2010 YAMAHA YZF-R6 Yamaha r6

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
EAU19652
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.NOTICE
ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR10EK
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9.0 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6
TIPSkip steps 6–12 if the oil filter cartridge
is not being replaced.6. Remove the shift arm by removing
the bolt and pulling it off the shift
shaft.
7. Remove the fuel tank breath-
er/overflow hoses from the guides.8. Remove the oil filter cartridge with
an oil filter wrench.
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.9. Apply a thin coat of clean engine
oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.10. Install the new oil filter cartridge
with an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
1
1
2
1. Bolt
2. Shift arm
3. Engine oil filter cartridge
4. Guide
5. Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
1. Oil filter wrench
1. O-ring
U13SE2E0.book Page 13 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.


Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
15. 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.16. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
17. 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.
EAU39087
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.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 pan-
el B to access the coolant reser-
voir. (See page 6-7.)
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cap,
add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap. WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
[EWA15161]
NOTICE: If coolant is not
available, use distilled water or
soft tap water instead. Do not
use hard water or salt water
since it is harmful to the engine.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
U13SE2E0.book Page 15 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6 If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]
5. Install the panel.
EAU39004
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowlings B and C. (See
page 6-7.)
3. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
4. Remove the radiator cap.
WARNING! Never attempt to re-
move the radiator cap when the
engine is hot.
[EWA10381]
5. Remove the coolant drain bolt and
its gasket to drain the cooling sys-
tem.6. Move the hose clamp in the direc-
tion shown, and then disconnect
the radiator hose to drain the radi-
ator.
7. Remove the coolant reservoir by
removing the bolts.
8. Remove the coolant reservoir cap,
and then turn the coolant reservoir
upside down to empty it.
1. Coolant reservoir capCoolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Radiator cap
1. Coolant drain bolt
2. Gasket
3. Radiator hose
4. Hose clamp
1
4
3
1
2
U13SE2E0.book Page 16 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
69. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
10. Install the coolant reservoir by in-
stalling the bolts.
11. Connect the radiator hose, and
then move the hose clamp back to
its original position.
12. Install the coolant drain bolt and its
new gasket, and then tighten the
bolt to the specified torque.13. Pour the recommended coolant
into the reservoir to the maximum
level mark, and then install the
coolant reservoir cap.
14. Pour the recommended coolant
into the radiator until it is full.
15. Install the radiator cap, start the
engine, let it idle for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
16. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap.17. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
18. Install the cowlings.
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir
3. BoltTightening torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibi-
tors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator capacity (including all
routes):
2.30 L (2.43 US qt, 2.02 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
U13SE2E0.book Page 17 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
EAU36764
Air filter element The air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
EAU44734
Checking the engine idling
speed Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, have it corrected by a
Yamaha dealer.
EAU21382
Checking the throttle cable
free play The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
Engine idling speed:
1250–1350 r/min
1. Throttle cable free play
U13SE2E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
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.
EAU21772
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, 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
EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

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 approved
for this model.
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
90–186 kg (198–410 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Maximum load*:
186 kg (410 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
U13SE2E0.book Page 19 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6 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 informationThis 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.
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
U13SE2E0.book Page 20 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 4:01 PM