Yamaha XJ900 F 1987 Owner’s Manual

Todd Mitchell (photo)
By Todd Mitchell
On: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 1:07 AM
Yamaha XJ900 F 1987 Owner’s Manual

The 1987 Yamaha XJ900F Owner’s Manual is the official factory handbook for Yamaha’s classic 891 cc air-cooled, DOHC, parallel four-cylinder sport-touring motorcycle, featuring shaft final drive and a constant-mesh 5-speed transmission. The manual provides riders with everything needed to operate, inspect, and maintain this V-rated tourer, including detailed specifications, control descriptions, periodic maintenance tables, and a troubleshooting flow-chart.

What’s Inside

  • Description & Identification – numbered diagrams of the motorcycle, plus the locations of the frame serial number (right side of the steering head pipe) and engine serial number (right side of the engine) for parts ordering and theft reference.
  • Control Functions – four-position main switch (ON, OFF, LOCK, PARKING), indicator lights (orange TURN, green NEUTRAL, blue HIGH BEAM, red OIL LEVEL with built-in circuit-check procedure), speedometer with odometer and trip odometer, tachometer (red zone above 9,500 rpm), fuel meter, digital clock with H/M setting buttons, handlebar switches (PASS, LIGHTS dimmer, TURN, HORN, ENGINE STOP, START, LIGHTS ON/PO position lamp), self-cancelling or manual turn signals, clutch lever with starting-circuit cut-off, change pedal, front brake lever and rear brake pedal, fuel tank cap, three-position vacuum fuel cock (ON / RES / PRI), two-position CHOKE starter lever, steering lock, seat lock, helmet holder, and adjustable rear shock absorber.
  • Pre-Operation Checks – brakes (DOT 3 fluid), clutch, throttle grip, engine oil, final gear oil, tires, wheels, control cables, fittings/fasteners, lights & signals, switches, battery, and fuel — all to be inspected before every ride.
  • Tire Data – tubeless V-range tires (front 100/90-V18, rear 120/90-V18) from Pirelli, Bridgestone, or Metzeler; cold pressures of 226/245 kPa (32/36 psi) up to 90 kg load and 245/284 kPa (36/42 psi) at maximum load or high speed; minimum tread depth 1.0 mm; new tires require ~100 km of conservative break-in.
  • Operation & Riding Points – starting and warming a cold engine using the CHOKE, starting a warm engine, shifting through the 5-speed gearbox (always use the clutch), engine break-in stages (avoid >5,000 rpm for 0–150 km, >6,000 rpm to 500 km, >7,000 rpm to 1,000 km), and proper parking.
  • Periodic Maintenance and Lubrication – tool kit, complete service schedule with break-in (1,000 km), 6,000 km / 6 months, and 12,000 km / 12 months intervals covering valves, spark plugs, air filter, carburetor synchronization, fuel line, engine oil and filter, final gear oil (replace every 24,000 km), brakes, clutch, swingarm pivot, wheels, bearings, steering, forks, rear shock, fasteners, stands, and battery.
  • Hands-On Service Procedures – engine oil & filter replacement (drain-plug torque 43 Nm, filter-bolt torque 15 Nm; capacity 2.5 L periodic / 2.8 L with filter), final gear oil change (0.2 L SAE 80 GL-4), air-filter cleaning, idle-speed adjustment (1,100 rpm), throttle-cable free play (5 mm), valve-clearance adjustment (dealer-only), spark-plug inspection (BPR8ES NGK, gap 0.7–0.8 mm, torque 20 Nm), front and rear brake adjustments, brake-pad and fluid checks, clutch free-play adjustment, lever and pedal lubrication, front fork oil change (276 cm³ per leg, Fork Oil 5W), rear shock-preload adjustment, steering-head and wheel-bearing inspection, battery service with distilled water, fuse replacement, headlight bulb replacement and beam adjustment, and front/rear wheel removal and installation (front axle 78 Nm, rear axle 105 Nm).
  • Troubleshooting – step-by-step flow-chart covering the four cardinal areas of fuel, compression, ignition, and battery, leading the owner to either a quick fix or a Yamaha dealer visit.
  • Cleaning and Storage – washing instructions, long-term storage preparation, and noise-regulation information (engine speed at maximum power 9,000 rpm, stationary noise level 90.9 dB(A)).
  • Specifications – complete chassis, engine, drivetrain, electrical, and dimensional data, plus a full wiring diagram with English/Spanish/Italian color-code legend.

Key Specifications at a Glance

ItemSpecification
EngineAir-cooled 4-stroke DOHC, parallel-4, forward-inclined; 891 cc; 68.5 × 60.5 mm; 9.6:1 
CarburetorMikuni BS36 
TransmissionConstant-mesh 5-speed, wet multi-disc clutch, shaft final drive (3.983 secondary ratio) 
Spark plugNGK BPR8ES, gap 0.7–0.8 mm 
Fuel tank22 L total / 5 L reserve, regular gasoline 
Engine oil capacity3.6 L total / 2.5 L (change) / 2.8 L (with filter), SAE 20W-40 SE (10W-30 below 5 °C) 
Final gear oil0.2 L SAE 80 GL-4 hypoid 
BatteryYB14L-A2, 12 V 14 Ah 
Frame / SuspensionDouble cradle; telescopic fork (140 mm travel) front, swingarm with gas/coil/oil shock (100 mm travel) rear; caster 27°, trail 114 mm 
BrakesDual front discs / single rear disc 
Dimensions2,215 × 735 × 1,245 mm; wheelbase 1,480 mm; ground clearance 145 mm 
Kerb weight242 kg (with oil and full fuel); max load 194 kg 
Idle speed1,100 rpm; redline 9,500 rpm; max power at 9,000 rpm 

This manual is essential reading for any Yamaha XJ900F owner — whether for everyday pre-ride checks, scheduled maintenance, or roadside troubleshooting — and serves as a permanent reference that should remain with the motorcycle throughout its life.

Language: English
Format: PDF

Yamaha XJ900 F 1987 Owner’s Manual

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