YAMAHA MT-03 2012 Owner's Guide

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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-17
Spring preload:
Minimum (soft):
Distance A = 174.5 mm (6.87 in)
Standard:
Distance A = 170 mm (6.69 in)
Maximum (hard):
Distance A = 165.5 mm (6.49 in)Spring preload Distance A
SOFT
174.5 mm
(6.87 in)
For light operators and primarily use without passenger
STANDARD
170 mm
(6.69 in)
HARD
165.5 mm
(6.49 in)
For use with heavy operator and passenger and accessories (trunk, bags, etc.)

EAU15301
Sidestand
1. Sidestand
The sidestand is located on the left
side of the frame. Raise the sidestand
or lower it with your foot while holding
the motorcycle upright.
NOTE:
The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system,
which cuts the ignition in certain situa-
tions. (See further down for an expla-
nation of the ignition circuit cut-off sys-
tem.)
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
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3. Tighten the locknut to the speci-
fied torque.
ECA11240CAUTION:
Always tighten the locknut against
the adjusting nut, and then tighten
the locknut to the specified torque.
EWA10220
WARNING0
This shock absorber contains high-
ly pressurized nitrogen gas. For
proper handling, read and under-
stand the following information be-
fore handling the shock absorber.
The manufacturer cannot be held
responsible 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 oth-
er high heat sources, otherwise
it may explode due to exces-
sive 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.
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
45 Nm (4.5 m·kgf, 32.5 ft·lbf)

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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EWA10240
WARNING0
The vehicle must not be ridden
with the sidestand down, or if the
sidestand cannot be properly
moved up (or does not stay up),
otherwise the sidestand could con-
tact the ground and distract the
operator, resulting in a possible
loss of control. Yamaha’s ignition
circuit cut-off system has been de-
signed to assist the operator in ful-
filling the responsibility of raising
the sidestand before starting off.
Therefore, check this system regu-
larly as described below and have
a Yamaha dealer repair it if it does
not function properly.
3-19
EAU15311
Ignition circuit cut-off
system
The ignition circuit cut-off system
(comprising the sidestand switch,
clutch switch and neutral switch) has
the following functions.
●It prevents starting when the
transmission is in gear and the
sidestand is up, but the clutch
lever is not pulled.
●It prevents starting when the
transmission is in gear and the
clutch lever is pulled, but the side-
stand is still down.
●It cuts the running engine when
the transmission is in gear and
the sidestand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system accord-
ing to the following procedure.
EWA10250
WARNING0
If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system
before riding.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-20
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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?
NOTE:
This check is most reliable if performed with a
warmed-up engine.
The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be riddenuntil checked by a
Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be riddenuntil checked by a
Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be riddenuntil checked by a
Yamaha dealer.
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.
YES NO
NO YES
NO YES

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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
EAU15591
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpected-
ly, 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 vi-
sual inspection, 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.
EWA11150
WARNING0
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operat-
ing the vehicle.

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
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ITEM
Fuel
Engine oil
Coolant
Front brake
Rear brake
EAU15603
Pre-operation check list
CHECKS
• Check fuel level in fuel tank.
• Refuel if necessary.
• Check fuel line for leakage.
• Check oil level in oil tank.
• If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
• Check vehicle for oil leakage.
• Check coolant level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
• Check cooling system for leakage.
• 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.
• 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.PAGE
3-12
6-8
6-12
3-11, 6-20, 6-21, 6-26
3-11, 6-20, 6-21, 6-26

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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
ITEM
Clutch
Throttle grip
Control cables
Drive chain
Wheels and tires
Brake pedal
Brake and
clutch levers
Sidestand
Chassis fastenersCHECKS
• Check operation.
• Lubricate cable if necessary.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.
• 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.
• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary.
• Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary.
• Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.
• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary.
• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.
• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary.
• Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
• Tighten if necessary.PAGE
3-10, 6-19, 6-26
6-15, 6-25
6-25
6-23, 6-24
6-16, 6-19
6-26
6-26
6-27
–

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
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ITEM
Instruments, lights,
signals and switches
Sidestand
switchCHECKS
• Check operation.
• Correct if necessary.
• Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
• If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.PAGE
3-3, 3-9
3-20

EAU15950
EWA10270
WARNING0
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.
EAUB1340
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
sidestand up.
EWA10290
WARNING0
Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure de-
scribed 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 “ ”.
ECAB0040CAUTION:
The following warning lights and in-
dicator lights should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.
Neutral indicator light
Turn signal indicator light
High beam indicator light
Engine trouble warning light
Coolant temperature warning
light
Fuel level warning light
Immobilizer system indicator
light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-3 for the cor-
responding warning and indicator
light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the
neutral position.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
NOTE:
When the transmission is in the neu-
tral position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a Yama-
ha dealer check the electrical circuit.
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.
ECA11040CAUTION:
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
NOTE:
The engine is warm when it quickly re-
sponds to the throttle.
EAU16671
Shifting
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
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.
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