
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTE:_ If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt. _
EC000038
CAUTION:_ l
The oil level warning light and
fuel level warning light should
come on when the start switch
is pushed, and they should go
off when the start switch is re-
leased.
l
If the oil level warning light flick-
ers or remains on after starting,
immediately stop the engine,
and then check the engine oil
level and the vehicle for oil leak-
age. If necessary, add engine
oil, and then check the warning
light again. If the warning light
does not come on when push-
ing the start switch, or if it doesnot go off after starting with suf-
ficient engine oil, have a
Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
l
If the fuel level warning light re-
mains on after starting, stop the
engine, and then check the fuel
level. If necessary, refuel as
soon as possible, and then
check the warning light again. If
the warning light does not come
on when pushing the start
switch, or if it does not go off af-
ter starting with sufficient fuel,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.
_5. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) lever back halfway.
ECA00045
CAUTION:_ For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold! _
6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:_ The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off. _
E_4sv.book Page 2 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU01258
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EAU00423
Shifting 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.NOTE:_ To 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. _
EC000048
CAUTION:_ l
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.
l
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.
_
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
E_4sv.book Page 3 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU02941
Recommended shift points
(for Switzerland only) The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.CF-01ENOTE:_ When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 4th to 2nd gear). _
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:l
Thoroughly warm up the engine.
l
Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.
l
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
l
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
l
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).
EAU00436
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1,000 km. For this rea-
son, you should read the following ma-
terial carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1,000 km. The various parts in the en-
gine wear and polish themselves to the
correct operating clearances. During
this period, prolonged full-throttle oper-
ation or any condition that might result
in engine overheating must be avoided.
Shift point
(km/h)
1st®2nd
2nd®3rd
3rd®4th
4th®5th23
36
50
60
E_4sv.book Page 4 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-5
5
EAU00440*
0–150 kml
Avoid prolonged operation above
5,000 r/min.
l
After every hour of operation, stop
the engine, and then let it cool for
five to ten minutes.
l
Vary the engine speed from time
to time. Do not operate the engine
at one set throttle position.
150–500 km
l
Avoid prolonged operation above
6,000 r/min.
l
Rev the engine freely through the
gears, but do not use full throttle at
any time.
500–1,000 km
l
Avoid prolonged full-throttle oper-
ation.
l
Avoid prolonged operation above
7,000 r/min.
EC000052*
CAUTION:_ After 1,000 km of operation, the en-
gine oil must be changed and the oil
filter cartridge replaced. _1,000 km and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
EC000053
CAUTION:_ l
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.
l
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
_
EAU00460
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
EW000058
WARNING
_ l
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.
l
Do not park on a slope or on
soft ground, otherwise the
motorcycle may overturn.
_
E_4sv.book Page 5 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-2
Removing and installing cowlings ........................ 6-5
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-7
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .......................... 6-9
Checking the coolant level ................................. 6-12
Cleaning the air filter element ............................ 6-13
Adjusting the carburetors ................................... 6-16
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-16
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-17
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-17
Tires ................................................................... 6-17
Cast wheels ....................................................... 6-21
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-21
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-21
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-22
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-24
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-25
Lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-27Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ...................................................... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............ 6-28
Lubricating the rear suspension ........................ 6-28
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-29
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-29
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-30
Battery ............................................................... 6-31
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-32
Replacing a headlight bulb ................................ 6-33
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ..................... 6-34
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...................... 6-35
Supporting the motorcycle ................................ 6-35
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-36
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-38
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-40
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-41
E_4sv.book Page 1 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-3
6
9
*Brake hoses• Check for cracks or damage.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
• Replace. (See NOTE on page 6-4.) Every 4 years
10*Wheels
• Check runout and for damage.ÖÖÖÖ
11*Tires• Check tread depth and for damage.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.ÖÖÖÖ
12*Wheel bearings
• Check bearing for looseness or damage.ÖÖÖÖ
13*Swingarm• Check operation and for excessive play.ÖÖÖÖ
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 50,000 km
14 Drive chain• Check chain slack.
• Make sure that the rear wheel is properly aligned.
• Clean and lubricate.Every 1,000 km and after washing
the motorcycle or riding in the rain.
15*Steering bearings• Check bearing play and steering for roughness.ÖÖÖÖÖ
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 20,000 km
16*Chassis fasteners
• Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
17 Sidestand• Check operation.
• Lubricate.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
18*Sidestand switch
• Check operation.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
19*Front fork
• Check operation and for oil leakage.ÖÖÖÖ
20*Rear shock absorber
assembly• Check operation and shock absorber for oil leakage.ÖÖÖÖ
21*Rear suspension relay
arm and connecting arm
pivoting points• Check operation.ÖÖÖÖ
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.ÖÖ
22*Carburetors• Check starter (choke) operation.
• Adjust engine idling speed and synchronization.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (´
1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
E_4sv.book Page 3 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
EAU03892
NOTE:_ l
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
l
Hydraulic brake and clutch systems
• After disassembling the brake or clutch master cylinders, caliper cylinders or clutch release cylinder, always change
the fluid. Regularly check the brake and clutch fluid levels and fill the reservoirs as required.
• Replace the oil seals on the inner parts of the brake or clutch master cylinders, caliper cylinders and clutch release
cylinder every two years.
• Replace the brake and clutch hoses every four years or if cracked or damaged.
_23 Engine oil
• Change.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
24 Engine oil filter cartridge
• Replace.ÖÖÖ
25
*Cooling system• Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
• Change.Every 3 years
26*Front and rear brake
switches• Check operation.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
27 Moving parts and cables
• Lubricate.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
28*Lights, signals and
switches• Check operation.
• Adjust headlight beam.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (´
1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
E_4sv.book Page 4 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-7
6
EAU03837
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which are easy to check.
Since heat and deposits will cause any
spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plugs should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
To remove a spark plug
1. Remove cowlings A and C. (See
pages 6-5 and 6-6 for cowling re-
moval and installation proce-
dures.)
2. Remove the spark plug cap.3. Remove the spark plug as shown
with the spark plug wrench includ-
ed in the owner’s tool kit.
To check the spark plugs
1. Check that the porcelain insulator
around the center electrode on
each spark plug is a medium-to-
light tan (the ideal color when the
motorcycle is ridden normally).
2. Check that all spark plugs installed
in the engine have the same color.
NOTE:_ If any spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be defec-
tive. Do not attempt to diagnose such
problems yourself. Instead, have a
Yamaha dealer check the motorcycle. _3. Check each spark plug for elec-
trode erosion and excessive car-
bon or other deposits, and replace
it if necessary.
1. Spark plug cap (´ 4)
1. Spark plug wrench
Specified spark plug:
DR8EA (NGK) or
X24ESR-U (DENSO)
E_4sv.book Page 7 Friday, November 10, 2000 3:03 PM