2008 YAMAHA YZF-R6 service

1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10281
MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE
TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE
AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT
UPON THE USE OF PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EX-
PERTISE OF THE OPERATOR. EV-
ERY OPERATOR SHOULD KNOW
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS
BEFORE RIDING THIS MOTOR-
CYCLE.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:

OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUC-
TIONS FROM A COMPETENT
SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF
MOTORCYCLE OPERATION.


OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND
MAINTENANCE REQUIRE-
MENTS IN THE OWNER’S MAN-
UAL.


OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING
IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES.


OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECH-
NICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED
BY THE OWNER’S MANUALAND/OR WHEN MADE NECES-
SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI-
TIONS.
Safe riding


Always make pre-operation
checks. Careful checks may help
prevent an accident.


This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator and a passenger.


The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.


Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent motorcycle license.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your
motorcycle to other qualified op-
erators.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.


Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
U13SE0E0.book Page 1 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-25
3 direction (a). To decrease the compres-
sion damping force and thereby soften
the compression damping, turn the ad-
justing bolt in direction (b).
Compression damping force (for slow
compression damping)To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting bolt in
direction (a). To decrease the compres-
sion damping force and thereby soften
the compression damping, turn the ad-
justing bolt in direction (b).
NOTE:Although the total number of clicks or
turns of a damping force adjusting
mechanism may not exactly match the
specifications listed due to small differ-
ences in production, the actual number
of clicks or turns always represents the
entire adjustment range. To obtain a
precise adjustment, it would be advis-
able to check the number of clicks or
turns of each damping force adjusting
mechanism and to modify the specifi-cations as necessary.
WARNING
EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understandthe following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.


Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinder.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.


Always have a Yamaha dealerservice the shock absorber.
Compression damping setting (for
fast compression damping):
Minimum (soft):
4 turn(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
3 turn(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
0 turn(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting bolt fully turned in
direction (a)
Compression damping setting (for
slow compression damping):
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
16 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting bolt fully turned in
direction (a)
U13SE0E0.book Page 25 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-1
6
EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING
EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealerdo it for you.
EAU17541
Owner’s tool kit The owner’s tool kit is located under the
passenger seat. (See page 3-19.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.NOTE:If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, havea Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING
EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-es.
1. Owner’s tool kit
U13SE0E0.book Page 1 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
6
EAU18680
NOTE:

Air filter
This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.
The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.


Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
29*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
30Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
31*Throttle grip hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.√√√√√
32*Air induction sys-
temCheck the air cut-off valve, reed
valve, and hose for damage.
Replace any damaged parts if
necessary.√√√√√
33*Muffler and exhaust
pipeCheck the screw clamp for loose-
ness.√√√√√
34*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√√ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)U13SE0E0.book Page 5 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-27
62. 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
chain puller, make sure that both chain
pullers are in the same position for
proper wheel alignment. Use the end of
the swingarm as the reference point forthe alignment marks.
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.
3. Tighten the axle nut to the speci-
fied torque.
4. Tighten the adjusting bolts in direc-
tion (a) to their specified torque.
5. Tighten the locknuts to their speci-
fied torque.
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.
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Alignment marks
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
110 Nm (11.0 m·kgf, 80 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Drive chain slack adjusting bolt:
2 Nm (0.2 m·kgf, 1.4 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
6 3. Remove the defective bulb by pull-
ing it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the
bulb) by pushing it in.
6. Install the license plate light unit by
installing the screws.
EAU44940
Auxiliary light This model is equipped with an LED-
type auxiliary light.
If the auxiliary light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check it.
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
1. Auxiliary light
U13SE0E0.book Page 38 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-39
6a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU33921
To remove the front 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 wheel axle pinch bolts,
the axle bolt, and then the brake
caliper bolts.
2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-38.3. Remove the brake hose holder on
each side by removing the bolt and
nut.
4. Remove the brake caliper on each
side by removing the bolts.
5. Remove the axle bolt, push the
wheel axle out from the left side,
and then remove the wheel.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
1. Brake hose holder
2. Bolt and nut
3. Brake caliper bolt
4. Brake caliper
5. Axle bolt
U13SE0E0.book Page 39 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-41
612. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU44950
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 6-38.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Loosen the locknut on each side of
the swingarm.
5. Turn the drive chain slack adjust-
ing bolts in direction (a) to loosen
the drive chain enough so it can be
removed from the rear sprocket,
and then push the wheel forward.
6. Remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
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
U13SE0E0.book Page 41 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM