Safety information
2-2
2sic motorcycle maintenance.
Certain maintenance can only
be carried out by certified staff.
Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators.
• Make sure that you are qualified and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified oper-
ators.
• Know your skills and limits. Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
• We recommend that you prac- tice riding your motorcycle until
you have become thoroughly
familiar with the motorcycle and
all of its controls.
Many accidents have been
caused by error of the motorcycle
operator. A typical error made by
the operator is veering wide on a
turn due to excessive speed or un-
dercornering (insufficient lean an-
gle for the speed). Never travel
faster than warranted by condi-
tions.
Ride cautiously in unfamiliar ar-
eas. You may encounter hidden
obstacles that could cause an ac-
cident.
The posture of the operator is im-
portant for proper control. The op-
erator should keep both hands on
the handlebar and both feet on the
operator footrests during opera-
tion to maintain control of the mo-
torcycle.
Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
Be sure the transmission is in neu-
tral before starting the engine. Protective Apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the pre-
vention or reduction of head injuries.
Always wear an approved helmet.
Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.
The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective
in preventing or reducing abra-
sions or lacerations.
Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.
Always wear protective clothing
that covers your legs, ankles, and
feet. The engine or exhaust sys-
tem become very hot during or af-
ter operation and can cause
burns.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
UB5181E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:35 AM
Safety information
2-5
2
Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.
Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).
Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
UB5181E0.book Page 5 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM
Instrument and control functions
4-2
4
EAU39852
Shift pe dal
This motorcycle is equipped with a
constant-mesh 4-speed transmission.
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the motorcycle. Neutral is at the
bottom position.
EAU12892
Brake lever
The brake lever is located on the right
side of the handlebar. To apply the
front brake, pull the lever toward the
throttle grip.
1. Shift pedal
1
1. Brake lever
1
UB5181E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM
Instrument and control functions
4-10
4
EAU37491
Si destan d
The sidestand is located on the left
side of the frame. Raise the sidestand
or lower it with your foot while holding
the vehicle upright.
WARNING
EWA14191
The vehicle must not be ri dden with
the si destan d d own, or if the si de-
stan d cannot b e properly move d up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
si destan d coul d contact the groun d
an d d istract the operator, resultin g
in a possi ble loss of control.
EAU68810
Startin g circuit cut-off system
The starting circuit cut-off system pre-
vents starting when the transmission is
in gear.
Periodically check the operation of the
starting circuit cut-off system accord-
ing to the following procedure.
TIP
This check is most reliable if performed
with a warmed-up engine.
UB5181E0.book Page 10 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM
Instrument and control functions
4-11
4
With the engine turned off:
1. Make sure that the engine stop switch
is set to “ ”.
2.
Turn the key to “ON”.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
5. Push the start switch. 4. Keep the front or rear brake applied.
Does the engine start?
6. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
7. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can
be ridden.
The neutral switch may not be working
correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden
until checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The neutral switch may not be working
correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden
until checked by a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system
before riding.
NO YES
YES NO
UB5181E0.book Page 11 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM
Operation and important rid ing points
6-1
6
EAU15952
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
EWA10272
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lea d to loss of con-
trol, which coul d cause an acci dent
or injury.
EAU44815
Startin g an d warmin g up a
col d en gine
1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “ ”.
3. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
WARNING
EWA14411
Be sure to shift the transmission
into neutral before startin g the
en gine.
Never ri de with the si destan d
d own.
4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 4-8.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the start switch or by pushing the
kickstarter lever down.
6. When the engine is warm, turn the starter (choke) off.
TIP
The engine is warm when it responds
quickly to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
NOTICE
ECA11043
For maximum en gine life, never ac-
celerate har d when the en gine is
col d!
UB5181E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM
Operation and important ri din g points
6-2
6
EAU16641
Startin g a warm en gine
Follow the same procedure as for
starting a cold engine with the excep-
tion that the starter (choke) is not re-
quired when the engine is warm.
EAU39902
Shiftin g
This motorcycle has a 4-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.
TIP
To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel.
NOTICE
ECA15442
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, d o not
coast for lon g period s of time
with the en gine off, an d d o not
tow the motorcycle for lon g d is-
tances. The transmission is
properly lu bricated only when
the en gine is runnin g. Ina de-
quate lu brication may damag e
the transmission.
Always release the throttle grip
b efore chan gin g g ears to avoi d
d amag ing the en gine, transmis-
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
1 2
3
4
UB5181E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM
Operation and important rid ing points
6-3
6 sion, an
d d rive train, which are
not desi gne d to withstan d the
shock of shiftin g when the
throttle grip is open.
EAU39912To start out an d accelerate
1. Close the throttle.
2. Shift into first gear and release the shift pedal. NOTICE: Always
close the throttle before shiftin g
g ears, otherwise d amage to the
en gine an d d rive train may re-
sult.
[ECA15462]
3. 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.
EAU16711To 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.
EAU39921
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
accustom the rider to the motorcycle
during this time. Please read the fol-
lowing 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 them-
selves to the correct operating clear-
ances. During this period, prolonged
full-throttle operation or any condition
that might result in engine overheating
must be avoided. However, momen-
tary full-throttle operation under load
(i.e., two to three seconds maximum)
does not harm the engine. Each full-
throttle acceleration should be fol-
lowed 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,
thoroughly check the motorcycle for
loose parts, oil leakage and any other
problems. Be sure to inspect and make
adjustments thoroughly, especially ca-
ble and drive chain slack and loose
spokes. In addition, check all fittings
and fasteners for looseness, and tight-
en if necessary.
NOTICE
ECA10271
If any en gine trou ble shoul d occur
d uring the en gine break-in perio d,
imme diately have a Yamaha d ealer
check the vehicle.
UB5181E0.book Page 3 Monday, April 6, 2015 9:22 AM