
For your safety – pre-operation checks
4-2
4
Rear brake• Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-21, 6-22
Clutch• Check operation.
• Lubricate cable if necessary.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.6-19
Throttle grip• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check throttle grip free play.
• If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate ca-
ble and grip housing.6-17, 6-26
Control cables• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-26
Drive chain• Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-23, 6-25
Wheels and tires•Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.6-17, 6-19
Brake and shift pedals• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-26
Brake and clutch levers• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-27
Sidestand• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-28 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
UBW3E0E0.book Page 2 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Operation and important riding points
5-3
5
EAU16674
ShiftingShifting 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.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position ( ), press the shift pedal
down repeatedly until it reaches the
end of its travel, and then slightly raise
it.
NOTICE
ECA10261
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
EAU85370
To start out and accelerate
1. Pull the clutch lever to disengage
the clutch.
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.
1. Gear positions
2. Shift pedal
1 2 3 4 5
6
12
N
UBW3E0E0.book Page 3 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Operation and important riding points
5-4
5 The neutral indicator light should
come on and then the clutch lever
can be released.
WARNING
EWA17380
Improper braking can cause
loss of control or traction. Al-
ways use both brakes and apply
them smoothly.
Make sure that the motorcycle
and the engine have sufficiently
slowed before shifting to a low-
er gear. Engaging a lower gear
when the vehicle or engine
speed is too high could make
the rear wheel lose traction or
the engine to over-rev. This
could cause loss of control, an
accident and injury. It could also
cause engine or drive train dam-
age.
EAU16811
Tips for reducing 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).
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.
UBW3E0E0.book Page 4 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-6
6
11*Wheel bearings• Check bearing for looseness or
damage.√√√√
12*Swingarm pivot
bearings• Check operation and for exces-
sive play.√√√√
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
13 Drive chain• Check chain slack, alignment and
condition.
• Adjust and lubricate chain with a
special O-ring chain lubricant
thoroughly.Every 1000 km (600 mi) and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain or
riding in wet areas
14*Steering bearings• Check bearing assemblies for
looseness.√√ √
• Moderately repack with lithium-
soap-based grease.√√
15*Chassis fasteners• Make sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.√√√√√
16Brake lever pivot
shaft• Lubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
17Brake pedal pivot
shaft• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.√√√√√
18Clutch lever pivot
shaft• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.√√√√√
19Shift pedal pivot
shaft• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.√√√√√ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)
UBW3E0E0.book Page 6 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-19
6Tires 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
EWA10462
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.
EAU21945
Spoke wheelsTo maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of the vehicle,
note the following points.
Check each wheel for cracks, de-
formation and other damage. If
any damage is found, have the
wheel inspected by your Yamaha
dealer. Do not attempt to repair or
straighten a bent or damaged
wheel.
Check the spokes for looseness. If
any loose spokes are found, have
the wheel adjusted by your
Yamaha dealer. Improperly tight-
ened spokes can cause wheel
misalignment.
Have the wheel balanced whenev-
er the tire or tube has been re-
placed. An unbalanced wheel can
result in adverse handling charac-
teristics and shortened tire life.
WARNING
EWA10611
The wheels on this model are not
designed for use with tubeless tires.
Do not attempt to use tubeless tires
on this model.
EAU33893
Adjusting the clutch lever free
playMeasure the clutch lever free play as
shown.
Periodically check the clutch lever free
play and, if necessary, adjust it as fol-
lows.
To increase the clutch lever free play,
turn the clutch lever free play adjusting
bolt at the clutch lever in direction (a).
To decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
Front tire:
Size:
90/90 - 21 M/C 54V M+S
Manufacturer/model:
PIRELLI/SCORPION RALLY STR
A
Rear tire:
Size:
150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S
Manufacturer/model:
PIRELLI/SCORPION RALLY STR
1. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Clutch lever free playClutch lever free play:
5.0–10.0 mm (0.20–0.39 in)
1
(a)
(b)
2
UBW3E0E0.book Page 19 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-20
6
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play
cannot be obtained as described
above, proceed as follows.1. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
2. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
3. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting nut in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection (b).
4. Tighten the locknut.
EAU37914
Checking 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 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 thebraking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
2
(b)
(a)
1
1. No brake lever free play
1
UBW3E0E0.book Page 20 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-21
6
EAU36505
Brake light 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.
EAU22393
Checking the front and rear
brake padsThe front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU22433
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with
wear indicator grooves, which allow
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator grooves. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wearindicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
EAU46292
Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with
wear indicator grooves, which allow
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator grooves. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that a wear
indicator groove almost appears, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1 1
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1
UBW3E0E0.book Page 21 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-27
6
EAU23144
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch leversThe operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Brake lever
Clutch lever
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricants:
Brake lever:
Silicone grease
Clutch lever:
Lithium-soap-based grease
UBW3E0E0.book Page 27 Friday, May 24, 2019 11:01 AM