Yamaha XSR700 - Owner's Manual > Be a Responsible Owner

As the vehicle's owner, you are responsible for the safe and proper operation of your motorcycle.

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 before riding this motorcycle.

He or she should:

• Obtain thorough instructions from a competent source on all aspects of motorcycle operation.
• Observe the warnings and maintenance requirements in this Owner's Manual.
• Obtain qualified training in safe and proper riding techniques.
• Obtain professional technical service as indicated in this Owner's Manual and/or when made necessary by mechanical conditions.
• Never operate a motorcycle without proper training or instruction.

  Take a training course. Beginners should receive training from a certified instructor. Contact an authorized motorcycle dealer to find out about the training courses nearest you.

Safe Riding

Perform the pre-operation checks each time you use the vehicle to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.

• This motorcycle is designed to carry the operator and a passenger.
• 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 motorcycle.

  Making yourself conspicuous appears to be very effective in reducing the chance of this type of accident.

Therefore:

• Wear a brightly colored jacket.
• Use extra caution when you are approaching and passing through intersections, since intersections are the most likely places for motorcycle accidents to occur.
• Ride where other motorists can see you. Avoid riding in another motorist's blind spot.
• Never maintain a motorcycle without proper knowledge.

  Contact an authorized motorcycle dealer to inform you on basic motorcycle maintenance.

  Certain maintenance can only be carried out by certified staff.

Many accidents involve inexperienced operators. In fact, many operators who have been involved in accidents do not even have a current motorcycle license.

• Make sure that you are qualified and that you only lend your motorcycle to other qualified operators.
• Know your skills and limits.

  Staying within your limits may help you to avoid an accident.

• We recommend that you practice riding your motorcycle where there is no traffic until you have become thoroughly familiar with the motorcycle and all of its controls.

Many accidents have been caused by error of the motorcycle operator. A typical error made by the operator is veering wide on a turn due to excessive speed or undercornering (insufficient lean angle for the speed).

• Always obey the speed limit and never travel faster than warranted by road and traffic conditions.
• Always signal before turning or changing lanes. Make sure that other motorists can see you.

The posture of the operator and passenger is important for proper control.

• The operator should keep both hands on the handlebar and both feet on the operator footrests during operation to maintain control of the motorcycle.
• The passenger should always hold onto the operator, the seat strap or grab bar, if equipped, with both hands and keep both feet on the passenger footrests.

  Never carry a passenger unless he or she can firmly place both feet on the passenger footrests.

Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

This motorcycle is designed for on-road use only. It is not suitable for off-road use.

Protective Apparel

The majority of fatalities from motorcycle accidents are the result of head injuries.

The use of a safety helmet is the single most critical factor in the prevention or reduction of head injuries.

Always wear an approved helmet.

Wear a face shield or goggles.

Wind in your unprotected eyes could contribute to an impairment of vision that could delay seeing a hazard.

The use of a jacket, heavy boots, trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions or lacerations.

Never wear loose-fitting clothes, otherwise they could catch on the control levers, footrests, or wheels and cause injury or an accident.

Always wear protective clothing that covers your legs, ankles, and feet. The engine or exhaust system become very hot during or after operation and can cause burns.

A passenger should also observe the above precautions.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and eventually death.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which may be present even if you do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly and you can quickly be overcome and unable to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon monoxide can linger for hours or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open windows and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach dangerous levels.

Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or partially enclosed areas such as barns, garages, or carports.

Do not run engine outdoors where engine exhaust can be drawn into a building through openings such as windows and doors.

Loading

Adding accessories or cargo to your motorcycle can adversely affect stability and handling if the weight distribution of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid the possibility of an accident, use extreme caution when adding cargo or accessories to your motorcycle. Use extra care when riding a motorcycle that has added cargo or accessories.

Here, along with the information about accessories below, are some general guidelines to follow if loading cargo to your motorcycle: The total weight of the operator, passenger, accessories and cargo must not exceed the maximum load limit.

Operation of an overloaded vehicle could cause an accident.

When loading within this weight limit, keep the following in mind:

Cargo and accessory weight should be kept as low and close to the motorcycle as possible. Securely pack your heaviest items as close to the center of the vehicle as possible and make sure to distribute the weight as evenly as possible on both sides of the motorcycle to minimize imbalance or instability.

Shifting weights can create a sudden imbalance. Make sure that accessories and cargo are securely attached to the motorcycle before riding. Check accessory mounts and cargo restraints frequently.

• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-adjustable models only), and check the condition and pressure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front fork, or front fender. These items, including such cargo as sleeping bags, duffel bags, or tents, can create unstable handling or a slow steering response.

This vehicle is not designed to pull a trailer or to be attached to a sidecar.

Genuine Yamaha Accessories

Choosing accessories for your vehicle is an important decision. Genuine Yamaha accessories, which are available only from a Yamaha dealer, have been designed, tested, and approved by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.

Many companies with no connection to Yamaha manufacture parts and accessories or offer other modifications for Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a position to test the products that these aftermarket companies produce.

Therefore, Yamaha can neither endorse nor recommend the use of accessories not sold by Yamaha or modifications not specifically recommended by Yamaha, even if sold and installed by a Yamaha dealer.

Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and Modifications

While you may find aftermarket products similar in design and quality to genuine Yamaha accessories, recognize that some aftermarket accessories or modifications are not suitable because of potential safety hazards to you or others. Installing aftermarket products or having other modifications performed to your vehicle that change any of the vehicle's design or operation characteristics can put you and others at greater risk of serious injury or death. You are responsible for injuries related to changes in the vehicle.

Keep the following guidelines in mind, as well as those provided under "Loading" when mounting accessories.

Never install accessories or carry cargo that would impair the performance of your motorcycle.

Carefully inspect the accessory before using it to make sure that it does not in any way reduce ground clearance or cornering clearance, limit suspension travel, steering travel or control operation, or obscure lights or reflectors.

• Accessories fitted to the handlebar or the front fork area can create instability due to improper weight distribution or aerodynamic changes. If accessories are added to the handlebar or front fork area, they must be as lightweight as possible and should be kept to a minimum.
• Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of the motorcycle due to aerodynamic effects. Wind may attempt to lift the motorcycle, or the motorcycle may become unstable in cross winds. These accessories may also cause instability when passing or being passed by large vehicles.
• Certain accessories can displace the operator from his or her normal riding position. This improper position limits the freedom of movement of the operator and may limit control ability, therefore, such accessories are not recommended.

Use caution when adding electrical accessories. If electrical accessories exceed the capacity of the motorcycle's electrical system, an electric failure could result, which could cause a dangerous loss of lights or engine power.

Aftermarket Tires and Rims

The tires and rims that came with your motorcycle were designed to match the performance capabilities and to provide the best combination of handling, braking, and comfort. Other tires, rims, sizes, and combinations may not be appropriate. For tire specifications and for information on servicing and replacing your tires.

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