2010 YAMAHA TDM 900 suspension

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
.................. 1-1
DESCRIPTION
.................................. 2-1
Left view .......................................... 2-1
Right view ........................................ 2-3
Controls and instruments................. 2-5
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
....................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system ......................... 3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................ 3-2
Indicator and warning lights ............ 3-4
Tachometer unit .............................. 3-6
Coolant temperature gauge ............ 3-7
Multi-function display ...................... 3-8
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ............... 3-9
Handlebar switches ........................ 3-9
Clutch lever ................................... 3-11
Shift pedal ..................................... 3-11
Brake lever ................................... 3-11
Brake pedal .................................. 3-12
ABS (for ABS models) .................. 3-12
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-13
Fuel ............................................... 3-14
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose .......................................... 3-15
Catalytic converters ...................... 3-16
Seat .............................................. 3-16
Storage compartment ................... 3-17
Adjusting the front fork .................. 3-18Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ................................... 3-19
Luggage strap holders ................. 3-21
Sidestand ..................................... 3-21
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-22
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT
................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-2
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-3
Removing and installing
cowlings and panels ................... 6-7
Checking the spark plugs ............... 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter element ...... 6-9
Coolant ......................................... 6-12
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-14Adjusting the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-16
Checking the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-16
Valve clearance ........................... 6-17
Tires ............................................. 6-17
Cast wheels ................................. 6-19
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-20
Brake light switches ..................... 6-21
Checking the front and rear
brake pads ................................ 6-21
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-22
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-23
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-23
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain ................................ 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals .............. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-27
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-27
Checking the front fork ................. 6-27
Checking the steering .................. 6-28
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-29
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1-3
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
ports.

Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.
When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.

Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, ortents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.

This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Maximum load:
TDM900 201 kg (443 lb)
TDM900A 198 kg (437 lb)
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1-4
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.

Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-scure lights or reflectors.

Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.

Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.

Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-17 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU14782
Adjusting the front fork
WARNING

EWA10180
Always adjust both fork legs equal-
ly, otherwise poor handling and loss
of stability may result.
This front fork is equipped with spring
preload adjusting bolts and damping
force adjusting screws.
NOTICE

ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.
Spring preload
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting bolt on each fork leg in di-
rection (a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the
suspension, turn the adjusting bolt on
each fork leg in direction (b).
Align the appropriate groove on the ad-
justing mechanism with the top of the
front fork cap bolt.
Damping force
1. Turn the adjusting screw on each
fork leg in direction (a) until the
screw moves almost a 1/2 turn
without clicking.
2. Continue turning the adjusting
screw in direction (a) until it clicks.
This is the minimum setting.
3. To increase the damping force,
continue turning the adjusting

1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
1
(a)(b)

1. Standard setting
2. Current setting
3. Front fork cap bolt
2
31
7654321
8

Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
8
Standard:
7
Maximum (hard):
1
1. Damping force adjusting screw
(a) 1
1
2
3 4
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-19
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
screw in direction (a). The third
click after the minimum setting is
the maximum setting. If the adjust-
ing screw is turned further in direc-
tion (a), it will move half a turn
before returning to the minimum
setting.
TIP

Make sure that the adjusting screw is
turned to one of the four settings.
EAU15032
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly
This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring and rebound and compression
damping force adjusting knobs.
NOTICE

ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.
Spring preload
To increase the spring preload andthereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting ring in direction (a). To de-
crease the spring preload and thereby
soften the suspension, turn the adjust-
ing ring in direction (b).
Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting knob in direction

Damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
2
Maximum (hard):
4
1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Special wrench
3. Position indicator
(a) (b)3
1
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
5
Maximum (hard):
9
1. Rebound damping force adjusting knob
1
(a)
(b)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

11 *
Steering bearings

Check bearing play and steering
for roughness.
√√√√√

Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.Every 20000 km (12000 mi)
12 *
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts
and screws are properly
tightened.
√√√√√
13
Brake lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
14
Brake pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
15
Clutch lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
16
Shift pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
17
Sidestand

Check operation.

Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
18 *
Sidestand switch

Check operation.
√√√√√√
19 *
Front fork

Check operation and for oil
leakage.
√√√√
20 *
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
21 *
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivot-
ing points

Check operation.
√√√√

Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
√√
22
Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

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.
EAU23251
Lubricating the rear
suspension
The pivoting points of the rear suspen-
sion must be lubricated by a Yamaha
dealer 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.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
2
3
4
5
6
7
89

Transmission type:
Constant mesh 6-speed
Operation:
Left foot operation
Gear ratio:
1st:
33/12 (2.750)
2nd:
37/19 (1.947)
3rd:
34/22 (1.545)
4th:
31/25 (1.240)
5th:
26/25 (1.040)
6th:
24/26 (0.923)
Chassis:
Frame type:
Diamond
Caster angle:
25.50 °
Trail:
114.0 mm (4.49 in)
Front tire:
Type:
Tubeless
Size:
120/70 ZR18M/C (59W)
Manufacturer/model:
TDM900 METZELER/MEZ4 FRONT
TDM900A DUNLOP/D220FSTJ
Manufacturer/model:
TDM900 DUNLOP/D220FSTJ
Rear tire:
Type:
Tubeless
Size:
160/60 ZR17M/C (69W)
Manufacturer/model:
TDM900 METZELER/MEZ4
TDM900A DUNLOP/D220STJ
Manufacturer/model:
TDM900 DUNLOP/D220STJ
Loading:
Maximum load:
TDM900 201 kg (443 lb)
TDM900A 198 kg (437 lb)
* (Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo
and accessories)
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
Loading condition:
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)
Loading condition:
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)
Front wheel:
Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
18M/C x MT3.50
Rear wheel:
Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
17M/C x MT5.00
Front brake:
Type:
Dual disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Rear brake:
Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Front suspension:
Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
150.0 mm (5.91 in)
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