
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5500–1000 km (300–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8000
r/min.
Rev the engine freely through the
gears, but do not use full throttle at any
time. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600 mi)
of operation, the engine oil must be
changed, the oil filter cartridge or el-
ement replaced, and the oil strainer
cleaned.
 [ECA10322]
1000 km (600 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.NOTICE
ECA10311
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU17214
ParkingWhen parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10312
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.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17245
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition
possible. Safety is an obligation of the
vehicle owner/operator. The most im-
portant points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are ex-
plained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle 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
EWA15123
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 1-3 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.
WARNING
EWA15461
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17303
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replace-
ment, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be per-
formed by any repair establishment or
individual that is certified (if applicable).
Yamaha dealers are trained and
equipped to perform these particular
services.
U5D7E4E0.book  Page 1  Thursday, July 10, 2014  3:01 PM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6 12. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off
and check for the cause.
13. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
14. Reset the oil change indicator.
(See page 3-10.)
EAU20071
CoolantThe coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAUM1726
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.TIPThe coolant level must be
checked on a cold engine since
the level varies with engine tem-
perature.
Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.2. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove
cowling A (See page 6-8.), and
then open the reservoir cap.
WARNING! Remove only the
coolant reservoir cap. Never at-
tempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
[EWA15162]
4. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then close the reservoir
cap. NOTICE: If coolant is not
available, use distilled water or
soft tap water instead. Do not
use hard water or salt water
since it is harmful to the engine.1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level markZAUM1207
FULL
 LOW
2
3
U5D7E4E0.book  Page 13  Thursday, July 10, 2014  3:01 PM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
 [ECA10473]
5. Install the cowling.
EAU33032
Changing the coolant
The coolant must be changed at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart. Have a
Yamaha dealer change the coolant.
WARNING! Never attempt to remove
the radiator cap when the engine is
hot.
 [EWA10382]EAUM2391
Replacing the air filter ele-
ment and cleaning the check 
hoseThe air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Have a Yamaha dealer replace
the air filter element more frequently if
you are riding in unusually wet or dusty
areas. In addition, the air filter check
hose must be frequently checked and
cleaned if necessary.
To clean the air filter check hose
1. Check the hose on the side of the
air filter case for accumulated dirt
or water.2. If dirt or water is visible, remove
the hose, clean it, and then install
it.
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to 
the maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Air filter check hose
U5D7E4E0.book  Page 14  Thursday, July 10, 2014  3:01 PM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6
EAU21402
Valve clearanceThe 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.
EAUM2405
TiresTires 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
EWA10504
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
adjusted in accordance with the
riding speed and with the totalweight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING
EWA10512
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.Tire air pressure (measured on cold 
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
180 kPa (1.80 kgf/cm², 26 psi)
Rear:
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm², 29 psi)
MT125 90–180 kg (198–397 lb)
MT125A 90–178 kg (198–392 lb):
Front:
180 kPa (1.80 kgf/cm², 26 psi)
Rear:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Maximum load*:
MT125 180 kg (397 lb)
MT125A 178 kg (392 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories 
U5D7E4E0.book  Page 16  Thursday, July 10, 2014  3:01 PM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6 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 side-
wall is cracked, have a Yamaha dealer
replace the tire immediately.
TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always com-
ply with the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10472
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.
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.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and 
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
123
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
WARNING
EWA10902
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.
Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.
Use only the tire valves and
valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during a ride.After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING
EWA10601
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.
Brand-new tires can have a rel-
atively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installing a new tire.
The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.
Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operating
conditions.Front tire:
Size:
100/80-17 M/C 52H(PIRELLI)-
52S(MICHELIN)
Manufacturer/model:
PIRELLI/SPORT DEMON
MICHELIN/PILOT STREET
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core:
V3002 (original)
Rear tire:
Size:
130/70-17 M/C 62H(PIRELLI)-
62S(MICHELIN)
Manufacturer/model:
PIRELLI/SPORT DEMON
MICHELIN/PILOT STREET
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core:
V3002 (original)
U5D7E4E0.book  Page 18  Thursday, July 10, 2014  3:01 PM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
67. Tighten the locknut at the crank-
case.
8. Tighten the locknut at the clutch
lever and then slide the rubber
cover to its original position.
EAUT1222
Checking the front brake lever 
free playThe brake lever free play should mea-
sure 2.0–5.0 mm (0.08–0.20 in) as
shown. Periodically check the brake le-
ver free play and, if necessary, have a
Yamaha dealer check the brake sys-
tem.
WARNING
EWA10642
An incorrect brake lever free play in-
dicates a hazardous condition in the
brake system. Do not operate the
vehicle until the brake system has
been checked or repaired by a
Yamaha dealer.
EAUM1354
Adjusting the brake pedal free 
playThe brake pedal free play should mea-
sure 3.5–4.5 mm (0.14–0.18 in) as
shown. Periodically check the brake
pedal free play and, if necessary, have
a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
WARNING
EWAM1031
An incorrect brake pedal free play
indicates a hazardous condition in
the brake system. Do not operate
the motorcycle until the brake sys-
tem has been checked or repaired
by a Yamaha dealer.
1. Brake lever free playZAUM1179
INFOINFO
1. Brake pedal free play
U5D7E4E0.book  Page 20  Thursday, July 10, 2014  3:01 PM