Page 39 of 102

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.
Check fuel tank breather/overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and
check hose connection.3-16, 3-17
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-11
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-14
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-25, 6-26
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-25, 6-26
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-23
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check throttle grip free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-20, 6-30
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-29
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-27, 6-29
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.6-30
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-31
Centerstand, sidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivots if necessary.6-31 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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Page 46 of 102

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17243
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15121
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.
A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-1 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
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Page 49 of 102

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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)
1 Air filter elementReplace.√
2ClutchCheck operation.
Adjust.√√√√√
3*Front brakeCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4*Rear brakeCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or damage.√√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6*WheelsCheck runout and for damage.√√√√
7*TiresCheck tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.√√√√√
8*Wheel bearingsCheck bearing for looseness or
damage.√√√√
9*SwingarmCheck operation and for exces-
sive play.√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
6
10 Drive chainCheck chain slack, alignment and
condition.
Adjust and lubricate chain with a
special O-ring chain lubricant
thoroughly.Every 1000 km (600 mi) and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain or
riding in wet areas
11*Steering bearingsCheck bearing play and steering
for roughness.√√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 20000 km (12000 mi)
12*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.√√√√√
13Brake lever pivot
shaftLubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
14Brake pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
15Clutch lever pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
16Shift pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
17Sidestand, center-
standCheck operation.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
18*Sidestand switchCheck operation.√√√√√√
19*Front forkCheck operation and for oil leak-
age.√√√√
20*Shock absorber as-
semblyCheck operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√ 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)U36CE2E0.book Page 5 Friday, July 16, 2010 10:34 AM
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-6
6
EAU18680
TIP
Air filter
This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.
The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
21 Engine oilChange.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.√√√√√√
22Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√
23*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.√√√√√
Change. Every 3 years
24*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
25Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
26*Throttle gripCheck operation.
Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
Lubricate cable and grip housing.√√√√√
27*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√√ 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)
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Page 52 of 102
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-7
6
Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.
Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
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Page 66 of 102

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
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
EWA10471
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 to do so.
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
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 depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
U36CE2E0.book Page 21 Friday, July 16, 2010 10:34 AM