2008 YAMAHA YZF-R6 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:
190 kg (419 lb)
U13SE0E0.book Page 3 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-21
3
WARNING
EWA14330
Never ride with a helmet attached to
a helmet holding cable, since the
helmet may hit objects, causing lossof control and possibly an accident.
To release a helmet from the helmet
holding cable
1. Remove the passenger seat.
2. Unfasten the snap hooks from the
cable holder, and then remove the
cable from the helmet strap buck-
le.
3. Install the passenger seat.
EAU38942
Adjusting the front fork This front fork is equipped with spring
preload adjusting bolts, rebound damp-
ing force adjusting screws, compres-
sion damping force adjusting bolts (for
fast compression damping) and com-
pression damping force adjusting bolts
(for slow compression damping).
WARNING
EWA10180
Always adjust both fork legs equal-
ly, otherwise poor handling and lossof stability may result.
Spring preloadTo 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 collar.
1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
1. Current setting
2. Front fork collar
U13SE0E0.book Page 21 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-24
3Spring 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. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Special wrench
3. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
4
Maximum (hard):
91. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
16 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)
U13SE0E0.book Page 24 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
6
17Brake pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
18Clutch lever pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
19Shift pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
20 SidestandCheck operation.
Lubricate.√√√√√
21*Sidestand switchCheck operation.√√√√√√
22*Front forkCheck operation and for oil leak-
age.√√√√
23*Shock absorber as-
semblyCheck operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√
24*Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting pointsCheck operation.√√√√
25*Fuel injection sys-
temAdjust 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 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 4 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
6


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 inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always complywith the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10470


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.


The replacement of all wheel
and brake related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-edge and experience.
Tire information
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
U13SE0E0.book Page 21 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
8
Gear ratio:
1st:
31/12 (2.583)
2nd:
32/16 (2.000)
3rd:
30/18 (1.667)
4th:
26/18 (1.444)
5th:
27/21 (1.286)
6th:
23/20 (1.150)Chassis:Frame type:
Diamond
Caster angle:
24.00 °
Trail:
97.0 mm (3.82 in)Front tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT016F F
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/Qualifier PT MRear tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size:
180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT016R F
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/Qualifier PT M
Loading:Maximum load:
190 kg (419 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:
90–190 kg (198–419 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 MT5.50Front 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:
115.0 mm (4.53 in)Rear suspension:Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
120.0 mm (4.72 in)
U13SE0E0.book Page 2 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM