2012 YAMAHA YZF-R1 Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
6
a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from water heaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
gasoline vapors can ignite or ex-
plode, causing severe injury or
property damage.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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6
EAU42503
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition. Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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EAU37833
Matte color caution NOTICE
ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU36904
Care While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your mo-
torcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning1. Cover the muffler outlets with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod- ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
NOTICE
ECA15092
●
Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
●
Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts (such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
oughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water
may be used. Be sure to rinse
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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7
off any detergent residue using
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.
●
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts or the
mufflers. Be sure to avoid using
cloths or sponges which have
been in contact with strong or
abrasive cleaning products, sol-
vent or thinner, fuel (gasoline),
rust removers or inhibitors,
brake fluid, antifreeze or electro-
lyte.
●
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
storage compartments, electric
components (couplers, connec-
tors, instruments, switches and
lights), breather hoses and
vents.
●
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com- pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.
TIPSalt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces (except the tita-
nium mufflers) to prevent
corrosion.
Cleaning the titanium mufflersThis model is equipped with titanium
mufflers, which require the following
special care.●
Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muf-
flers. However, if the mufflers can-
not be thoroughly cleaned with
mild detergent, alkaline products
and a soft brush may be used.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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●
Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium mufflers, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the mufflers.
●
Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium mufflers, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.
●
Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
mufflers is normal and cannot be
removed.
After cleaning 1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts. 4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.●
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
●
If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
NOTICE
ECA10800
●
Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.
●
Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
●
Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
TIP●
Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
●
Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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7
EAU26203
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the motor-
cycle.NOTICE
ECA10810
●
Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.
●
To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:1. Follow all the instructions in the “Care” section of this chapter. 2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro- tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.a. Remove the spark plug caps and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam- age or injury from sparking,
make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while
turning the engine over.
[EWA10951]
e. Remove the spark plug caps from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plas- tic bags to prevent moisture from
entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fully charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-31.
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7
TIPMake any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.U1KBE0E0.book Page 5 Monday, July 25, 2011 5:03 PM