2016 YAMAHA YZF-R125 light

Operation and important riding points
5-3
5
EAU16673
Shifting
Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.
TIP
To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE
ECA10261
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
ZAUM1167
1 N2 3 4 5
6
12
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Operation and important riding points
5-4
5
EAU16811
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption
Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the follow-
ing tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the en-
gine.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16831
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1000 km (600 mi). For
this reason, you should read the fol-
lowing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1000 km (600 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that
might result in engine overheating
must be avoided.
EAU16983
0–500 km (0–300 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6000
r/min.
After every hour of operation, stop the
engine, and then let it cool for five to
ten minutes.
Vary the engine speed from time to
time. Do not operate the engine at one
set throttle position.
500–1000 km (300–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8000
r/min.
Rev the engine freely through the
gears, but do not use full throttle at any
time. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600 mi)
of operation, the engine oil must be
changed, the oil filter cartridge or el-
ement replaced, and the oil strainer
cleaned.
[ECA10322]
U5D7E6E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 17, 2015 10:25 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-5
6
13 Drive chain• Check chain slack, alignment
and condition.
• Adjust and lubricate chain with a
special O-ring chain lubricant
thoroughly.Every 1000 km (600 mi) and af-
ter washing the motorcycle, rid-
ing in the rain or riding in wet
areas
14*Steering bearings• Check bearing play and steering
for roughness.√√√√√
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.Every 24000 km (14000 mi)
15*Chassis fasteners• Make sure that all nuts, bolts
and screws are properly tight-
ened.√√√√√
16Brake lever pivot
shaft• Lubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
17Brake pedal pivot
shaft• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.√√√√√
18Clutch lever pivot
shaft• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.√√√√√
19 Sidestand• Check operation.
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.√√√√√
20*Sidestand switch• Check operation.√√√√√√
21*Front fork• Check operation and for oil leak-
age.√√√√
22*Shock absorber
assembly• Check operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√
23*Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivot-
ing points• Check operation.√√√√
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease.
√√
24 Engine oil• Change. (See pages 3-9 and
6-11.)√When the oil change indi-
cator light flashes (2000
km (1200 mi) after the ini-
tial 1000 km [600 mi] and
every 3000 km (1800 mi)
thereafter)
• Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.Every 3000 km (1800 mi)√ NO. ITEM
X 1000 km CHECK OR
MAINTENANCE JOB
X 1000 mi
ODOMETER
READING
ANNUAL CHECK
16121824
0.63.5710.514
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-6
6
EAUM2071
TIP
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or
dusty areas.
Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
• Every two years change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
25Engine oil filter el-
ement• Replace.√√√√√
26*Cooling system• Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.√√√√√
• Change coolant. Every 3 years
27*Front and rear
brake switches• Check operation.√√√√√√
28Moving parts and
cables• Lubricate.√√√√√
29*Throttle grip• Check operation.
• Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
• Lubricate cable and grip hous-
ing.√√√√√
30*Lights, signals and
switches• Check operation.
• Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√√ NO. ITEM
X 1000 km CHECK OR
MAINTENANCE JOB
X 1000 miODOMETER
READING
ANNUAL CHECK
16121824
0.6 3.5 7 10.5 14
U5D7E6E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, June 17, 2015 10:25 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-7
6
EAU18732
Removing and installing the
cowlings and panel
The cowlings and panel shown need to
be removed to perform some of the
maintenance jobs described in this
chapter. Refer to this section each time
a cowling or panel needs to be re-
moved and installed.
EAU55850
Cowling A
To remove the cowling
Remove the screws, and then take the
cowling off.To install the cowling
Place the cowling in the original posi-
tion, and then install the screws.
Cowling B
To remove the cowling
1. Remove cowling A and panel A.
2. Remove the screws, slide the
cowling forward, and then take it
off.
3. Disconnect the turn signal light
lead coupler.
To install the cowling
1. Connect the turn signal light lead
coupler.
1. Cowling A
2. Cowling B
3. Cowling C
4. Cowling D
5. Panel A
ZAUM1169
1. Screw
2. Cowling A
1. Screw
2. Cowling B
ZAUM1170
ZAUM1171
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-10
6To check the spark plug
1. Check that the porcelain insulator
around the center electrode of the
spark plug is a medium-to-light
tan (the ideal color when the vehi-
cle is ridden normally).
TIP
If the spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be oper-
ating improperly. Do not attempt to
diagnose such problems yourself. In-
stead, have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.
2. Check the spark plug for electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, and replace it if
necessary.
To install the spark plug
1. Measure the spark plug gap with a
wire thickness gauge and, if nec-
essary, adjust the gap to specifi-
cation.2. Clean the surface of the spark
plug gasket and its mating sur-
face, and then wipe off any grime
from the spark plug threads.
3. Install the spark plug with the
spark plug wrench, and then tight-
en it to the specified torque.
TIP
If 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
specified torque as soon as possible.
4. Install the spark plug cap.
5. Install the cowling.Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9E
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
1
ZAUM0037
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9.04 ft·lbf)
U5D7E6E0.book Page 10 Wednesday, June 17, 2015 10:25 AM

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-11
6
EAUM3491
Engine oil and oil filter ele-
ment
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in), and then remove it
again to check the oil level.
NOTICE: Do not operate the ve-
hicle until you know that the en-
gine oil level is sufficient.
[ECA10012]
TIP
The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
5. Install the oil filler cap.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment)
1. Remove cowling D. (See page
6-7.)
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Install the engine oil drain attach-
ment, provided with the owner’s
tool kit, under the drain bolt of the
crankcase.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Engine oil drain bolt (crankcase)
2. Engine oil drain attachment
1
2
3
ZAUE1300
ZAUM1229
2
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
6-14
6
EAU20071
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.
EAU20095To 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 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.
TIP
The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
reservoir cap. WARNING! Re-
move only the coolant reservoir
cap. Never attempt to remove
the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
[EWA15162]
4. Add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap. 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.
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10473]
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
ZAUM1175
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
ZAUM1176
U5D7E6E0.book Page 14 Wednesday, June 17, 2015 10:25 AM