Yamaha DT501988 User manual

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OWNER'S MANUAL
38 K-28199- 71

A-604 IDENTIFICATION
NUMBERS RECORD
1. KEY NUMBER:
2. VEHICLE NUMBER:
3. ENGINE NUMBER:
Your key identification number is stamped
on your key
as shown in the following illus-
tration.
Record this number
in the space provided for
reference if you need a new key.
Key number
Record your vehicle and engine numbers in
the spaces provided
to assist you in ordering
spare parts from your Yamaha dealer or for
reference in case your vehicle
is stolen. (See
page
3-1)

DT50W
OWNER'S MANUAL
©1988 by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1st Edition, June 1988
All rights reserved. Any reprinting or
unauthorized use without the written
permission of yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
is expressly
prohibited.
Printed in Japan

A-200
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the
Yamaha DT50W. This model
is the result of
Yamaha's vast experience in the production
of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting
racing machines.
It representsthe highdegree
of craftsmanship and reliability that have
made Yamaha a leader
in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding
of the operation, inspection, and basic
maintenance
of this motorcycle. If you have
any questions
about the operation or main-
tenance
of your motorcycle, please consult
a Yamaha dealer.
U-001
NOTE:~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some data in this manual may become out-
dated due to future improvement on this
model. If you have any questions about this
manual or your motorcycle, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
SERVICE DIVISION
MOTORCYCLE GROUP.
YAMAHA MOTOR CO .. LTD.

A-101
U-601
&WARNING:
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CARE-
FULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE
OPERATING THIS MOTORCYCLE.
Particularly important information is distin-
guished
in this manual by the following no-
tations:
NOTE:
A NOTE provides key information to make
procedures easier or clearer.
A CAUTION indicatesspecial proceduresthat
must
be followed to avoid damage to the
motorcycle.
&WARNING:
A WARNING indicates special procedures
that must be followed to avoid injury
to a
motorcycle operator or person inspecting or
repairing the motorcycle.
U-000
NOTE:~~~~~~~~~~~~
This manual should be considered a perma-
nent part of this motorcycle and should re-
main
with it even if the motorcycle is subse-
quently sold.

U-754
LI':, TIPS FOR SAFETY
TWO-WHEELED MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE
USE AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT UPON THE USE OF PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EXPERTISE OF THE OPERATOR.
EVERY OPERATOR SHOULD KNOW THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS BE-
FORE RIDING.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:
1. OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUCTIONS FROM A COMPETENT SOURCE ON
ALL ASPECTS OF MOTORCYCLE OPERATION.
2. OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IN THE
OWNER'S MANUAL.
3. OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
4. OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED BY THE
OWNER'S MANUAL AND/OR WHEN MADE NECESSARY BY MECHANICAL
CONDITIONS.

, ______ ---
SAFE RIDING
1. Always make pre-operation checks. Careful checks may help prevent an ac-
cident.
2. This motorcycle is designed to carry the operator only No passengers.
3. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the
predominating cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents. Many accidents
have been caused by an automobile driver who did not see the mtorcycle.
Making yourself conspicuous appears to be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
a. Wear a brightly colored jacket.
b. Use extra caution when you approach and pass through intersections,
since intersections are the most likely places for motorcycle accidents.
c. Ride where other motorists can see you. Avoid riding in another motorist's
"blind spot."
4. Many accidents involve inexperienced operators. In fact, many operators
who have been involved in accidents do not even have a current motorcycle
license.
a. Make sure you are qualified. Also, only lend your motorcycle to experi-
enced operators.

b. Know your skills and limits. Staying within your limits may help you to
avoid an accident.
c. We recommend that you practice riding your motorcycle where there is
no traffic until you have become thoroughly familiar with your motorcycle
and all of its controls.
5. Many motorcycle accidents have been caused by motorcycle operator errors.
A typical error made by the operator is veering wide on a turn due to EX-
CESSIVE SPEED or undercornering (insufficient lean angle for the speed).
a. Always obey the speed limits and never travel faster than warranted by
road and traffic conditions.
b. Always signal before turning or changing lanes. Make sure other motorists
see you.
6. Operator's posture is important for proper control.
The operator should keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the
operator footrests during operation to maintian control of the motorcycle.
7. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
PROTECTIVE APPAREL
The majority of fatalities from motorcycle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the single most critical factor in the pre-
vention or reduction of head injuries.

- --- ------- ------- ---
1. Always wear an approved helmet.
2. Wear a face shield or goggles. Wind on your unprotected eyes could con-
tribute to an impairment of vision which could delay seeing a hazard.
3. The use of heavy boots, jacket, trousers, gloves, etc. is effective in preventing
or reducing abrations or lacerations.
4. Never wear loose fitting clothing. It could catch on the control levers,
footrests, or wheels and cause injury or accident.
5. Never touch the engine or exhaust system during or after operation. They
become very hot and can cause burns. Always wear protective clothings that
covers your legs, ankles, and feet.
MODIFICATION
Modifications made to the motorcycle not approved by Yamaha, or the removal
of original equipment, may render your motorcycle unsafe for use and may cause
severe personal injury. Modifications may also make your motorcycle illegal to
use.

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES
Adding accessories or cargo to your motorcycle can adversely affect stability
and handling if the weight distribution of the machine is changed. To avoid the
possibility of an accident, extreme caution should be used if adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use extra care if riding a motorcycle which has
added cargo or accessories. Here are some general guidelines to follow if loading
cargo or adding accessories to your motorcycle:
LOADING
The total weight of the operator, accessories and cargo must not exceed
the maximum load limit of 157 lbs. (71 kg).
When loading within these weight limits, keep the following in mind:
1. Cargo and accessory weight should be kept as low and close to the motorcycle
as possible. Be sure to distribute the weight as evenly as possible on both
sides of the machine to minimize imbalance or instability.
2. Shifting weights can create a sudden imbalance. Make sure that accessories
and cargo are securely attached to the motorcycle before riding. Recheck
accessory mounts and cargo restraints frequently.