2008 YAMAHA YZF-R1 ESP

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:

Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Make
sure to distribute the weight as
evenly as possible on both sides of
the motorcycle to minimize imbal-
ance or instability.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.


Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. These items, in-
cluding such cargo as sleepingbags, duffel bags, or tents, can
create unstable handling or a slow
steering response.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re-
sponsible for the proper selection, in-
stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac-
cessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.

Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
Maximum load:
195 kg (430 lb)
U4C8E1E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11250
Oil level warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the
engine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.NOTE:

Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when
riding on a slope or during sudden
acceleration or deceleration, but
this is not a malfunction.


This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If the oil lev-
el detection circuit is defective, the
following cycle will be repeated un-
til the malfunction is corrected: The
oil level warning light will flash ten
times, then go off for 2.5 seconds.
If this occurs, have a Yamahadealer check the vehicle.
EAU11361
Fuel level warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3.2 L (0.85 US gal) (0.70 Imp.gal).
When this occurs, refuel as soon as
possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, and then go off,
have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
1. Left turn signal indicator light “”
2. Neutral indicator light “”
3. High beam indicator light “”
4. Right turn signal indicator light “”
5. Fuel level warning light “”
6. Oil level warning light “”
7. Coolant temperature warning light “”
8. Shift timing indicator light
9. Engine trouble warning light “”
10.Immobilizer system indicator lightU4C8E1E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-22
3Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
on each fork leg in direction (a). To de-
crease the compression damping force
and thereby soften the compression
damping, turn the adjusting screw on
each fork leg in direction (b).
CAUTION:
ECA10100
Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum orminimum settings.NOTE:Although the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-
ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify thespecifications as necessary.
EAU42940
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring, a rebound damping force ad-
justing screw, a compression damping
force adjusting bolt (for fast compres-
sion damping) and a compression
damping force adjusting bolt (for slow
compression damping).CAUTION:
ECA10100
Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum orminimum settings.
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
25 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
10 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
U4C8E1E0.book Page 22 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-25
3
EAU15181
Luggage strap holders There are four luggage strap holders on
the bottom of the passenger seat. To
use the strap holders, remove the pas-
senger seat, unhook the straps from
the hooks, and then install the seat with
the straps hanging out from under the
passenger seat. (See page 3-19.)
EAU15281
EXUP system This model is equipped with Yamaha’s
EXUP (EXhaust Ultimate Power valve)
system. This system boosts engine
power by means of a valve that regu-
lates the diameter of the exhaust pipe.
The EXUP system valve is constantly
adjusted in accordance with the engine
speed by a computer-controlled servo-
motor.CAUTION:
ECA10191


The EXUP system has been set
and extensively tested at the
Yamaha factory. Changing
these settings without sufficient
technical knowledge may result
in poor performance of or dam-
age to the engine.


If the EXUP system cannot be
heard when the main switch is
turned on, have a Yamaha deal-er check it.
EAU15301
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.NOTE:The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation ofthe ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as described
1. Luggage strap holder
2. Hook
U4C8E1E0.book Page 25 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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
6
EAU22760
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22773
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side-
stand.NOTE:When checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weighton the motorcycle.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain slack
as shown.4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU34311
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. 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 loos-
en the drive chain, turn the adjust-
ing 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 posi-tion for proper wheel alignment.CAUTION:
ECA10570
Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within thespecified limits.
Drive chain slack:
30.0–40.0 mm (1.18–1.57 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Alignment marks
U4C8E1E0.book Page 25 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-26
63. Tighten the locknuts, then the axle
nut to their specified torques.
EAU23022
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.CAUTION:
ECA10581
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle andriding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.CAUTION:
ECA11120
To prevent damaging the O-rings, do
not clean the drive chain with steam
cleaners, high-pressure washers orinappropriate solvents.
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
CAUTION:
ECA11110
Do not use engine oil or any other lu-
bricants for the drive chain, as they
may contain substances that coulddamage the O-rings.
Tightening torques:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kgf, 110 ft·lbf)
U4C8E1E0.book Page 26 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

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
U4C8E1E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM