Yamaha TDM900A Twin 900 Owner's Manual page 9

ed by road and traffic conditions.
Always signal before turning or
G
changing lanes. Make sure that
other motorists can see you.
G The posture of the operator and
passenger is important for proper
control.
The operator should keep both
G
hands on the handlebar and
both feet on the operator foot-
rests during operation to main-
tain control of the motorcycle.
The passenger should always
G
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
G
he or she can firmly place both
feet on the passenger footrests.
G
Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
G
This motorcycle is designed for
on-road use only. It is not suitable
for off-road use.
Protective apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the preven-
tion or reduction of head injuries.
G Always wear an approved helmet.
G
Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.
G The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in
preventing or reducing abrasions
or lacerations.
G
Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.
G
Never touch the engine or exhaust
system during or after operation.
They become very hot and can
cause burns. Always wear protec-
tive clothing that covers your legs,
ankles, and feet.
G A passenger should also observe
the above precautions.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
Modifications
Modifications made to this motorcycle
not approved by Yamaha, or the re-
moval of original equipment, may ren-
der the motorcycle unsafe for use and
may cause severe personal injury.
Modifications may also make your mo-
torcycle illegal to use.
Loading and accessories
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme 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 acces-
sories to your motorcycle:
Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
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