YAMAHA TDM 900 2008 Owner's Guide

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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NOTE:

Make sure that the adjusting screw is
turned to one of the four settings.
EAU15030
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly
This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring and rebound and compression
damping force adjusting knobs.
CAUTION:

ECA10100
Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum or
minimum settings.
Spring preload
To increase the spring preload andthereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting ring in direction (a). To de-
crease the spring preload and thereby
soften the suspension, turn the adjust-
ing ring in direction (b).
Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting knob in direction

Damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
2
Maximum (hard):
4
1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Special wrench
3. Position indicator
(a) (b)3
1
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
5
Maximum (hard):
9
1. Rebound damping force adjusting knob
1
(a)
(b)

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting knob in di-
rection (b).
Compression damping force
To increase the compression dampingforce and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting knob
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting knob in direction (b).
NOTE:

Although the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-
ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.
WARNING

EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.

Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinder.

Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.

Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.

Always have a Yamaha dealer
service the shock absorber.
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 clicks in direction (b)*
Standard:
12 clicks in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
3 clicks in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned in
direction (a)
1. Compression damping force adjusting
knob
1
(a)
(b)

Compression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
12 clicks in direction (b)*
Standard:
11 clicks in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned in
direction (a)

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU15140
Luggage strap holders
There are four luggage strap holders
below the passenger seat, two of which
can be turned out for easier access.
EAU15301
Sidestand
The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.
NOTE:

The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING

EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as described
below and have a Yamaha dealer re-pair it if it does not function proper-
ly.
1. Luggage strap holder
1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-20
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EAU44890
Ignition circuit cut-off system
The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.

It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the sid-
estand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.
WARNING

EWA10250
If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system be-
fore riding.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is turned on.
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO

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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15593
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
NOTE:

Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very short
time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING

EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the vehicle.

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
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EAU15605
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-13
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-8
Coolant

Check coolant level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.

Check cooling system for leakage.6-11
Front brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-20, 6-21
Rear brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-20, 6-21
Clutch

Check operation.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-19

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
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Throttle grip

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Check cable free play.

If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-15, 6-25
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate if necessary.6-25
Drive chain

Check chain slack.

Adjust if necessary.

Check chain condition.

Lubricate if necessary.6-22, 6-24
Wheels and tires

Check for damage.

Check tire condition and tread depth.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.6-16, 6-19
Brake and shift pedals

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-25
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-26
Sidestand

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-26
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.

Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches

Check operation.

Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switch

Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.

If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-19
ITEM CHECKS PAGE

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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU15950
WARNING

EWA10270

Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.

Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.

Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
EAU39891
Starting the engine
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.

The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.
WARNING

EWA10290

Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-20.

Never ride with the sidestand
down.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
CAUTION:

ECA15450
The following warning lights and in-
dicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light

Engine trouble warning light

Immobilizer system indicator
light

ABS warning light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-4 for the corre-
sponding warning and indicator
light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
NOTE:

When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTE:

If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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CAUTION:

ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
EAU16671
Shifting
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 il-
lustration.
NOTE:

To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
CAUTION:

ECA10260

Even with the transmission inthe neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
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N2