Yamaha YZ125 Owner's Manual

Also see for YZ 125: Parts catalog Owner's service manual Owner's service manual Owner's service manual Owner's service manual

SAFETY INFORMATION1-1EAM20168SAFETY INFORMATIONBe sure to read this manual carefully and com-pletely in order to operate the machine safelyand correctly prior to riding the Yamaha ma-chine, and take care to maintain it properly andoperate it safely.EAM30401FOR SAFETY, BE SURE TO OBEY THEFOLLOWING:Be a Responsible OwnerAs the vehicle’s owner, you are responsible forthe safe and proper operation of your motorcy-cle.Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.Their safe use and operation are dependentupon the use of proper riding techniques as wellas the expertise of the operator. Every operatorshould know the following requirements beforeriding this motorcycle.He or she should:1. Obtain thorough instructions from a compe-tent source on all aspects of motorcycle oper-ation.2. Observe the warnings and maintenance re-quirements in this manual.3. Obtain qualified training in safe and properriding techniques.4. Obtain professional technical service as indi-cated in this manual and/or when made nec-essary by mechanical conditions.5. Never operate a motorcycle without propertraining or instruction. Take a training course.Beginners should receive training from a cer-tified instructor. Contact an authorized motor-cycle dealer to find out about the trainingcourses nearest you.Safe RidingPerform the pre-operation checks each time youuse the vehicle to make sure it is in safe operat-ing condition. Failure to inspect or maintain thevehicle properly increases the possibility of anaccident or equipment damage. Refer to “PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTE-NANCE” on page 3-4 for a list of pre-operationchecks.1. This motorcycle is designed for off-road useonly, therefore, it is illegal to operate it onpublic streets, roads, or highways, even a dirtor gravel one. Off-road use on public landsmay be illegal. Please check local regulationsbefore riding.2. This motorcycle is designed to carry the oper-ator only. No passengers.3. The failure of motorists to detect and recog-nize motorcycles in traffic is the predominat-ing cause of automobile/motorcycleaccidents. Many accidents have beencaused by an automobile driver who did notsee the motorcycle. Making yourself conspic-uous appears to be very effective in reducingthe chance of this type of accident.Therefore:• Wear a brightly colored jacket.• Use extra caution when you are approachingand passing through intersections, since in-tersections are the most likely places for mo-torcycle accidents to occur.• Ride where other motorists can see you.Avoid riding in another motorist’s blind spot.• Never maintain a motorcycle without properknowledge. Contact an authorized motorcy-cle dealer to inform you on basic motorcyclemaintenance. Certain maintenance can onlybe carried out by certified staff.4. Many accidents involve inexperienced opera-tors.• Make sure that you are qualified and that youonly lend your motorcycle to other qualifiedoperators.• Know your skills and limits. Staying withinyour limits may help you to avoid an accident.• We recommend that you practice riding yourmotorcycle until you have become thoroughlyfamiliar with the motorcycle and all of its con-trols.5. Many accidents have been caused by error ofthe motorcycle operator. A typical error madeby the operator is veering wide on a turn dueto excessive speed or under cornering (insuf-ficient lean angle for the speed). Never travelfaster than warranted by conditions.6. Ride cautiously in unfamiliar areas. You mayencounter hidden obstacles that could causean accident.7. The posture of the operator is important forproper control. The operator should keepboth hands on the handlebar and both feet onthe operator footrests during operation tomaintain control of the motorcycle.8. Never ride under the influence of alcohol orother drugs.9. Be sure the transmission is in neutral beforestarting the engine.Protective ApparelThe majority of fatalities from motorcycle acci-