Page 25 of 88
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
EAU12820
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-17.)
EAU12880
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.NOTE:Use your toes or heel to shift up andyour toes to shift down.
EAU12890
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
1. Clutch lever
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
U11CE0E0.book Page 11 Friday, September 15, 2006 11:59 AM
Page 37 of 88

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5 serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.CAUTION:
ECA11130
For maximum engine life, always
warm the engine up before starting
off. Never accelerate hard when theengine is cold!NOTE:The engine is warm when it quickly re-sponds to the throttle.
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.NOTE:To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel, and then slightly raise it.
CAUTION:
ECA10260
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand theshock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U11CE0E0.book Page 2 Friday, September 15, 2006 11:59 AM
Page 75 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
6 Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1040
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the capwhile turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
NOTE:If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolantas soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
U11CE0E0.book Page 36 Friday, September 15, 2006 11:59 AM