Page 42 of 86

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-2
6
EAU16671
Shifting 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, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE
ECA10260
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 use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
EAU16690
To start out and accelerate
1. Pull the clutch lever to disengage
the clutch.
2. Shift the transmission into first
gear.
3. Open the throttle gradually and si-
multaneously release the clutch le-
ver slowly.4. Once the motorcycle has reached
a speed high enough to change
gears, close the throttle, and at the
same time, quickly pull the clutch
lever in.
5. Shift the transmission into second
gear. (Make sure not to shift the
transmission into the neutral posi-
tion.)
6. Open the throttle halfway and
gradually release the clutch lever.
7. Follow the same procedure when
shifting to the next 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.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral positionU5PA88E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
Page 72 of 86

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-28
7
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU41312
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10821
To avoid injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no danger of it
falling over.1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 7-26.
3. Loosen the locknut and drive chain
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm.
4. Remove the axle nut and washer.5. Push the wheel forward, and then
remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
TIP
If the drive chain is difficult to re-
move, remove the wheel axle first,
and then lift the wheel upward
enough to remove the drive chain
from the rear sprocket.
The drive chain does not need to
be disassembled in order to re-
move and install the rear wheel.
6. While supporting the brake caliper
and slightly lifting the wheel, pull
the wheel axle out.TIPA rubber mallet may be useful to tap the
wheel axle out.7. Remove the wheel. NOTICE: Do
not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed to-
gether with the brake disc, oth-
erwise the brake pads will be
forced shut.
[ECA11071]
EAU41325
To install the rear wheel
1. Install the drive chain onto the rear
sprocket.
1. Axle nut
2. Washer
3. Locknut
4. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
1. Wheel axle
U5PA88E0.book Page 28 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
Page 73 of 86

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-29
7 2. Install the wheel and the brake cal-
iper bracket by inserting the wheel
axle from the right-hand side.
TIP
Make sure that the slot in the brake
caliper bracket is fit over the retain-
er on the swingarm.
Make sure that there is enough
space between the brake pads be-
fore installing the wheel.
3. Install the washer and axle nut.
4. Lower the rear wheel so that it is
on the ground, install the remov-
able sidestand, and then rest the
motorcycle on it.5. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See
page 7-21.)
6. Tighten the locknuts and the axle
nut to their specified torques.
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from water
1. Retainer
2. Slot
21
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
90 Nm (9.0 m·kgf, 65 ft·lbf)
U5PA88E0.book Page 29 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
Page 78 of 86

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
8-2
8off any detergent residue using
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain or near the seaSince sea salt is extremely corrosive,
carry out the following steps after each
ride in the rain or near the sea.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray
on all metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent
corrosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system.
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
U5PA88E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM