Page 42 of 88

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5dicator light remains on, see page
3-4 for the corresponding warning
and indicator light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position. The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the start switch.
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.NOTICE
ECA11042
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
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.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U1CRE2E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 48 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770F
General maintenance and lubrication chart NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
1 *Air filter element Replace. √
2 *Clutch Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√
3 *Front brake Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses Check for cracks or damage.
Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Brake fluid Replace. Every 2 years
7 *Wheels Check runout and for damage. √√√√
8 *Tires Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary. √√√√√
9 *Wheel bearings Check bearing for looseness or
damage. √√√√
10 *Swingarm Check operation and for exces-
sive play. √√√√
U1CRE2E0.book Page 4 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 49 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
6
11*Drive belt Check belt condition.
Replace if damaged.
Check belt tension.
Make sure that the rear wheel is
properly aligned. Every 4000 km (2500 mi)
12 *Steering bearings Check bearing play and steering
for roughness. √√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
13 *Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened. √√√√√
14 Brake lever pivot
shaft
Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
15 Brake pedal pivot
shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
16 Clutch lever pivot
shaft Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
17 Shift pedal pivot
shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
18 Sidestand Check operation.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
19 *Sidestand switch Check operation. √√√√√√
20 *Front fork Check operation and for oil leak-
age. √√√√
21 *Shock absorber as-
sembly Check operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage. √√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
U1CRE2E0.book Page 5 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 51 of 88
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-7
6
EAU36772
TIP●
Air filter This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com- pressed air to avoid damaging it.
The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
●
Hydraulic brake and clutch service Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid and clutch fluid levels.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers as well as clutch master and release cylinders, and change the brake and clutch fluids.
Replace the brake and clutch hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
U1CRE2E0.book Page 7 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 56 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
6
NOTICE
ECA15080
●
In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.
●
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the oil tank.
15. Install the engine oil filler cap.
16. Start the engine, and then let it idlefor several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
17. Turn the engine off, and then check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
18. Install the rider seat.
EAU20051
Transfer case oil The transfer case must be checked for
oil leakage before each ride. If any
leakage is found, have a Yamaha deal-
er check and repair the vehicle. In addi-
tion, the transfer case oil level should
be checked and the oil must be
changed by a Yamaha dealer at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart.
EAU36764
Air filter element The air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
U1CRE2E0.book Page 12 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 59 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6
WARNING
EWA10471
●
Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.
●
The replacement of all wheel
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience to do so.
●
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
EAU21962
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.●
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or oth-
er damage before each ride. If any
damage is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the wheel. Do not
attempt even the smallest repair to
the wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
●
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU22073
Clutch lever Since this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch lever
free play is not needed. However, it is
necessary to check the clutch fluid level
and check the hydraulic system for
leakage before each ride. (See page
6-17.) If the clutch lever free play does
become excessive, and shifting be-
comes rough or clutch slippage occurs,
causing poor acceleration, there may
be air in the clutch system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the motorcycle.
Front tire: Size:
130/70R18M/C 63H
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D251F L
Rear tire: Size:
190/60R17M/C 78H
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/D251
U1CRE2E0.book Page 15 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 61 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6
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.
EAU43431
Front brake pads
The front brake calipers are equipped
with two sets of brake pads.
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator groove, which allows
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check a brake pad for wear, check
its wear indicator groove. If a brake pad
has worn to the point that the wear indi-cator groove has almost disappeared,
have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
EAU22500
Rear brake pads
Check each rear brake pad for damage
and measure the lining thickness. If a
brake pad is damaged 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.
EAU38631
Checking the brake and clutch
fluid levels Before riding, check that the brake and
clutch fluids are above the minimum
level marks. Check the brake and
clutch fluid levels with the tops of the
reservoirs level. Replenish the brake
and clutch fluids if necessary.
Front brake
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1
1
1. Lining thickness
1. Minimum level mark
U1CRE2E0.book Page 17 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM
Page 62 of 88

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6Rear brake
Clutch
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
under the rider seat. (See page 3-16.)
WARNING
EWA16000
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability or clutch oper-
ation. Observe these precautions:●
Insufficient brake or clutch fluid
may allow air to enter the brake
or clutch system, reducing
braking or clutch performance.
●
Clean the filler caps before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
●
Use only the specified brake flu-
id; otherwise, the rubber seals
may deteriorate, causing leak-
age.
●
Refill with the same type of
brake fluid. Adding a brake fluid
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.
●
Be careful that water does not
enter the brake or clutch fluid
reservoir when refilling. Water will significantly lower the boil-
ing point of the fluid and may re-
sult in vapor lock.
NOTICE
ECA17640
Brake fluid may damage painted sur-
faces or plastic parts. Always clean
up spilled fluid immediately.As the brake pads wear, it is normal for
the brake fluid level to gradually go
down. A low brake fluid level may indi-
cate worn brake pads and/or brake sys-
tem leakage; therefore, be sure to
check the brake pads for wear and the
brake system for leakage. A low clutch
fluid level may indicate clutch system
leakage; therefore, be sure to check the
clutch system for leakage. If the brake
or clutch fluid level goes down sudden-
ly, have a Yamaha dealer check the
cause before further riding.
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
Specified brake and clutch fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid
U1CRE2E0.book Page 18 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM