Yamaha Tracer MT09TRA - Owner's Manual > Safe Riding

Perform the pre-operation checks each time you use the vehicle to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.

• This motorcycle is designed to carry the operator and a passenger.
• The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents.

  Many accidents have been caused by an automobile driver who did not see the motorcycle.

  Making yourself conspicuous appears to be very effective in reducing the chance of this type of accident.

Therefore:

• Wear a brightly colored jacket.
• Use extra caution when you are approaching and passing through intersections, since intersections are the most likely places for motorcycle accidents to occur.
• Ride where other motorists can see you. Avoid riding in another motorist's blind spot.
• Never maintain a motorcycle without proper knowledge.

  Contact an authorized motorcycle dealer to inform you on basic motorcycle maintenance.

  Certain maintenance can only be carried out by certified staff.

• Many accidents involve inexperienced operators. In fact, many operators who have been involved in accidents do not even have a current motorcycle license.

• Make sure that you are qualified and that you only lend your motorcycle to other qualified operators.
• Know your skills and limits.

  Staying within your limits may help you to avoid an accident.

• We recommend that you practice riding your motorcycle where there is no traffic until you have become thoroughly familiar with the motorcycle and all of its controls.

• Many accidents have been caused by error of the motorcycle operator. A typical error made by the operator is veering wide on a turn due to excessive speed or undercornering (insufficient lean angle for the speed).

• Always obey the speed limit and never travel faster than warranted by road and traffic conditions.
• 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 operator footrests during operation to maintain control of the motorcycle.
• 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 motorcycle is designed for on-road use only. It is not suitable for off-road use.

Protective Apparel

• The majority of fatalities from motorcycle accidents are the result of head injuries.

  The use of a safety helmet is the single most critical factor in the prevention 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 that could delay seeing a hazard.

• The use of a jacket, heavy boots, trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions or lacerations.
• Never wear loose-fitting clothes, otherwise they could catch on the control levers, footrests, or wheels and cause injury or an accident.
• Always wear protective clothing that covers your legs, ankles, and feet. The engine or exhaust system become very hot during or after operation and can cause burns.
• A passenger should also observe the above precautions.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and eventually death.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which may be present even if you do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly and you can quickly be overcome and unable to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon monoxide can linger for hours or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.

• Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open windows and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach dangerous levels.
• Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or partially enclosed areas such as barns, garages, or carports.
• Do not run engine outdoors where engine exhaust can be drawn into a building through openings such as windows and doors.

Loading

Adding accessories or cargo to your motorcycle can adversely affect stability and handling if the weight distribution of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid the possibility of an accident, use extreme caution when adding cargo or accessories to your motorcycle. Use extra care when riding a motorcycle that has added cargo or accessories.

Here, along with the information about accessories below, are some general guidelines to follow if loading cargo to your motorcycle: The total weight of the operator, passenger, accessories and cargo must not exceed the maximum load limit.

Operation of an overloaded vehicle could cause an accident.

Maximum load:

180 kg (397 lb)

When loading within this weight limit, keep the following in mind:

• Cargo and accessory weight should be kept as low and close to the motorcycle as possible. Securely pack your heaviest items as close to the center of the vehicle as possible and make sure to distribute the weight as evenly as possible on both sides of the motorcycle to minimize imbalance or instability.
• Shifting weights can create a sudden imbalance. Make sure that accessories and cargo are securely attached to the motorcycle before riding. Check accessory mounts and cargo restraints frequently.

• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-adjustable models only), and check the condition and pressure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front fork, or front fender. These items, including such cargo as sleeping bags, duffel bags, or tents, can create unstable handling or a slow steering response.

• This vehicle is not designed to pull a trailer or to be attached to a sidecar.

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