2003 YAMAHA YZF-R1 coolant level

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
Right view13. Luggage strap holders (page 3-23)
14. Helmet holders (page 3-18)
15. Main fuse (page 6-36)
16. Electronic fuel injection fuse (page 6-36)
17. Battery (page 6-34)
18. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-28)19. Air filter element (page 6-18)
20. Radiator cap (page 6-15)
21. Coolant reservoir (page 6-13)
22. Engine oil level check window (page 6-9)
23. Engine oil filler cap (page 6-9)
U5PWE1.book Page 2 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSThe condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
EAU03439
Pre-operation check list
CO-01E
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-15
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-13–6-14
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-26–6-28
Rear brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-25–6-28
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-24–6-25
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check cable free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and
grip housing.6-20, 6-31
U5PWE1.book Page 1 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

5-1
5
EAU00372
5-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU00373
WARNING
_

Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.


Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.


Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
_
EAU04912
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
EW000054
WARNING
_

Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-26.


Never ride with the sidestand
down.
_1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
ECA00132
CAUTION:_ The following warning lights and in-
dicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light


Fuel level warning light


Coolant temperature warning
light


Engine speed indicator light


Engine trouble warning light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see pages 3-3–3-5 for the
corresponding warning and indica-
tor light circuit check.
_2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.NOTE:_ When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit. _3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
U5PWE1.book Page 1 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

6
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
Owner’s tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart ......... 6-2
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ..... 6-5
Checking the spark plugs .................................... 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .......................... 6-9
Coolant .............................................................. 6-13
Replacing the air filter element .......................... 6-17
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-19
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-20
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-20
Tires ................................................................... 6-21
Cast wheels ....................................................... 6-24
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .................... 6-24
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-25
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-26
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-26
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-27
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-28
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-29
Lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-30
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-31Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and
cable ............................................................... 6-31
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-31
Lubricating the brake pedal ............................... 6-32
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............ 6-32
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-33
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-33
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-34
Battery ............................................................... 6-34
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-36
Replacing a headlight bulb ................................ 6-37
Tail/brake light ................................................... 6-38
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...................... 6-39
Replacing the license plate light bulb ................ 6-39
Supporting the motorcycle ................................ 6-40
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-41
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-43
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-45
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-46
U5PWE1.book Page 1 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
EAU04522
NOTE:_

Air filter
This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.
The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.


Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.
Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
_24
*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.√√√√ √
Change. Every 3 years
25*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√ √
26 Moving parts and cablesLubricate.√√√√ √
27*Throttle grip housing
and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.√√√√ √
28*Air induction systemCheck the air cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for
damage.
Replace any damaged parts if necessary.√√√√ √
29*Muffler and exhaust pipeCheck the screw clamp for looseness.√√√√√
30*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√ √ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (×1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
U5PWE1.book Page 4 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
6
EAU04897
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
To check the coolant level
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.NOTE:_

The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.


Make sure that the motorcycle is
positioned straight up when
checking the coolant level. A slight
tilt to the side can result in a false
reading.
_
2. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.NOTE:_ The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks. _
3. If the coolant is at or below the min-
imum level mark, remove panel A
(See page 6-7 for panel removal
and installation procedures.), re-
move the reservoir cap, add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark,
and then install the reservoir cap
and the panel.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity
(up to the maximum level mark):
0.24 L
U5PWE1.book Page 13 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6
EC000080
CAUTION:_

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.


If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
_
EW000067
WARNING
_ Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap when the engine is hot. _NOTE:_

The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.


If the engine overheats, see page
6-47 for further instructions.
_
EAU04925
To change the coolant
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and let the engine cool if
necessary.
2. Remove cowlings A and B, and
panel A. (See pages 6-5–6-7 for
cowling and panel removal and in-
stallation procedures.)
3. Place a container under the en-
gine to collect the used coolant.
U5PWE1.book Page 14 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-16
6 11. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
12. Install the coolant drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
NOTE:_ Check the washer for damage and re-
place it if necessary. _13. Connect the radiator hose, and
then tighten the clamp screw.14. Pour the specified amount of rec-
ommended coolant into the radia-
tor and reservoir.
EC000080
CAUTION:_

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.


If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the engine may not be
sufficiently cooled and the cool-
ing system will not be protected
against frost and corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
_
Tightening torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf)
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol
antifreeze containing corrosion
inhibitors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Total amount:
2.45 L
Coolant reservoir capacity
(up to the maximum level mark):
0.24 L
U5PWE1.book Page 16 Monday, July 8, 2002 10:28 AM