Your responsibility
As the vehicle owner, you are responsible for the safe and proper operation of your motorcycle. Motorcycles are single-track vehicles. Their safe operation depends on the use of correct driving techniques and the driver's experience. Every driver should know the following requirements before driving a motorcycle. He must:
- Obtain comprehensive instructions from a competent source on all aspects of the motorcycle's operation.
- Follow all warnings and maintenance instructions in this manual.
- Receive qualified training in safe and proper driving techniques.
- Provide professional maintenance to the motorcycle in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual and/or operating conditions.
Safe driving
Always check your motorcycle before riding to ensure it is in a safe condition. If inspection is not carried out, the likelihood of an accident or equipment damage increases. See list of checks on page 4-1.
The design of this motorcycle provides for the transportation of a driver and a passenger.
Drivers' errors in detecting and recognizing motorcycles in traffic conditions are a major cause of car-motorcycle collisions. Many accidents were caused by the driver of the car not noticing the motorcycle. An eye-catching appearance is an effective means of reducing the likelihood of such accidents.
That's why:
- Wear a brightly colored jacket.
- Use extra caution when approaching and crossing intersections, as intersections are the most likely location for motorcycle accidents.
- Choose a driving path so that other drivers can see you. Avoid driving in «dead» visibility areas of other drivers.
Many accidents occur with inexperienced drivers. In fact, many drivers involved in accidents did not even have a valid driver's license.
- Be confident in your own skills and only have qualified drivers operate your motorcycle.
- Soberly assess the limits of your capabilities. Staying within your limits will help you avoid an accident.
- We recommend that you practice riding your motorcycle in areas where there is no heavy traffic until you become completely familiar with the motorcycle and its controls.
Many accidents are caused by mistakes made by motorcyclists. A typical mistake is «wide approach» into a turn due to OVER SPEED or «under-turn» (insufficient angle of inclination for a given speed).
- Always obey the speed limit and never exceed the safe limits determined by road surface and traffic conditions.
- Always signal before turning or changing lanes. Make sure other road users can see you.
The position of the driver and passenger is an important factor in proper handling.
- While riding, to maintain control of the motorcycle, the rider must hold the handlebars with both hands and keep both feet on the rider's footrests.
- The passenger must always hold onto the driver, seat belt or grab handle with both hands and keep both feet on the passenger footrests.
- Never carry passengers without their feet on the running boards.
Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
This motorcycle is designed for road use only. It is not intended for off-road use.
Protective clothing
The majority of fatalities in motorcycle accidents are caused by head injuries. Wearing a safety helmet is the single most important factor in preventing or reducing the severity of head injuries.
Always wear a helmet of an approved design.
Wear a face shield or safety glasses. When exposed to unprotected eyes, wind can cause blurred vision, which may result in failure to recognize a dangerous situation in a timely manner.
Wear a jacket, sturdy shoes, trousers, gloves, etc. effectively prevents or reduces the consequences of abrasions and injuries.
Never wear loose clothing, otherwise it may get caught on the controls, footrests or wheels and cause personal injury or an accident.
Wear protective clothing that covers your legs, ankles and feet. The engine and exhaust system become very hot and can cause burns.
The passenger should also follow the above recommendations.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Exhaust gases contain deadly poisonous carbon monoxide. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, disorientation and ultimately death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can be present in the air even if exhaust fumes are not visible. Lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide are reached quickly, and soon enough you will no longer be able to escape. Additionally, the gas can linger for hours or even days in a locked or poorly ventilated area. If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately leave the premises, get fresh air and SEEK A DOCTOR.
Do not run the engine indoors. Even if you try to provide ventilation by using a fan or opening windows and doors, the concentration of carbon monoxide can quickly become dangerous.
Do not run engines in poorly ventilated or partially enclosed areas, such as garages or under sheds.
Do not run the engine if exhaust fumes could enter the home, for example through windows or doors.
Cargo transportation and additional equipment
Adding additional equipment or cargo to your motorcycle may adversely affect stability and handling if the motorcycle's weight distribution changes. To avoid the possibility of an accident, use extreme caution when adding loads or accessories to your motorcycle. Use extreme caution when operating the motorcycle with cargo or accessories. When adding weight or additional equipment, follow these basic rules:
The total weight of the driver, passenger, accessories and cargo must not exceed the maximum permissible limit.
Riding an overloaded motorcycle can cause an accident!
Maximum load:
- FZ1-S 190 kg
- FZ1-SA184 kg
When loading the motorcycle within the specified limits, consider the following:
Loads and accessories should be placed as low and close to the motorcycle as possible.
Try to distribute the load as evenly as possible on both sides of the motorcycle to minimize imbalance and instability.
A poorly secured load can cause the motorcycle to become suddenly unstable while riding. Before driving, ensure that accessories and cargo are securely secured. Regularly check that accessories and loads are secured.
- Adjust the suspension (only for models with this feature) and check the condition of the tires and their pressure.
- Never attach large or heavy objects to the handlebars, front forks or front fender. Items such as sleeping bags or tents may cause the motorcycle to feel unstable or slow to respond.
The motorcycle is not designed to carry a trailer or attach a sidecar.
Yamaha Accessories
The choice of motorcycle accessories is very important. Yamaha accessories, available only from Yamaha dealers, are designed to fit your motorcycle, tested and approved by Yamaha. Many non-Yamaha companies manufacture parts and accessories and offer modifications to Yamaha products.
Yamaha does not intend to test these devices. Therefore, Yamaha does not endorse or recommend the use of accessories manufactured by other companies or modifications not specifically recommended by Yamaha, even if sold and installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Spare parts, accessories and modifications
If you find products for sale that are similar in design and quality to genuine Yamaha parts, please understand that some of them are not suitable for use due to potential hazards to your health and the health of others. Installing such parts or making modifications to your motorcycle that change any of the design characteristics may expose you or others to serious risk of injury or death.
You are responsible for any injuries caused by modifications to your motorcycle.
When installing additional equipment, observe the following basic rules, as well as the rules outlined in section «Load».
Never install accessories or carry cargo that could impair the performance of your motorcycle. Before use, carefully inspect accessories to ensure that they do not in any way reduce ground clearance or cornering angle, limit suspension travel, steering angles or controls, or obstruct lights or reflectors.
Additional equipment installed on the handlebar or front fork area may cause instability due to improper mass distribution or changes in aerodynamics. If additional equipment is installed on the handlebars or in the front fork area, it should be as light as possible and kept to a minimum.
Bulky or oversized accessories can seriously affect the stability of the motorcycle due to aerodynamic effects. Oncoming air may tend to lift the motorcycle, or the motorcycle may become unstable in crosswinds. Such additional equipment may also cause instability when passing or passing large vehicles.
Some optional equipment may force the driver to move out of the normal seating position. An incorrect seating position restricts the driver's freedom of movement and may reduce control efficiency, so such additional equipment cannot be recommended.
Be careful when installing additional electrical equipment. If the power consumption of electrical accessories exceeds the capabilities of the motorcycle's electrical system, it may result in a dangerous reduction in the efficiency of the lighting or engine power.
Tires and wheels
The tires and wheels supplied with the motorcycle are tailored to its specifications and provide the best combination of handling, braking and comfort. Other types, sizes and combinations of tires and wheels may not be suitable for your motorcycle. See tire specifications.