Page 29 of 74
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-6
4 This indicates reserve. If you run out of
fuel while riding, move the lever to this
position. Fill the tank at the first oppor-
tunity. Be sure to set the lever back to
“ON” after refueling!
EAU13590
Starter (choke) lever“” Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction (a) to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction (b) to turn off
the starter (choke).
EAU13680
Kickstarter To start the engine, fold out the kick-
starter lever, move it down lightly with
your foot until the gears engage, and
then push it down smoothly but force-
fully.
1. Starter (choke) lever“”
1
(a)(b)
1. Kickstarter
1
U3RV8LE0.book Page 6 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 32 of 74

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-1
5
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.
Check the fuel tank breather/overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage,
and check the hose connection.4-3, 4-4
2-stroke engine oilCheck oil level in oil tank.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.4-4
Transmission oilCheck oil level in transmission case.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.7-8
Front brakeCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.7-14, 7-16
Rear brakeCheck operation.
Check pedal free play.
Adjust if necessary.7-15, 7-16
U3RV8LE0.book Page 1 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 34 of 74

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.
EAU41156
Starting and warming up a
cold engine 1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Set the engine stop switch to
“RUN”.
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 4-6.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the
kickstarter lever down.
6. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.
NOTICE: For maximum engine
life, never accelerate hard when
the engine is cold!
[ECA11041]
7. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.
TIPThe engine is warm when it responds
quickly to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 1 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 37 of 74
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-4
6
EAU17191
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then turn the fuel cock lever to “OFF”.
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.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 4 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 39 of 74
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-2
7
EAU49900
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system TIP
From 160 hours, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 40 hours.
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
Carburetor 4*
5*
6*Cylinder head and
exhaust system
Spark arrester NO. ITEM
1*
2
3Fuel line
Spark plug
Air filter elementCHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBINITIAL THEREAFTER EVERY
10
hours20
hours40
hours80
hours40
hours80
hours160
hours
Check for leakage.Tighten if necessary.Decarbonize if necessary.Clean.Clean.Replace if necessary.Check engine idling speed and starter
operation.Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage.Replace if necessary.Clean with solvent.Replace if necessary.Check condition.Adjust gap and clean.Replace if necessary.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 64 of 74

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-27
7
EAU25851
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 chart
represents a quick and easy procedure
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 waterheaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
gasoline vapors can ignite or ex-
plode, causing severe injury or
property damage.U3RV8LE0.book Page 27 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 65 of 74
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-28
7
EAU25972
Troubleshooting chart
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is
enough fuel.
There is
no fuel.
Supply fuel.
Operate the kickstarter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is
no compression.Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wet
DryWipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the kickstarter.
Check the compression.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 28 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 67 of 74

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
8-2
8 off 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. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)
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.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM