PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
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.TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with 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
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
XJ6S 90–189 kg (198–417 lb)
XJ6SA 90–184 kg (198–406 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Maximum load*:
XJ6S 189 kg (417 lb)
XJ6SA 184 kg (406 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum 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
U36CE1E0.book Page 20 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10481
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.
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 a
high-speed ride.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
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 operating
conditions.
Front tire:
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT021
DUNLOP/ROADSMART
Rear tire:
Size:
160/60 ZR17M/C (69W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT021
DUNLOP/ROADSMART
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Va l ve c o r e :
#9100 (original)
U36CE1E0.book Page 21 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
6
EAU21960
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU47590
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
To increase the clutch lever free play,
turn the clutch lever free play adjusting
bolt at the clutch lever in direction (a).
To decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play
cannot be obtained as described
above, proceed as follows.1. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
2. Remove cowling B. (See page
6-7.)
3. Loosen the locknut further down
the clutch cable.
4. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting nut in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
(b).
1. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Clutch lever free play
U36CE1E0.book Page 22 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-26
6
EAU22760
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22793
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the cen-
terstand.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Spin the rear wheel several times
to locate the tightest portion of the
drive chain.
4. Measure the drive chain slack as
shown.5. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU47032
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the locknut at each end of
the swingarm, and then loosen the
axle nut.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
drive chain slack adjusting nut at
each end of the swingarm in direc-
tion (a). To loosen the drive chain,
turn the adjusting nut at each end
of the swingarm in direction (b),
and then push the rear wheel for-
ward. NOTICE: Improper drive
chain slack will overload the en-
gine 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 with-
in the specified limits.
[ECA10571]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
the notch on the alignment plates is in
the same position on both sides for
proper wheel alignment.
1. Drive chain slack
1
Drive chain slack:
45.0–55.0 mm (1.77–2.17 in)
1. Axle nut
2. Alignment marks
3. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
4. Locknut
13
42(a)(b)
U36CE1E0.book Page 26 Thursday, July 30, 2009 11:32 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6
EAU23291
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU33654
Battery This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING
EWA10760
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
1. Battery band
2. Battery cover
3. Negative battery lead (black)
4. Positive battery lead (red)
2
13
4
U36CE1E0.book Page 32 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
6-39
63. Remove the brake caliper on each
side by removing the bolts.
NOTICE: Do not apply the brake
after the brake calipers have
been removed, otherwise the
brake pads will be forced shut.
[ECA11051]
4. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
EAU48660
To install the front wheel
1. Lift the wheel up between the fork
legs.
2. Insert the wheel axle.
3. Install the brake calipers by install-
ing the bolts.TIPMake sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before install-
ing the brake calipers onto the brake
discs.
4. Take the motorcycle off the center-
stand so that the front wheel is on
the ground, and then put the side-
stand down.
5. Tighten the wheel axle, the front
wheel axle pinch bolt and the
brake caliper bolts to the specified
torques.
6. Push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
1. Wheel axle
2. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
3. Brake caliper bolt
13
2
1. Brake caliper
2. Brake caliper bolt
1 2
Tightening torques:
Wheel axle:
65 Nm (6.5 m·kgf, 47 ft·lbf)
Front wheel axle pinch bolt:
19 Nm (1.9 m·kgf, 13 ft·lbf)
Brake caliper bolt:
40 Nm (4.0 m·kgf, 29 ft·lbf)
U36CE1E0.book Page 39 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