Page 80 of 136

Operation and important riding points
6-3
6
EAU67084
ShiftingShifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
This model is equipped with a quick
shifter. See pages 3-3 and 4-18.TIPTo shift into neutral ( ), gently de-
press the shift pedal from 2nd gear, or
slightly raise it while in 1st gear.
NOTICE
ECA22523
When shifting, press the shift
pedal firmly until you feel the
gear shift is complete.
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, nor tow the
motorcycle for long distances.
The transmission is properly lu-
bricated only when the engine is
running. Inadequate lubrication
may damage the transmission.
Except when using the quick
shifter, always pull the clutch le-
ver when changing gears to
avoid damaging the engine,
transmission, and drivetrain.
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 decelerate1. 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.
1. Gear positions
2. Shift pedal
2
1 1
1
N 2 3
4
5
6
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Page 81 of 136

Operation and important riding points
6-4
6
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 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.
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Page 107 of 136

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
7-26
7
EAU22734
Changing the brake fluidHave a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid every 2 years. In addition,
have the seals of the master cylinders
and brake calipers, as well as the brake
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or sooner if they are damaged or
leaking. Brake seals: every 2 years
Brake hoses: every 4 years
EAU22762
Drive chain slackThe drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU2277G
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side- stand.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weight
on the motorcycle.2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
3. Measure the drive chain slack as shown. 4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows. NOTICE: Im-
proper drive chain slack will
overload the engine as well as
other vital parts of the motorcy-
cle and can lead to chain slip-
page or breakage. If the drive
chain slack is more than 35.0
mm (1.38 in), the chain can dam-
age the frame, swingarm, and
other parts. To prevent this from
occurring, keep the drive chain
slack within the specified limits.
[ECA17791]
EAU74260
To adjust the drive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing the drive chain slack.1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock- nut on each side of the swingarm.
1. Drive chain slack
1
Drive chain slack:25.0–35.0 mm (0.98–1.38 in)
UB3LE1E0.book Page 26 Tuesday, August 10, 2021 2:28 PM