
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
1600 km (1000 mi) an
d b eyon d
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10311
Keep the en gine speed out of
the tachometer re d zone.
If any en gine trou ble shoul d oc-
cur durin g the en gine break-in
period , imme diately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU17214
Parkin gWhen parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10312
Since the en gine an d exhaust
system can b ecome very hot,
park in a place where ped estri-
ans or chil dren are not likely to
touch them an d b e burne d.
Do not park on a slope or on soft
groun d, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasin g the
risk of a fuel leak an d fire.
Do not park near grass or other
flamma ble materials which
mi ght catch fire.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17245
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition
possible. Safety is an obligation of the
vehicle owner/operator. The most im-
portant points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are ex-
plained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death durin g
service or while usin g the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha d ealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15123
Turn off the en gine when performin g
maintenance unless otherwise
specified .
A runnin g en gine has movin g
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothin g an d electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
Runnin g the en gine while ser-
vicin g can lead to eye injury,
b urns, fire, or car bon monoxi de
poisonin g – possi bly lea din g to
d eath. See pag e 1-3 for more in-
formation a bout car bon monox-
i d e.
WARNING
EWA15461
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linin gs can b ecome very hot d uring
use. To avoi d possi ble burns, let
b rake components cool before
touchin g them.
EAU17303
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replace-
ment, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be per-
formed by any repair establishment or
individual that is certified (if applicable).
Yamaha dealers are trained and equipped to perform these particular
services.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately 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
ECA10402
If the oil level warnin g li ght flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, imme diately turn the en gine
off an d have a Yamaha d ealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few minutes until the oil settles, and
then check the oil level and cor-
rect it if necessary.
12. Install the cowling.
EAU20071
CoolantThe 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.
EAU47561
To check the coolant level 1. Place the vehicle on the center- stand.TIPThe coolant level must be
checked on a cold engine since
the level varies with engine tem-
perature.
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
coolant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below theminimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir breather hose
from the guide, and then remove
the coolant reservoir cap.1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
64. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the coolant
reservoir cap. WARNING! Re-
move only the coolant reservoir
cap. Never attempt to remove
the ra diator cap when the en-
g ine is hot.
[EWA15162]
NOTICE: If
coolant is not availa ble, use dis-
tille d water or soft tap water in-
stea d. Do not use har d water or
salt water since it is harmful to
the en gine. If water has been
use d instea d of coolant, replace
it with coolant as soon as possi-
b le, otherwise the coolin g sys-
tem will not be protected a
g ainst frost an d corrosion. If
water has been adde d to the
coolant, have a Yamaha d ealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possi ble,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will b e reduced.
[ECA10473]
5. Route the coolant reservoir
breather hose through the guide
as shown.
EAU47574
To chan ge the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on the center- stand.
2. Remove cowlings A and C. (See page 6-8.)
3. Place a container under the en- gine to collect the used coolant.
4. Remove the radiator cap retaining bolt, radiator cap retainer and ra-
diator cap. WARNING! Never at-
tempt to remove the ra diator
cap when the en gine is hot.
[EWA10382]
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir breather hose
3. Guide
3
1
2
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)1. Coolant reservoir breather hose
2. Guide
2
1
1. Radiator cap
2. Radiator cap retaining bolt
3. Radiator cap retainer
2
1
3
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
EAU32888
Replacing the air filter ele-
mentThe air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the seat. (See page 3-18.)
2. Remove panels B and C. (See page 6-8.)
3. Remove the fuel tank bolts, and then lift the fuel tank away from
the air filter case.
4. Remove the air filter case cover by removing the screws. NOTICE:
When removin g the air filter case cover,
be careful not to al-
low forei gn o bjects to drop into
the air intake manifold .
[ECA12882]
5. Pull the air filter element out. 6. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case. NOTICE: Make
sure that the air filter element is
properly seated in the air filter
case. The en gine shoul d never
b e operated without the air filter
element installed , otherwise the
piston(s) an d/or cylin der(s) may
b ecome excessively worn.
[ECA10482]
7. Install the air filter case cover by
installing the screws.
8. Place the fuel tank in its original position. Make sure that the fuel
hoses are properly connected and
routed, and are not pinched. Be
sure to place the hoses in their
original position. WARNING! Be-
fore placin g the fuel tank in the
ori ginal position, make sure that
all hoses (i.e., fuel hose, fuel
tank breather hose, fuel tank
overflow hose) are not dam-
a g ed , that they are properly
connected and route d, an d that
they are not pinche d. If any hose
is damag ed , have a Yamaha
d ealer replace the hose before
1. Fuel tank bolt
1
1. Air filter case cover
2. Screw
1. Air filter element
2. Air intake manifold
12
2
2
2
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6
EAU21385
Checking the throttle grip free
playThe throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21402
Valve clearanceThe valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21779
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 d eath 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 spee d an d with the total
1. Throttle grip free play
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6wei
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.
WARNING
EWA10472
Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besi des
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases rid ing 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 speed s after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first be “ broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires): Up to 90 k g (198 l b) loa d:
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 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: 225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Maximum loa d*:
XJ6S 189 kg (417 lb)
XJ6SA 184 kg (406 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
6-22
6
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube-
less tires, tire air valves and cast
wheels.
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 during a
hi gh-spee d ri de.After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING
EWA10601
This motorcycle is fitte d with super-
hi gh-spee d tires. Note the followin g
points in or der to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires. Use only the specified 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 grip on certain roa d
surfaces until they have been
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/BT021
DUNLOP/ROADSMART
Rear tire:
Size: 160/60 ZR17M/C (69W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT021
DUNLOP/ROADSMART
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve: TR412
Valve core:
#9100 (original)
U36CE4E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, July 2, 2013 3:47 PM