SAFETY INFORMATION
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When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:
Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the scooter as possible. Make sure
to distribute the weight as evenly
as possible on both sides of the
scooter to minimize imbalance or
instability.
Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the scooter before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.
Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. Such items can
create unstable handling or a slow
steering response.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this scooter. Since Yamaha cannot test
all other accessories that may be avail-
able, you must personally be responsi-
ble for the proper selection, installationand use of non-Yamaha accessories.
Use extreme caution when selecting
and installing any accessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.
Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your scooter. Carefully
inspect the accessory before using
it to make sure that it does not in
any way reduce ground clearance
or cornering clearance, limit sus-
pension travel, steering travel or
control operation, or obscure lights
or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the scooter due to aerodynamiceffects. Wind may attempt to lift
the scooter, or the scooter may
become unstable in cross
winds. These accessories may
also cause instability when
passing or being passed by
large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.
Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
scooter’s electrical system an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Gasoline and exhaust gas
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE:
Always turn the engine off when
refueling.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when thehigh beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11480
Engine trouble warning light “”
This warning light comes on when an
electrical circuit monitoring the engine
is defective. When this occurs, have a
Yamaha dealer check the self-diagno-
sis system.
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
circuit.
EAU11551
ABS warning light “” (for ABS
models)
CAUTION:
ECA10830
If the ABS warning light comes on or
flashes while riding, the ABS may be
defective. If this occurs, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
See page 3-11 for an explanation of the
ABS.The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by setting the engine
stop switch to “ ” and turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off. If
the warning light does not come on or
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
WARNING
EWA11350
When the ABS warning light comes
on or flashes while riding, the brake
system reverts to conventional brak-
ing. Therefore, be careful not to
cause the wheel to lock during emer-
gency braking.
NOTE:
The ABS warning light may come on
while pushing the start switch and while
accelerating the engine with the scoot-
er on its centerstand, but this does not
indicate a malfunction.
EAU26873
Immobilizer system indicator light
“”
The electrical circuit of the indicator
1. Turn signal indicator lights “ ” and “ ”
2. High beam indicator light “ ”
3. Immobilizer system indicator light “ ”
4. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ” (for ABS models)
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ABS
ABS
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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WARNING
EWA11241
Do not exceed the load limit of
5 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.
EAU15301
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
this system regularly as described
below and have a Yamaha dealer re-
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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.
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU15970
WARNING
EWA11250
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.
For safety, always start the en-
gine with the centerstand down.
When the centerstand is down
and the engine is idling, keep
your hands and feet away from
the rear wheel.
EAU36510
Starting the engine
CAUTION:
ECA10250
See page 5-4 for engine break-in in-
structions prior to operating the ve-
hicle for the first time.
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, the side-
stand must be 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 3-18.
Never ride with the sidestand
down.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
CAUTION:
ECA15020
The following warning lights, indica-
tor light and indicators should come
on for a few seconds, then go off.
Engine trouble warning light
ABS warning light (for ABS
models)
Immobilizer system indicator
light
V-belt replacement indicator
Oil change indicator
If a warning light, indicator light or
indicator does not go off, see page
3-3 or 3-5 for the corresponding
warning light, indicator light or indi-
cator circuit check.
2. Close the throttle completely.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch while applying the front
or rear brake.
NOTE:
If the engine does not 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
attempt.
CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
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.
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SCOOTER CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37831
Matte black caution
CAUTION:
ECA15191
Some models are equipped with
matte black finished parts. Be sure
to consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use before
cleaning the vehicle. Using a brush,
harsh chemical products or clean-
ing compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte black fin-
ished parts.
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 a
brush, 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 in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or