2012 YAMAHA FZ8 S tires

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION.................. 1-1
DESCRIPTION .................................. 2-1
Left view ......................................... 2-1
Right view ....................................... 2-3
Controls and instruments ............... 2-5
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ...................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system......................... 3-1
Main switch/steering lock............... 3-2
Indicator lights and warning lights............................................ 3-4
Multi-function meter unit ................ 3-8
Handlebar switches ...................... 3-11
Clutch lever .................................. 3-13
Shift pedal .................................... 3-13
Brake lever.................................... 3-13
Brake pedal .................................. 3-14
ABS (for ABS models) .................. 3-14
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-15
Fuel ............................................... 3-16
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ............................ 3-17
Catalytic converter ....................... 3-17
Seats ............................................ 3-18
Storage compartment .................. 3-19
Rear view mirrors.......................... 3-20
Adjusting the front fork ................. 3-20
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ................................... 3-22 Luggage strap holders .................. 3-24
Sidestand ...................................... 3-24
Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 3-25
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................ 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ................................ 5-3
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system .............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart ........................... 6-4
Removing and installing the cowling and panels ...................... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-10
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge.... 6-11
Coolant.......................................... 6-14
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-16
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-18 Checking the throttle grip free
play ............................................ 6-19
Valve clearance............................. 6-19
Tires .............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels .................................. 6-22
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 6-22
Checking the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-23
Brake light switches ..................... 6-24
Checking the front and rear brake pads .......................................... 6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-26
Drive chain slack........................... 6-27
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain.......................................... 6-28
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 6-29
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-29
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals............... 6-30
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 6-30
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand................................... 6-31
Checking the front fork ................. 6-31
Checking the steering................... 6-32
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-33
Battery .......................................... 6-33U42PE4E0.book Page 1 Wedne sday, August 6, 2014 3:25 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1Avoi
d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.  Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports. 
Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loa din g
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabil-
ity and handling if the weight distribu-
tion of the motorcycle is changed. To
avoid the possibility of an accident, use
extreme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloa ded vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:
 Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle
as possible and make sure to dis-
tribute the weight as evenly as
possible on both sides of the mo-
torcycle to minimize imbalance or
instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories and cargo are se-
curely attached to the motorcycle
before riding. Check accessory
mounts and cargo restraints fre-
quently.
• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
Maximum loa d:
FZ8-S 195 kg (430 lb)
FZ8-SA 190 kg (419 lb)
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SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
6-20 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle. 
Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.
 Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.
 Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brake • Check 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 specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-24, 6-25
Clutch • Check operation.
• Lubricate cable if necessary.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.
6-22
Throttle grip • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check throttle grip free play.
• If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate ca-
ble and grip housing. 6-19, 6-29
Control ca bles • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary. 6-29
Drive chain • Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary.
6-27, 6-28
Wheels an d tires • Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.
6-20, 6-22
Brake an d shift pe dals • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary. 6-30
Brake an d clutch levers • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.
6-30
Si destan d • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary.
6-31
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770K
General maintenance and lu brication chartNO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB ODOMETER 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 element • Replace. √
2Clutch • Check operation.
•Adjust.
√√√√√
3 *Front brake • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
• Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
• Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses • Check for cracks or damage.
• Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
• Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Brake flui d • Replace. Every 2 years
7 *Wheels • Check runout and for damage. √√√√
8 *Tires • Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary. √√√√√
9 *Wheel bearin gs • Check bearings for looseness or
damage. √√√√
10 *Swin garm • Check operation and for exces-
sive play. √√√√
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6
EAU2177A
TiresTires are the only contact between the
vehicle and the road. Safety in all con-
ditions of riding depends on a relatively
small area of road contact. Therefore, it
is essential to maintain the tires in good
condition at all times and replace them
at the appropriate time with the speci-
fied tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted
before each ride.
WARNING
EWA10504
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 a djuste d on col d
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the am bient
temperature).
 The tire air pressure must be
a d juste d in accor dance with the
ri din g speed and with the total wei
ght of ri der, passen ger, car-
g o, an d accessories approve d
for this mo del.
WARNING
EWA10512
Never overloa d your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloa ded vehicle coul d
cause an acci dent.
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 side-
wall is cracked, have a Yamaha dealer
replace the tire immediately.TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always com-
ply with the local regulations.
Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires): Up to 90 k g (198 l b) loa d:
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
90 k g (198 l b) to maximum load :
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Hi gh-spee d ri din g:
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Maximum loa d*:
FZ8-S 195 kg (430 lb)
FZ8-SA 190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire trea d d epth (front an d
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6
WARNING
EWA10472
Have a Yamaha d ealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besid es
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases ri din g sta bility an d
can lead to loss of control.
 The replacement of all wheel
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience to do so.
 Ride at mo derate spee ds after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first be “ broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and tire air valves.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of
ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10482
 The front an d rear tires shoul d
b e of the same make an d d e-
si gn, otherwise the han dlin g characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may b
e different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.
 Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installe d to
prevent air pressure leaka ge.
 Use only the tire valves an d
valve cores liste d below to
avoi d tire deflation durin g a
hi gh-spee d ri de.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha.
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT021F BB
Rear tire:
Size: 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT021R BB
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core: #9100 (original)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
6
WARNING
EWA10601
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
hi gh-spee d tires. Note the following
points in or der to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.  Use only the specifie d replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the dan ger of bursting at super
hi gh spee ds.
 Bran d-new tires can have a rel-
atively poor g rip on certain roa d
surfaces until they have been
“ b roken in”. Therefore, it is a d-
visa ble before doin g any hi gh-
speed ridin g to ri de conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installin g a new tire.
 The tires must b e warmed up
b efore a hi gh-spee d run.
 Always a djust the tire air pres-
sure accor din g to the operating
con ditions.
EAU21963
Cast wheelsTo 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, warp-
age or other damage before each
ride. If any damage is found, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A de-
formed 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.
EAU22082
Adjustin g the clutch lever free
playThe clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 7.0–12.0 mm (0.28–0.47 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch
lever free play and, if necessary, adjust
it as follows.
To increase the clutch lever free play,
turn the clutch lever free play adjusting
bolt in direction (a). To decrease the
clutch lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction (b).1. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Clutch lever free play
U42PE4E0.book Page 22 Wedne sday, August 6, 2014 3:25 PM