
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.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6
EAU21384
Checking the throttle grip free
play The throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 4.0–6.0 mm (0.16–0.24 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21566
Tires Tires are the only contact between the
vehicle and the road. Safety in all con-
ditions of riding depends on a relatively
small area of road contact. Therefore, it
is essential to maintain the tires in good
condition at all times and replace them
at the appropriate time with the speci-
fied tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10503
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.●
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).
●
The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
1. Throttle grip free play
U1CRE2E0.book Page 13 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube-
less tires, tire air valves and cast
wheels.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of
ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10461
The front and rear tires should be of
the same make and design, other-
wise the handling characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 280 kPa (2.80 kgf/cm², 41 psi)
90–203 kg (198–448 lb): Front:250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 280 kPa (2.80 kgf/cm², 41 psi)
Maximum load*:
203 kg (448 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
U1CRE2E0.book Page 14 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM

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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6
EAU37913
Checking the brake lever free
play There should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever can indicate the presence of air
in the hydraulic system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be- fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the braking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.
EAU22273
Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by
the brake pedal and brake lever, should
come on just before braking takes ef-
fect. If necessary, adjust the rear brake
light switch as follows, but the front
brake light switch should be adjusted
by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing nut while holding the rear 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).
1. No brake lever free play
1
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
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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

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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
EAU22752
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart or in the TIP after
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the brake and clutch master cylin-
ders and calipers as well as the brake
and clutch hoses replaced at the inter-
vals listed below or whenever they are
damaged or leaking.●
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
●
Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
EAU23040
Drive belt slack The drive belt slack should be checked
and adjusted at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
EAU38410
To check the drive belt slack1. Place the vehicle on the sidestand.
2. Note the current position of the drive belt using the marks near the
drive belt check hole.TIPThe marks near the drive belt check
hole are 5.0 mm (0.2 in) apart.
3. Note the position of the drive beltwith a force of 45 N (4.5 kgf, 10 lbf)
applied to the belt with a belt ten-
sion gauge as shown.TIPA belt tension gauge is available at a
Yamaha dealer.4. Calculate the drive belt slack bysubtracting the measurement not-
ed in step 2 from the measurement
noted in step 3.
1. Drive belt
2. Marks2 1
1. Belt tension gauge
2. Drive belt slack
Drive belt slack:
7.5–13.0 mm (0.30–0.51 in)
6 8 10 12 14
1
2
U1CRE2E0.book Page 19 Monday, September 17, 2012 9:05 AM