check engine YAMAHA TDM 900 2009 User Guide
Page 43 of 94
 
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS 
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tral position. (See page 5-2.) The
neutral indicator light should come
on. If not, ask a Yamaha dealer to
check the electrical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.  
NOTICE: 
 For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!
 
[ECA11041] 
 
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt. 
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.
TIP
 
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.
NOTICE
 
 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
1 2 3
4 5 6
N2 
Page 44 of 94
 
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS 
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EAU16810 
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 en-
gine 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 let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings). 
EAU16841 
Engine break-in  
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided. 
EAU17101 
0–1000 km (0–600 mi) 
Avoid prolonged operation above
4000 r/min.  
NOTICE: 
 After 1000
km (600 mi) of operation, the en-
gine oil must be changed, and
the oil filter element re-
placed.
 
[ECA11151] 
  
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi) 
Avoid prolonged operation above 6000 
r/min. 
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond  
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
 
 ECA10310 
● 
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone. 
● 
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi- 
cle. 
Page 49 of 94
 
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 
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19
 
Shift pedal pivot 
shaft 
● 
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based 
grease.
 
√√√√√ 
20
 
Sidestand 
● 
Check operation. 
● 
Lubricate. 
√√√√√ 
21
 
* 
Sidestand switch 
● 
Check operation. 
√√√√√√ 
22
 
* 
Front fork 
● 
Check operation and for oil 
leakage. 
√√√√ 
23
 
* 
Shock absorber 
assembly 
● 
Check operation and shock 
absorber for oil leakage. 
√√√√ 
24
 
* 
Rear suspension 
relay arm and 
connecting arm 
pivoting points 
● 
Check operation. 
√√√√ 
● 
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based 
grease.
 
√√ 
25
 
* 
Fuel injection 
● 
Adjust engine idling speed and 
synchronization. 
√√√√√√ 
26
 
Engine oil 
● 
Change. 
● 
Check oil level and vehicle for oil 
leakage. 
√√√√√√ 
27
 
Engine oil filter 
element 
● 
Replace. 
√√√ 
28
 
* 
Cooling system 
● 
Check coolant level and vehicle 
for coolant leakage. 
√√√√√ 
● 
Change. Every 3 years 
29
 
* 
Front and rear brake 
switches 
● 
Check operation. 
√√√√√√ 
30
 
Moving parts and 
cables 
● 
Lubricate. 
√√√√√ 
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL 
CHECK 1000 km 
(600 mi)10000 km 
(6000 mi)20000 km 
(12000 mi)30000 km 
(18000 mi)40000 km 
(24000 mi) 
Page 52 of 94
 
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 
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To install the cowling
Place the cowling in the original posi-
tion, and then install the screws and the
quick fastener.TIP
 
To install the quick fastener, push the
center pin out so that it will protrude
from the fastener head, insert the fas-
tener into the cowling, and then push
the protruding pin in until it is flush with 
the fastener head. 
EAU19171 
Panels A and B 
To remove one of the panels
1. Remove the corresponding cowl-
ing A or B. (See page 6-6.)
2. Remove the seat. (See
page 3-16.)
3. Remove the screw, and then take
the panel off.To install the panel
1. Place the panel in the original po-
sition, and then install the screw.
2. Install the seat and the cowling.
 
EAU19642 
Checking the spark plugs  
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced. 
1. Screw
1. Panel A
1
1 
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Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIP
 
If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci- 
fied torque as soon as possible. 
EAU19835 
Engine oil and oil filter 
element  
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.  
To check the engine oil level  
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for 15
minutes, and then turn it off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in and with the arrow
mark pointing upward as shown),
and then remove it again to check
the oil level.   
WARNING! Never re-
move the engine oil tank cap af-
ter high-speed operation,
otherwise hot engine oil could
 
Specified spark plug: 
NGK/DPR8EA-9
DENSO/X24EPR-U9 
1.  Spark plug gap 
Spark plug gap: 
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1
 
Tightening torque: 
Spark plug:
17.5 Nm (1.75 m·kgf, 12.7 ft·lbf) 
Page 56 of 94
 
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 
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10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
11. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
 
EAU20070 
Coolant  
The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. 
EAU38583 
To check the coolant level 
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
TIP
 
● 
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature. 
● 
Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the 
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
TIP
 
The coolant should be between the 
minimum and maximum level marks. 
For TDM900
For TDM900A  
3. If the coolant is at or below the 
1. “CD” specification
2.  “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2
 
1. Coolant reservoir
2.  Maximum level mark
3.  Minimum level mark
1.  Maximum level mark
2. Coolant reservoir
3.  Minimum level mark
1 2
33 1
2 
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minimum level mark, remove pan-
el B for TDM900 or panel A for
TDM900A (See page 6-6.), re-
move the reservoir cap, add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark,
and then install the reservoir cap
and the panel.  
WARNING! Re-
move only the coolant reservoir
cap. Never attempt to remove
the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
 
[EWA15161] 
  
NOTICE: 
 If
coolant is not available, use dis-
tilled water or soft tap water in-
stead. Do not use hard water or
salt water since it is harmful to
the engine. If water has been
used instead of coolant, replace
it with coolant as soon as possi-
ble, otherwise the cooling sys-
tem will not be protected
against frost and corrosion. If
water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be re-
duced. 
[ECA10472] 
  
For TDM900
For TDM900A 
EAU27054 
Replacing the air filter element  
The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the seat. (See
page 3-16.)
2. Remove cowlings A and B as well
as panels A and B. (See
page 6-6.)
3. Remove the fuel tank bolts.
TIP
 
For TDM900, skip steps 4 and 12. 
1.  Coolant reservoir cap
1.  Coolant reservoir cap 
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the 
maximum level mark): 
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1
1
 
1. Bolt
1 
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11. Install the fuel tank bolts.
12. Install the rear brake fluid reservoir
holder by installing the bolt.
13. Install the panels and cowlings.
14. Install the seat.
 
EAU34301 
Adjusting the engine idling 
speed  
The engine idling speed must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted as
follows at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
The engine should be warm before
making this adjustment.
Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, adjust it to specification by
turning the idle adjusting screw. To in-
crease the engine idling speed, turn the
screw in direction (a). To decrease the
engine idling speed, turn the screw in
direction (b).
TIP
 
If the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have a 
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment. 
1.  Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
2. Fuel hose
1.  Original position (paint mark)
12
1
 
1.  Idle adjusting screw 
Engine idling speed:  
1100–1200 r/min
1(a)
(b) 
Page 60 of 94
 
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 
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EAU21382 
Checking the throttle cable 
free play  
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it. 
EAU21401 
Valve clearance  
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. 
EAU33042 
Tires  
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.  
Tire air pressure  
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
 
EWA10501 
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control. 
● 
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature). 
● 
The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved 
1.  Throttle cable free play
1 
Page 69 of 94
 
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EAU23101 
Checking and lubricating the 
cables  
The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it. 
WARNING! Damage to the outer
sheath may interfere with proper ca-
ble operation and will cause the in-
ner cable to rust. Replace a
damaged cable as soon as possible
to prevent unsafe conditions. 
[EWA10721] 
  
EAU23111 
Checking and lubricating the 
throttle grip and cable  
The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart. 
EAU44271 
Checking and lubricating the 
brake and shift pedals  
The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary. 
Recommended lubricant: 
Engine oil 
Recommended lubricant:  
Lithium-soap-based grease