2003 YAMAHA YZF-R6 maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
1
2 DESCRIPTION
2
3 INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3
4 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4
5 OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
6 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6
7 MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
8 SPECIFICATIONS
8
9 CONSUMER INFORMATION
9
INDEX
EAU00009
U5SLE0.book Page 1 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM

1
1-1
1-GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
EAU00021
Motorcycles are fascinating vehicles, which can give you an unsurpassed feeling of power and
freedom. However, they also impose certain limits, which you must accept; even the best motorcycle
does not ignore the laws of physics.
Regular care and maintenance are essential for preserving value and operating condition of your
motorcycle. Moreover, what is true for the motorcycle is also true for the rider: good performance
depends on being in good shape. Riding under the influence of medication, drugs and alcohol is, of
course, out of the question. Motorcycle riders—more than car drivers—must always be at their mental
and physical best. Under the influence of even small amounts of alcohol, there is a tendency to take
dangerous risks.
Protective clothing is as essential for the motorcycle rider as seat belts are for car drivers and
passengers. Always wear a complete motorcycle suit (whether made of leather or tear-resistant
synthetic materials with protectors), sturdy boots, motorcycle gloves and a properly fitting helmet.
Optimum protective wear, however, should not encourage carelessness. Although full-coverage
helmets and suits, in particular, create an illusion of total safety and protection, motorcyclists will
always be vulnerable. Riders who lack critical self-control run the risk of going too fast and are apt to
take chances. This is even more dangerous in wet weather. The good motorcyclist rides safely,
predictably and defensively—avoiding all dangers, including those caused by others.
Enjoy your ride!
U5SLE0.book Page 1 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3
EAU00185
CAUTION:@ Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-
es or plastic parts. @
EAU04940
ECA00104
CAUTION:_ Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause se-
vere damage to internal engine
parts, such as the valves and piston
rings, as well as to the exhaust sys-
tem. _
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging)
occurs, use a gasoline of a different
brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
EAU02955
Fuel tank breather hose Before operating the motorcycle:

Check the fuel tank breather hose
connection.


Check the fuel tank breather hose
for cracks or damage, and replace
it if damaged.


Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather hose is not blocked,
and clean it if necessary. Recommended fuel:
PREMIUM UNLEADED
GASOLINE ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
Total amount:
17 L
Amount remaining when the fuel
level warning light comes on:
3.5 L
1. Fuel tank breather hoseLeft side
U5SLE0.book Page 18 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-19
3
EAU01084
Catalytic converter This motorcycle is equipped with a cat-
alytic converter in the exhaust cham-
ber.
EW000128
WARNING
_ The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. Make sure that the exhaust
system has cooled down before do-
ing any maintenance work. _
EC000114
CAUTION:_ The following precautions must be
observed to prevent a fire hazard or
other damages.

Use only unleaded gasoline.
The use of leaded gasoline will
cause unrepairable damage to
the catalytic converter.


Never park the motorcycle near
possible fire hazards such as
grass or other materials that
easily burn.


Do not allow the engine to idle
too long.
_
EAU03814
Seats Rider seat
To remove the rider seatPull up the rear corners of the rider seat
as shown, remove the bolts, and then
pull the seat off.To install the rider seat
Insert the projection on the front of the
rider seat into the seat holder as
shown, place the seat in the original
position, and then install the bolts.
1. Bolt (× 2)
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
U5SLE0.book Page 19 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 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
Checking the air filter element ........................... 6-19
Air intake duct .................................................... 6-22
Adjusting the engine idling speed ...................... 6-23
Adjusting the throttle cable free play .................. 6-23
Adjusting the valve clearance ............................ 6-24
Tires ................................................................... 6-24
Cast wheels ....................................................... 6-27
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .................... 6-27
Adjusting the brake pedal position ..................... 6-29
Adjusting the rear brake light switch .................. 6-29
Checking the front and rear brake pads ............. 6-30
Checking the brake fluid level ............................ 6-31
Changing the brake fluid .................................... 6-32
Drive chain slack ................................................ 6-32
Lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-33
Checking and lubricating the cables .................. 6-34Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and
cable ............................................................... 6-34
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers .................................................... 6-35
Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ...................................................... 6-35
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............ 6-36
Checking the front fork ...................................... 6-37
Checking the steering ....................................... 6-37
Checking the wheel bearings ............................ 6-38
Battery ............................................................... 6-38
Replacing the fuses .......................................... 6-40
Replacing a headlight bulb ................................ 6-41
Replacing an auxiliary light bulb ....................... 6-43
Tail/brake light ................................................... 6-44
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ...................... 6-44
Replacing the license plate light bulb ................ 6-45
Supporting the motorcycle ................................ 6-45
Front wheel ....................................................... 6-46
Rear wheel ........................................................ 6-49
Troubleshooting ................................................. 6-51
Troubleshooting charts ...................................... 6-52
U5SLE0.book Page 1 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM

6-1
6
EAU00462
6-PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EAU00464
Safety is an obligation of the owner.
Periodic inspection, adjustment and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart should be
simply considered as a general guide
under normal riding conditions. Howev-
er, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER,
TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCA-
TION, AND INDIVIDUAL USE, THE
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS MAY
NEED TO BE SHORTENED.
EW000060
WARNING
@ If you are not familiar with motor-
cycle maintenance work, have a
Yamaha dealer do it for you. @
EAU04223
Owner’s tool kit The owner’s tool kit is located inside
the storage compartment under the
passenger seat. (See page 3-20 for
passenger seat removal and installa-
tion procedures.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
NOTE:_ If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you. _
EW000063
WARNING
_ Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es. _
1. Owner’s tool kit
U5SLE0.book Page 1 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-2
6
EAU03685
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart
NOTE:_

The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance is performed instead.


From 50,000 km, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10,000 km.


Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and techni-
cal skills.
_
CP-03ENO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (×1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
1
*Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses for cracks or damage.√√√√ √
2*Spark plugsCheck condition.
Clean and regap.√√
Replace.√√
3*ValvesCheck valve clearance.
Adjust.Every 40,000 km
4*Air filter elementClean.√√
Replace.√√
5ClutchCheck operation.
Adjust.√√√√√
6*Front brakeCheck operation, fluid level and vehicle for fluid leakage.
(See NOTE on page 6-4.)√√ √ √ √ √
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
7*Rear brakeCheck operation, fluid level and vehicle for fluid leakage.
(See NOTE on page 6-4.)√√ √ √ √ √
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
8*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or damage.√√√√ √
Replace. (See NOTE on page 6-4.) Every 4 years
9*WheelsCheck runout and for damage.√√√√
U5SLE0.book Page 2 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-3
6
10
*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.√√√√ √
11*Wheel bearingsCheck bearing for looseness or damage.√√√√
12*SwingarmCheck operation and for excessive play.√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 50,000 km
13 Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Make sure that the rear wheel is properly aligned.
Clean and lubricate.Every 800 km and after washing
the motorcycle or riding in the rain
14*Steering bearingsCheck bearing play and steering for roughness.√√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 20,000 km
15*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly
tightened.√√√√ √
16 SidestandCheck operation.
Lubricate.√√√√ √
17*Sidestand switchCheck operation.√√√√√ √
18*Front forkCheck operation and for oil leakage.√√√√
19*Shock absorber
assemblyCheck operation and shock absorber for oil leakage.√√√√
20*Rear suspension relay
arm and connecting arm
pivoting pointsCheck operation.√√√√
21*Electronic fuel injectionAdjust engine idling speed and synchronization.√√√√√ √
22 Engine oilChange.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage.√√√√√ √
23 Engine oil filter cartridgeReplace.√√√ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (×1,000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040
U5SLE0.book Page 3 Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:46 AM