2001 YAMAHA YZF-R6 engine

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTE:@ If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt. @5. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) lever back halfway.
ECA00045
CAUTION:@ For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold! @6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:@ The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off. @
EAU01258
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
E_5mt.book Page 2 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU00423
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the
illustration.NOTE:@ To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it. @
EC000048
CAUTION:@ l
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
l
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
@
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:l
Thoroughly warm up the engine.
l
Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.
l
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
l
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
l
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or at railroad crossings).
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral positionE_5mt.book Page 3 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU01128
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1,600 km. For this rea-
son, you should read the following ma-
terial carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do 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 that might result
in engine overheating must be avoided.
EAU01329*
0–1,000 km
Avoid prolonged operation above
5,000 r/min.
1,000–1,600 km
Avoid prolonged operation above
6,000 r/min.
EC000052*
CAUTION:@ After 1,000 km of operation, the en-
gine oil must be changed and the oil
filter cartridge replaced. @1,600 km and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated
normally.
EC000053
CAUTION:@ l
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.
l
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
@
EAU00460
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
EW000058
WARNING
@ l
Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.
l
Do not park on a slope or on
soft ground, otherwise the
motorcycle may overturn.
@
E_5mt.book Page 4 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM

6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-3
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ..... 6-6
Cowlings A and B ................................................. 6-6
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-9
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ........................ 6-10
Coolant .............................................................. 6-13
Checking the air filter element ........................... 6-17
Air intake duct .................................................... 6-20
Adjusting the carburetors ................................... 6-20
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-21
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-21
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-22
Tires ................................................................... 6-22
Wheels ............................................................... 6-25
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .................... 6-25
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-27
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-27
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-28
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-29
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-30
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-31Lubricating the drive chain ................................ 6-32
Checking and lubricating the cables ................. 6-33
Checking and lubricating the throttle
grip and cable ................................................. 6-33
Lubricating the brake pedal ............................... 6-34
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-34
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............ 6-34
Lubricating the rear suspension ........................ 6-35
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-35
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-36
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-36
Battery ............................................................... 6-37
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-38
Replacing the headlight bulb ............................. 6-39
Tail/brake light ................................................... 6-40
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...................... 6-40
Supporting the motorcycle ................................ 6-41
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-41
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-43
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-44
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-45
E_5mt.book Page 1 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
6
EAU03541
NOTE:@l
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
l
Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinder and caliper, and change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
@22
*Carburetors• Check starter (choke) operation.
• Adjust engine idling speed and synchronization.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
23 Engine oil• Change.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
24 Engine oil filter cartridge•Replace.ÖÖÖ
25*Cooling system• Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
• Change. Every 3 years
26*Front and rear brake
switches• Check operation.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö
27 Moving parts and cables• Lubricate.ÖÖÖÖ Ö
28*Lights, signals and
switches• Check operation.
• Adjust headlight beam.ÖÖÖÖÖ Ö NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (´1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
E_5mt_Periodic.fm Page 5 Tuesday, December 12, 2000 5:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-9
6
EAU01639
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal col-
or when the motorcycle is ridden nor-
mally), and all spark plugs installed in
the engine should have the same color.
If any spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be defec-
tive. Do not attempt to diagnose such
problems yourself. Instead, have a
Yamaha dealer check the motorcycle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.
Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
NOTE:@ If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible. @
a. Spark plug gap
Specified spark plug:
CR10EK (NGK)
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kg)
E_5mt.book Page 9 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-10
6
ECA00021
CAUTION:@ Do not use any tools to remove or
install the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in. @
EAU01610
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.NOTE:@ Make sure that the motorcycle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking the oil
level. A slight tilt to the side can result in
a false reading. @
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in), and then remove it
again to check the oil level.1. Engine oil dipstickRight side
E_5mt.book Page 10 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-11
6
NOTE:@ The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks. @4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
5. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler
hole, and then tighten the oil filler
cap.To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge
replacement)
1. Remove cowling A and B. (See
page 6-6 for cowling removal and
installation procedures.)
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.4. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolt to drain the oil from
the crankcase.
NOTE:@ Skip steps 5–7 if the oil filter cartridge is
not being replaced. @
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
1. Engine oil filler capRight side
1. Engine oil drain boltLeft side
E_5mt.book Page 11 Monday, September 18, 2000 9:08 AM