Page 33 of 74

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-2
5
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check cable free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and
grip housing.7-12, 7-19
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.7-19
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.7-17, 7-19
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.7-13, 7-14
Shift pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary.7-16
Brake pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary.7-20
Brake leverMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting point if necessary.7-20
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.7-21
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Engine stop switchCheck operation.4-1 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U3RV8LE0.book Page 2 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 35 of 74

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-2
6
EAU16660
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. Instead, start
the engine with the throttle slightly
open.TIPIf the engine does not start after several
kicks, try again with the throttle 1/4 to
1/2 open.
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
1
12 3N2
U3RV8LE0.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM
Page 36 of 74

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-3
63. 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.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 3 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 38 of 74

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-1
7
EAU41952
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15121
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.
A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 2-1 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17311
Owner’s tool kit The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.TIPIf you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 1 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 40 of 74
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-3
7
EAU41767
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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.
Tires
Wheel bearings 5*
6*NO. ITEM
1*
2*
3*
4*Clutch
Front brake
Rear brake
WheelsCHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBINITIAL THEREAFTER EVERY
10
hours20
hours40
hours80
hours40
hours80
hours160
hours
Whenever worn to the limit
Whenever worn to the limit
Check bearings for smooth operation.Replace if necessary.Check tread depth and for damage.Replace if necessary.Check air pressure.Correct if necessary.Check operation.Adjust if necessary.Check operation.Adjust brake lever free play.Check operation.Adjust brake pedal free play.Replace brake shoes.Replace brake shoes.Check runout, spoke tightness and for
damage.Tighten spokes if necessary.
U3RV8LE0.book Page 3 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 8:48 AM