
Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-8
6
EAU19653
Checking the spark plugsThe spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be
checked periodically, preferably by a
Yamaha dealer. Since heat and depos-
its will cause any spark plug to slowly
erode, they should be removed and
checked in accordance with the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication
chart. In addition, the condition of the
spark plugs can reveal the condition of
the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the
center electrode of each spark plug
should be a medium-to-light tan (the
ideal color when the vehicle is ridden
normally), and all spark plugs installed
in the engine should have the same
color. If any spark plug shows a dis-
tinctly different color, the engine could
be operating improperly. Do not at-
tempt to diagnose such problems
yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of elec-
trode erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the
spark plug gap should be measured
with a wire thickness gauge and, if
necessary, adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and
then wipe off any grime from the spark
plug threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available
when installing a spark plug, a good
estimate of the correct torque is 1/4…
1/2 turn past finger tight. However, the
spark plug should be tightened to the
specified torque as soon as possible.NOTICE
ECA10841
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/LMAR8A-9
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
UB34E0E0.book Page 8 Friday, July 10, 2015 10:31 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-9
6
EAU36111
CanisterThis model is equipped with a canister
to prevent the discharging of fuel vapor
into the atmosphere. Before operating
this vehicle, make sure to check the
following:
Check each hose connection.
Check each hose and canister for
cracks or damage. Replace if
damaged.
Make sure that the canister
breather is not blocked, and if
necessary, clean it.
EAU60471
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridgeThe engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the engine oil level check
window located at the bottom-left
side of the crankcase.TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
ZAUM1386
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil level check window
3. Maximum level mark
4. Minimum level mark
1
2 3
4
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-10
6 4. Remove the engine oil filler cap,
the engine oil drain bolt and its
gasket to drain the oil from the
crankcase.
TIPSkip steps 5…7 if the oil filter cartridge
is not being replaced.5. Remove the oil filter cartridge with
an oil filter wrench.
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.6. Apply a thin coat of clean engine
oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.
TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.7. Install the new oil filter cartridge
with an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
2
1
1. Oil filter wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
2
1
1. O-ring
UB34E0E0.book Page 10 Friday, July 10, 2015 10:31 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-11
6
8. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11621
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 crankcase.
10. 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.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil pressure warning light should go off.NOTICE
ECA20860
If the oil pressure warning light flick-
ers or remains on even if the oil level
is correct, immediately turn the en-
gine off and have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few
minutes until the oil settles, and
then check the oil level and cor-
rect it if necessary.
1. Torque wrenchTightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 31 ft·lbf)1
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
2.30 L (2.43 US qt, 2.02 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
2.60 L (2.75 US qt, 2.29 Imp.qt)
UB34E0E0.book Page 11 Friday, July 10, 2015 10:31 AM
![YAMAHA XSR 700 2017 Owners Manual Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-24
6 occurring, keep the drive chain
slack within the specified limits.
[ECA23070]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both YAMAHA XSR 700 2017 Owners Manual Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-24
6 occurring, keep the drive chain
slack within the specified limits.
[ECA23070]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both](/manual-img/51/53040/w960_53040-70.png)
Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-24
6 occurring, keep the drive chain
slack within the specified limits.
[ECA23070]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both drive chain slack adjusting plates
are in the same position for proper
wheel alignment.
3. Tighten the axle nut, and then
tighten the locknuts to the speci-
fied torques.
4. Make sure that the drive chain
slack adjusting plates are in the
same position, the drive chain
slack is correct, and the drive
chain moves smoothly.
EAU23026
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chainThe drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.NOTICE
ECA10584
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle, riding
in the rain or riding in wet areas.1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging
the O-rings, do not clean the
drive chain with steam cleaners,
high-pressure washers or inap-
propriate solvents.
[ECA11122]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant. NOTICE: Do not use
engine oil or any other lubri-
cants for the drive chain, as they
1. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
1
(a)(b)
1. Alignment marks
2. Drive chain slack adjusting plate
Tightening torques:
Axle nut:
105 Nm (10.5 m·kgf, 76 ft·lbf)
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
2
1
UB34E0E0.book Page 24 Friday, July 10, 2015 10:31 AM

Motorcycle care and storage
7-1
7
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU26015
CareWhile the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov-
ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.
Cleaning
NOTICE
ECA10773
Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts (such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
oughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water
may be used. Be sure to rinse
UB34E0E0.book Page 1 Friday, July 10, 2015 10:31 AM

Motorcycle care and storage
7-3
74. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11132
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
NOTICE
ECA10801
Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.
Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.TIPConsult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
EAU26183
StorageShort-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the mo-
torcycle.NOTICE
ECA10811
Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.
To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
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Motorcycle care and storage
7-4
7 2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to
protect the cylinders, piston rings,
etc. from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine
oil into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then
place the spark plugs on the
cylinder head so that the elec-
trodes are grounded. (This will
limit sparking during the next
step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam-
age or injury from sparking,
make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while
turning the engine over.
[EWA10952]
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and
the pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-29.
TIPMake any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
UB34E0E0.book Page 4 Friday, July 10, 2015 10:31 AM