2008 YAMAHA YZF-R1 suspension

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
3-21
3
EAU14741
Adjusting the front fork This front fork is equipped with spring
preload adjusting bolts, rebound damp-
ing force adjusting screws and com-
pression damping force adjusting
screws.
WARNING
EWA10180
Always adjust both fork legs equal-
ly, otherwise poor handling and lossof stability may result.
Spring preload
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting bolt on each fork leg in di-
rection (a). To decrease the spring pre-load and thereby soften the
suspension, turn the adjusting bolt on
each fork leg in direction (b).
NOTE:Align the appropriate groove on the ad-
justing mechanism with the top of thefront fork cap bolt.Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting screw on each
fork leg in direction (a). To decrease the
rebound damping force and thereby
soften the rebound damping, turn the
adjusting screw on each fork leg in di-
rection (b).
1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
1. Current setting
2. Front fork cap bolt
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
8
Standard:
5
Maximum (hard):
0
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
26 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 21 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-23
3 Spring preload
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting ring in direction (a). To de-
crease the spring preload and thereby
soften the suspension, turn the adjust-
ing ring in direction (b).
NOTE:

Align the appropriate notch in the
adjusting ring with the position in-
dicator on the shock absorber.


Use the special wrench included in
the owner’s tool kit to make the ad-justment.Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting screw in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting screw in di-
rection (b).Compression damping force
Compression damping force (for fast
compression damping)To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting bolt in
1. Special wrench
2. Spring preload adjusting ring
3. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
5
Maximum (hard):
9
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
12 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
3 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
1. Compression damping force adjusting bolt
(for fast compression damping)
2. Compression damping force adjusting bolt
(for slow compression damping)
U4C8E1E0.book Page 23 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
24*Rear suspension relay
arm and connecting
arm pivoting pointsCheck operation.√√√√
25*Fuel injection systemAdjust synchronization.√√√√ √
26 Engine oilChange.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage.√√√√√ √
27Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√
28*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage.√√√√ √
Change. Every 3 years
29*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√ √
30Moving parts and ca-
blesLubricate.√√√√ √
31*Throttle grip housing
and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.√√√√ √
32*Air induction systemCheck the air cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for dam-
age.
Replace any damaged parts if necessary.√√√√ √
33*Muffler and exhaust
pipeCheck the screw clamp for looseness.√√√√√
34*EXUP systemCheck operation, cable free play and pulley position.√√√
35*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√ √ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING (× 1000 km)
ANNUAL
CHECK
1 10203040U4C8E1E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-19
6
EAU21771
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10500


The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).


The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approvedfor this model.
WARNING
EWA11020
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your motorcycle, you should
keep the following precautions in
mind.


NEVER OVERLOAD THE
MOTORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider,
passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum load for the
vehicle.


Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.


Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.


Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.


Check the tire condition and airpressure before each ride.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Fr o nt :
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
90–195 kg (198–430 lb):
Fr o nt :
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
High-speed riding:
Fr o nt :
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
Maximum load*:
195 kg (430 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
U4C8E1E0.book Page 19 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
8
Gear ratio:
1st:
38/15 (2.533)
2nd:
33/16 (2.063)
3rd:
37/21 (1.762)
4th:
35/23 (1.522)
5th:
30/22 (1.364)
6th:
33/26 (1.269)Chassis:Frame type:
Diamond
Caster angle:
24.00 °
Trail:
102.0 mm (4.02 in)Front tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
MICHELIN/Pilot POWER P
Manufacturer/model:
PIRELLI/DIABLO CORSA ERear tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size:
190/50 ZR17M/C (73W)Manufacturer/model:
MICHELIN/ Pilot POWER
Manufacturer/model:
PIRELLI/DIABLO CORSA L
Loading:Maximum load:
195 kg (430 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo and
accessories)Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):Loading condition:
0–90 kg (0–198 lb)
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
Loading condition:
90–195 kg (198–430 lb)
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
High-speed riding:
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)Front wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
17M/C x MT3.50
Rear wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
17M/C x MT6.00Front brake:Type:
Dual disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4Front suspension:Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
120.0 mm (4.72 in)Rear suspension:Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
130.0 mm (5.12 in)
U4C8E1E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:24 AM