tow YAMAHA YZF-R125 2020 Owners Manual

Instrument and control functions
3-13
3
EAU12823
Clutch lever
To disengage the drivetrain from the
engine, such as when shifting gears,
pull the clutch lever toward to the han-
dlebar. Release the lever to engage the
clutch and transmit power to the rear
wheel.
TIP
The lever should be pulled rapidly and
released slowly for smooth shifting.
(See page 5-4.)
EAU12876
Shift pedal
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the motorcycle. To shift the
transmission to a higher gear, move
the shift pedal up. To shift the trans-
mission to a lower gear, move the shift
pedal down. (See page 5-4.)
1. Clutch lever
ZAUM1585
1
1. Shift pedal
ZAUM15861
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Instrument and control functions
3-14
3
EAU12892
Brake lever
The brake lever is located on the right
side of the handlebar. To apply the
front brake, pull the lever toward the
throttle grip.
EAU12944
Brake pedal
The brake pedal is located on the right
side of the motorcycle. To apply the
rear brake, press down on the brake
pedal.
1. Brake lever
ZAUM1587
1
1. Brake pedal
ZAUM15881
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Operation and important riding points
5-4
5
EAU16674
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
ECA10261
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 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 dam-
aging the engine, transmission,and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
EAU85370To 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 throt-
tle, 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 posi-
tion.)
6. Open the throttle part way and
gradually release the clutch lever.
7. Follow the same procedure when
shifting to the next higher gear.
EAU85380To 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 le-
ver 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.
1. Neutral position
2. Shift pedal
ZAUM1592
1 2 3 4 5
6
1
2 N
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-38
6
EAU86430Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1041
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot.
Scalding hot fluid and steam may be blown out under pressure, which
could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly ro-
tate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pres-
sure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the
cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIP
If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided
that it is changed to the recommended coolant as soon as possible.
Wait until the engine
has cooled.
Check the coolant
level in the reservoir
and radiator.Add coolant.
(See TIP.)
The coolant level is
OK.
There is no leakage.
There is leakage.
The coolant level is
low.
Check the cooling
system for leakage.
Have a Yamaha
dealer check and
repair the cooling
system.
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling
system.
UB5GE1E0.book Page 38 Monday, August 26, 2019 3:02 PM

Motorcycle care and storage
7-2
7harsh chemicals, including
strong acidic wheel cleaners,
especially on spoke or magne-
sium wheels.
harsh chemicals, abrasive
cleaning compounds, or wax on
matte-finished parts. Brushes
can scratch and damage the
matte-finish, use soft sponge or
towel only.
towels, sponges, or brushes
contaminated with abrasive
cleaning products or strong
chemicals such as, solvents,
gasoline, rust removers, brake
fluid, or antifreeze, etc.
Before washing
1. Park the vehicle out of direct sun-
light and allow it to cool. This will
help avoid water spots.
2. Make sure all caps, covers, elec-
trical couplers and connectors are
tightly installed.
3. Cover the muffler end with a plas-
tic bag and a strong rubber band.
4. Pre-soak stubborn stains like in-
sects or bird droppings with a wet
towel for a few minutes.
5. Remove road grime and oil stains
with a quality degreasing agent
and a plastic-bristle brush or
sponge. NOTICE: Do not use
degreasing agent on areas re-
quiring lubrication such as
seals, gaskets, and wheel axles.
Follow product instructions.
[ECA26290]
Washing
1. Rinse off any degreaser and spray
down the vehicle with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure
to do the job. Avoid spraying wa-
ter directly into the muffler, instru-
ment panel, air inlet, or other inner
areas such as underseat storage
compartments.
2. Wash the vehicle with a quality au-
tomotive-type detergent mixed
with cool water and a soft, clean
towel or sponge. Use an old tooth-
brush or plastic-bristle brush for
hard-to-reach places. NOTICE:
Use cold water if the vehicle has
been exposed to salt. Warm wa-
ter will increase salt’s corrosive
properties.
[ECA26301]
3. For windshield-equipped vehicles:
Clean the windshield with a soft
towel or sponge dampened with
water and a pH neutral detergent.
If necessary, use a high-quality
windshield cleaner or polish for
motorcycles. NOTICE: Never use
any strong chemicals to clean
the windshield. Additionally,
some cleaning compounds for
plastic may scratch the wind-
shield, so be sure to test all
cleaning products before gen-
eral application.
[ECA26310]
4. Rinse off thoroughly with clean
water. Be sure to remove all deter-
gent residues, as they can be
harmful to plastic parts.
After washing
1. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or
absorbent towel, preferably mi-
crofiber terrycloth.
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