Yamaha XSR700 - Owner's Manual > Starting the engine

Under normal conditions, shift the transmission into neutral before starting the engine. To start the engine with the transmission in gear, the sidestand must be up and the clutch lever pulled.

To start the engine

1. Turn the main switch to "ON", and set the engine stop switch to " ".

2. Confirm the following lights perform a circuit check.

• Coolant temperature warning light
• Engine trouble warning light
• Oil pressure warning light
• ABS warning light
• Immobilizer system indicator light

TIP

• The oil pressure warning light should come back on and stay on until the engine is started.
• The ABS warning light should go off after reaching a speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or higher.
• The neutral position indicator light should be on when the transmission is in neutral.

NOTICE

If a warning or indicator light does not work as described above, have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.

3. Shift the transmission into neutral.

4. Push the start switch " " to crank the engine with the starter.

Release the start switch when the engine starts, or after 5 seconds.

Wait 10 seconds before pressing the switch again to allow battery voltage to restore.

NOTICE

For maximum engine life, never accelerate hard when the engine is cold!

Shifting

1. Gear positions
2. Shift pedal

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 illustration.

TIP

To shift the transmission into the neutral position ( ), press the shift pedal down repeatedly until it reaches the end of its travel, and then slightly raise it.

NOTICE

• 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 distances.

  The transmission is properly lubricated only when the engine is running. Inadequate lubrication may damage the transmission.

• Always use the clutch while changing gears to avoid damaging the engine, transmission, and drive train, which are not designed to withstand the shock of forced shifting.

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 throttle, 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 position.) 6. Open the throttle part way and gradually release the clutch lever.

7. Follow the same procedure when shifting to the next higher gear.

To decelerate

1. 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 lever in, use the brakes to slow the motorcycle, and continue to downshift as necessary.

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

• Improper braking can cause loss of control or traction. Always use both brakes and apply them smoothly.
• Make sure that the motorcycle and the engine have sufficiently slowed before shifting to a lower 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 damage.

Tips for reducing fuel consumption

Fuel consumption depends largely on your riding style. Consider the following tips to reduce fuel consumption:

• Shift up swiftly, and avoid high engine speeds during acceleration.
• Do not rev the engine while shifting down, and avoid high engine speeds with no load on the engine.
• Turn the engine off instead of letting it idle for an extended length of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic lights or at railroad crossings).

See also: