2008 YAMAHA YZF-R6 tires

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

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check cable free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and
grip housing.6-19, 6-28
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-28
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-26, 6-27
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-20, 6-23
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-29
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-29
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-30
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switchCheck operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-27 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U13SE0E0.book Page 3 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-3
6
8*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or damage.√√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
9*WheelsCheck runout and for damage.√√√√
10*TiresCheck tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.√√√√√
11*Wheel bearingsCheck bearing for looseness or
damage.√√√√
12*SwingarmCheck operation and for exces-
sive play.√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
13 Drive chainCheck chain slack, alignment and
condition.
Adjust and lubricate chain with a
special O-ring chain lubricant
thoroughly. Every 800 km (500 mi) and after washing the motorcycle or riding in the rain
14*Steering bearingsCheck bearing play and steering
for roughness.√√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 20000 km (12000 mi)
15*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.√√√√√
16Brake lever pivot
shaftLubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√ 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 3 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-20
6
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
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.
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)
90–190 kg (198–419 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*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
U13SE0E0.book Page 20 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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
6 This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10480


The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motor-
cycle cannot be guaranteed.


After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model by
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.


Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.


Use only the tire valves and
valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during ahigh-speed ride.
WARNING
EWA10600
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.

Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.


Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installing a new tire.


The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.


Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operatingconditions.
Front tire:
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT016F F
DUNLOP/Qualifier PT M
Rear tire:
Size:
180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT016R F
DUNLOP/Qualifier PT M
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Va l ve c o r e :
#9100 (original)
U13SE0E0.book Page 22 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7 thoroughly cleaned with mild de-
tergent, alkaline products and a
soft brush may be used.


Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium muffler, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the muffler.


Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium muffler, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.


Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
muffler is normal and cannot be re-
moved.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts.4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11130


Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.


If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-nering behavior.
CAUTION:
ECA10800


Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.


Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.


Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wearaway the paint.
NOTE:Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice onwhat products to use.
U13SE0E0.book Page 3 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
7
EAU26180
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.CAUTION:
ECA10810


Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.


To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
WARNING
EWA10950
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turningthe engine over.4. Lubricate all control cables and the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-32.
NOTE:Make any necessary repairs beforestoring the motorcycle.
U13SE0E0.book Page 4 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM