
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1. Wheel axle
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Alignment marks
ECA10570
CAUTION:
Improper drive chain slack will
overload the engine as well as oth-
er vital parts of the motorcycle and
can lead to chain slippage or break-
age. To prevent this from occurring,
keep the drive chain slack within
the specified limits.
3. Tighten the locknuts, then the axle nut to their specified torques.
Tightening torques:
Locknut:16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut: 105 Nm (10.5 m·kgf, 75 ft·lbf)
EAU34311
To adjust the drive chain slack1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock- nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (a). To
loosen the drive chain, turn the
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (b), and
then push the rear wheel forward.
NOTE:
Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both chain pullers are in the same po-
sition for proper wheel alignment.
XT660Z 04-06 ING 31-03-2008 14:05 Pagina 6-24

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-29
EAU23280
Checking the steering
Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the opera-
tion of the steering must be checked
as follows at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart.1. Place a stand under the engine to raise the front wheel off the
ground.
EWA10750
WARNING0
Securely support the motorcycle so
that there is no danger of it falling
over.
2. Hold the lower ends of the frontfork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings
The front and rear wheel bearings
must be checked at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. If there is play in the
wheel hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the wheel bearings.
XT660Z 04-06 ING 11-03-2008 8:31 Pagina 6-29

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a mo-
torcycle stand is not available, by plac-
ing a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or un-
der each side of the swingarm.EAU24360
Front wheelEAUB1440To remove the front wheel
EWA10820
WARNING0
●It is advisable to have a Yama-
ha dealer service the wheel.
●Securely support the motorcy-
cle so that there is no danger of
it falling over.
1. Wheel axle
2. Brake caliper bolts
A. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
B. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
A
2
B
1
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with
a centerstand, follow these precau-
tions when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motorcy-
cle is in a stable and level position be-
fore starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel 1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcy- cle by using a motorcycle stand
or, if an additional motorcycle
stand is not available, by placing a
jack under the frame in front of the
rear wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
XT660Z 04-06 ING 11-03-2008 8:31 Pagina 6-36

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-37
1. Loosen the front wheel axle pinchbolts, the wheel axle and the
brake caliper bolts.
2. Lift the front wheel off the ground according to the procedure on
page 6-36.
3. Remove the brake caliper on each side by removing the bolts.
ECA11050CAUTION:
Do not apply the brake after the
brake calipers have been removed,
otherwise the brake pads will be
forced shut.
4. Pull the wheel axle out, and then remove the wheel.
EAUB1470
To install the front wheel1. Lift the wheel up between the fork legs.
2. Insert the wheel axle.
3. Install the brake calipers by in- stalling the bolts.
NOTE:
Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before in-
stalling the brake calipers onto the
brake discs.
4. Lower the front wheel so that it is on the ground.
5. Tighten the wheel axle and the brake caliper bolts to the specified
torques.
ECAB0060CAUTION:
Be sure the right brake disc is posi-
tioned exactly in the middle of the
caliper pads to prevent any brake
drag. Tap the side of the right fork
leg to position the disc correctly.
Tightening torques: Wheel axle:60 Nm (6.0 m·kgf, 44 ft·lbf)
Front wheel axle pinch bolt: 18 Nm (1.8 m·kgf, 13 ft·lbf)
Brake caliper bolt: 40 Nm (4.0 m·kgf, 29 ft·lbf)
6. Tighten wheel axle pinch bolt A, and then pinch bolt B to the spec-
ified torque.
7. Retighten pinch bolt A to the specified torque.
8. Apply the front brake several times, and then while holding the
brake lever in, push down hard on
the handlebar several times to
check for proper fork operation.
XT660Z 04-06 ING 11-03-2008 8:31 Pagina 6-37

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
NOTE:
●If the drive chain is difficult to re-
move, remove the wheel axle first,
and then lift the wheel upward
enough to remove the drive chain
from the rear sprocket.
●The drive chain cannot be disas-
sembled.
7. While supporting the brake caliper bracket, pull the wheel
axle out, and then remove the
wheel.
ECA11070CAUTION:
Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise the
brake pads will be forced shut.
EAU25080
Rear wheelEAU25311
To remove the rear wheelEWA10820
WARNING0
●It is advisable to have a Yama-
ha dealer service the wheel.
●Securely support the motorcy-
cle so that there is no danger of
it falling over.
1. Wheel axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Drive chain
3
4
1
1. Wheel axle
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Brake caliper
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground according to the procedure on
page 6-36.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Loosen the locknut on each side of the swingarm.
5. Turn the drive chain slack adjust- ing bolts fully in direction (a) and
push the wheel forward.
6. Remove the drive chain from the rear sprocket.
4
3
1
2
a
XT660Z 04-06 ING 11-03-2008 8:31 Pagina 6-38

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-39
EAUB1450
To install the rear wheel1. Install the wheel and the brake caliper bracket by inserting the
wheel axle from the right-hand
side.
NOTE:
●Make sure that the slot in the
brake caliper bracket is fit over the
retainer on the swingarm.
●Make sure that there is enough
space between the brake pads
before installing the wheel.
2. Install the drive chain onto the rear sprocket.
3. Install the axle nut, and then low- er the rear wheel so that it is on
the ground.
4. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See page 6-24.)
5. Apply the rear brake several times, and then tighten the axle
nut to the specified torque.
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:105 Nm (10.5 m·kgf, 75 ft·lbf)
EAU25870
Troubleshooting
Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur
during operation. Any problem in the
fuel, compression, or ignition systems,
for example, can cause poor starting
and loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look
like Yamaha parts, but they are often
inferior, have a shorter service life and
can lead to expensive repair bills.
XT660Z 04-06 ING 11-03-2008 8:31 Pagina 6-39

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
EAU26000
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning 1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug cap, 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
ECA10770CAUTION:
●Avoid using strong acidic
wheel cleaners, especially on
spoked wheels. If such prod-
ucts are used on hard-to-re-
move dirt, do not leave the
cleaner on the affected area
any longer than instructed. Al-
so, thoroughly rinse the area
off with water, immediately dry
it, and then apply a corrosion
protection spray.
●Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use on-
ly a soft, clean cloth or sponge
with mild detergent and water
to clean plastic.
●Do 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.
●Do 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
and swingarm bearings, fork
and brakes), electric compo-
nents (couplers, connectors,
instruments, switches and
lights), breather hoses and
vents.
XT660Z 07-10 ING 11-03-2008 8:33 Pagina 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:1. Follow all the instructions in the “Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to protect the cylinder, piston rings,
etc. from corrosion.a. Remove the spark plug cap and spark plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the spark plug, and then place
the spark plug on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes
are grounded. (This will limit
sparking during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder wall with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark plug, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.EWA10950
WARNING0
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turning
the engine over.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting points of all levers
and pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alter-
natively, turn the wheels a little
every month in order to prevent
the tires from becoming degraded
in one spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plastic bags to prevent moisture
from entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fullycharge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see
page 6-31.
NOTE:
Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
XT660Z 07-10 ING 11-03-2008 8:33 Pagina 5