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To decrease the rear brake lock lever
cable length, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
WARNING
EWA10650
If proper adjustment cannot be ob-
tained as described, have a Yamaha
dealer make this adjustment.
EAU22392
Checking the front and rear
brake pads
The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU22410
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator, which allows you to
check the brake pad wear without hav-
ing to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake pad wear, check the position
of the wear indicator while applying the
brake. If a brake pad has worn to thepoint that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake pads as a set.
EAU22493
Rear brake pads
1. Remove the rear brake caliper by
removing the bolts.
2. Check each rear brake pad for
damage and measure the lining
thickness. If a brake pad is dam-
aged or if the lining thickness is
less than 0.8 mm (0.03 in), have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
3. Install the rear brake caliper by in-
1. Wear indicator
1
1. Brake caliper bolt
2. Lining thickness
1
2
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stalling the bolts, then tightening
them to the specified torque.
NOTICE
ECA12822
Do not apply the rear brake or rear
brake lock after the brake caliper
has been removed, otherwise the
brake caliper piston will be forced
out.
EAU40260
Checking the brake fluid level
Front brake
Rear brake
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-ing it to become ineffective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake 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 perfor-
mance.
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 or dust does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir
when refilling. Water will signifi-
Tightening torque:
Brake caliper bolt:
40 Nm (4.0 m·kgf, 28.9 ft·lbf)
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
1
1
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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cantly lower the boiling point of the
fluid and may result in vapor lock,
and dirt may clog the ABS hydrau-
lic unit valves.
Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
EAU22731
Changing 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 master cylinders and
calipers as well as the brake hoses re-
placed at the intervals listed below or
whenever they are damaged or leak-
ing.
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU23114
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable
The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
The throttle cable is equipped with a
rubber cover. Make sure that the cover
is securely installed. Even though the
cover is installed correctly, it does not
completely protect the cable from water
entry. Therefore, use care not to pour
water directly onto the cover or cable
when washing the vehicle. If the cable
or cover becomes dirty, wipe clean with
a moist cloth.
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EAU23172
Lubricating the front and rear
brake levers
Front brake lever
Rear brake lever
The pivoting points of the front and rear
brake levers must be lubricated at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
EAU23213
Checking and lubricating the
centerstand and sidestand
The operation of the centerstand and
sidestand should be checked before
each ride, and the pivots and met-
al-to-metal contact surfaces should be
lubricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Silicone grease
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WARNING
EWA10741
If the centerstand or sidestand does
not move up and down smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it. Otherwise, the centerstand or
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
EAU23272
Checking the front fork
The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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EAU45511
Checking the steering
Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place the vehicle on the center-
stand.
WARNING! To avoid inju-
ry, securely support the vehicle
so there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
EAU23291
Checking the wheel bearings
The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU45034
Battery
The battery is located under panel B.
(See page 6-7.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING
EWA10760
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
•EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
•INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
•EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
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Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To access the battery
1. Remove panel B. (See page 6-7.)
2. Remove the rubber cover shown
by removing the quick fasteners.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quickly
if the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
NOTICE
ECA16521
To charge a VRLA (Valve Regulated
Lead Acid) battery, a special (con-
stant-voltage) battery charger is re-
quired. Using a conventional battery
charger will damage the battery.To store the battery
1. If the vehicle will not be used for
more than one month, remove the
battery, fully charge it, and then
place it in a cool, dry place.
NOTICE:
When removing the
battery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then discon-
nect the negative lead before
disconnecting the positive
lead.
[ECA16302]
2. If the battery will be stored for more
than two months, check it at least
once a month and fully charge it if
necessary.
3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation.
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals.
NOTICE
ECA16530
Always keep the battery charged.
Storing a discharged battery can
cause permanent battery damage.
1. Quick fastener
2. Rubber cover
21
1
1. Battery
2. Positive battery lead (red)
3. Negative battery lead (black)
1
2
3
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EAU46310
Replacing the fuses
The main fuse and the fuse box, which
contains the fuses for the individual cir-
cuits, are located under panel B. (See
page 6-7.)
1. Remove panel B. (See page 6-7.)
2. Remove the rubber cover shown
by removing the quick fasteners.
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off
the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then
install a new fuse of the specified
amperage.
WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a higher amperagerating than recommended to
avoid causing extensive dam-
age to the electrical system and
possibly a fire.
[EWA15131]
For XP500For XP500A
For XP500
1. Quick fastener
2. Rubber cover
21
1
1. Main fuse
2. Spare main fuse
1
2
1. Main fuse
2. Spare main fuse
1. Fuse box
1
21