2017 Yamaha SR400 Owner’s Manual

The 2017 Yamaha SR400 was a throwback to the classic age of motorcycling. Its timeless design and basic simplicity brought back memories of that time. This standard-style motorbike had a 399cc single-cylinder engine that was cooled by air. It was designed to give riders a raw and real riding experience. With a kick-starter, a traditional round headlight, and a simple design, the SR400 was the essence of pure motorcycling. It attracted riders who wanted a real, no-frills link with the road, making it an easy-to-use and vintage-inspired choice for today.

Operation and important riding points

TIP: This model is equipped with:

• a lean angle sensor to stop the en-gine in case of a turnover. In this case, turn the key to “OFF” and then to “ON”. Failing to do so will prevent the engine from starting even though the engine will crank when pushing the kickstarter lever down.
• an engine auto-stop system. The engine stops automatically if left idling for 20 minutes. If the engine stops, simply push the kick starter lever down to restart the engine.

Starting the engine
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off system (page 4-15) 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 sid-stand up.

1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and set the engine stop switch. The engine trouble warning light and fuel level warning light should come on for a few seconds, then go off.
   NOTICE: If a warning light does not come on initially when the key is turned to “ON”, or if a warning light remains on, see page 4-2 for the corresponding warning light circuit check.
3. 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.
4. Completely close the throttle and apply the decompression lever.
5. Slowly push the Kickstarter lever down until the starting mark shows on the kick indicator.
6. Release the decompression lever, release the Kickstarter lever, and then push the Kickstarter lever down forcefully to start the engine.
   NOTICE: For maximum engine life, never accelerate hard when the engine is cold.

Starting trouble
If the engine fails to start after 4 to 5 kicks, clear out the combustion chamber with the following procedure.

1. Turn the key to “OFF”.
2. While applying the decompression lever, fully open the throttle grip and push the Kickstarter lever down 4 to 5 times.
3. Turn the key to “ON” and retry starting the engine.

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 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 partway 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 20 km/h (12 mph), the engine is about to stall or run 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 over-rev. This could cause loss of control, an accident, and injury. It could also cause an engine or drive train damage.

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

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-throt-tle operation or any condition that might result in engine overheating must be avoided.

• 0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
  Avoid prolonged operation above 3500 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 4200 r/min.
• 1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
  The vehicle can now be operated normally.

NOTICE

• Keep the engine speed out of the tachometer red 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.

Periodic maintenance and adjustment

Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrication will keep your vehicle in the safest and most efficient condition possible. Safety is an obligation of the vehicle owner/operator. The most important points of vehicle inspection, adjustment, and lubrication are explained on the following pages. The intervals given in the periodic maintenance charts should be simply considered as a general guide under normal riding conditions. However, depending on the weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual use, the maintenance intervals may need to be shortened.
WARNING: Failure to properly maintain the vehicle or perform maintenance activities incorrectly may increase your risk of injury or death during service or while using the vehicle. If you are not familiar with vehicle service, have a Yamaha dealer perform service. Turn off the engine when performing maintenance unless otherwise specified.

• A running engine has moving parts that can catch on body parts or clothing and electrical parts that can cause shocks or fires.
• Running the engine while ser-vicing can lead to eye injury, burns, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning – possibly leading to death.
• Brake discs, calipers, drums, and linings can become very hot during use. To avoid possible burns, let brake components cool before touching them.

Emission controls not only function to ensure cleaner air but are also vital to proper engine operation and maximum performance. In the following periodic maintenance charts, the services related to emissions control are grouped separately. These services require specialized data, knowledge, and equipment. Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any repair establishment or individual that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha dealers are trained and equipped to perform these particular services.

Owner’s tool kit

The owner’s tool kit is located inside the toolbox. To access the owner’s tool kit, slide the lock cover open, insert the key into the lock, and then turn it 1/4 turn clockwise. The service information included in this manual and the tools provided in the owner’s tool kit are intended to assist you in the performance of preventive maintenance and minor repairs. However, additional tools such as a torque wrench may be necessary to perform certain maintenance work correctly.
TIP: If you do not have the tools or experience required for a particular job, have a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.

FAQ’s