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9
3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, lift up the
right floorboard mat as shown.
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cov-er by removing the screw.
5. Open the reservoir cap, add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark,
and then close the reservoir cap.
WARNING! Remove only the
coolant reservoir cap. Never at-
tempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is
hot.
[EWA15161]
NOTICE:
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 the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]
6. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the screw.
7. Place the right floorboard mat in
the original position.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
3. Coolant level check window
1. Right floorboard mat
3
1
2
1
1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Screw
12
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1
Page 64 of 94

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9
EAU33601
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
EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.
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.
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.
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)
XP500 90–194 kg (198–428 lb)
XP500A 90–190 kg (198–419 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2
, 33 psi)
Rear:
280 kPa (2.80 kgf/cm 2
, 41 psi)
Maximum load*:
XP500 194 kg (428 lb)
XP500A 190 kg (419 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
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8
9 Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
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 aYamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.
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.
Front tire:
Size:
120/70R15 M/C 56H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/GPR-100F
BRIDGESTONE/BT011F
Rear tire:
Size:
160/60R15 M/C 67H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/GPR-100L
BRIDGESTONE/BT012R
Page 66 of 94

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EAU33453
Front and rear brake lever free
play
Front
Rear
There should be no free play at the
brake lever ends. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever can indicate the presence of air
in the hydraulic system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the
braking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.
EAU33473
Adjusting the rear brake lock
lever cable
Rear brake lock lever cable adjustment
may be required if the rear brake lock
lever does not hold properly. When the
rear brake lock lever is not in use, the
rear brake lock lever cable length
should measure 45 mm to 47 mm (1.77
in to 1.85 in) at the rear brake caliper.
Periodically check the rear brake lock
lever cable length and, if necessary,
adjust it as follows.
To increase the rear brake lock lever
cable length, turn the adjusting nut at
the rear brake caliper in direction (a).
1. Front brake lever free play
1. Rear brake lever free play
1
1
1. Adjusting nut
2. Rear brake lock lever cable length
2
1
(b)
(a)
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To decrease the rear brake lock lever
cable length, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
WARNING
EWA10650
If proper adjustment cannot be ob-
tained as described, have a Yamaha
dealer make this adjustment.
EAU22390
Checking the front and rear
brake pads
The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU22410
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator, which allows you to
check the brake pad wear without hav-
ing to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake pad wear, check the position
of the wear indicator while applying the
brake. If a brake pad has worn to thepoint that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake pads as a set.
EAU22493
Rear brake pads
1. Remove the rear brake caliper by
removing the bolts.
2. Check each rear brake pad for
damage and measure the lining
thickness. If a brake pad is dam-
aged or if the lining thickness is
less than 0.8 mm (0.03 in), have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
3. Install the rear brake caliper by in-
1. Wear indicator
1
1. Brake caliper bolt
2. Lining thickness
1
2
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WARNING
EWA10741
If the centerstand or sidestand does
not move up and down smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it. Otherwise, the centerstand or
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
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.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Page 72 of 94

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EAU45511
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 the vehicle on the center-
stand.
WARNING! To avoid inju-
ry, 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.
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.
EAU45033
Battery
The battery is located under panel B.
(See page 6-7.)
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.
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
Page 74 of 94
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EAU46310
Replacing the fuses
The main fuse and the fuse box, which
contains the fuses for the individual cir-
cuits, are located under panel B. (See
page 6-7.)
1. Remove panel B. (See page 6-7.)
2. Remove the rubber cover shown
by removing the quick fasteners.
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off
the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then
install a new fuse of the specified
amperage.
WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a higher amperagerating than recommended to
avoid causing extensive dam-
age to the electrical system and
possibly a fire.
[EWA15131]
For XP500For XP500A
For XP500
1. Quick fastener
2. Rubber cover
21
1
1. Main fuse
2. Spare main fuse
1
2
1. Main fuse
2. Spare main fuse
1. Fuse box
1
21