SAFETY INFORMATION
2-2
2
Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
due to excessive speed or under-
cornering (insufficient lean angle
for the speed). Never travel faster
than warranted by conditions.
Ride cautiously in unfamiliar ar-
eas. You may encounter hidden
obstacles that could cause an ac-
cident.
The posture of the operator is im-
portant for proper control. The op-
erator should keep both hands on
the handlebar and both feet on the
operator footrests during operation
to maintain control of the motorcy-
cle.
Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
Be sure the transmission is in neu-
tral before starting the engine.Protective apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the preven-
tion or reduction of head injuries.
Always wear an approved helmet.
Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.
The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in
preventing or reducing abrasions
or lacerations.
Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.
Always wear protective clothing
that covers your legs, ankles, and
feet. The engine or exhaust sys-
tem become very hot during or af-
ter operation and can cause burns.Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car-
bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu-
sion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be
present even if you do not see or smell
any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
and you can quickly be overcome and
unable to save yourself. Also, deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can linger
for hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poison-
ing, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.
Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.
U1P684E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-3
4
EAU39850
Shift pedal This motorcycle is equipped with a con-
stant-mesh 3-speed transmission. The
shift pedal is located on the left side of
the engine. Neutral is at the bottom po-
sition.
EAU12890
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
EAU12941
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
1
1. Brake pedal
1
U1P684E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-8
4
2. Place the seat in the original posi-
tion, and then tighten the bolts.
TIPMake sure that the seat is properly se-
cured before riding.
EAU37490
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.
WARNING
EWA14190
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.
EAU41611
Starting circuit cut-off system The starting circuit cut-off system pre-
vents starting when the transmission is
in gear.
Periodically check the operation of the
starting circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.TIPThis check is most reliable if performed
with a warmed-up engine.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
U1P684E0.book Page 8 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-9
4
With the engine turned off:
1. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
”.
2. Turn the key to “ON”.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Keep the front or rear brake applied.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
6. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
7. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.
YES
NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
U1P684E0.book Page 9 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-1
6
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU40096
Starting and warming up a
cold engine 1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to“”.
3. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
WARNING
EWA14410
Be sure to shift the transmis-
sion into neutral before starting
the engine.
Never ride with the sidestand
down.
4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 4-7.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch. NOTICE: For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!
[ECA11041]
6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.
TIPThe engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
U1P684E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-2
6
EAU16640
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EAU39901
Shifting This motorcycle has a 3-speed trans-
mission with a centrifugal, automatic
clutch. Shifting gears lets you control
the amount of engine power available
for starting off, accelerating, climbing
hills, etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel.
NOTICE
ECA15441
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always release the throttle grip
before changing gears to avoid
damaging the engine, transmis-
sion, and drive train, which are
not designed to withstand the
shock of shifting when the throt-
tle grip is open.
EAU39911
To start out and accelerate
1. Close the throttle.
2. Shift into first gear and release the
shift pedal. NOTICE: Always
close the throttle before shifting
gears, otherwise damage to the
engine and drive train may re-
sult.
[ECA15461]
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U1P684E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-3
6 3. Open the throttle gradually.
4. Once the motorcycle has reached
a speed high enough to change
gears, close the throttle.
5. Shift into second gear and release
the shift pedal.
6. Open the throttle gradually.
7. Follow the same procedure when
shifting to the next higher gear.
EAU16710
To decelerate
1. Close the throttle and apply both
the front and the rear brakes to
slow the motorcycle.
2. Downshift through the gears and
shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position when the motorcycle
is almost completely stopped.
EAU39920
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the first 5
hours of riding. It is also important to ac-
custom the rider to the motorcycle dur-
ing this time. Please read the following
information carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first 5
hours of operation. 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. However, momentary full-
throttle operation under load (i.e., two
to three seconds maximum) does not
harm the engine. Each full-throttle ac-
celeration should be followed with a
substantial rest period for the engine.
To allow the engine to cool down from
the temporary buildup of heat, cruise at
a lower engine speed.
After the first 5 hours of operation, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-justments thoroughly, especially cable
and drive chain slack and loose
spokes. In addition, check all fittings
and fasteners for looseness, and tight-
en if necessary.
NOTICE
ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
U1P684E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-18
7The front and rear brake shoes must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Each brake is provid-
ed with a wear indicator, which allows
you to check the brake shoe wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake shoe wear, check
the position of the wear indicator while
applying the brake. If a brake shoe has
worn to the point that the wear indicator
reaches the wear limit line, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake
shoes as a set.
EAU22760
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22773
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side-
stand.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weight
on the motorcycle.2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain slack
as shown.4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU40111
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the brake pedal free play
adjusting nut, axle nut, and locknut
at each end of the swingarm.
Drive chain slack:
35.0–45.0 mm (1.38–1.77 in)
1. Drive chain slack
U1P684E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:22 AM