
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6Rear
brake
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
behind panel A. (See page 6-8.)
WARNING
EWA16011
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of brakin g a bility. O bserve
these precautions: Insufficient brake flui d may al-
low air to enter the b rake sys-
tem, re ducin g brakin g
performance.
Clean the filler cap before re-
movin g. Use only DOT 4 b rake
flui d from a seale d container.
Use only the specified b rake flu-
i d ; otherwise, the ru bber seals
may deteriorate, causin g leak-
a g e.
Refill with the same type of
brake flui d. A ddin g a brake flui d
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.
Be careful that water or dust
d oes not enter the brake flui d
reservoir when refillin g. Water
will si gnificantly lower the boil-
in g point of the flui d an d may re-
sult in vapor lock, an d d ir
t may
clo g the ABS hy draulic unit
valves.
NOTICE
ECA17641
Brake flui d may damag e painted
surfaces or plastic parts. Always
clean up spille d flui d imme diately.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 system leakage; therefore, be sure to
check the brake pads for wear and the
brake system for leakage. If the brake
fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause before further riding.
1. Minimum level markSpecifie d b rake flui d:
DOT 4
1
U36CE4E0.book Page 27 Tuesday, July 2, 2013 3:47 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
6
EAU22733
Changin g the brake flui dHave a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the master cylinders and calipers as
well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they
are damaged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU22762
Drive chain slackThe drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22795
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the cen- terstand.
2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
3. Measure the drive chain slack as shown.
4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect, adjust it as follows.
EAU53951
To a djust the drive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing the drive chain slack. 1. Take the motorcycle off the cen- terstand, and then put the side-
stand 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 d rive
chain slack will overloa d the en-
g ine as well as other vital parts
of the motorcycle an d can lead
to chain slippa ge or b reakag e.
To prevent this from occurrin g,
keep the d rive chain slack with-
in the specifie d limits.
[ECA10572]
1. Drive chain slack
Drive chain slack:
45.0–55.0 mm (1.77–2.17 in)
1
U36CE4E0.book Page 28 Tuesday, July 2, 2013 3:47 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-2
7
off any
deter gent resi due usin g
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.
Do not use any harsh chemical
prod ucts on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoi d usin g cloths or
spon ges which have b een in
contact with stron g or a brasive
cleanin g prod ucts, solvent or
thinner, fuel ( gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhi bitors, brake flui d,
antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use hi gh-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepag e and
d eterioration in the followin g ar-
eas: seals (of wheel an d swin g-
arm bearin gs, fork an d b rakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches an d li ghts), breather
hoses an d vents.
For motorcycles equippe d with
a win dshiel d: Do not use stron g
cleaners or har d spon ges as
they will cause dullin g
or
sc
ratchin g. Some cleanin g
compoun ds for plastic may
leave scratches on the win d- shiel
d. Test the pro duct on a
small hi dden part of the win d-
shiel d to make sure that it does
not leave any marks. If the win d-
shiel d is scratche d, use a quality
plastic polishin g compoun d af-
ter 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
water and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm wa-
ter since it increases the corro-
sive action of the salt.
[ECA10792]
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome-
and nickel-plated, surfaces to pre-
vent corrosion.
Cleaning the windshieldAvoid using any alkaline or strong acid
cleaner, gasoline, brake fluid, or any
other solvent. Clean the windshield
with a cloth or sponge dampened with
a mild detergent, and then wash it off
thoroughly with water. For additional
cleaning, use Yamaha Windshield
Cleaner or another high-quality wind-
shield cleaner. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastics may leave
scratches on the windshield. Before
using such cleaners, test an area of the
U36CE4E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, July 2, 2013 3:47 PM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
8
Final drive:Chain
Secondary reduction ratio: 2.875 (46/16)
Transmission type:
Constant mesh 6-speed
Operation: Left foot operation
Gear ratio: 1st: 2.846 (37/13)
2nd: 1.947 (37/19)
3rd:
1.556 (28/18)
4th: 1.333 (32/24)
5th: 1.190 (25/21)
6th:
1.083 (26/24)Chassis:Frame type:Diamond
Caster angle:
26.00 °
Trail: 103 mm (4.1 in)Front tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT021
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/ROADSMART
Rear tire:Type:Tubeless
Size: 160/60 ZR17M/C (69W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT021
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/ROADSMARTLoa din g:Maximum load:
XJ6S 189 kg (417 lb)
XJ6SA 184 kg (406 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo
and accessories)Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires):Loading condition:
0–90 kg (0–198 lb)
Front: 225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Loading condition:
XJ6S 90–189 kg (198–417 lb)
XJ6SA 90–184 kg (198–406 lb)
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi) High-speed riding:
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Front wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size: 17M/C x MT3.50Rear wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size: 17M/C x MT4.50Front brake:Type:
Dual disc brake
Operation: Right hand operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation: Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4Front suspension:Type:Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
U36CE4E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, July 2, 2013 3:47 PM

INDEX
AABS (for ABS models) .......................... 3-14
ABS warning light (for ABS models) ....... 3-7
Air filter element, replacing ................... 6-18
Auxiliary light bulb ................................ 6-41BBattery .................................................. 6-34
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating .................... 6-31
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating .................... 6-31
Brake fluid, changing............................ 6-28
Brake fluid level, checking.................... 6-26
Brake lever............................................ 3-13
Brake lever free play, checking ............ 6-24
Brake light switches ............................. 6-25
Brake pedal .......................................... 3-14CCables, checking and lubricating ......... 6-30
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converter ............................... 3-17
Centerstand and sidestand, checking and lubricating .................... 6-32
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 .................................. 6-28
EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-3
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 ... 6-26
Front fork, checking ............................. 6-33
Fuel ...................................................... 3-16
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...... 5-3
Fuel tank breather hose and overflow
hose ................................................... 3-17
Fuel tank cap........................................ 3-15
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-36HHandlebar position, adjusting .............. 3-20
Handlebar switches ............................. 3-11
Hazard switch ...................................... 3-12
Headlight bulb, replacing ..................... 6-38
Helmet holder....................................... 3-19
High beam indicator light ....................... 3-4
Horn switch .......................................... 3-12IIdentification numbers ........................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system .............. 3-22
Immobilizer system ................................ 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ......... 3-7
Indicator lights and warning lights ......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ....... 6-40MMain 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........................................... 3-12RRear view mirrors .................................. 3-20SSafety information................................... 1-1
Seat....................................................... 3-18
Shifting.................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal............................................. 3-13
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ... 3-21
Sidestand.............................................. 3-22
Spark plugs, checking .......................... 6-10
Specifications ......................................... 8-1
Starting the engine ................................. 5-1
Start switch ........................................... 3-12
Steering, checking ................................ 6-34
Storage ................................................... 7-4
Storage compartment........................... 3-19
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................ 6-33TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ............. 6-39
Throttle grip and cable, checking and lubricating ........................................... 6-30
U36CE4E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, July 2, 2013 3:47 PM