2008 YAMAHA YZF-R6 checking oil

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1
Immobilizer system .........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-2
Indicator and warning lights ............3-4
Multi-function meter unit .................3-7
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .............3-13
Handlebar switches ......................3-14
Clutch lever ...................................3-15
Shift pedal .....................................3-15
Brake lever ...................................3-16
Brake pedal ..................................3-16
Fuel tank cap ................................3-17
Fuel ...............................................3-17
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose ..........................................3-18
Catalytic converters ......................3-19
Seats ............................................3-19
Helmet holding cable ....................3-20
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-21
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ...................................3-23
Luggage strap holders ..................3-26
EXUP system ...............................3-26Sidestand ..................................... 3-27
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-27
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
Pre-operation check list .................. 4-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR................................. 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-2
Removing and installing cowlings
and panels .................................. 6-7
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-11
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 6-12
Coolant ......................................... 6-15
Air filter element ........................... 6-19
Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-19
Valve clearance ............................ 6-20Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-23
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-23
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ....................................... 6-24
Checking the front and rear brake
pads .......................................... 6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-26
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-26
Cleaning and lubricating the drive
chain ......................................... 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the cables ................................. 6-28
Checking and lubricating
the throttle grip and cable ......... 6-28
Checking and lubricating
the brake and shift pedals ........ 6-29
Checking and lubricating
the brake and clutch levers ...... 6-29
Checking and lubricating
the sidestand ............................ 6-30
Lubricating the swingarm
pivots ........................................ 6-30
Checking the front fork ................. 6-31
Checking the steering .................. 6-31
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-32
Battery ......................................... 6-32
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-34
Replacing a headlight bulb .......... 6-35U13SE0E0.book Page 1 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-11
6
EAU19652
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
NOTE:If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-fied torque as soon as possible.CAUTION:
ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twistit back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR10EK
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9.0 ft·lbf)
U13SE0E0.book Page 11 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
6
EAU38995
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:
Make sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt to the side can result in afalse reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles.4. Remove the engine oil dipstick and
wipe it clean, insert it back into the
hole (without screwing it in), and
then remove it again to check the
oil level.
NOTE:The engine oil should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the engine oil is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
oil filler cap, and then add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.6. Insert and tighten the engine oil
dipstick, and then install and tight-
en the oil filler cap.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Remove cowling A. (See page
6-7.)
3. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
4. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.1. Dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Engine oil filler cap
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.


Make sure that no foreign mate-rial enters the crankcase.
15. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
NOTE:After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if theoil level is sufficient.CAUTION:
ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealercheck the vehicle.
16. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
17. Install the cowling.
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU39084
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:

The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.


Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to theside can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
NOTE:The coolant should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
1.“CD” specification
2.“ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
6
EAU22580
Checking the brake fluid level Front brake
Rear brake
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.
Observe these precautions:


When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is level.


Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.


Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.


Be careful that water does not en-
ter the brake fluid reservoir when
refilling. Water will significantly
lower the boiling point of the fluid
and may result in vapor lock.


Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.


As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-26
6
EAU22730
Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the NOTE after the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the master cylin-
ders and calipers as well as the brake
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.


Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
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.
EAU39052
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock-
nut on each side of the swingarm.
Drive chain slack:
30.0–45.0 mm (1.18–1.77 in)
1. Drive chain slack
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-28
6
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.
EAU23100
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING
EWA10720
Damage to the outer sheath may in-
terfere with proper cable operation
and will cause the inner cable to
rust. Replace a damaged cable as
soon as possible to prevent unsafeconditions.
EAU23111
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-31
6
EAU23271
Checking the front fork The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
WARNING
EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so thatthere is no danger of it falling over.
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
CAUTION:
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-pair it.
EAU23280
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
WARNING
EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so thatthere is no danger of it falling over.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork 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.
U13SE0E0.book Page 31 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM