
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-24
65. Tighten the locknut.
6. Install the cowling.
EAU37913
Checking the brake lever free
play There should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever can indicate the presence of air
in the hydraulic system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be- fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the braking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
1
2
(a)
(b)
1. No brake lever free play
1
U1PWEAE0.book Page 24 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-26
6
EAU39372
Checking the brake fluid level Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark.
Check the brake fluid level with the top
of the reservoir level. Replenish the
brake fluid if necessary.
Front brakeRear brake
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
behind panel A. (See page 6-8.)
WARNING
EWA15990
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability. Observe
these precautions:●
Insufficient brake fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, reducing braking
performance.
●
Clean the filler cap before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
●
Use only the specified brake flu-
id; otherwise, the rubber seals
may deteriorate, causing leak-
age.
●
Refill with the same type of
brake fluid. Adding a brake fluid
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.
●
Be careful that water does not
enter the brake fluid reservoir
when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of
the fluid and may result in vapor
lock.
NOTICE
ECA17640
Brake fluid may damage painted sur-
faces or plastic parts. Always clean
up spilled fluid immediately.As the brake pads wear, it is normal for
the brake fluid level to gradually go
down. A low brake fluid level may indi-
cate worn brake pads and/or brake sys-
tem leakage; therefore, be sure to
check the brake pads for wear and the
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level markSpecified brake fluid:
DOT 4
1
U1PWEAE0.book Page 26 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
6
EAU50532
To adjust the drive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing the drive chain slack.1. Take the motorcycle off the center- stand, and then put the sidestand
down.
2. Loosen the locknut at each end of the swingarm, and then loosen the
axle nut.
3. Place the motorcycle on the cen- terstand.
4. 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.
5. Take the motorcycle off the center- stand, and then put the sidestand
down.
6. Tighten the axle nut, and then tighten the locknuts to the speci-
fied torques.
7. Make sure that the alignment plates are in the same position, the
drive chain slack is correct, and
the drive chain moves smoothly.
1. Axle nut
2. Alignment marks
3. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
4. Locknut
1 3
42(a)(b)
1. Alignment plate
2. NotchTightening torques:
Axle nut:90 Nm (9.0 m·kgf, 65 ft·lbf)
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
1 2
U1PWEAE0.book Page 28 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM
![YAMAHA XJ6-S 2012 Owners Manual PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-35
6
is turned to “OFF”, then con-
nect the positive lead before
connecting the negative lead.
[ECA16840]
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery le YAMAHA XJ6-S 2012 Owners Manual PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-35
6
is turned to “OFF”, then con-
nect the positive lead before
connecting the negative lead.
[ECA16840]
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery le](/manual-img/51/52609/w960_52609-80.png)
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-35
6
is turned to “OFF”, then con-
nect the positive lead before
connecting the negative lead.
[ECA16840]
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals.NOTICE
ECA16530
Always keep the battery charged.
Storing a discharged battery can
cause permanent battery damage.
EAU52200
Replacing the fuses The main fuse and the fuse boxes are
located under the seat. (See page
3-18.)TIPTo access the main fuse, remove the
starter relay cover as shown.
The siren fuse and the patrol light fuse
are located behind the front cowling.
1. Starter relay cover
2. Main fuse
3. Spare main fuse
4. Fuse box
2
4
3
1
1. Taillight fuse
2. ABS control unit fuse
3. Police system fuse
4. ABS solenoid fuse
5. ABS motor fuse
6. Spare fuse
7. Headlight fuse
8. Ignition fuse
9. Signaling system fuse
10.Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
11.Fuel injection system fuse
12.Radiator fan fuse
1
6 67
8
9
10
11
12
24
35
U1PWEAE0.book Page 35 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
6
EAU47021
Replacing the tail/brake light
bulb 1. Remove the seat. (See page3-18.)
2. Remove the tail/brake light bulb socket (together with the bulb) by
turning it counterclockwise.
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 turning it clockwise.
6. Install the seat.
EAU24204
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb 1. Remove the turn signal light lens by removing the screw.
2. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.
1. Tail/brake light bulb socket
1
1. Tail/brake light bulb
2. Tail/brake light bulb socket
2
1
1. Turn signal light lens
2. Screw
1
2
U1PWEAE0.book Page 38 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-39
6
3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the screw. NOTICE: Do not over-
tighten the screw, otherwise the
lens may break.
[ECA11191] EAU24313
Replacing the license plate
light bulb 1. Remove the license plate light unit
by removing the screws.
2. Remove the license plate light bulb socket (together with the bulb) by
pulling it out. 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.
1. Turn signal light bulb
1
1. License plate light unit
2. Screw
2
1
1. License plate light bulb socket
2. License plate light bulb
1
2
U1PWEAE0.book Page 39 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-42
6Engine overheating
WARNING
EWA10400
●
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.
●
After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent 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.
U1PWEAE0.book Page 42 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 4:21 PM

INDEXAABS ....................................................... 3-15
ABS warning light.................................... 3-7
Air filter element, replacing ................... 6-18
Anti-theft alarm (optional)...................... 3-11
Auxiliary light bulb ................................. 6-40BBattery................................................... 6-34
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ..................... 6-31
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating ..................... 6-30
Brake fluid, changing ............................ 6-27
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-26
Brake lever ............................................ 3-14
Brake lever free play, checking ............. 6-24
Brake light switches .............................. 6-25
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-14CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-29
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Carrier ................................................... 3-22
Catalytic converter ................................ 3-18
Centerstand and sidestand, checking and lubricating ..................... 6-31
Clutch lever ........................................... 3-13
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ............ 6-23
Coolant.................................................. 6-14
Coolant temperature warning light .......... 3-4
Cowlings and panels, removing and installing ......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-12
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating .... 6-29 Drive chain slack .................................. 6-27
EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-3
Engine guards and
rear guards,
checking ............................................. 6-43
Engine idling speed .............................. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ........... 6-11
Engine stop switch................................ 3-12
Engine trouble warning light ................... 3-7FFront and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-25
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-32
Fuel....................................................... 3-16
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........ 5-3
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ..................................... 3-17
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-16
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-35HHandlebar switches .............................. 3-12
Hazard switch ....................................... 3-13
Headlight bulb, replacing ...................... 6-37
High beam indicator light ........................ 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-12IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................ 3-23
Immobilizer system ................................. 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light........... 3-7
Indicator lights and warning lights .......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ........ 6-39MMain switch/steering lock........................ 3-2 Maintenance and lubrication, periodic..... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control system ... 6-3
Matte color, caution ................................. 7-1
Model label .............................................. 9-1
Multi-function meter unit .......................... 3-8
NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light .............................. 3-4PParking .................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ........................................... 3-12
Patrol switch .......................................... 3-13RRear view mirrors .................................. 3-19SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seat ....................................................... 3-18
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-14
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-21
Sidecases.............................................. 3-20
Sidestand .............................................. 3-22
Siren switch ........................................... 3-13
Spark plugs, checking ........................... 6-10
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Starting the engine .................................. 5-1
Start switch............................................ 3-12
Steering, checking................................. 6-33
Storage.................................................... 7-3
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-32TTail/brake light bulb, replacing .............. 6-38
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