2008 YAMAHA YZF-R1 Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-27
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is turned on.
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.
This check is most reliable if performed with
a warmed-up engine.The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NONOTE:
U4C8E1E0.book Page 27 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15593
The 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.NOTE:Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very shorttime; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING
EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operatingthe vehicle.U4C8E1E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
EAU15605
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-17
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-10
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-13
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-23, 6-23
Rear brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-23, 6-23
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-22
U4C8E1E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
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.6-18, 6-27
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-27
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-25, 6-26
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-19, 6-21
Shift pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary.—
Brake pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary.—
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-27
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-28
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switchCheck operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-25 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U4C8E1E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15950
WARNING
EWA10270


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 lossof control.
EAU33011
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 sid-
estand up.WARNING
EWA10290


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 sidestanddown.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
CAUTION:
ECA11730
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


Shift timing indicator light


Engine trouble warning light


Immobilizer system indicator
light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-4 for the corre-
sponding warning and indicator
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.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-
U4C8E1E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine iscold!
EAU16671
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 il-
lustration.NOTE:To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel, and then slightly raise it.
CAUTION:
ECA10260


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.


Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand theshock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U4C8E1E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:

Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.


Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.


Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17081
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6900
r/min.
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8300
r/min.
CAUTION:
ECA10301
After 1000 km (600 mi) of operation,
the engine oil must be changed and
the oil filter cartridge or element re-placed.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.CAUTION:
ECA10310


Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.


If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-cle.
NOTE:During and after the engine break-in
period, the exhaust heat may cause
discoloration of the exhaust pipe, butthis is normal.
U4C8E1E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU17212
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10310


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.


Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehiclemay overturn.
CAUTION:
ECA10380
Never park in an area where there
are fire hazards such as grass orother flammable materials.U4C8E1E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM