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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
6
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 in
mind.
NEVER OVERLOAD THE
MOTORCYCLE! 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 airpressure 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 complywith the local regulations.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
90–205 kg (198–452 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
High-speed riding:
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
Maximum load*:
205 kg (452 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)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6
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.
Tire informationThis motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10480
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motor-
cycle cannot be guaranteed.
After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model by
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.
Use only the tire valves and
valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during ahigh-speed ride.
WARNING
EWA10600
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.
Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.
Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D252F L
Rear tire:
Size:
180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D252 L
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Va l ve c o r e :
#9100 (original)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6 speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installing a new tire.
The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.
Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operatingconditions.
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.
EAU22072
Clutch lever Since this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch lever
free play is not needed. However, it is
necessary to check the clutch fluid level
and check the hydraulic system for
leakage before each ride. If the clutch
lever free play does become excessive,
and shifting becomes rough or clutch
slippage occurs, causing poor acceler-
ation, there may be air in the clutch sys-
tem. If there is air in the hydraulic
system, have a Yamaha dealer bleed
the system before operating the motor-
cycle.
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6-16
6
EAU22291
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch The rear brake light switch, which is ac-
tivated by the brake pedal, is properly
adjusted when the brake light comes
on just before braking takes effect. If
necessary, adjust the brake light switch
as follows.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 6-6.)
2. Turn the adjusting nut while hold-
ing the rear brake light switch in
place. To make the brake light
come on earlier, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (a). To make the
brake light come on later, turn the
adjusting nut in direction (b).3. Install the panel.
EAU22321
Checking the front and rear
brake pads Front brake
Rear brake
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6 The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Each brake pad is
provided with a wear indicator groove,
which allows you to check the brake
pad wear without having to disassem-
ble the brake. To check the brake pad
wear, check the wear indicator
grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the
point that the wear indicator groove has
almost disappeared, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake pads as a set.
EAU22680
Checking the brake and clutch
fluid levels Front brake
Rear brakeClutch
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake or clutch systems, pos-
sibly causing them to become ineffec-
tive.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake level is low, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake sys-
tem for leakage.
NOTE:The rear brake fluid reservoir is locatedbehind panel A. (See page 6-6.)
Observe these precautions:
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6
When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
or clutch fluid reservoir is level.
Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking or clutch
performance.
Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking or clutch per-
formance.
The brake or clutch fluid reservoir
diaphragm will lose its shape from
the negative pressure if the fluid
level goes down too far. Be sure to
return the diaphragm to its original
shape before installing it into the
brake or clutch fluid reservoir.
Be careful that water does not en-
ter the brake or clutch fluid reser-
voir when refilling. Water willsignificantly lower the boiling point
of the fluid and may result in vapor
lock.
Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
EAU22750
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the NOTE after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In
addition, have the oil seals of the brake
and clutch master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake and clutch
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
Recommended brake and clutch flu-
id:
DOT 4 brake fluid
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6-19
6
EAU22760
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22793
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the cen-
terstand.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Spin the rear wheel several times
to locate the tightest portion of the
drive chain.
4. Measure the drive chain slack as
shown.5. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU34311
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock-
nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (a). To loos-
en the drive chain, turn the adjust-
ing bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (b), and then
push the rear wheel forward.NOTE:Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both chain pullers are in the same posi-tion for proper wheel alignment.
CAUTION:
ECA10570
Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within thespecified limits.
3. Tighten the locknuts, then the axle
nut to their specified torques.
1. Drive chain slack
Drive chain slack:
20.0–30.0 mm (0.79–1.18 in)
1. Locknut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Axle nut
4. Alignment marks
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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6
EAU23022
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.CAUTION:
ECA10581
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle andriding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.CAUTION:
ECA11120
To prevent damaging the O-rings, do
not clean the drive chain with steam
cleaners, high-pressure washers orinappropriate solvents.
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
CAUTION:
ECA11110
Do not use engine oil or any other lu-
bricants for the drive chain, as they
may contain substances that coulddamage the O-rings.
Tightening torques:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kgf, 110 ft·lbf)
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