1999 YAMAHA YZF-R7 Owners Manual

1 - 13
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
1. Turn the main switch to “ON” and
the engine stop switch to “ ”.
ECA00005
CAUTION:
The warning light and fuel indicator
light should come on for a few sec-
onds and then go off. If an indicator
light does not go off, refer to the cor-
responding indicator light circuit
check in the “INSTRUMENT AND
CONTROL FUNCTIONS” section.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
NOTE:
When the transmission is in neutral, the
neutral indicator light should be on. If
the light does not come on, ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect it.
3. Turn on the starter (choke) and
completely close the throttle grip.
4. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTE:
If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, then
try again. Each attempt should be as
short as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one attempt.5. After starting the engine, move
the starter (choke) to the halfway
position.
NOTE:
For maximum engine life, never accel-
erate hard with a cold engine!
6. After the engine is warm, turn off
the starter (choke) completely.
NOTE:
The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
EAU01258
Starting a warm engine
The starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EC000046
CAUTION:
See the “Engine break-in” section
prior to operating the motorcycle for
the first time.
1 16
65
5
4 4
3 3
N N2 2
1 1
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral
EAU00423
Shifting
The transmission lets you control the
amount of power you have available at
a given speed for starting, accelerating,
climbing hills, etc. The use of the shift
pedal is shown in the illustration.
To shift into neutral, depress the shift
pedal repeatedly until it reaches the
end of its travel, then raise the pedal
slightly.
EC000048
CAUTION:
lDo not coast for long periods
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle a long dis-
tance. Even with gears in neu-
tral, the transmission is only
properly lubricated when the
engine is running. Inadequate
lubrication may damage the
transmission.
lAlways use the clutch when
changing gears. The engine,
transmission, and driveline are
not designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting and
can be damaged by shifting
without using the clutch.

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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS/
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
EAU01128
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your motorcycle than the
period between zero and 1,600 km. For
this reason we ask that you carefully
read the following material. Because
the engine is brand new, you must not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1,600 km. The various parts in the en-
gine wear and polish themselves to the
correct operating clearances. During
this period, prolonged full throttle oper-
ation, or any condition which might re-
sult in excessive heating of the engine,
must be avoided.
EAU013290 ~ 1,000 km
Avoid operation above 5,500 r/min.
1,000 ~ 1,600 km
Avoid cruising speeds in excess of
7,000 r/min.
EC000052
CAUTION:
After 1,000 km of operation, be sure
to replace the engine oil and oil fil-
ter.
1,600 km and beyond
Proceed with normal riding.
EC000053
CAUTION:
lNever let engine speeds enter
the red zone.
lIf any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the break-in period,
consult a Yamaha dealer imme-
diately.
EAU00460
Parking
When parking the motorcycle, stop the
engine and remove the ignition key.
EW000058
WARNING
The exhaust system is hot. Park the
motorcycle in a place where pedes-
trians or children are not likely to
touch the motorcycle. Do not park
the motorcycle on a slope or soft
ground; the motorcycle may over-
turn.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
EAU01575
Tool kit
The tools provided in the owner’s tool
kit are to assist you in the performance
of periodic maintenance. However,
some other tools such as a torque
wrench are also necessary to perform
the maintenance correctly.
The service information included in this
manual is intended to provide you, the
owner, with the necessary information
for completing some of your own pre-
ventive maintenance and minor re-
pairs.
NOTE:
If you do not have necessary tools re-
quired during a service operation, take
your motorcycle to a Yamaha dealer
for service.
EW000063
WARNING
Modifications to this motorcycle not
approved by Yamaha may cause
loss of performance, and render it
unsafe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es.

1 - 15
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
Care
The exposure of its technology makes
a motorcycle charming but also vulner-
able. Although high-quality compo-
nents are used, they are not all rust-
resistant. While a rusty exhaust pipe
may remain unnoticed on a car, it does
look unattractive on a motorcycle. Fre-
quent and proper care, however, will
keep your motorcycle looking good, ex-
tend its life and maintain its perfor-
mance. Moreover, the warranty states
that the vehicle must be properly taken
care of. For all these reasons, it is rec-
ommended that you observe the fol-
lowing cleaning and storing
precautions.Before cleaning
1. Cover up the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov-
ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-
ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.Cleaning
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a neutral
detergent and a soft clean sponge,
then rinse with plenty of clean water.
Use a tooth or bottle brush for hard-to-
reach parts. Tougher dirt and insects
will come off more easily if the area is
covered with a wet cloth for a few min-
utes before cleaning.
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
ECA00010
CAUTION:
lAvoid using strong acidic
wheel cleaners, especially on
spoked wheels. If you do use
such products for hard-to-re-
move dirt, do not leave it on any
longer than instructed, then
thoroughly rinse it off with wa-
ter, immediately dry the area
and apply a corrosion protec-
tion spray.
lImproper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean plastic.
lDo not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
lDo not use high-pressure
washers or steam-jet cleaners
since they cause water seep-
age and deterioration in the fol-
lowing areas: seals (of wheel
bearings, swingarm bearings,
forks and brakes), electric com-
ponents (couplers, connectors,
instruments, switches and
lights), breather hoses and
vents.
lFor motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning
compounds for plastic may
leave scratches on the wind-
shield. Test the product on a
small hidden part of the wind-
shield to make sure they do not
leave any marks. If the wind-
shield is scratched, use a quali-
ty plastic polishing compound
after washing.
lDo not rub the frame, swingarm
and other similar matte metal
parts with a cloth (neither one
dampened with solvents or
gasoline nor a dry one), as this
may deteriorate their finish.
Wash off dirt with water only.
For hard-to-remove dirt, add a
mild detergent and rub only
lightly.
After riding in the rain, near the sea or
on salt-sprayed roads
Since sea salt or salt sprayed on the
roads in the winter are extremely corro-
sive in combination with water, carry
out the following steps after each ride
in the rain, near the sea or on salt-
sprayed roads. (Salt sprayed in the
winter may remain on the roads well
into spring.)

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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
1. Clean your motorcycle with cold
water and soap after the engine
has cooled down.
ECA00012
CAUTION:
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of the
salt.
2. Be sure to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all (even chrome-
and nickel-plated) metal surfaces
to prevent corrosion.After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a cham-
ois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all (even chrome-
and nickel-plated) metal surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
CAUTION:
Do not wax the frame, swingarm and
other similar matte metal parts, as
this may deteriorate their finish.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing it or covering it.
EWA00001
WARNING
Make sure that there is no oil or wax
on the brakes and tires. If necessary,
clean the brake discs and linings
with a regular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, and wash the tires with
warm water and mild soap. Then,
carefully test the motorcycle for its
braking performance and cornering
behavior.
ECA00013
CAUTION:
lApply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and wipe off any excess.
lNever apply oil or wax on rub-
ber and plastic parts, but treat
them with a suitable care prod-
uct.
lAvoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they wear away
the paint.
NOTE:
Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on
what products to use.
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
ECA00014
CAUTION:
lStoring the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cov-
ering it with a tarp while it is still
wet will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.
lTo prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.Long-term
Long term storage (60 days or more) of
your motorcycle will require some pre-
ventive procedures to guard against
deterioration. After throughly cleaning
the motorcycle, prepare for storage as
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Remove the empty fuel tank, pour
a cup of engine oil in the tank,
shake the tank to coat the inner
surfaces thoroughly and drain off
the excess oil. Reinstall the tank.
3. Remove the spark plug, pour
about one tablespoon of engine
oil in the spark plug hole and rein-
stall the spark plug. Turn the en-
gine over several times (ground
spark plug lead wires) to coat the
cylinder walls with oil.

1 - 17
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE/
CONSUMER INFORMATION
WARNING
When using the starter motor to
crank the engine, remove the spark
plug wires, and ground them to pre-
vent sparking.
4. Remove the drive chain. Thor-
oughly clean the chain with kero-
sene and lubricate it. Reinstall the
chain or store it in a plastic bag
(tied to frame for safekeeping).
5. Lubricate all control cables.
6. Block up the frame to raise both
wheels off the ground.
7. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust
pipe outlet to prevent moisture
from entering.
8. If strong in a humid or salt-air at-
mosphere, coat all exposed metal
surfaces with a light film of oil. Do
not apply oil to any rubber parts or
the seat cover.9. Remove the battery and charge it.
Store it in a dry place and re-
change it once a month. Do not
store the battery in an excessively
warm or cold place (less than 0°C
(30°F) or more than 30°C (90°F)).
NOTE:
Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
EAU01040
Identification numbers record
Record the key identification number,
vehicle identification number and mod-
el label information in the spaces pro-
vided for assistance when ordering
spare parts from a Yamaha dealer or
for reference in case the vehicle is sto-
len.
1. KEY IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER:
2. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER:
3. MODEL LABEL INFORMATION:
1. Key identification numberEAU01041
Key identification number
The key identification number is
stamped on the key tag. Record this
number in the space provided and use
it for reference when obtaining a new
key.
1. Vehicle identification numberEAU01043
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is
stamped into the steering head pipe.
Record this number in the space pro-
vided.
NOTE:
The vehicle identification number is
used to identify your motorcycle and
may be used to register your motorcy-
cle with the licensing authority in your
state.

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CONSUMER INFORMATION/
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
1. Model labelEAU01049
Model label
The model label is affixed to the loca-
tion shown in the figure. Record the in-
formation on this label in the space
provided. This information will be need-
ed to order spare parts from your
Yamaha dealer.
1 1
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING CHARTEW000125
WARNING
Never check the fuel system while smoking or in the vicinity of an open flame.
Check if there is fuel
in the fuel tank.
1. FuelEnough fuel.
No fuel.Go to compression check.
Supply fuel.
Use electric starter.
2. CompressionThere is compression.
No compression.Go to ignition check.
Ask a Yamaha dealer to
inspect.
Remove spark
plugs and
check electrodes.
3. IgnitionWet.
Dry.Wipe clean with dry cloth and correct
spark gap or replace spark plugs.
Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect.
Engine doesn’t start, go to battery
check.
Open throttle half-way and start
the engine.
Use electric starter.
4. BatteryEngine turns over
quickly.
Engine turns over
slowly.Battery good.
Check connections or
recharge.
Engine doesn’t start, ask a Yamaha
dealer to inspect.
Engine doesn’t start, go to compression check.

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TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
5. Engine overheatingEW000070
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be blown out
under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Open the radiator cap as follows. Wait until the engine has
cooled. Remove the radiator cap stopper by removing the screw. Place a thick rag like a towel over the radiator cap
and slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent. This procedure allows any residual pressure to escape.
When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning counterclockwise and remove it.
NOTE:
If it is difficult to get the recommended coolant, tap water can be temporarily used, provided that it is changed to the recom-
mended coolant as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.Check the coolant level in the
reservoir tank and/or radiator.
Level is OK.
Level is low, check the
cooling system for leakage.
No
leakage.
Leakage.Ask a Yamaha dealer to inspect
and repair the cooling system.
Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Restart the engine. If the engine overheats again, ask a
Yamaha dealer to inspect and repair the cooling system.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EB102000
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL AND
DISASSEMBLY
1. Before removal and disassembly,
remove all dirt, mud, dust, and foreign
material.
2. Use only the proper tools and cleaning
equipment.
Refer to “SPECIAL TOOLS”.
3. When disassembling, always keep
mated parts together. This includes
gears, cylinders, pistons and other parts
that have been “mated” through normal
wear. Mated parts must always be
reused or replaced as an assembly.
4. During disassembly, clean all of the
parts and place them in trays in the
order of disassembly. This will speed up
assembly and allow for the correct
installation of all parts.
5. Keep all parts away from any source of
fire.
EB102010
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use only genuine Yamaha parts for all
replacements. Use oil and grease recom-
mended by Yamaha for all lubrication jobs.
Other brands may be similar in function
and appearance, but inferior in quality.
EB102020
GASKETS, OIL SEALS AND O-RINGS
1. When overhauling the engine, replace
all gaskets, seals, and O-rings. All gasket
surfaces, oil seal lips, and O-rings must
be cleaned.
2. During reassembly, properly oil all mat-
ing parts and bearings and lubricate the
oil seal lips with grease.