2012 YAMAHA YZF-R6 checking oil

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
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
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .............3-14
Handlebar switches ......................3-14
Clutch lever ...................................3-15
Shift pedal .....................................3-16
Brake lever ...................................3-16
Brake pedal ..................................3-17
Fuel tank cap ................................3-17
Fuel ...............................................3-18
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ............................3-19
Catalytic converters ......................3-19
Seats ............................................3-20
Helmet holding cable ....................3-21
Rear view mirrors .........................3-22
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-22
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ...................................3-25 Luggage strap holders ................. 3-27
EXUP system ............................... 3-28
Sidestand ..................................... 3-28
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-29
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 cowlings and panels .................................. 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-12
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 6-13
Coolant ......................................... 6-16
Air filter element ........................... 6-19 Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle grip free play ........................................... 6-19
Valve clearance ........................... 6-20
Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-22
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-23
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
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ........................................ 6-31U1JSE0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
6
EAU19652
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.NOTICE
ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR10EK
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque: Spark plug:13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
1
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.
●
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
15. 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.16. Turn the engine off, and thencheck the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
17. Install the cowling.
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.
EAU39087
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.
3. If the coolant is at or below theminimum level mark, remove pan-
el B to access the coolant reser-
voir. (See page 6-8.)
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cap, add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap. WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt 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.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-29
6
may contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
[ECA11111]
EAU23095
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711] EAU23114
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
The throttle cable is equipped with a
rubber cover. Make sure that the cover
is securely installed. Even though the
cover is installed correctly, it does not
completely protect the cable from water
entry. Therefore, use care not to pour
water directly onto the cover or cable
when washing the vehicle. If the cable
or cover becomes dirty, wipe clean with
a moist cloth.
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6
EAU23272
Checking the front fork The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23283
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.1. Place a stand under the engine to raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-39 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoid injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no danger
of it falling over.
[EWA10751]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
U1JSE0E0.book Page 32 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

INDEXAAir filter element .................................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm (optional)...................... 3-14
Auxiliary light ......................................... 6-38BBattery................................................... 6-33
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ..................... 6-30
Brake and shift pedals,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-30
Brake fluid, changing ............................ 6-26
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-25
Brake lever ............................................ 3-16
Brake lever free play, checking ............. 6-23
Brake light switches .............................. 6-24
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-17CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-29
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converters .............................. 3-19
Clutch lever ........................................... 3-15
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ............ 6-23
Coolant.................................................. 6-16
Coolant temperature warning light .......... 3-5
Cowlings and panels, removing and installing ......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-14
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating .... 6-28
Drive chain slack ................................... 6-27EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking .............. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............ 6-13 Engine stop switch................................ 3-15
Engine trouble warning light ................... 3-7
EXUP system ....................................... 3-28
FFront and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-24
Front fork, adjusting .............................. 3-22
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-32
Fuel....................................................... 3-18
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........ 5-3
Fuel level warning light ........................... 3-4
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ..................................... 3-19
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-17
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-34HHandlebar switches .............................. 3-14
Hazard switch ....................................... 3-15
Headlight bulb, replacing ...................... 6-35
Helmet holding cable ............................ 3-21
High beam indicator light ........................ 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-15IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................ 3-29
Immobilizer system ................................. 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light........... 3-7
Indicator lights and warning lights .......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ........ 6-38
Luggage strap holders .......................... 3-27MMain 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 ........................................... 3-14RRear view mirrors .................................. 3-22SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seats ..................................................... 3-20
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-16
Shift timing indicator light ........................ 3-7
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-25
Sidestand .............................................. 3-28
Sidestand, checking and lubricating...... 6-31
Spark plugs, checking ........................... 6-12
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Starting the engine .................................. 5-1
Start switch............................................ 3-15
Steering, checking................................. 6-32
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-39
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-31TTail/brake light ....................................... 6-37
U1JSE0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM