Page 57 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6 Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires.
WARNING
EWA10461
The front and rear tires should be of
the same make and design, other-
wise the handling characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, whichcould lead to an accident.
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 a
Yamaha 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:
130/70R18M/C 63H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D251F
Rear tire:
Size:
190/60R17M/C 78H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D251
U5C4E3E0.book Page 14 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 58 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6
EAU22073
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. (See page
6-16.) If the clutch lever free play does
become excessive, and shifting be-
comes rough or clutch slippage occurs,
causing poor acceleration, there may
be air in the clutch system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the motorcycle.
EAU22272
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch The rear brake light, which is activated
by the brake pedal, should come on just
before braking takes effect. If neces-
sary, adjust the rear brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing nut while holding 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).
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.
EAU22430
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with
wear indicator grooves, which allow
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble 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
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
U5C4E3E0.book Page 15 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 59 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6 indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
EAU22500
Rear brake pads
Check each rear brake pad for damage
and measure the lining thickness. If a
brake pad is damaged 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.
EAU38630
Checking the brake and clutch
fluid levels Front brake
Rear brakeClutch
Insufficient brake or clutch fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake or clutch sys-
tems, possibly causing them to become
ineffective.
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is locatedunder the rider seat. (See page 3-16.)
Before riding, check that the brake and
clutch fluids are above the minimum
level marks and replenish if necessary.
A low brake or clutch fluid level may in-
dicate brake or clutch system leakage
and/or worn brake pads. If the brake or
clutch levels are low, be sure to check
the brake or clutch systems for leakage
and the brake pads for wear.
1. Lining thickness
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
U5C4E3E0.book Page 16 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 60 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6Observe these precautions:
When checking the brake and
clutch fluid levels, make sure that
the top of each 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.
Be careful that water does not en-
ter the brake or clutch fluid reser-
voir when refilling. Water will
significantly 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.
EAU22751
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the TIP 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
U5C4E3E0.book Page 17 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 61 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
EAU23040
Drive belt slack The drive belt slack should be checked
and adjusted at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
EAU38410
To check the drive belt slack
1. Place the vehicle on the sidestand.
2. Note the current position of the
drive belt using the marks near the
drive belt check hole.TIPThe marks near the drive belt checkhole are 5.0 mm (0.2 in) apart.3. Note the position of the drive belt
with a force of 45 N (4.5 kgf, 10 lbf)
applied to the belt with a belt ten-
sion gauge as shown.
TIPA belt tension gauge is available at aYamaha dealer.
4. Calculate the drive belt slack by
subtracting the measurement not-
ed in step 2 from the measurement
noted in step 3.
5. If the drive belt slack is incorrect,
have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EAU23101
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
sheath may interfere with proper ca-
ble operation and will cause the in-
ner cable to rust. Replace a
damaged cable as soon as possible
to prevent unsafe conditions.
[EWA10721]
1. Drive belt
2. Marks
3. Drive belt slack
1. Belt tension gauge
Drive belt slack:
7.5–13.0 mm (0.30–0.51 in)
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
U5C4E3E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 62 of 88
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
EAU23111
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
EAU44271
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
U5C4E3E0.book Page 19 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 63 of 88
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6
EAU43600
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers Brake lever
Clutch lever
The operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
EAU23202
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING
EWA10731
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it. Otherwise,
the sidestand could contact the
ground and distract the operator, re-sulting in a possible loss of control.
Recommended lubricant:
Silicone grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
U5C4E3E0.book Page 20 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM
Page 64 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6
EAU23250
Lubricating the rear suspen-
sion The pivoting points of the rear suspen-
sion must be lubricated at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
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
U5C4E3E0.book Page 21 Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:25 AM