2008 YAMAHA YZF-R1 Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-41
6
CAUTION:
ECA11050
Do not apply the brake after the
brake calipers have been removed,
otherwise the brake pads will beforced shut.
EAU33932
To install the front wheel
1. Lift the wheel up between the fork
legs.
2. Insert the wheel axle.
3. Lower the front wheel so that it is
on the ground.
4. Install the brake calipers by install-
ing the bolts, and then tightening
them to the specified torque.
NOTE:Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before install-
ing the brake calipers onto the brakediscs.
5. Install the brake hose holders by
installing the bolts and nuts.
6. Secure the wheel axle by installing
the axle bolt, and then tightening
the axle bolt to the specified
torque.NOTE:While tightening the axle bolt, hold the
wheel axle with a 19-mm hexagonwrench to keep it from turning.
7. Tighten wheel axle pinch bolt B,
and then tighten pinch bolt A to the
specified torque.8. Retighten pinch bolt B to the spec-
ified torque.
9. Tap the outer side of the right fork
leg with a rubber mallet to align it
with the end of the wheel axle.
10. Tighten wheel axle pinch bolt D,
and then tighten pinch bolt C to the
specified torque.
11. Retighten pinch bolt D to the spec-
ified torque.
1. Wheel axle
Tightening torque:
Brake caliper bolt:
35 Nm (3.5 m·kgf, 25 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Axle bolt:
91 Nm (9.1 m·kgf, 66 ft·lbf)
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt A
2. Front wheel axle pinch bolt B
3. Front wheel axle pinch bolt C
4. Front wheel axle pinch bolt D
Tightening torque:
Wheel axle pinch bolt:
21 Nm (2.1 m·kgf, 15 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-42
612. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU25311
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-39.
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.
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.
Tightening torque:
Wheel axle pinch bolt:
21 Nm (2.1 m·kgf, 15 ft·lbf)
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Brake caliper
5. Brake caliper bracket
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-43
6
CAUTION:
ECA11070
Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise thebrake pads will be forced shut.
EAU25661
To install the rear wheel
1. Install the wheel and the brake cal-
iper bracket by inserting the wheel
axle from the left-hand side.NOTE:

Be sure to insert the retainer on the
brake caliper bracket into the slot
in the swingarm.


Make sure that there is enough
space between the brake pads be-fore installing the wheel.
2. Install the drive chain onto the rear
sprocket.
3. Install the axle nut, and then lower
the rear wheel so that it is on the
ground.
4. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See
page 6-25.)
5. Tighten the axle nut to the speci-
fied torque.
EAU25870
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing 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 inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
1. Wheel axle
1. Retainer
2. Slot
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kgf, 110 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-44
6
EAU42500
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
WARNING
EWA10840
Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system.
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-45
6 Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1040


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. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.


Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the capwhile turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
NOTE:If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolantas soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
7
EAU37833
Matte color caution CAUTION:
ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-ished parts.
EAU36902
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 motor-
cycle. 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 outlets with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
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 de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:
ECA15091


Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.


Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts (such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with mild
detergent and water to clean
plastic. However, if the mufflers
cannot be thoroughly cleaned
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7 with mild detergent, alkaline
products and a soft brush may
be used.


Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts or the
mufflers. Be sure to avoid using
cloths or sponges which have
been in contact with strong or
abrasive cleaning products, sol-
vent or thinner, fuel (gasoline),
rust removers or inhibitors,
brake fluid, antifreeze or electro-
lyte.


Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
storage compartments, electric
components (couplers, connec-
tors, instruments, switches and
lights), breather hoses and
vents.


For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.
NOTE:Salt sprayed on roads in the winter mayremain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.CAUTION:
ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of thesalt.
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply
a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces (except the tita-
nium mufflers) to prevent
corrosion.
Cleaning the titanium mufflersThis model is equipped with titanium
mufflers, which require the following
special care.

Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muf-
flers. However, if the mufflers can-
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7not be thoroughly cleaned with
mild detergent, alkaline products
and a soft brush may be used.


Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium mufflers, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the mufflers.


Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium mufflers, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.


Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
mufflers is normal and cannot be
removed.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
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.4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, 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.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11130


Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.


If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-nering behavior.
CAUTION:
ECA10800


Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.


Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.


Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wearaway the paint.
NOTE:Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice onwhat products to use.
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