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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
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EAU16792
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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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 94

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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
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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.
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er by removing the screw.
5. Open the reservoir cap, add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark,
and then close the reservoir cap.
CAUTION:
ECA10471
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 cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion.
If water has been added to thecoolant, 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.
6. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the screw.
7. Place the right floorboard mat in
the original position.
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
6-36 for further instructions.
1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Screw
1
2
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
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EAU21382
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.
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.
1. Throttle cable free play
1
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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 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
)
XP500 90–188 kg (198–414 lb)
XP500A 90–183 kg (198–403 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm
2
)
Rear:
280 kPa (41 psi) (2.80 kgf/cm
2
)
Maximum load*:
XP500 188 kg (414 lb)
XP500A 183 kg (403 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
12