PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
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for this model.
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.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.
TIP
The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
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 air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2
, 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2
, 36 psi)
TDM900 90–201 kg (198–443 lb)
TDM900A 90–198 kg (198–437 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2
, 33 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2
, 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2
, 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2
, 36 psi)
Maximum load*:
TDM900 201 kg (443 lb)
TDM900A 198 kg (437 lb)
*Total weight of rider, passenger,
cargo and accessories
1. Tire tread depth
2. Tire sidewall
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
21
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
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9Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10901
●
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.
●
Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.
●
Use only the tire valves andvalve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during a ride.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING
EWA10600
This motorcycle is fitted with su-per-high-speed tires. Note the fol-
lowing points in order to make the
most efficient 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-speed riding to ride con-
servatively 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 operating
conditions.
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
123
Front tire:
Size:
120/70 ZR18M/C (59W)
Manufacturer/model:
TDM900 METZELER/MEZ4
FRONT
TDM900A DUNLOP/D220FSTJ
TDM900 DUNLOP/D220FSTJ
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core:
#9100 (original)
Rear tire:
Size:
160/60 ZR17M/C (69W)
Manufacturer/model:
TDM900 METZELER/MEZ4
TDM900A DUNLOP/D220STJ
TDM900 DUNLOP/D220STJ
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core:
#9100 (original)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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.
EAU22042
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play
The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Slide the rubber cover back at the
clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjustingbolt in direction (b).
TIP
If the specified clutch lever free play
could be obtained as described above,
tighten the locknut and skip the rest of
the procedure, otherwise proceed as
follows.
4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
5. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
6. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To decrease the clutch le-
1. Locknut (clutch lever)
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Clutch lever free play
12
3
(a)
(b)
1. Locknut (crankcase)
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
(crankcase)
12
(a)(b)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9
EAU22760
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22773
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side-
stand.
TIP
When checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weight
on the motorcycle.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain slack
as shown.4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU22952
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut, the brake cal-
iper bracket bolt and the locknut on
each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
Drive chain slack:
50.0–60.0 mm (1.97–2.36 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Alignment marks
1. Brake caliper bracket bolt
2. Brake caliper bracket
3
4 1
2 (b)
(a)
1
2
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
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each side of the swingarm in direc-
tion (a). To loosen the drive chain,
turn the adjusting bolt on each side
of the swingarm in direction (b),
and then push the rear wheel for-
ward.
NOTICE:
Improper drive
chain slack will overload the en-
gine 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 with-
in the specified limits.
[ECA10571]
TIP
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.
3. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut and the brake
caliper bracket bolt to the specified
torques.
EAU23023
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.
NOTICE
ECA10581
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle and
riding in the rain.
1.Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE:
To prevent damaging
the O-rings, do not clean the
drive chain with steam cleaners,
high-pressure washers or inap-
propriate solvents.
[ECA11121]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
NOTICE:
Do not use
engine oil or any other lubri-
cants for the drive chain, as theymay contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
[ECA11111]
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kgf, 108.5 ft·lbf)
Brake caliper bracket bolt:
40 Nm (4.0 m·kgf, 29 ft·lbf)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU23272
Checking the front fork
The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23283
Checking the steering
Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-32 for more
information.)
WARNING! To
avoid injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no danger
of it falling over.
[EWA10751]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings
The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU23374
Battery
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
NOTICE
ECA10620
Never attempt to remove the battery
cell seals, as this would permanent-
ly damage the battery.
WARNING
EWA10760
●
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
●
EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
●
INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
●
EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
●
Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
●
KEEP THIS AND ALL BAT-
TERIES OUT OF THE REACH
OF CHILDREN.
1. Battery
2. Positive battery lead (red)
3. Negative battery lead
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU36451
Replacing an auxiliary light
bulb
1. Remove the auxiliary light lens by
removing the screws.
2. Remove the burnt out bulb by pull-
ing it out.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
4. Install the lens by installing the
screws.
NOTICE:
Do not over-
tighten the screws, otherwise
the lens may break.
[ECA10681]
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
a jack either under each side of the
1. Auxiliary light lens
2. Screw
21
1. Auxiliary light bulb
1