2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3 Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
6
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.
EAUN0690
To check the coolant level1. 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 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
left side cowling and coolant res-
ervoir cover to access the coolant
reservoir. 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 ra diator
cap when the en gine is hot.
[EWA15162]
NOTICE: If coolant is not
availab le, use distille d water or
soft tap water instead . Do not
use har d water or salt water
since it is harmful to the en gine.
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possi ble, other-
wise the coolin g system will not
b e protecte d a gainst frost an d
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
3. Coolant reservoir
1. Left side cowling
2. Bolt
1
2
3
21
2 2
1. Bolt
2. Coolant reservoir cover
2
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6corrosion. If water has
been
a dde d to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possi ble, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
b e re duce d.
[ECA10473]
5. Install the coolant reservoir cover.
6. Install the left side cowling by in-
stalling the bolts.TIPFit the projections on the cowling into
the slots as shown.
EAU33032
Chan gin g the coolant
The coolant must be changed at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart. Have a
Yamaha dealer change the coolant.
WARNING! Never attempt to remove the ra diator cap when the en gine is
hot.
[EWA10382] EAU62650
Replacin
g the air filter ele-
ment an d cleanin g the check
hoseThe 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. In addition,
the air filter check hose must be fre-
quently checked and cleaned if neces-
sary.
To replace the air filter element
1. Remove the left side panel by re- moving the bolts.
1. Coolant reservoir capCoolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1
1. Slot
2. Projection
3. Left side cowling
3
1
2
21
1. Left side panel
2. Bolt
2
2
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6
2. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws.
3. Pull the air filter element out.
4. 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 installe d, otherwise the
piston(s) an d/or cylin der(s) may
b ecome excessively worn.
[ECA10482]
5. Install the air filter case cover by
installing the screws.
6. Install the left side panel by install- ing the bolts.
To clean the air filter check hose 1. Check the hose on the front of the air filter case for accumulated dirt
or water. 2. If dirt or water is visible, remove
the hose, clean it, and then install
it.
1. Air filter case cover
2. Screw
1. Air filter element
1
2
21
1. Air filter check hose
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
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.
EAUN0701
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 death 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 speed and with the total
1. Throttle grip free play
1
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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)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play
could be obtained as described above,
skip steps 3–8.3. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at theclutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
4. Remove the right side cowling by removing the bolts.
5. Loosen the locknut at the crank- case.
6. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting nut in direction (a). To decrease the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection (b).
7. Tighten the locknut at the crank- case.
8. Install the right side cowling by in- stalling the bolts.
TIPFit the projections on the cowling into
the slots as shown.
9. Tighten the locknut at the clutchlever.
1. Right side cowling
2. Bolt
21
2
2
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
2(b)(a)
1
1. Slot
2. Projection
3. Right side cowling
3
1
2
21
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
EAU37914
Checking the brake lever free
playThere should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14212
A soft or spon gy feelin g in the b rake
lever can in dicate the presence of
air in the hy draulic system. If there is
air in the hy draulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer blee d the system be-
fore operatin g the vehicle. Air in the
hy draulic system will diminish the b
rakin g performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
d ent.
EAU36504
Brake li ght switchesThe brake light, which is activated by
the brake pedal and brake lever,
should come on just before braking
takes effect. If necessary, have a
Yamaha dealer adjust the brake light switches.
1. No brake lever free play
1
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