YAMAHA VERSITY 300 2005 Owners Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
VP300
1S6-F8199-E1

INTRODUCTION
EAU10110
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the VP300, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the design
and 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 advantages of your VP300. The owner’s manual does
not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your scooter, but also in how to safeguard yourself and others
from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your scooter in the best possible condition. If you have any fur-
ther 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!

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU34110
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:NOTE:

This manual should be considered a permanent part of this scooter and should remain with it even if the scooter is sub-
sequently sold.


Yamaha 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 scooter andthis manual. If you have any questions concerning this manual, please consult your Yamaha dealer.WARNING
EWA12410
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING THIS SCOOTER.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
scooter operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting or repairing the scooter.
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to
the scooter.
A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
CAUTION:
NOTE:

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAUM1010
VP300
OWN ER’S MANUAL
©2004 by MBK INDUSTRIE
1st edition, August 2004
All rights reserved
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission of
MBK INDUSTRIE
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in France.

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
Further safe-riding points ................1-4
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-1
Indicator lights ................................3-2
Speedometer ..................................3-2
Fuel gauge ......................................3-3
Battery voltage/coolant temperature
gauge ..........................................3-3
Multi-function display ......................3-4
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ...............3-7
Handlebar switches ........................3-7
Front brake lever ............................3-8
Rear brake lever .............................3-9
Fuel tank cap ..................................3-9
Fuel ...............................................3-10
Catalytic converter ........................3-11
Seat ..............................................3-11
Storage compartment ...................3-12
Storage compartment ...................3-12
Storage compartment ...................3-13
Anti-theft device housing ..............3-13
Adjusting the shock absorber
assemblies ................................3-14Luggage hook .............................. 3-14
Sidestand ..................................... 3-15
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-15
Auxiliary DC jack .......................... 3-17
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
Pre-operation check list .................. 4-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Starting off ...................................... 5-2
Acceleration and deceleration ........ 5-2
Braking ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR................................. 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-2
Removing and installing cowlings
and panels .................................. 6-5
Checking the spark plug ................. 6-9
Engine oil ..................................... 6-10
Final transmission oil .................... 6-12
Coolant ......................................... 6-13Air filter and V-belt case air filter
elements ................................... 6-14
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 6-16
Checking the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-16
Valve clearance ........................... 6-17
Tires ............................................. 6-17
Cast wheels ................................. 6-19
Checking the front and rear brake
lever free play ........................... 6-19
Checking the front and rear brake
pads .......................................... 6-20
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-20
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-22
Checking and lubricating the throttle
grip and cable ........................... 6-22
Lubricating the front and rear brake
levers ........................................ 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
centerstand and sidestand ....... 6-23
Checking the front fork ................. 6-23
Checking the steering .................. 6-24
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-25
Battery ......................................... 6-25
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-26
Replacing the headlight bulb ....... 6-27
Replacing a front turn signal light
bulb ........................................... 6-28

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb
or a rear turn signal light bulb ... 6-29
Replacing the license plate light
bulb ........................................... 6-30
Troubleshooting ............................ 6-30
Troubleshooting charts ................. 6-31
SCOOTER CARE AND STORAGE... 7-1
Care ................................................ 7-1
Storage ...........................................7-3
SPECIFICATIONS ............................. 8-1
CONSUMER INFORMATION............. 9-1
Identification numbers .................... 9-1

1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10260
SCOOTERS ARE SINGLE TRACK
VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE AND
OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT
UPON THE USE OF PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EX-
PERTISE OF THE OPERATOR. EV-
ERY OPERATOR SHOULD KNOW
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS
BEFORE RIDING THIS SCOOTER.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:

OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUC-
TIONS FROM A COMPETENT
SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF
SCOOTER OPERATION.


OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND
MAINTENANCE REQUIRE-
MENTS IN THE OWNER’S MAN-
UAL.


OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING
IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES.


OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECH-
NICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED
BY THE OWNER’S MANUAL
AND/OR WHEN MADE NECES-
SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI-
TIONS.Safe riding


Always make pre-operation
checks. Careful checks may help
prevent an accident.


This scooter is designed to carry
the operator and passenger.


The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize scooters in traffic is
the predominating cause of auto-
mobile/scooter accidents. Many
accidents have been caused by an
automobile driver who did not see
the scooter. Making yourself con-
spicuous appears to be very effec-
tive in reducing the chance of this
type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when ap-
proaching and passing through
intersections, since intersec-
tions are the most likely places
for scooter accidents to occur.
Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.


Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent driver’s license.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your
scooter to other qualified opera-
tors.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your scooter where
there is no traffic until you have
become thoroughly familiar with
the scooter and all of its con-
trols.


Many accidents have been caused
by error of the scooter operator. A
typical error made by the operator
is veering wide on a turn due to
EXCESSIVE SPEED or undercor-
nering (insufficient lean angle for
the speed).
Always obey the speed limit and
never travel faster than warrant-
ed by road and traffic conditions.

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-2
1 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 footboard during
operation to maintain control of
the scooter.
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 scooter is designed for on-
road use only. It is not suitable for
off-road use.Protective apparel
The majority of fatalities from scooter
accidents are the result of head inju-
ries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the preven-
tion 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 which could delay seeing
a hazard.


The use of a jacket, substantial
shoes, trousers, gloves, etc., is ef-
fective in preventing or reducing
abrasions or lacerations.


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


Never touch the engine or exhaust
system during or after operation.
They become very hot and can
cause burns. Always wear protec-
tive clothing that covers your legs,
ankles, and feet.


Passengers should also observe
the above precautions.Modifications
Modifications made to this scooter not
approved by Yamaha, or the removal of
original equipment, may render the
scooter unsafe for use and may cause
severe personal injury. Modifications
may also make your scooter illegal to
use.
Loading and accessories
Adding accessories or cargo to your
scooter can adversely affect stability
and handling if the weight distribution of
the scooter is changed. To avoid the
possibility of an accident, use extreme
caution when adding cargo or accesso-
ries to your scooter. Use extra care
when riding a scooter that has added
cargo or accessories. Here are some
general guidelines to follow if loading
cargo or adding accessories to your
scooter:
Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit of
202 kg (445 lb). When loading within
this weight limit, keep the following in
mind:

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the scooter as possible. Make sure
to distribute the weight as evenly
as possible on both sides of the
scooter to minimize imbalance or
instability.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the scooter before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.


Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. Such items can
create unstable handling or a slow
steering response.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this scooter. Since Yamaha cannot test
all other accessories that may be avail-
able, you must personally be responsi-
ble for the proper selection, installation
and use of non-Yamaha accessories.
Use extreme caution when selecting
and installing any accessories.Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.


Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your scooter. Carefully
inspect the accessory before using
it to make sure that it does not in
any way reduce ground clearance
or cornering clearance, limit sus-
pension travel, steering travel or
control operation, or obscure lights
or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic 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 scooter due to aerodynamic
effects. Wind may attempt to lift
the scooter, or the scooter may
become unstable in cross
winds. These accessories mayalso cause instability when
passing or being passed by
large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.


Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
scooter’s electrical system an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Gasoline and exhaust gas


GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE:
Always turn the engine off when
refueling.
Take care not to spill any gaso-
line on the engine or exhaust
system when refueling.
Never refuel while smoking or in
the vicinity of an open flame.