
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16841
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU36531
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above
4000 r/min.
NOTICE:
After 1000 km
(600 mi) of operation, the engine oil
must be changed, and the oil filter
cartridge or element replaced.
[ECA11282]
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above
6000 r/min.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10310
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU17213
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10311
Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.
Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.
Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.

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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EAU17241
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, depending on the
weather, terrain, geographical location,
and individual use, the maintenance in-
tervals may need to be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15121
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.
A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-1 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.
EAU17391
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located under the
seat. (See page 3-19.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
TIP
If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
1. Helmet holding cable
2. Owner’s tool kit
12

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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 coolant reservoir cap,
add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then close the reservoir
cap.
WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt 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. Screw12
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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU33453
Front and rear brake lever free
play
Front
Rear
There should be no free play at thebrake 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 le-
ver 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. Period-
ically check the rear brake lock lever ca-
ble 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)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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.
EAU22392
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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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