Page 113 of 146
8-30
8
TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 8-47.)EBU28421Rear brake friction plates
The rear brake is provided with a wear indicator,
which allows you to check the brake friction plate
wear without having to disassemble the brake. To
check the brake friction plate wear, check the posi-
tion of the wear indicator while applying the brake.
If a brake friction plate has worn to the point thatthe wear indicator reaches the wear limit mark,
have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake friction
plates as a set.
EBU29840Checking the brake fluid level Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to enter the
brake system, possibly causing it to become inef-
fective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid is above
the minimum level mark and replenish if neces-
sary. A low brake fluid level may indicate worn
1. Brake pad
2. Lining thickness
2
1
1. Wear indicator
2. Wear limit mark
U4S264E0.book Page 30 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 114 of 146

8-31
8brake pads and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check the brake
pads for wear and the brake system for leakage.
Observe these precautions:
When checking the fluid level, make sure that
the top of the brake fluid reservoir is level.Use only the recommended quality brake fluid,
otherwise the rubber seals may deteriorate,
causing leakage and poor braking performance.
Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Mixing
fluids may result in a harmful chemical reaction
and lead to poor braking performance.Be careful that water does not enter the brake
fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the fluid and may
result in vapor lock.Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid imme-
diately.As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause.EBU24281Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the brake master cylinder and
calipers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they are dam-
aged or leaking.Oil seals: Replace every two years.Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
1. Minimum level markRecommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
U4S264E0.book Page 31 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 115 of 146

8-32
8
EBU24394Checking the front brake lever free play The brake lever free play must be checked at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. The brake lever should have no
free play as shown. If there is free play, have a
Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
EBU28639Adjusting the brake pedal and rear
brake lever free play and checking the
brake pedal height The brake pedal and brake lever free play and the
brake pedal height must be checked and, if neces-
sary, adjusted at the intervals specified in the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication chart.TIPAlways perform this maintenance completely in
the following order whenever adjusting the rear
brake.When adjusting the rear brake, be sure to adjust
both the brake pedal and the brake lever.Before adjusting the brake lever and brake pedal
free play, check the rear brake friction plates for
wear.Adjusting the brake pedal and brake lever free
play
The brake pedal free play should measure 17.0–
20.0 mm (0.67–0.79 in) as shown. The brake lever
free play should measure 8.0–10.5 mm (0.31–0.41
in) as shown. If either free play is incorrect, adjust
it as follows.
1. No brake lever free playU4S264E0.book Page 32 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 116 of 146
8-33
81. Loosen the locknut at the brake lever and fully
turn in the brake lever free play adjusting bolt.
2. Fully loosen the brake lever free play adjust-
ing nut on the brake cable at the final gear
case.
1. Brake pedal free play
1. Brake lever free play
1
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
U4S264E0.book Page 33 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 117 of 146
8-34
8 3. Push the brake camshaft lever in direction (a)
until it stops [apply approximately 50 N (5.0
kgf, 11.2 lbf) of force], and then turn the brake
pedal free play adjusting nut on the brake ca-
ble at the final gear case so that gap “A” mea-
sures 2.5–3.0 mm (0.10–0.12 in).4. Push the brake camshaft lever in direction (a)
until it stops [apply approximately 50 N (5.0
kgf, 11.2 lbf) of force], and then turn the brake
lever free play adjusting nut on the brake ca-
ble at the final gear case so that gap “B” mea-
sures 4.0–6.0 mm (0.16–0.24 in).
1. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
1. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
2. Brake camshaft lever
3. Gap “A”
U4S264E0.book Page 34 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 118 of 146
8-35
85. Check the brake lever free play and, if neces-
sary, adjust it by turning the brake lever free
play adjusting bolt at the brake lever. Turn the
brake lever free play adjusting bolt in direction
(a) to increase the free play, and in direction
(b) to decrease it.6. Tighten the locknut at the brake lever.
TIPWhen adjusting the rear brake lever free play:Be sure not to step on the brake pedal.Make sure the brake pedal does not move.Checking the brake pedal height
The top of the brake pedal should be positioned
75.0–85.0 mm (2.95–3.35 in) above the footboard.
If the brake pedal height is incorrect, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust it.
1. Brake lever free play adjusting nut
2. Brake camshaft lever
3. Gap “B”
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
U4S264E0.book Page 35 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 119 of 146
8-36
8
EBU24230Axle boots The axle boots must be checked for damage at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Check the axle boots for tears or
damage. If any damage is found, have them re-
placed by a Yamaha dealer.1. Distance between brake pedal and footboard
1. Front axle boot (each side)
1. Rear axle boot (each side)
1
1
U4S264E0.book Page 36 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM
Page 120 of 146

8-37
8
EBU24755Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake levers, should come on just be-
fore braking takes effect.
The rear brake light switch for the brake pedal can
be adjusted as follows, but the other brake light
switches should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 8-9.)
2. Turn the rear brake light switch adjusting nut
while holding the brake light switch in place.
To make the brake light come on earlier, turn
the adjusting nut in direction (a). To make the
brake light come on later, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (b).3. Install the panel.
EBU24901Checking and lubricating the cables The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-
essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nutRecommended lubricant:
Engine oil
U4S264E0.book Page 37 Thursday, August 5, 2010 1:24 PM