Yamaha YZF-R125 Owners Manual: Safe Riding

Perform the pre-operation checks each time you use the vehicle to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage. See page 4-1 for a list of pre-operation checks.

• 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 onroad use only. It is not suitable for off-road use.