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SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10264
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 each
time 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 another
motorist’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).
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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
scooter can adversely affect stability
and handling if the weight distribution of
the scooter is changed. To avoid the
possibility of an accident, use extreme
caution when adding cargo or accesso-
ries to your scooter. Use extra care
when riding a scooter that has added
cargo or accessories. Here, along with
the information about accessories be-
low, are some general guidelines to fol-
low if loading cargo to your scooter:
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 scooter as possible. Securely
pack your heaviest items as close
to the center of the vehicle as pos-
sible and make sure to distribute
the weight as evenly as possible
on both sides of the scooter to min-
imize imbalance or instability.
Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the scooter 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. Such items
can create unstable handling or
a slow steering response.
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.
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-
Maximum load:
XP500 194 kg (428 lb)
XP500A 190 kg (419 lb)
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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 scooter. Carefully
inspect the accessory before using
it to make sure that it does not in
any way reduce ground clearance
or cornering clearance, limit sus-
pension travel, steering travel or
control operation, or obscure 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 andshould be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the scooter due to aerodynamic
effects. Wind may attempt to lift
the scooter, or the scooter may
become unstable in cross
winds. These accessories 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
scooter’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
scooter 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 6-18 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
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 steeringPush 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.
EAU11004
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when thehigh beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU43023
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”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, 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.
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 “ ”
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ABS
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU46021
Shock absorber assembly
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.
Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.
Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.
Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.
Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
EAU15303
Sidestand
The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.
TIP
The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See page 3-24 for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as described
below and have a Yamaha dealer re-pair it if it does not function proper-
ly.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16793
Braking
WARNING
EWA10300
Avoid braking hard or suddenly
(especially when leaning over to
one side), otherwise the scooter
may skid or overturn.
Railroad crossings, streetcar
rails, iron plates on road con-
struction sites, and manhole
covers become extremely slip-
pery when wet. Therefore, slow
down when approaching such
areas and cross them with cau-
tion.
Keep in mind that braking on a
wet road is much more difficult.
Ride slowly down a hill, as brak-
ing downhill can be very diffi-
cult.
1. Close the throttle completely.
2. Apply both front and rear brakes
simultaneously while gradually in-
creasing the pressure.
Front
Rear
EAU16820
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption
Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Avoid high engine speeds during
acceleration.
Avoid high engine speeds with no
load on the engine.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
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SCOOTER CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37833
Matte color caution
NOTICE
ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU26103
Care
While the open design of a scooter re-
veals the attractiveness of the technol-
ogy, it also makes it more vulnerable.
Rust and corrosion can develop even if
high-quality components are used. A
rusty exhaust pipe may go unnoticed
on a car, however, it detracts from the
overall appearance of a scooter. Fre-
quent and proper care does not only
comply with the terms of the warranty,
but it will also keep your scooter looking
good, extend its life and optimize its
performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
NOTICE
ECA10782
Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts (such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
oughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water
may be used. Be sure to rinse
off any detergent residue using