Yamaha XT500E User manual

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED IN JAPAN
2001·1–1.0×1(E) !4PT-28199-E6
OWNER’S MANUAL
YAMAHA MOTOR CO.,LTD. XT600E
XT500E

INTRODUCTION
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Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of a XT500E/XT600E, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience in and
newest technology for the design and the manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned
Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all your XT500E/XT600E’s
advantages. The owner’s manual does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain
your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help to keep your motorcycle in the best possible
condition. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
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Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY
IS INVOLVED!
Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death to the
motorcycle operator, a bystander or a person inspecting or repairing the motorcycle.
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to
the motorcycle.
A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
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NOTE:
NOTE:
8This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain
with it even if the motorcycle is subsequently sold.
8Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this
manual contains the most current product information available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this manual. If there is any ques-
tion concerning this manual, please consult your Yamaha dealer.
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
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PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING
THIS MOTORCYCLE.
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XT500E/XT600E
OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2000 by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1st Edition, December 2000
All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission of
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in Japan.
EAU03337
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
2 DESCRIPTION
3 INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5 OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
7 MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
8 SPECIFICATIONS
9 CONSUMER INFORMATION
INDEX
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2
1
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4PT-9-E6 (ENG) 1~5 12/27/00 1:28 PM Page 6

GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY ................................................1-1 1
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1-1
Motorcycles are fascinating vehicles, which can give you an unsurpassed feeling of power and free-
dom. However, they also impose certain limits, which you must accept; even the best motorcycle
does not ignore the laws of physics.
Regular care and maintenance are essential for preserving your motorcycle’s value and operating
condition. Moreover, what is true for the motorcycle is also true for the rider: good performance
depends on being in good shape. Riding under the influence of medication, drugs and alcohol is, of
course, out of the question. Motorcycle riders more than car drivers must always be at their mental
and physical best. Under the influence of even small amounts of alcohol, there is a tendency to take
dangerous risks.
Protective clothing is as essential for the motorcycle rider as seat belts are for car drivers and passen-
gers. Always wear a complete motorcycle suit (whether made of leather or tear-resistant synthetic
materials with protectors), sturdy boots, motorcycle gloves and a properly fitting helmet. Optimum pro-
tective wear, however, should not encourage carelessness. Though full-coverage helmets and suits,
in particular, create an illusion of total safety and protection, motorcyclists will always be vulnerable.
Riders who lack critical self-control run the risk of going too fast and are apt to take chances. This is
even more dangerous in wet weather. The good motorcyclist rides safely, predictably and defensively
avoiding all dangers, including those caused by others.
Enjoy your ride!
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QGIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
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DESCRIPTION
Left view .............................................................................................2-1
Right view...........................................................................................2-2
Controls/Instruments ..........................................................................2-3 2
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DESCRIPTION
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2-1
1. Headlight (page 6-29)
2. Fuel cock (page 3-7)
3. Battery (page 6-28)
4. Tool kit (page 6-1)
5. Helmet holder (page 3-9)
6. Rear shock absorber spring preload
adjusting nut (page 3-10)
7. Fuse (page 6-28)
8. Starter (choke) (page 3-8)
9. Shift pedal (page 3-5)
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Left view
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DESCRIPTION
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2-2
10. Air filter (page 6-12)
11. Oil filter (page 6-11)
12. Engine oil dipstick (page 6-10)
13. Rear brake pedal (page 3-5, 6-19)
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Right view
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DESCRIPTION
2-3
14. Clutch lever (page 3-4, 6-18)
15. Left handlebar switches (page 3-3)
16. Speedometer (page 3-2)
17. Main switch/steering lock (page 3-1)
18. Tachometer (page 3-3)
19. Right handlebar switches (page 3-4)
20. Front brake lever (page 3-5, 6-18)
21. Throttle grip (page 6-24)
22. Fuel tank cap (page 3-6)
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2122
Controls/Instruments
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Main switch/steering lock.......................................................................3-1
Indicator lights .......................................................................................3-2
Speedometer.........................................................................................3-2
Tachometer ...........................................................................................3-3
Handlebar switches...............................................................................3-3
Clutch lever............................................................................................3-4
Shift pedal..............................................................................................3-5
Front brake lever ...................................................................................3-5
Rear brake pedal...................................................................................3-5
Fuel tank cap.........................................................................................3-6
Fuel........................................................................................................3-6
Fuel cock...............................................................................................3-7
Starter (choke) “1” ...............................................................................3-8
Seat.......................................................................................................3-9
Helmet holder........................................................................................3-9
Rear shock absorber adjustment.........................................................3-10
Sidestand.............................................................................................3-11
Sidestand/clutch switch operation check.............................................3-12
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3-1
ON
OFF
LOCK
P
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Main switch/steering lock
The main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. Its operation is
described below.
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ON
Electrical circuits are switched on.
The engine can be started. The key
cannot be removed in this position.
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OFF
All electrical circuits are switched off.
The key can be removed in this posi-
tion.
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LOCK
The steering is locked in this position
and all electrical circuits are switched
off.
The key can be removed in this posi-
tion.
To lock the steering, turn the handle-
bars all the way to the left. With the
key at “OFF”, push it into the main
switch and release it, turn it counter-
clockwise to “LOCK” and remove it.
To release the lock, turn the key to
"OFF".
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Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” when the motorcycle is
moving. The electrical circuits will
be switched off which may result
in loss of control or an accident.
Be sure the motorcycle is stopped
before turning the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK”.
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..(Parking)
The steering is locked in this position,
and the taillight and auxiliary light
come on but all other circuits are off.
The key can be removed in this posi-
tion.
To use the parking position, first lock
the steering, then turn the key to “.”.
Do not use this position for an
extended length of time as the bat-
tery may discharge.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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1 2
1. Push 2. Turn
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3-2
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Indicator lights
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Turn indicator light “ 5”
This indicator flashes when the turn
switch is moved to the left or right.
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Neutral indicator light “N”
This indicator comes on when the
transmission is in neutral.
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High beam indicator light “&”
This indicator comes on when the
headlight high beam is used.
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Speedometer
The speedometer shows riding
speed. This speedometer is equipped
with an odometer and trip odometer.
The trip odometer can be reset to “0”
with the reset knob. Use the trip
odometer to estimate how far you
can ride on a tank of fuel. This infor-
mation will enable you to plan fuel
stops in the future.
1. High beam indicator light “&”
2. Neutral indicator light “N”
3. Turn indicator light “5”
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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1. Speedometer
2. Odometer
3. Trip odometer
4. Reset knob
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3-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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&N
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Tachometer
This model is equipped with a
tachometer so the rider can monitor
the engine speed and keep it within
the ideal power range.
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Do not operate in the red zone.
Red zone: 7,000 r/min and above
1. Tachometer
2. Red zone
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Handlebar switches
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Lights switch
Turning the light switch to “'”,
turns on the auxiliary light, meter
lights and taillight. Turning the light
switch to “:”, turns the headlight on
also.
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Pass switch “&”
Press the switch to operate the pass-
ing light.
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Dimmer switch
Turn the switch to “&” for the high
beam and to “%” for the low beam.
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Turn signal switch
To signal a right-hand turn, push the
switch to “)”. To signal a left-hand
turn, push the switch to “(”. Once
the switch is released it will return to
the center position. To cancel the sig-
nal, push the switch in after it has
returned to the center position.
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Horn switch “*”
Press the switch to sound the horn.
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1. Lights switch
2. Pass switch “&”
3. Dimmer switch
4. Turn signal switch
5. Horn switch “*”
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3-4
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Engine stop switch
The engine stop switch is a safety
device for use in an emergency such
as when the motorcycle overturns or
if trouble occurs in the throttle sys-
tem. Turn the switch to “#” to start
the engine.
In case of emergency, turn the switch
to “$” to stop the engine.
1. Engine stop switch
2. Start switch “,”
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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Start switch “,”
The starter motor cranks the engine
when pushing the start switch.
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See starting instructions prior to
starting the engine.
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Clutch lever
The clutch lever is located on the left
handlebar, and the ignition circuit cut-
off system is incorporated in the
clutch lever holder. Pull the clutch
lever to the handlebar to disengage
the clutch, and release the lever to
engage the clutch. The lever should
be pulled rapidly and released slowly
for smooth clutch operation. (Refer to
the engine starting procedures for a
description of the ignition circuit cut-
off system.)
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1. Clutch lever
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3-5
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1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral
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Shift pedal
This motorcycle is equipped with a
constant-mesh 5-speed transmission.
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in
combination with the clutch when
shifting.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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Front brake lever
The front brake lever is located on
the right handlebar. Pull it toward the
handlebar to apply the front brake.
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Rear brake pedal
The rear brake pedal is on the right
side of the motorcycle. Press down
on the brake pedal to apply the rear
brake.
1. Front brake lever
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1. Rear brake pedal
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3-6
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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Fuel tank cap
To open
Insert the key and turn it 1/4 turn
counterclockwise. Turn the cap 1/3
turn counterclockwise and remove it
from the tank.
To close
Put the cap in the filler neck and turn
it 1/3 turn clockwise. Lock the cap by
turning the key 1/4 turn clockwise,
and remove the key.
1. Unlock
2. Open
NOTE:
The tank cap cannot be reinstalled
unless it is unlocked. The key must
remain in the cap until the cap is
properly installed and locked onto the
fuel tank.
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Be sure the cap is properly
installed and locked in place
before riding the motorcycle.
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1. Filler tube
2. Fuel level
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Fuel
Make sure there is sufficient fuel in
the tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bot-
tom of the filler tube as shown in the
illustration. EW000130
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Do not overfill the fuel tank. Avoid
spilling fuel on the hot engine. Do
not fill the fuel tank above the bot-
tom of the filler tube or it may
overflow when the fuel heats up
later and expands.
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