INTRODUCTION
EAU10112
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the XP500/XP500A, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding
the design and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your XP500/XP500A. The Owner’s
Manual does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your scooter, but also in how to safeguard yourself
and others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your scooter in the best possible condition. If you have any fur-
ther questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur-
rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this
manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA12411
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this scooter.
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10132
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
Further safe-riding points .................1-5
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Immobilizer system ..........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock .................3-2
Indicator and warning lights .............3-3
Speedometer ...................................3-4
Fuel gauge .......................................3-5
Coolant temperature gauge .............3-5
Multi-function display .......................3-6
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ..............3-11
Handlebar switches .......................3-11
Front brake lever ...........................3-12
Rear brake lever ............................3-13
Rear brake lock lever .....................3-14
ABS (for ABS models) ...................3-14
Fuel tank cap .................................3-15
Fuel ................................................3-16
Catalytic converter .........................3-18
Seat ...............................................3-18
Adjusting the rider backrest ...........3-19
Helmet holder ................................3-20
Storage compartments ..................3-20
Rear view mirrors ..........................3-22Shock absorber assembly ............. 3-22
Sidestand ...................................... 3-23
Ignition circuit cut-off system ......... 3-23
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
.............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Starting off ....................................... 5-2
Acceleration and deceleration ......... 5-2
Braking ............................................ 5-3
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ................................ 5-3
Engine break-in ............................... 5-4
Parking ............................................ 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT
.................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-2
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ............................................. 6-3
Removing and installing panels ...... 6-7
Checking the spark plugs .............. 6-10
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .... 6-11
Chain drive oil ............................... 6-14
Coolant .......................................... 6-15
Replacing the air filter element ...... 6-17
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-17Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-18
Valve clearance ............................ 6-18
Tires .............................................. 6-19
Cast wheels .................................. 6-20
Front and rear brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-21
Adjusting the rear brake lock lever
cable .......................................... 6-21
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 6-22
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-23
Changing the brake fluid ............... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the throttle
grip and cable ............................ 6-24
Lubricating the front and rear brake
levers ......................................... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
centerstand and sidestand ........ 6-25
Checking the front fork .................. 6-26
Checking the steering ................... 6-27
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-27
Battery ........................................... 6-27
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-29
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-31
Tail/brake light ............................... 6-32
Replacing a front turn signal light
bulb ............................................ 6-32
Rear turn signal light bulb .............. 6-33
Replacing the license plate light
bulb ............................................ 6-33
1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10263
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your scooter.
Scooters are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements before
riding this scooter.
He or she should:
Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of scooter operation.
Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.
Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks eachtime you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 4-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.
This scooter is designed to carry
the operator and a passenger.
The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize scooters in traffic is
the predominating cause of auto-
mobile/scooter accidents. Many
accidents have been caused by an
automobile driver who did not see
the scooter. Making yourself con-
spicuous appears to be very effec-
tive in reducing the chance of this
type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for scooter accidents to
occur.
Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in anothermotorist’s blind spot.
Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent driver’s license.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your
scooter to other qualified opera-
tors.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your scooter where
there is no traffic until you have
become thoroughly familiar with
the scooter and all of its con-
trols.
Many accidents have been caused
by error of the scooter operator. A
typical error made by the operator
is veering wide on a turn due to ex-
cessive speed or undercornering
(insufficient lean angle for the
speed).
Always obey the speed limit and
never travel faster than warrant-
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
2
34
5
6
7
8
9 as they may cause signal inter-
ference.
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Main switch/steering lock
The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering.
TIP
Be sure to use the standard key (black
bow) for regular use of the vehicle. To
minimize the risk of losing the code
re-registering key (red bow), keep it in a
safe place and only use it for code
re-registering.
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ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary lightscome on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.
TIP
The headlights come on automatically
when the engine is started and stay on
until the key is turned to “OFF” or the
sidestand is moved down.
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OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING
EWA10061
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident.
EAU10681
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
the left.
2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po-
sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.
EAU10941
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the taillight,
license plate light and auxiliary lights
are on. The hazard lights and turn sig-
nal lights can be turned on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “ ”.
NOTICE
ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
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Indicator and warning lights
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Turn signal indicator lights “ ” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
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High beam indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when thehigh beam of the headlight is switched
on.
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Engine trouble warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on if an elec-
trical circuit monitoring the engine is not
working correctly. If this occurs, have a
Yamaha dealer check the self-diagno-
sis system.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. If the warning light does not come
on for a few seconds, then go off, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIP
This warning light will come on when
the key is turned to “ON” and the start
switch is pushed, but this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
EAU43031
ABS warning light “ ” (for ABS
models)
NOTICE
ECA10831
If the ABS warning light comes on or
1. Turn signal indicator lights “ ” and “ ”
2. High beam indicator light “ ”
3. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ” (for ABS models)
4. Immobilizer system indicator light
5. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
1
3
1
2
4
5
ABS
ABS
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
2
34
5
6
7
8
9 flashes while riding, the ABS may
not work correctly. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.
See page 3-14 for an explanation of the
ABS.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by setting the engine
stop switch to “ ” and turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off. If
the warning light does not come on or
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
WARNING
EWA11350
When the ABS warning light comes
on or flashes while riding, the brake
system reverts to conventional brak-
ing. Therefore, be careful not to
cause the wheel to lock during emer-
gency braking.
TIP
The ABS warning light may come on
while accelerating the engine with the
scooter on its centerstand, but this
does not indicate a malfunction.
EAU38621
Immobilizer system indicator light
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”.
If the indicator light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
When the key is turned to “OFF” and 30
seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24
hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the immobiliz-
er system. (See page 3-9 for an expla-
nation of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU11601
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the riding
speed.
When the key is turned to “ON”, the
speedometer needle will sweep once
across the speed range and then return
to zero in order to test the electrical cir-
cuit.
1. Speedometer
1
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
NOTICE
ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheating.
EAU44966
Multi-function display
WARNING
EWA12312
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function display. Changing
settings while riding can distract the
operator and increase the risk of an
accident.
The multi-function display is equipped
with the following:
a tachometer (which shows engine
speed)
1. Tachometer
2. Tachometer red zone
3. V-belt replacement indicator “V-BELT”
4. Odometer/tripmeters
1
2
3
4
1. Clock
2. Oil change indicator “OIL”
1. “RESET” button
2. “SELECT” button
1
2
1
2