Yamaha Tracer MT09TRA - Owner's Manual > Operation and important riding points

Read the Owner's Manual carefully to become familiar with all controls. If there is a control or function you do not understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.

WARNING

Failure to familiarize yourself with the controls can lead to loss of control, which could cause an accident or injury.

TIP

This model is equipped with:

• a lean angle sensor to stop the engine in case of a turnover. In this case, the display will indicate error code 30, but this is not a malfunction.

  Turn the key to "OFF" and then to "ON" to clear the error code.

  Failing to do so will prevent the engine from starting even though the engine will crank when pushing the start switch.

• an engine auto-stop system. The engine stops automatically if left idling for 20 minutes. If the engine stops, simply push the start switch to restart the engine.

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.

1. Turn the key to "ON" and make sure that the start/engine stop switch is set to " ".

The following warning lights and indicator lights should come on for a few seconds, then go off.

• Oil level warning light
• Engine trouble warning light
• Traction control system indicator/ warning light
• Immobilizer system indicator light

NOTICE

If a warning or indicator light does not come on initially when the key is turned to "ON", or if a warning or indicator light remains on, see  for the corresponding warning and indicator light circuit check.

The ABS warning light should come on when the key is turned to "ON", and then go off after traveling at a speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or higher.

NOTICE

If the ABS warning light does not come on and then go off as explained above, see  for the warning light circuit check.

2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position. 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 " " side of the start/engine stop switch.

If the engine fails to start, release the start/engine stop switch, wait a few seconds, and then try again.

Each starting attempt should be as short as possible to preserve the battery. Do not crank the engine more than 10 seconds on any one attempt.

NOTICE

For maximum engine life, never accelerate hard when the engine is cold!

Shifting

1. Shift pedal
2. 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 illustration.

TIP

To shift the transmission into the neutral position, press the shift pedal down repeatedly until it reaches the end of its travel, and then slightly raise it.

NOTICE

• 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 distances.

  The transmission is properly lubricated only when the engine is running. Inadequate lubrication may damage the transmission.

• Always use the clutch while changing gears to avoid damaging the engine, transmission, and drive train, which are not designed to withstand the shock of forced shifting.

To 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. At the recommended shift points shown in the following table, close the throttle, 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 position.) 6. Open the throttle part way and gradually release the clutch lever.

7. Follow the same procedure when shifting to the next higher gear.

TIP

When shifting gears in normal operating conditions, use the recommended shift points.

To decelerate

1. Release the throttle and apply both the front and the rear brakes smoothly to slow the motorcycle.

2. At the recommended shift points shown in the following table, shift to a lower gear.

3. When the motorcycle reaches 25 km/h (16 mi/h), the engine is about to stall or runs roughly, pull the clutch lever 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.

The neutral indicator light should come on and then the clutch lever can be released.

WARNING

• Improper braking can cause loss of control or traction. Always use both brakes and apply them smoothly.
• Make sure that the motorcycle and the engine have sufficiently slowed before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a lower gear when the vehicle or engine speed is too high could make the rear wheel lose traction or the engine to over-rev. This could cause loss of control, an accident and injury. It could also cause engine or drive train damage.

Recommended shift points

The recommended shift points during acceleration and deceleration are shown in the table below.

Shift up points:

1st → 2nd: 20 km/h (12 mph)

2nd → 3rd: 30 km/h (19 mph)

3rd → 4th: 40 km/h (25 mph)

4th → 5th: 50 km/h (31 mph)

5th → 6th: 60 km/h (37 mph)

Shift down points:

6th → 5th: 45 km/h (28 mph)

5th → 4th: 35 km/h (22 mph)

4th → 3rd: 25 km/h (16 mph)

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 engine 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 letting it idle for an extended length of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic lights or at railroad crossings).

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 following 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-throttle operation or any condition that might result in engine overheating must be avoided.

0-1000 km (0-600 mi)

Avoid prolonged operation above 5600 r/min. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600 mi) of operation, the engine oil must be changed and the oil filter cartridge or element replaced

1000-1600 km (600-1000 mi) Avoid prolonged operation above 6800 r/min.

1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond The vehicle can now be operated normally.

NOTICE

• Keep the engine speed out of the tachometer high-rpm zone.
• If any engine trouble should occur during the engine break-in period, immediately have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.

Parking

When parking, stop the engine, and then remove the key from the main switch.

WARNING

• Since the engine and exhaust system can become very hot, park in a place where pedestrians or children are not likely to touch them and be burned.
• Do not park on a slope or on soft ground, otherwise the vehicle may overturn, increasing the risk of a fuel leak and fire.
• Do not park near grass or other flammable materials which might catch fire.

See also: