Page 41 of 90
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
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.
Page 43 of 90
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-5
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
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.
Page 44 of 90

6-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EAU17280
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.
WARNING
EWA10330
This scooter is designed for use on
paved roads only. If this scooter isoperated in abnormally dusty, mud-
dy or wet conditions, the air filter el-
ement should be cleaned or
replaced more frequently, otherwise
rapid engine wear may result. Con-
sult a Yamaha dealer for proper
maintenance intervals.
EAU17390
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located 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
1. Helmet holding cable
2. Owner’s tool kit
2 1
Page 45 of 90
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-2
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
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.
Page 59 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-16
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
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 protectedagainst 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.
5. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the screw.
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
6-33 for further instructions.
EAU21120
Cleaning the air filter element
The air filter element should be cleaned
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Clean the air filter element more fre-
quently if you are riding in unusually
wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove cowling A. (See
page 6-6.)
2. Remove the windshield by remov-
ing the screws.
3. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws, and then pull
the air filter element out.
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.35 L (0.37 US qt) (0.31 Imp.qt)
1
1. Screw
1
1(×5)
Page 62 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-19
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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 thetotal 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, car-
go and accessories
Page 63 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-20
2
3
4
5
67
8
9 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 information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires.
WARNING
EWA10470
Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.
The replacement of all wheel
and brake related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
12
Front tire:
Size:
120/70R14 M/C 55H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D252F
BRIDGESTONE/TH01F
Rear tire:
Size:
160/60R15 M/C 67H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D252
BRIDGESTONE/TH01R
Page 64 of 90

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
EAU21960
Cast wheels
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU33453
Front and rear brake lever free
play
Front
Rear
There should be no free play at the
brake lever ends. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect thebrake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever can indicate the presence of air
in the hydraulic system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the
braking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.