INTRODUCTION
EAU10102
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the XJ6N, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the design
and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your XJ6N. The Owner’s Manual does
not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and oth-
ers from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition. If you have any
further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur-
rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this
manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10031
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this motorcycle.
U20SE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10132
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP
U20SE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
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) .............3-11
Handlebar switches ......................3-11
Clutch lever ...................................3-13
Shift pedal .....................................3-13
Brake lever ...................................3-13
Brake pedal ..................................3-14
Fuel tank cap ................................3-14
Fuel ...............................................3-15
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose ..........................................3-16
Catalytic converter ........................3-16
Seat ..............................................3-17
Helmet holder ...............................3-18
Storage compartment ...................3-18
Handlebar position ........................3-19
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ...................................3-19
Sidestand ......................................3-20Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-21
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
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
ADJUSTMENT................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-2
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-3
Removing and installing the
cowling and panels ..................... 6-7
Checking the spark plugs ............... 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ..... 6-9
Coolant ......................................... 6-12
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-16
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-17
Checking the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-18Valve clearance ........................... 6-18
Tires ............................................. 6-19
Cast wheels ................................. 6-21
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-21
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ....................................... 6-22
Checking the front and rear
brake pads ................................ 6-23
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-23
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-24
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-25
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain ................................ 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals .............. 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............ 6-28
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-29
Lubricating the swingarm
pivots ........................................ 6-29
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering .................. 6-30
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30
Battery ......................................... 6-31
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-32U20SE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10283
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements before
riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:
Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.
Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks each
time you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 4-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.
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
U20SE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3
Keep other immobilizer system
keys away from the main switch
as they may cause signal inter-ference.
EAU10471
Main switch/steering lock The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering.TIPBe sure to use the standard key (black
bow) for regular use of the vehicle. To
minimize the risk of losing the code re-
registering key (red bow), keep it in a
safe place and only use it for code re-registering.
EAU38530
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary light
come on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.TIPThe headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays on
until the key is turned to “OFF”, even ifthe engine stalls.
EAU10661
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING
EWA10061
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result inloss of control or an accident.
U20SE0E0.book Page 2 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11020
Turn signal indicator light“”
This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left or
right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11252
Oil level warning light“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.TIP
Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when
riding on a slope or during sudden
acceleration or deceleration, but
this is not a malfunction.
This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If a problem
is detected in the oil level detection
circuit, the following cycle will be
repeated until the malfunction iscorrected: The oil level warning
light will flash ten times, then go off
for 2.5 seconds. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU11425
Coolant temperature warning
light“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine overheats. If this occurs, stop the
engine immediately and allow the en-
gine to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.NOTICE
ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-gine if it is overheating.
1. Turn signal indicator light“”
2. Immobilizer system indicator light
3. Neutral indicator light“”
4. High beam indicator light“”
5. Engine trouble warning light“”
6. Oil level warning light“”
7. Coolant temperature warning light“”
1 2 345
76
U20SE0E0.book Page 4 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
3
Coolant
temperatureDisplay Conditions What to do
Under 39 °C
(Under 103 °F)Message “Lo” is displayed. OK. Go ahead with riding.
40–116 °C
(104–242 °F)Temperature is displayed. OK. Go ahead with riding.
117–139 °C
(243–283 °F)Temperature display flashes.
Warning light comes on.Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle until
the coolant temperature goes down.
If the temperature does not go down,
stop the engine. (See page 6-42.)
Above 140 °C
(Above 284 °F)Message “HI” flashes.
Warning light comes on.Stop the engine and allow it to cool.
(See page 6-42.)
U20SE0E0.book Page 6 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-7
3
EAU11532
Engine trouble warning light“”
This warning light comes on or flashes
if a problem is detected in the electrical
circuit monitoring the engine. If this oc-
curs, have a Yamaha dealer check the
self-diagnosis system. (See page 3-10
for an explanation of the self-diagnosis
device.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. If the warning light does not come
on for a few seconds, then go off, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
EAU38621
Immobilizer system indicator light
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”.
If the indicator light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
When the key is turned to “OFF” and 30
seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
This model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the immobilizer
system. (See page 3-10 for an explana-
tion of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU46761
Multi-function meter unit
WARNING
EWA12422
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function meter unit. Changing
settings while riding can distract the
operator and increase the risk of anaccident.1. Fuel meter
2. Coolant temperature display
3. Speedometer
4. Tachometer
5. Odometer/tripmeter/fuel reserve tripmeter
6.“SELECT” button
7.“RESET” button
8. Clock
1
8
2
3
4
7
6
5
U20SE0E0.book Page 7 Friday, September 19, 2008 9:27 AM