Yamaha MT-03 - Owner's Manual > Safety information

MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT UPON THE USE OF PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EXPERTISE OF THE OPERATOR.

EVERY OPERATOR SHOULD KNOW THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS BEFORE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE.

HE OR SHE SHOULD:

• OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUCTIONS FROM A COMPETENT SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF MOTORCYCLE OPERATION.
• OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
• OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
• OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED BY THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND/OR WHEN MADE NECESSARY BY MECHANICAL CONDITIONS.

Safe riding

• Always make pre-operation checks. Careful checks may help prevent an accident.
• 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.

• 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.
• Never touch the engine or exhaust system during or after operation.

  They become very hot and can cause burns. Always wear protective clothing that covers your legs, ankles, and feet.

• A passenger should also observe the above precautions.

Modifications

Modifications made to this motorcycle not approved by Yamaha, or the removal of original equipment, may render the motorcycle unsafe for use and may cause severe personal injury.

Modifications may also make your motorcycle illegal to use.

Loading and accessories

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 are some general guidelines to follow if loading cargo or adding accessories to your motorcycle:

Loading

The total weight of the operator, passenger, accessories and cargo must not exceed the maximum load limit.

Maximum load: 186 kg (410 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.

  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.
• 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.

Accessories

Genuine Yamaha accessories have been specifically designed for use on this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot test all other accessories that may be available, you must personally be responsible for the proper selection, installation and use of non-Yamaha accessories.

Use extreme caution when selecting and installing any accessories.

Keep the following guidelines in mind, as well as those provided under "Loading" when mounting accessories.

• Never install accessories or carry cargo that would impair the performance of your motorcycle. Carefully inspect the accessory before using it to make sure that it does not in any way reduce ground clearance or cornering clearance, limit suspension travel, steering travel or control operation, or obscure lights or reflectors.

• Accessories fitted to the handlebar or the front fork area can create instability due to improper weight distribution or aerodynamic changes. If accessories are added to the handlebar or front fork area, they must be as lightweight as possible and should be kept to a minimum.
• Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of the motorcycle due to aerodynamic effects. Wind may attempt to lift the motorcycle, or the motorcycle may become unstable in cross winds. These accessories may also cause instability when passing or being passed by large vehicles.
• Certain accessories can displace the operator from his or her normal riding position. This improper position limits the freedom of movement of the operator and may limit control ability, therefore, such accessories are not recommended.

• Use caution when adding electrical accessories. If electrical accessories exceed the capacity of the motorcycle's electrical system, an electric failure could result, which could cause a dangerous loss of lights or engine power.

Gasoline and exhaust gas

• GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE:

• Always turn the engine off when refueling.
• Take care not to spill any gasoline on the engine or exhaust system when refueling.
• Never refuel while smoking or in the vicinity of an open flame.

• Never start the engine or let it run for any length of time in a closed area. The exhaust fumes are poisonous and may cause loss of consciousness and death within a short time. Always operate your motorcycle in an area that has adequate ventilation.
• Always turn the engine off before leaving the motorcycle unattended and remove the key from the main switch. When parking the motorcycle, note the following:

• The engine and exhaust system may be hot, therefore, park the motorcycle in a place where pedestrians or children are not likely to touch these hot areas.
• Do not park the motorcycle on a slope or soft ground, otherwise it may fall over.
• Do not park the motorcycle near a flammable source, (e.g., a kerosene heater, or near an open flame), otherwise it could catch fire.

• When transporting the motorcycle in another vehicle, make sure that it is kept upright. If the motorcycle should lean over, gasoline may leak out of the fuel tank.

  If you should swallow any gasoline, inhale a lot of gasoline vapor, or allow gasoline to get into your eyes, see your doctor immediately.

• If any gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and change your clothes.

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