OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU47150
TIPThis model is equipped with:
a lean angle sensor to stop the en-
gine in case of a turnover. In this
case, the multi-function meter unit
indicates error code 30, but this is
not a malfunction. Turn the key to
“OFF” and then to “ON” to clear the
error code. Failing to do so will pre-
vent the engine from starting even
though the engine will crank when
pushing the start switch.
an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. In this case,
the multi-function meter unit indi-
cates error code 70, but this is not
a malfunction. Push the start
switch to clear the error code and
to restart the engine.
EAU44727
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met.
The transmission is in the neutral
position.
The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.
See page 3-23 for more informa-
tion.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to“”.
The following warning lights and
indicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.
Oil level warning light
Coolant temperature warning
light
Engine trouble warning light
ABS warning light (for ABS
models)
Immobilizer system indicator
light
U36CE1E0.book Page 1 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA11833
If a warning or indicator light does
not come on initially when the key is
turned to “ON”, or if a warning or in-
dicator light remains on, see page
3-4 for the corresponding warning
and indicator light circuit check.2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position. (See page 5-2.) The
neutral indicator light should come
on. If not, ask a Yamaha dealer to
check the electrical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch. NOTICE: For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!
[ECA11041]
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE
ECA10260
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1 N2 3
4
5
6
1
2
U36CE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
610. 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.
TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few min-
utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
12. 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.
EAU47560
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on the center-
stand.TIP
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 the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir breather hose
from the guide, and then remove
the coolant reservoir cap.1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1 2
3
U36CE1E0.book Page 13 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-34
6 XJ6S XJ6SA XJ6SA
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off
the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then
install a new fuse of the specified
amperage. WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a higher amperage
1. Taillight fuse
2. Spare fuse
3. Headlight fuse
4. Ignition fuse
5. Signaling system fuse
6. Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
7. Fuel injection system fuse
8. Radiator fan fuse
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1. Starter relay cover
2. Main fuse
3. Spare main fuse
4. Fuse box
2
4 3 1
1. Taillight fuse
2. ABS control unit fuse
3. ABS solenoid fuse
4. ABS motor fuse
5. Spare fuse
6. Headlight fuse
7. Ignition fuse
8. Signaling system fuse
9. Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
10.Fuel injection system fuse
11.Radiator fan fuse
1
5
56
7
8
9
10
11 234
U36CE1E0.book Page 34 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
6 3. Remove the burnt-out 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.
EAU39020
Auxiliary light bulb If the auxiliary light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit or replace the bulb.
EAU44790
Front wheel (XJ6S)
WARNING
EWA14840
For the ABS model, have a Yamaha
dealer remove and install the wheel.
EAU42641
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10821
To avoid injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no danger of it
falling over.1. Place the vehicle on the center-
stand.
2. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolt, then the wheel axle and the
brake caliper bolts.
1. License plate light bulb socket
2. License plate light bulb
1
2
1. Auxiliary light bulb
1
U36CE1E0.book Page 38 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-40
6
EAU44800
Rear wheel (XJ6S)
WARNING
EWA14840
For the ABS model, have a Yamaha
dealer remove and install the wheel.
EAU32874
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10821
To avoid injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no danger of it
falling over.1. Loosen the locknut and drive chain
slack adjusting nut on each side of
the swingarm.
2. Loosen the axle nut.3. Place the motorcycle on the cen-
terstand.
4. Remove the axle nut.
5. Push the wheel forward, and then
remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
TIPThe drive chain does not need to be
disassembled in order to remove and
install the rear wheel.6. While supporting the brake caliper
and slightly lifting the wheel, pull
the wheel axle out.TIPA rubber mallet may be useful to tap the
wheel axle out.
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
3. Locknut
1
3
2
1. Locknut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
3. Brake caliper bracket
4. Brake caliper
5. Wheel axle
1
4
3
2
5
U36CE1E0.book Page 40 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-42
6
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from waterheaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
gasoline vapors can ignite or ex-
plode, causing severe injury or
property damage.
U36CE1E0.book Page 42 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
74. 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
EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.
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.
NOTICE
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 wear
away the paint.
TIP
Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
EAU26181
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.NOTICE
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.
U36CE1E0.book Page 3 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM