING
EWA10290
Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-20.
Never ride with the sidestand
down.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
CAUTION:
ECA11781
The following warning lights and in-
dicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.
Oil level warning light
Engine trouble warning light
Immobilizer system indicator
light
ABS warning light (for ABS
models)
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-3 for the corre-
sponding warning and indicator
light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
NOTE:
When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTE:
If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
Page 44 of 94
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU17212
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10310
Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.
Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn.
CAUTION:
ECA10380
Never park in an area where there
are fire hazards such as grass or
other flammable materials.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING
EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealer
do it for you.
EAU17520
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located inside the
storage compartment under the seat.
(See page 3-14.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
NOTE:
If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING
EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es.
1. Owner’s tool kit
1
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the oil level.
NOTE:
The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
CAUTION:
ECA10010
Do not operate the vehicle until you
know that the engine oil level is suf-
ficient.
WARNING
EWA10360
Never remove the engine oil tank
cap after high-speed operation, oth-
erwise hot engine oil could spout
out and cause damage or injury. Al-
ways let the engine oil cool down
sufficiently before removing the oil
tank cap.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
5. Install the oil filler cap.
NOTE:
The engine oil tank is located be-
hind the cylinders.
The engine oil should be between
the minimum and maximum level
marks.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment)
1. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
2. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolts to drain the oil from
the crankcase.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Dipstick
3. Maximum level mark
4. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
4
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9against 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 of
the coolant will be reduced.
WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
NOTE:
The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.
If the engine overheats, see page
6-35 for further instructions.
EAU27053
Replacing the air filter element
The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the seat. (See
page 3-14.)
2. Remove cowlings A and B as well
as panels A and B. (See
page 6-5.)
3. Remove the fuel tank bolts.
NOTE:
For TDM900, skip steps 4 and 11.4. Remove the rear brake fluid reser-
voir holder by removing the bolt.
For TDM900A
5. Lift the fuel tank away from the air
filter case. (Do not disconnect the
fuel hoses!)
6. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws.
1. Bolt
1(×2)
1. Rear brake fluid reservoir holder
2. Rear brake fluid reservoir
3. Bolt
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7. Pull the air filter element out.
8. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case.
CAUTION:
ECA10480
Make sure that the air filter ele-
ment is properly seated in the
air filter case.
The engine should never be op-
erated without the air filter ele-
ment installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.
9. Install the air filter case cover by in-
stalling the screws.
10. Place the fuel tank in the original
position and install the bolts.
WARNING
EWA11330
Before installing the fuel tank,
make sure that the fuel hoses
are not damaged. If any fuel
hose is damaged, do not start
the engine but have a Yamaha
dealer replace the hose, other-
wise fuel may leak.
Make sure that the fuel hoses
are properly connected and
routed, and not pinched.
Be sure to place the fuel tank
breather hose and the fuel tankoverflow hose in the original po-
sition.
11. Install the rear brake fluid reservoir
holder by installing the bolt.
1. Air filter case cover
2. Screw
1. Air filter element
1 2
2 21
1. Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
2. Fuel hose
1. Original position (paint mark)
12
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EAU21381
Checking the throttle cable
free play
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU33041
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, 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.
1. Throttle cable free play
1
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WARNING
EWA11020
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your motorcycle, you should
keep the following precautions inmind.
NEVER OVERLOAD THE MO-
TORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider,
passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum 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
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.
Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.
Check the tire condition and air
pressure before each ride.Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:
The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
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
)
TDM900 90–203 kg (198–448 lb)
TDM900A 90–200 kg (198–441 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm
2
)
High-speed riding:
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm
2
)
Maximum load*:
TDM900 203 kg (448 lb)
TDM900A 200 kg (441 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
1. Tire tread depth
2. Tire sidewall
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
21