2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3 wheel

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6
wei
ght of ri der, passen ger, car-
g o, an d accessories approve d
for this mo del.
WARNING
EWA10512
Never overload 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 ri din g 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 dg e an d experience to d o so.
 Ride at mo derate spee ds after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first b e “broken
in” for it to d evelop its optimal
characteristics.Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and rubber tire air valves.
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
Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires): Front (1 person):200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm2, 29 psi)
Rear (1 person): 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi)
Front (2 persons):
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm2, 29 psi)
Rear (2 persons): 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm2, 36 psi)
Maximum loa d*:
160 kg (353 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire trea d d epth (front an d
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10462
The front an
d rear tires shoul d b e of
the same make an d d esi gn, other-
wise the han dlin g characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha.
EAU21963
Cast wheelsTo maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.
 The wheel rims should be
checked for cracks, bends, warp-
age or other damage before each
ride. If any damage is found, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A de-
formed or cracked wheel must be
replaced.
 The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU62662
Adjustin g the clutch lever free
playThe clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch
lever free play and, if necessary, adjust
it as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch lever.
2. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection (b).
Front tire:Size:110/70-17M/C (54H)
Manufacturer/model: MICHELIN/PILOT STREET
Rear tire:
Size:140/70-17M/C (66H)
Manufacturer/model:
MICHELIN/PILOT STREET
1. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Locknut
3. Clutch lever free play3
2
1
(a)(b)
UB02E0E0.book Page 17 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
62. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in di-
rection (a). To loosen the drive
chain, turn the adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in di-
rection (b), and then push the rear
wheel forward. NOTICE: Improp-
er drive chain slack will over-
loa d the en gine 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 drive chain
slack within the specifie d limits.
[ECA10572]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both drive chain pullers are in the same
position for proper wheel alignment.
3. Tighten the axle nut, then the lock-
nuts to their specified torques.
4. Make sure that the drive chain pullers are in the same position,
the drive chain slack is correct,
and the drive chain moves
smoothly.
5. Install the drive chain puller caps.
1. Axle nut
2. Locknut
3. Drive chain puller cap
2
1
3
1. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
1. Alignment marks
2. Drive chain puller
1
(a)(b)
1
2
Ti
ghtenin g torques:
Axle nut: 57 Nm (5.7 m·kgf, 41 ft·lbf)
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
6
EAU23285
Checking the steerin gWorn 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
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Raise the front wheel off the ground. (See page 6-36.)
WARNING! To avoi d injury, se-
curely support the vehicle so
there is no dan ger of it fallin g
over.
[EWA10752]
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 steer-
ing.
EAU23292
Checkin g the wheel bearin gsThe front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the wheel bearings.
EAU62521
BatteryThe battery is located under the rider
seat. (See page 3-18.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to
be checked and, if necessary, tight-
ened.
WARNING
EWA10761
 Electrolyte is poisonous an d
d an gerous since it contains sul-
furic aci d, which causes severe1. Battery
2. Negative battery lead (black)
3. Positive battery lead (red)
1
2
3
UB02E0E0.book Page 28 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-35
63. Remove the license plate light
bulb socket (together with the
bulb) by pulling it out.
4. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pulling it out. 5. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
6. Install the socket (together with
the bulb) by pushing it in.
7. Install the rear fender lower panel by installing the bolts and screws.
8. Install the mudguard by installing the quick fasteners.
EAU24351
Supportin g the motorcycleSince this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motorcy-
cle is in a stable and level position be-
fore starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcy- cle by using a motorcycle stand
or, if an additional motorcycle
stand is not available, by placing a
jack under the frame in front of the
rear wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
1. Bolt
2. Screw
3. Rear fender lower panel
1. License plate light bulb
2. License plate light bulb socket
3
2
1 2
2
121
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-36
6
a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25872
Trou
bleshootin gAlthough Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur
during 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
inferior, have a shorter service life and
can lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15142
When checkin g the fuel system, d o
not smoke, an d make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, inclu din g pilot li ghts from water heaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
g
asoline vapors can i gnite or ex-
plo de, causin g severe injury or prop-
erty damag e.
UB02E0E0.book Page 36 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-1
7
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
a d vice on what prod ucts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical pro ducts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applie d to any matte colored fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU54661
CareWhile 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 mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers 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
degreaser off with water.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA10773
Avoi d usin g stron g aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such pro ducts are
use d on har d-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any lon ger than in-
structed . Also, thorou ghly rinse
the area off with water, immed i-
ately dry it, an d then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
 Improper cleanin g can d amage
plastic parts (such as cowlin gs,
panels, win dshiel ds, hea dlig ht
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) an d
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or spon ge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
ou ghly cleaned with water, di-
lute d mil d d eter gent with water
may be used . Be sure to rinse
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7off any d
etergent 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 using cloths or
spon ges which have been 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 seepa ge an d
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 lig hts), breather
hoses an d vents.
 For motorcycles equippe d with
a win dshield : Do not use stron g
cleaners or har d spon ges as
they will cause dullin g
or
scrat

ching . Some cleanin g
compoun ds for plastic may
leave scratches on the win d- shield
. Test the pro duct on a
small hidden part of the win d-
shield to make sure that it does
not leave any marks. If the win d-
shield is scratche d, use a quality
plastic polishin g compoun d af-
ter washin g.
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
UB02E0E0.book Page 2 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM