Page 50 of 112

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.3-22, 3-24
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-12
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.6-23, 6-24
U14BE2E0.book Page 1 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM
Page 53 of 112

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.
EAU47433
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
sidestand up.
See page 3-33 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 lights should come on for
a few seconds, then go off.
Oil level warning light
Fuel level warning light
Coolant temperature warning
light
Shift timing indicator light
Engine trouble warning light
Steering damper warning light
Immobilizer system indicator
light
U14BE2E0.book Page 1 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM
Page 62 of 112
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-6
6
21*Shock absorber as-
semblyCheck operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√
22*Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting pointsCheck operation.√√√√
23 Engine oilChange.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.√√√√√√
24Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√
25*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.√√√√√
Change. Every 3 years
26*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
27Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
28*Throttle gripCheck operation.
Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
Lubricate cable and grip housing.√√√√√
29*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)U14BE2E0.book Page 6 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11620
In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
10. 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 cowlings.
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.
EAU38173
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.
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
3.73 L (3.94 US qt, 3.28 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
3.93 L (4.15 US qt, 3.46 Imp.qt)
U14BE2E0.book Page 14 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6 3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cover by remov-
ing the bolts, remove the coolant
reservoir cap, and then add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark.
WARNING! Remove only the
coolant reservoir cap. Never at-
tempt 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.
If water has been used insteadof 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]
4. Install the reservoir cap, and then
install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.
EAU47302
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 6-8.)
3. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
3 2
1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Bolt
1
2
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1
U14BE2E0.book Page 15 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM
Page 72 of 112
![YAMAHA YZF-R1 2011 Owners Manual PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
64. 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 g YAMAHA YZF-R1 2011 Owners Manual PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
64. 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 g](/manual-img/51/54141/w960_54141-71.png)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
64. 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. Remove the coolant reservoir cov-
er by removing the bolts, and then
remove the coolant reservoir cap.
7. Remove the coolant reservoir by
removing the bolts, and then turn
the reservoir upside down to emp-
ty it.8. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
9. Install the coolant reservoir by in-
stalling the bolts.
10. Install the coolant drain bolt and its
new gasket, and then tighten the
bolt to the specified torque.
11. Pour the recommended coolant
into the reservoir to the maximum
level mark, and then install the
coolant reservoir cap.1. Radiator cap
1. Coolant drain bolt
2. Gasket
1
12
1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Bolt
1
2
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Coolant reservoir cap
3. BoltTightening torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
7 Nm (0.7 m·kgf, 5.1 ft·lbf)
12
3
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6 12. Pour the recommended coolant
into the radiator until it is full.
13. Install the radiator cap, start the
engine, let it idle for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
14. 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.
15. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.16. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.
17. Install the cowlings.
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.
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):
2.73 L (2.89 US qt, 2.40 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
U14BE2E0.book Page 17 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-43
6 Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1040
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap
while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
U14BE2E0.book Page 43 Friday, June 18, 2010 8:47 AM