
Operation and important ri din g points
5-3
5
2. Shift the transmission into first
gear. The neutral indicator light
should go out.
3. Open the throttle gradually, and at the same time, release the clutch
lever slowly.
4. After starting out, close the throt- tle, and at the same time, quickly
pull the clutch lever in.
5. Shift the transmission into second gear. (Make sure not to shift the
transmission into the neutral posi-
tion.)
6. Open the throttle part way and gradually release the clutch lever.
7. Follow the same procedure when shifting to the next higher gear.
EAU85380
To decelerate
1. Release the throttle and apply both the front and the rear brakes
smoothly to slow the motorcycle.
2. As the vehicle decelerates, shift to a lower gear. 3. When the engine is about to stall
or runs roughly, pull the clutch le-
ver in, use the brakes to slow the
motorcycle, and continue to
downshift as necessary.
4. Once the motorcycle has stopped, the transmission can be
shifted into the neutral position.
The neutral indicator light should
come on and then the clutch lever
can be released.
WARNING
EWA17380
Improper brakin g can cause
loss of control or traction. Al-
ways use b oth brakes an d apply
them smoothly.
Make sure that the motorcycle
and the en gine have sufficiently
slowe d b efore shiftin g to a low-
er gear. En gag in g a lower gear
when the vehicle or en gine
spee d is too hi gh coul d make
the rear wheel lose traction or
the en gine to over-rev. This
coul d cause loss of control, an acci
dent an d injury. It coul d also
cause en gine or d rive train dam-
a g e.
UB5BE0E0.book Page 3 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM

Operation and important rid ing points
5-4
5
EAU16811
Tips for re ducin g fuel con-
sumptionFuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the follow-
ing tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the en-
gine.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16842
Engine break-inThere is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the fol-
lowing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that
might result in engine overheating
must be avoided.
EAU17094
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 5600
r/min. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600
mi) of operation, the en gine oil must
b e chan ged an d the oil filter car-
tri dg e or element replace d.
[ECA10303]
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6700
r/min. 1600 km (1000 mi) an
d b eyon d
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10311
Keep the en gine spee d out of
the tachometer red zone.
If any en gine trou ble shoul d oc-
cur during the en gine break-in
period , imme diately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
UB5BE0E0.book Page 4 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-8
6
EAU72800
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 service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.30 *Li
ghts, si gnals an d
switches • Check operation.
• Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
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)
UB5BE0E0.book Page 8 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-10
6
EAU19653
Checkin g the spark plug sThe 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 plu
g cap, otherwise
the i gnition coil coupler may get
d amag ed . The spark plu g cap may
b e difficult to remove because the
ru bber seal on the en d of the cap fits
ti g htly. To remove the spark plu g
cap, simply twist it back an d forth
while pullin g it out; to install it, twist
it back an d forth while pushin g it in.
Specified spark plu g:
NGK/MR9K9
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plu g g ap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Spark plug: 13 N·m (1.3 kgf·m, 9.6 lb·ft)
UB5BE0E0.book Page 10 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-20
6
EAU37914
Checkin g the brake lever free
playThere should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14212
A soft or spon gy feelin g in the brake
lever can in dicate the presence of
air in the hy draulic system. If there is
air in the hy draulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer blee d the system be-
fore operatin g the vehicle. Air in the
hy draulic system will diminish the b
rakin g performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control an d an acci-
d ent.
EAU36505
Brake li ght switchesThe brake light should come on just
before braking takes effect. The brake
light is activated by switches connect-
ed to the brake lever and brake pedal.
Since the brake light switches are
components of the anti-lock brake sys-
tem, they should only be serviced by a
Yamaha dealer.
1. No brake lever free play
1
UB5BE0E0.book Page 20 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-32
6
TIPTo access the ABS motor fuse, remove
the starter relay cover by pulling it up-
ward.
To access fuse box 2, fuse box 3, the
brake light fuse, and the cruise control
fuse, remove panel A. (See page 6-9.)
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.1. Turn the main switch off and turn off the electrical circuit in ques-
tion.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then install a new fuse of the specified
amperage. WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a hi gher ampera ge
ratin g than recommen ded to
1. Fuel injection system fuse
2. ABS solenoid fuse
3. Electronic throttle valve fuse
4. Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
5. Heater fuse
6. Spare fuse
1234
65
1. Starter relay cover
2. ABS motor spare fuse
3. ABS motor fuse
1. Fuse box 2
2. Fuse box 3
3. Cruise control fuse
4. Brake light fuse
2 3
1
2
3
41
1. Signaling system fuse
2. ABS control unit fuse
3. Accessory fuse
4. Ignition fuse
5. Hazard fuse
6. Terminal fuse 1 (for auxiliary DC jack)
7. Terminal fuse 2 (for auxiliary DC jack)
8. Headlight fuse
9. Right radiator fan motor fuse
10.Left radiator fan motor fuse
11.Spare fuse
11 1
2
3
11
10 9876 5 4
UB5BE0E0.book Page 32 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM
![YAMAHA NIKEN GT 2019 Owners Manual Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-33
6 avoi
d causin g extensive d am-
a g e to the electrical system an d
possi bly a fire.
[EWA15132]
3. Turn the main switch on and turn
on the electrical cir YAMAHA NIKEN GT 2019 Owners Manual Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-33
6 avoi
d causin g extensive d am-
a g e to the electrical system an d
possi bly a fire.
[EWA15132]
3. Turn the main switch on and turn
on the electrical cir](/manual-img/51/51050/w960_51050-91.png)
Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-33
6 avoi
d causin g extensive d am-
a g e to the electrical system an d
possi bly a fire.
[EWA15132]
3. Turn the main switch on and turn
on the electrical circuit in question
to check if the device operates.
4. If the fuse immediately blows again, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical system.
EAU72980
Vehicle lig htsThis model is equipped with full-LED
lighting. There are no user replaceable
bulbs.
If a light does not come on, check the
fuses and then have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.NOTICE
ECA16581
Do not affix any type of tinte d film or
stickers to the hea dlig ht lens.
Specifie d fuses:
Main fuse: 50.0 A
ABS motor fuse:
30.0 A
Cruise control fuse: 1.0 A
Brake light fuse: 1.0 A
Specifie d fuses (fuse box 1):
Fuel injection system fuse: 25.0 A
ABS solenoid fuse: 20.0 A
Electronic throttle valve fuse:
7.5 A
Backup fuse: 7.5 A
Heater fuse: 10.0 A
Specifie d fuses (fuse box 2):
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 A
ABS control unit fuse:
5.0 A
Accessory fuse: 5.0 A
Ignition fuse: 15.0 A
Specifie d fuses (fuse box 3):
Hazard fuse: 7.5 A
Te r m i n a l f u s e 1 : 2.0 A
Te r m i n a l f u s e 2 :
2.0 A
Radiator fan motor fuse: 10.0 A × 2
Headlight fuse: 10.0 A
1. Auxiliary light
2. Headlight (low beam)
3. Headlight (high beam)
1
2
3
1
2
3
UB5BE0E0.book Page 33 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-2
7
chemicals such as, solvents,
g
asoline, rust removers, b rake
flui d, or antifreeze, etc.
Before washin g
1. Park the vehicle out of direct sun- light and allow it to cool. This will
help avoid water spots.
2. Make sure all caps, covers, elec- trical couplers and connectors are
tightly installed.
3. Cover the muffler end with a plas- tic bag and a strong rubber band.
4. Pre-soak stubborn stains like in- sects or bird droppings with a wet
towel for a few minutes.
5. Remove road grime and oil stains with a quality degreasing agent
and a plastic-bristle brush or
sponge. NOTICE: Do not use
d eg reasin g a gent on areas re-
quirin g lu brication such as
seals, gaskets, an d wheel axles.
Follow pro duct instructions.
[ECA26290]
Washin g
1. Rinse off any degreaser and spray down the vehicle with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure
to do the job. Avoid spraying wa-
ter directly into the muffler, instru-
ment panel, air inlet, or other inner
areas such as underseat storage
compartments.
2. Wash the vehicle with a quality au- tomotive-type detergent mixed
with cool water and a soft, clean
towel or sponge. Use an old tooth-
brush or plastic-bristle brush for
hard-to-reach places. NOTICE:
Use col d water if the vehicle has
b een exposed to salt. Warm wa-
ter will increase salt’s corrosive
properties.
[ECA26301]
3. For windshield-equipped vehicles: Clean the windshield with a soft
towel or sponge dampened with
water and a pH neutral detergent.
If necessary, use a high-quality
windshield cleaner or polish for
motorcycles. NOTICE: Never use
any stron g chemicals to clean
the wind shield. Additionally,
some cleanin g compoun ds for plastic may scratch the win
d-
shiel d, so b e sure to test all
cleanin g pro ducts before gen-
eral application.
[ECA26310]
4. Rinse off thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to remove all deter-
gent residues, as they can be
harmful to plastic parts.
After washin g
1. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or absorbent towel, preferably mi-
crofiber terrycloth.
2. For drive chain-equipped models: Dry and then lubricate the drive
chain to prevent rust.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum, and stainless
steel parts. Often the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.
4. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal parts including
chrome or nickel-plated surfaces.
WARNING! Do not apply sili- cone or oil spray to seats, han d
g rips, ru bber foot pe gs or tire
trea ds. Otherwise these parts
UB5BE0E0.book Page 2 Friday, September 7, 2018 10:34 AM