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INTRODUCTION EAU10080 Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha VMX12. This model is the result of Yamaha’s vast ex- perience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship and reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain with it even if the motorcycle is subsequently sold. Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most current product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this manual.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY INFORMATION ....1-1 Ignition circuit cut-off system ..3-14 Adjusting the throttle cable free Location of important labels ....1-5 play ........... 6-19 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..... 4-1 Adjusting the valve clearance ..6-19 DESCRIPTION ........2-1 Pre-operation check list ....4-2 Tires ..........
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STORAGE ..........7-1 Care ..........7-1 Storage ...........7-3 SPECIFICATIONS ......8-1 CONSUMER INFORMATION.....9-1 Identification numbers ....9-1 Reporting safety defects ....9-3 Motorcycle noise regulation ....9-4 Maintenance record ......9-5 YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A. STREET AND ENDURO MOTORCYCLE LIMITED WARRANTY .......9-7 YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE (Y.E.S.) ........9-9...
SAFETY INFORMATION EAU10270 AND/OR WHEN MADE NECES- • Ride where other motorists can SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI- see you. Avoid riding in another MOTORCYCLES SINGLE TIONS. motorist’s blind spot. TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE Many accidents involve inexperi- AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT Safe riding enced operators.
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Modifications made to this motorcycle other motorists can see you. the single most critical factor in the pre- not approved by Yamaha, or the re- The posture of the operator and vention or reduction of head injuries. moval of original equipment, may ren- passenger is important for proper Always wear an approved helmet.
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Since Yamaha cannot should be kept to a minimum. 216.0 kg (476 lb). When loading within test all other accessories that may be •...
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SAFETY INFORMATION Gasoline and exhaust gas • Do not park the motorcycle on a GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA- slope or soft ground, otherwise it BLE: may fall over. • Always turn the engine off when • Do not park the motorcycle near refueling.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU10450 EAU10821 EAU11000 Main switch P (Parking) Indicator and warning lights 1. Neutral indicator light “NEUTRAL” The meter lighting, taillight and position The main switch controls the ignition 2. Turn signal indicator light “TURN” lights are on, but all other electrical sys- and lighting systems.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU11851 EAU12171 EAU12341 Tachometer Coolant temperature gauge Handlebar switches Left 1. Tachometer 1. Coolant temperature gauge 2. Tachometer red zone 2. Coolant temperature gauge red zone 1. Dimmer switch “LIGHTS” 2. Turn signal switch “TURN” The electric tachometer allows the rider With the key in the “ON”...
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU12410 EAU12510 Dimmer switch “LIGHTS” Horn switch “HORN” NOTE: Set the switch to “HI” for the high beam Press this switch to sound the horn. After switching to “RES”, approximately and to “LO” for the low beam. 3.0 L (0.79 us.gal) (0.66 imp.gal) of fuel EAU12650 remain in the fuel tank.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU12820 EAU12870 EAU12890 Clutch lever Shift pedal Brake lever 1. Clutch lever 1. Shift pedal 1. Brake lever The clutch lever is located at the left The shift pedal is located on the left The brake lever is located at the right handlebar grip.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU12941 EAU13060 2. Insert the key into the lock, and Brake pedal Fuel tank cap then turn it 1/4 turn clockwise. The lock will be released and the fuel To remove the fuel tank cap tank cap can be removed. To install the fuel tank cap 1.
1. Fuel tank filler tube Fuel tank capacity: 2. Fuel level mended by Yamaha because it can 15.0 L (3.96 us.gal) (3.30 imp.gal) cause damage to the fuel system or ve- Fuel reserve amount: Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in hicle performance problems.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU13630 EAU13730 To unlock the steering Starter (choke) lever Steering lock 1. Open the steering lock cover, and then insert the key. 2. Push the key in, turn it 1/8 turn counterclockwise so that it moves out, and then release it.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU14230 2. Place the rider seat in the original Rider seat position, and then tighten the bolts and screws. To remove the rider seat NOTE: 1. Release the rider seat backrest by Make sure that the seat is properly se- pushing the levers on the left and cured before riding.
Never ride with a helmet attached to the helmet holder, since the helmet 1. Air pressure gauge may hit objects, causing loss of con- trol and possibly an accident. NOTE: An optional air pressure gauge is avail- able at a Yamaha dealer. 3-10...
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS 4. To increase the spring rate and EAU15080 EWA10210 Adjusting the shock absorber WARNING thereby harden the suspension, in- assemblies crease the air pressure with an air Always adjust both shock absorber pump or compressed air. To de- assemblies equally, otherwise poor crease the spring rate and thereby handling and loss of stability may...
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS Spring preload: Damping force: Minimum (soft): Minimum (soft): Standard: Standard: Maximum (hard): Maximum (hard): EWA10230 Damping force WARNING These shock absorbers contain 1. Damping force adjusting knob highly pressurized nitrogen gas. For 2. Position indicator proper handling read and under- To increase the damping force and stand the following information be- thereby harden the damping, turn the...
Yamaha dealer who has the profes- sional knowledge and experience to do ECA10170 CAUTION: The V-Boost was set at the Yamaha factory after many tests. If the set- tings are changed by someone with- out sufficient technical knowledge, poor engine performance and dam- age may result.
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS EAU15300 below and have a Yamaha dealer re- EAU15321 Sidestand Ignition circuit cut-off system pair it if it does not function proper- The sidestand is located on the left side The ignition circuit cut-off system (com- of the frame.
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5. Push the start switch. Does the engine start? The neutral switch may be defective. The motorcycle should not be ridden until checked by a Yamaha dealer. With the engine still running: 6. Move the sidestand up. 7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS EAU15591 The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly, even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss of tire air pressure could have serious consequences.
• If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level. 6-14 • Check cooling system for leakage. • Check operation. • If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system. • Check lever free play. • Adjust if necessary. Front brake •...
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• Make sure that operation is smooth. • Check cable free play. Throttle grip 6-19, 6-27 • If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and grip housing. • Make sure that operation is smooth. Control cables 6-27 •...
The transmission is in the neutral Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir- Consult a Yamaha dealer re- position. cuit. garding any control or function...
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(choke) turned on, then about 2.5 min- off when the start switch is re- have a Yamaha dealer check the utes with the starter (choke) in the half- leased. electrical circuit.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS EAU16640 EAU16671 ECA10260 Starting a warm engine Shifting CAUTION: Follow the same procedure as for start- Even with the transmission in ing a cold engine with the exception the neutral position, do not that the starter (choke) is not required coast for long periods of time when the engine is warm.
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS 4. At the recommended shift points 3. Shift the transmission into the neu- EAU16841 Engine break-in shown in the following table, close tral position when the motorcycle There is never a more important period the throttle, and at the same time, is almost completely stopped.
Do not park on a slope or on soft the tachometer red zone. ground, otherwise the vehicle If any engine trouble should oc- may overturn. cur during the engine break-in period, immediately have a Yamaha dealer check the vehi- cle.
TO EMISSIONS CONTROL ARE GROUPED SEPARATELY. THESE If you are not familiar with mainte- SERVICES REQUIRE SPECIALIZED nance work, have a Yamaha dealer DATA, KNOWLEDGE, AND EQUIP- do it for you. MENT. YAMAHA DEALERS ARE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO PER- FORM THESE PARTICULAR SER- VICES.
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NOTE: If you do not have the tools or experi- ence required for a particular job, have a Yamaha dealer perform it for you. EWA10340 WARNING Modifications approved Yamaha may cause loss of perfor- mance, excessive emissions, and render the vehicle unsafe for use.
• Check for leakage. √ √ √ √ √ 8 * Exhaust system • Tighten if necessary. • Replace gasket(s) if necessary. * Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the service.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU32181 General maintenance and lubrication chart INITIAL ODOMETER READINGS 600 mi 4000 mi 8000 mi 12000 mi 16000 mi 20000 mi ITEM ROUTINE (1000 km) (7000 km) (13000 km) (19000 km) (25000 km) (31000 km) 1 month 6 months 12 months...
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR INITIAL ODOMETER READINGS 600 mi 4000 mi 8000 mi 12000 mi 16000 mi 20000 mi ITEM ROUTINE (1000 km) (7000 km) (13000 km) (19000 km) (25000 km) (31000 km) 1 month 6 months 12 months 18 months 24 months 30 months...
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* Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the service. NOTE: From 24000 mi (37000 km) or 36 months, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 8000 mi (13000 km) or 12 months.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR • Replace the oil seals on the inner parts of the brake or clutch master cylinders, caliper cylinders and clutch release cylinder every two years. • Replace the brake and clutch hoses every four years or if cracked or damaged.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU18720 2. Push down on the rear of the cowl- Removing and installing the ing until it locks in place. cowling and panels 3. Remove the key from the lock. EAU19180 Panel A To remove the panel 1.
Do not attempt to diagnose such 1. Spark plug cap problems yourself. Instead, have a 2. Remove the spark plug as shown, Yamaha dealer check the vehicle. with the spark plug wrench includ- ed in the owner’s tool kit.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 3. Check each spark plug for elec- 2. Clean the surface of the spark plug EAU19871 Engine oil and oil filter trode erosion and excessive car- gasket and its mating surface, and cartridge bon or other deposits, and replace then wipe off any grime from the The engine oil level should be checked it if necessary.
An oil filter wrench is available at a it to the correct level. Yamaha dealer. To change the engine oil (with or 5. Apply a thin coat of engine oil to without oil filter cartridge replace-...
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR Recommended engine oil: See page 8-1. Oil quantity: Without oil filter cartridge replace- ment: 3.50 L (3.70 us.qt) (3.08 Imp.qt) With oil filter cartridge replacement: 3.80 L (4.02 us.qt) (3.34 Imp.qt) ECA11620 CAUTION: 1. O-ring 1.
If any NOTE: oil level is sufficient. leakage is found, have a Yamaha deal- The oil level should be at the brim of the er check and repair the vehicle. In addi- ECA10400 filler hole.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 2. Remove the oil filler bolt and drain EAU20070 Coolant NOTE: bolt to drain the oil from the final The coolant should be between the The coolant level should be checked gear case. minimum and maximum level marks. before each ride.
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2. Remove cowling A and panel A. If water has been added to the (See page 6-8.) coolant, have a Yamaha dealer 3. Place a container under the engine check the antifreeze content of to collect the used coolant.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR NOTE: Check the rubber plugs for damage and replace them if necessary. 12. Turn the coolant drain cock to “OFF”. 13. Pour the recommended coolant into the reservoir to the maximum level, and then install the cap. 14.
If ant as soon as possible, other- 2. Remove the air filter case cover by coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha wise the engine may not be removing the screws. sufficiently cooled and the cool- dealer check the cooling system.
Therefore, all carburetor 6. Install the air filter case cover by in- adjustments should be left to a Yamaha stalling the screws. dealer, who has the necessary profes- 7. Install the cowling.
Yamaha dealer at the intervals specified in the periodic Tire air pressure maintenance and lubrication chart. The tire air pressure should be checked and, if necessary, adjusted before each ride.
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LOAD YOUR VEHICLE. Make sure in it, or if the sidewall is cracked, con- Tire air pressure (measured on cold that the total weight of the cargo, rid- tact a Yamaha dealer immediately and tires): er, passenger, and accessories have the tire replaced.
After extensive tests, only the ment tires. Other tires may run damage before each ride. If any tires listed below have been ap- the danger of bursting at super damage is found, have a Yamaha proved this model high speeds.
Use of non-Yamaha-approved accessories or replacement parts may cause loss of handling stability and riding safety. Since Yamaha cannot control the quality of accessories or parts manufactured by other companies, Yamaha cannot be held liable for 6-22...
If there is air in the hydraulic operating the motorcycle. Air in 1. Locknut system, have a Yamaha dealer bleed the hydraulic system will dimin- 2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt the system before operating the motor- ish the braking performance, 3.
If there is make the brake light come on later, turn air in the hydraulic system, have a the adjusting nut in direction (b). Yamaha dealer bleed the system be- fore operating the motorcycle. Air in the hydraulic system will diminish 6-24...
NOTE: cator almost touches the brake disc, 1. Panel B The rear brake fluid reservoir is located have a Yamaha dealer replace the 2. Minimum level mark behind panel B. (See page 6-8.) brake pads as a set. Observe these precautions:...
Have a Yamaha dealer change the Use only the recommended quality Brake fluid may deteriorate paint- brake and clutch fluids at the intervals brake fluid, otherwise the rubber ed surfaces or plastic parts.
If a cable is damaged periodic maintenance chart. or does not move smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace it. Recommended lubricant: Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or engine oil SAE 10W-30 (API SE)
Recommended lubricant: EWA10740 Lithium-soap-based grease (all-pur- WARNING pose grease) If the centerstand or sidestand does not move up and down smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or re- pair it. Recommended lubricant: Lithium-soap-based grease (all-pur- pose grease) 6-28...
If any damage is found or the front Check the inner tubes for scratches, fork does not operate smoothly, damage and excessive oil leakage. have a Yamaha dealer check or re- pair it. To check the operation 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi- tion.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front fork legs and try to move them for- ward and backward. If any free play can be felt, have a Yamaha dealer check or repair the steering. 6-30...
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR EAU23351 5. Disconnect the negative battery Battery NOTE: lead from the battery. Make sure that the vehicle is positioned 6. Disconnect the positive battery straight up when checking the electro- lead and the starter motor lead lyte level.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR • INTERNAL: Drink large quan- tities of water or milk and im- mediately call a physician. • EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and seek prompt medical attention. Batteries produce explosive hy- drogen gas. Therefore, keep sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc., away from the battery and pro- 1.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 4. After installation, make sure that EAU23570 Replacing the fuses the battery leads are properly con- The main fuse box is located under the nected to the battery terminals and rider seat. (See page 3-9.) that the breather hose is properly routed, in good condition, and not obstructed.
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb. 6. Install the headlight unit by install- ing the screws. 1. Tail/brake light bulb 7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the headlight beam if necessary. 6-35...
Front wheel EAU24430 To remove the front wheel EWA10820 WARNING It is advisable to have a Yamaha dealer service the wheel. Securely support the motor- cycle so that there is no danger 1. Turn signal light bulb 1. Speedometer cable of it falling over.
Make sure that there is enough space EWA10820 between the brake pads before install- WARNING ing the brake calipers onto the brake It is advisable to have a Yamaha discs. dealer service the wheel. 5. Take the motorcycle off the center- Securely support the motor-...
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 7. Pull the wheel to the right to sepa- rate it from the final gear case, and then remove it. ECA11180 CAUTION: Do not push the brake pedal after the wheel has been removed togeth- er with the brake disc, otherwise the brake pads will be forced shut.
5. Install the axle nut, and then slight- self. However, should your motorcycle ly tighten it. require any repair, take it to a Yamaha 6. Take the motorcycle off the center- dealer, whose skilled technicians have stand so that the rear wheel is on the necessary tools, experience, and the ground.
Remove the spark plugs and check the electrodes. The engine does not start. Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle. Check the battery. 4. Battery The engine turns over The battery is good.
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Start the engine. If the engine overheats again, have a The coolant level Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling system. is OK. NOTE: If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant as soon as possible.
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE EAU26060 ucts onto seals, gaskets and wheel thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re- Care axles. Always rinse the dirt and de- movers or inhibitors, brake flu- While the open design of a motorcycle greaser off with water. id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE After normal use ECA10790 5. Touch up minor paint damage CAUTION: Remove dirt with warm water, a mild caused by stones, etc. detergent, and a soft, clean sponge, 6. Wax all painted surfaces. Do not use warm water since it in- and then rinse thoroughly with clean 7.
Always store your motorcycle in a cool, NOTE: into the fuel tank. dry place and, if necessary, protect it Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on 4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel against dust with a porous cover. what products to use.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE EWA10950 than 0 °C or more than 30 °C). For WARNING more information on storing the To prevent damage or injury from battery, see page 6-31. sparking, make sure to ground the NOTE: spark plug electrodes while turning Make any necessary repairs before the engine over.
Record the key identification number, vehicle identification number and mod- el label information in the spaces pro- vided below for assistance when ordering spare parts from a Yamaha dealer or for reference in case the vehi- cle is stolen. KEY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1.
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1. Model label The model label is affixed under cowl- ing A. (See page 6-8.) Record the infor- mation on this label in the space provided. This information will be need- ed when ordering spare parts from a Yamaha dealer.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
CONSUMER INFORMATION EAU26560 Motorcycle noise regulation TAMPERING WITH NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM PROHIBITED: Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing thereof: (1) The removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement of any device or element of design incorporated into any new ve- hicle for the purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use or (2) the use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
CONSUMER INFORMATION EAU26631 Maintenance record Copies of work orders and/or receipts for parts purchased and installed on your motorcycle will be required to document that maintenance has been completed in accordance with the emissions warranty. The chart below is printed only as a reminder that maintenance work is required.
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CONSUMER INFORMATION Maintenance Date of Servicing dealer Mileage Remarks interval service name and address 36000 mi (55000 km) or 54 months 40000 mi (61000 km) or 60 months...
This excellent Y.E.S. plan coverage is only available to dealer to see how comforting uninterrupted factory- Yamaha owners like you, and only while your Yamaha is still backed protection can be. within the Yamaha Limited Warranty period. So visit your authorized Yamaha dealer to get all the facts.
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Yamaha Limited Warranty expires. A special note: If visiting your dealer isn’t convenient, contact Yamaha with your Primary ID number (your frame number). We’ll be happy to help you get the Y.E.S. coverage you need.
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INDEX Engine stop switch........3-4 Noise regulation ........9-4 Accessories and replacement parts..6-22 Air filter element, cleaning..... 6-17 Final gear oil ......... 6-13 Oil level warning light ......3-2 Front and rear brake pads, checking..6-25 Front fork, adjusting......3-10 Battery...........
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INDEX Tool kit ............ 6-1 Troubleshooting........6-39 Troubleshooting charts ......6-40 Turn signal indicator light......3-1 Turn signal light bulb or tail/brake light bulb, replacing ......6-35 Turn signal switch........3-4 Valve clearance, adjusting....6-19 V-Boost..........3-13 Vehicle identification number....9-1 Warranty, extended ........
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YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED IN JAPAN 2003.04-0.4×1 CR...