2018 YAMAHA NIKEN check oil

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-10
6
EAU19653
Checkin g the spark plu gsThe spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be
checked periodically, preferably by a
Yamaha dealer. Since heat and depos- its will cause any spark plug to slowly
erode, they should be removed and
checked in accordance with the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication
chart. In addition, the condition of the
spark plugs can reveal the condition of
the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the
center electrode of each spark plug
should be a medium-to-light tan (the
ideal color when the vehicle is ridden
normally), and all spark plugs installed
in the engine should have the same
color. If any spark plug shows a dis-
tinctly different color, the engine could
be operating improperly. Do not at-
tempt to diagnose such problems
yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of elec-
trode erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, it should be replaced. Before installing a spark plug, the
spark plug gap should be measured
with a wire thickness gauge and, if
necessary, adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and
then wipe off any grime from the spark
plug threads.
TIPIf 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.NOTICE
ECA10841
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plu
g cap, otherwise
the i gnition coil coupler may get
d amag ed . The spark plu g cap may
b e difficult to remove because the
ru bber seal on the en d of the cap fits
ti g htly. To remove the spark plu g
cap, simply twist it back an d forth
while pullin g it out; to install it, twist
it back an d forth while pushin g it in.
Specifie d spark plu g:
NGK/MR9K91. Spark plug gapSpark plu g g ap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Spark plug: 13 N·m (1.3 kgf·m, 9.6 lb·ft)
UBD5E0E0.book Page 10 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-11
6
EAU36112
CanisterThis model is equipped with a canister
to prevent the discharging of fuel vapor
into the atmosphere. Before operating
this vehicle, make sure to check the
following:
 Check each hose connection.
 Check each hose and canister for
cracks or damage. Replace if
damaged.
 Make sure that the canister
breather is not blocked, and if
necessary, clean it.
EAU1990E
Engine oilThe engine oil level should be checked
regularly. In addition, the oil must be
changed and the oil filter cartridge re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance chart.NOTICE
ECA11621
 In or der to prevent clutch slip-
pa ge (since the en gine oil also
lu bricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical add itives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a hi gh-
er quality than specified . In
a dd ition, do not use oils lab eled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
hi gher.
 Make sure that no forei gn mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
To check the en gine oil level
1. After warming up the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
2. With the vehicle on a level surface, hold it upright for an accurate
reading.
3. Look at the check window located at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
1. Canister
2. Canister breather
1
2
Recommen ded en gine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity: Oil change:2.40 L (2.54 US qt, 2.11 Imp.qt)
With oil filter removal: 2.70 L (2.85 US qt, 2.38 Imp.qt)
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. O-ring
3. Engine oil level check window
4. Maximum level mark
5. Minimum level mark
21
3
45
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-12
6 4. If the engine oil is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
oil filler cap and add oil.
5. Check the engine oil filler cap O- ring. Replace if damaged.
6. Install the engine oil filler cap.
To chan ge the en gine oil (an d filter)
1. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes to warm up the
oil, and then stop the engine.
2. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap, and then the engine oil drain bolt
and gasket.
TIPSkip steps 4–6 if the oil filter cartridge
is not being replaced.4. Remove the oil filter cartridge withan oil filter wrench.
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.5. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.6. Install the new oil filter cartridge,and then tighten to the specified
torque.
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. O-ring
21
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
1. Oil filter wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
1
2
2
1
1. O-ring
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-13
6
7. Install the engine oil drain bolt with a new gasket, and then tighten the
bolt to the specified torque.
8. Pour the specified amount of the recommended oil into the crank-
case.
TIPUsing a funnel is recommended.
9. After checking the engine oil fillercap O-ring, install the filler cap.TIPWipe off any spilled oil before starting
the engine.10. Start the engine and let it idle while checking for oil leaks.TIPIf any oil leaks are found which you
cannot fix, have the vehicle inspected.11. Stop the engine, wait a few min-utes for the oil to settle, and then
check the oil level one last time.
NOTICE: Do not operate the ve-
hicle until you know that the en-
g ine oil level is sufficient.
[ECA10012] EAUS1203
CoolantThe coolant level should be checked
regularly. In addition, the coolant must
be changed at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance chart.TIPIf genuine Yamaha coolant is not avail-
able, use an ethylene glycol antifreeze
containing corrosion inhibitors for alu-
minum engines and mix with distilled
water at a 1:1 ratio.
EAU20097
To check the coolant level
Since the coolant level varies with en-
gine temperature, check when the en-
gine is cold.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
1. Torque wrenchTi ghtenin g torque:
Oil filter cartridge: 17 N·m (1.7 kgf·m, 13 lb·ft)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 N·m (4.3 kgf·m, 32 lb·ft)1
Recommen ded coolant:
YAMALUBE coolant
Coolant quantity: Coolant reservoir (max level mark): 0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
Radiator (including all routes): 1.93 L (2.04 US qt, 1.70 Imp.qt)
UBD5E0E0.book Page 13 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-22
6 Rear
brake
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-
moving . 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
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-28
6
EAU23273
Checkin g the front forkThe condition and operation of the
front fork must be checked as follows
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
To check the con dition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoi d injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no dan ger of it fallin g
over.
[EWA10752]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handle-
bars several times to check if the
front fork compresses and re-
bounds smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10591
If any d amage is foun d or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU84950
Checkin g the steerin gWorn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci- fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
UBD5E0E0.book Page 28 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-4
7 1. Make all necessary repairs and
perform any outstanding mainte-
nance.
2. Follow all instructions in the Care section of this chapter.
3. Fill up the fuel tank, adding fuel stabilizer according to product in-
structions. Run the engine for 5
minutes to distribute treated fuel
through the fuel system.
4. For vehicles equipped with a fuel cock: Turn the fuel cock lever to
the off position.
5. For vehicles with a carburetor: To prevent fuel deposits from build-
ing up, drain the fuel in the carbu-
retor float chamber into a clean
container. Retighten the drain bolt
and pour the fuel back into the fuel
tank.
6. Use a quality engine fogging oil according to product instructions
to protect internal engine compo-
nents from corrosion. If engine
fogging oil is not available, per-
form the following steps for each
cylinder:a. Remove the spark plug cap and spark plug. b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine
oil into the spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the spark plug, and then place
the spark plug on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder wall with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent d am-
a g e or injury from sparkin g,
make sure to groun d the
spark plu g electro des while
turnin g the en gine over.
[EWA10952]
e. Remove the spark plug cap
from the spark plug, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.
7. Lubricate all control cables, piv- ots, levers and pedals, as well as
the sidestand and centerstand (if
equipped).
8. Check and correct the tire air pressure, and then lift the vehicle
so that all wheels are off the
ground. Otherwise, turn the wheels a little once a month in or-
der to prevent the tires from be-
coming degraded in one spot.
9. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
10. Remove the battery and fully charge it, or attach a maintenance
charger to keep the battery opti-
mally charged. NOTICE: Confirm
that the battery an d its char ger
are compati ble. Do not char ge a
VRLA battery with a convention-
al char ger.
[ECA26330]
TIP If the battery will be removed,
charge it once a month and store
it in a temperate location between
0-30 °C (32-90 °F).
 See page 6-29 for more informa-
tion on charging and storing the
battery.
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10-1
10
Index
AABS....................................................... 3-20
ABS warning light ................................... 3-6
Air filter element.................................... 6-15
Auxiliary DC connector ......................... 3-34
Auxiliary DC jack .................................. 3-33BBattery .................................................. 6-29
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating........................................... 6-26
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating........................................... 6-26
Brake fluid, changing............................ 6-23
Brake fluid level, checking.................... 6-21
Brake lever............................................ 3-20
Brake lever free play, checking ............ 6-19
Brake light switches ............................. 6-20
Brake pedal .......................................... 3-20CCables, checking and lubricating ......... 6-25
Canister ................................................ 6-11
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converter ............................... 3-26
Clutch lever........................................... 3-18
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ........... 6-19
Coolant ................................................. 6-13
Coolant temperature warning light ......... 3-6
Cruise control indicator lights................. 3-5
Cruise control switches .......................... 3-4
Cruise control system............................. 3-8DData recording, vehicle........................... 9-2
Diagnostic connector ............................. 9-2
Dimmer/Pass switch............................... 3-4 D-mode (drive mode) ........................... 3-18
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating ... 6-24
Drive chain slack .................................. 6-23
Drive mode switch ................................. 3-4
EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking ............. 6-15
Engine oil.............................................. 6-11
Engine serial number ............................. 9-1
Engine trouble warning light .................. 3-6FFront and rear brake pads, checking ... 6-20
Front fork, adjusting ............................. 3-30
Front fork, checking ............................. 6-28
Fuel ...................................................... 3-24
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...... 5-3
Fuel tank cap........................................ 3-23
Fuel tank overflow hose ....................... 3-26
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-31HHandlebar switches ............................... 3-3
Hazard switch ........................................ 3-4
Helmet holding cable ........................... 3-28
High beam indicator light ....................... 3-5
Horn switch ............................................ 3-4IIdentification numbers ........................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system .............. 3-35
Immobilizer system ................................ 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ......... 3-7
Indicator lights and warning lights ......... 3-5MMain switch/steering lock ...................... 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic... 6-5Maintenance, emission control
system .................................................. 6-3
Matte color, caution................................ 7-1
MENU switch .......................................... 3-4
Model label ............................................. 9-1
Multi-function meter unit ...................... 3-11
NNeutral indicator light ............................. 3-5OOil level warning light .............................. 3-5PPanel, removing and installing ................ 6-9
Parking.................................................... 5-4
Part locations.......................................... 2-1QQuick shift system ................................ 3-19RRear view mirrors .................................. 3-30SSafety information................................... 1-1
Seats ..................................................... 3-27
SELECT switch ....................................... 3-4
Shift indicator light .................................. 3-7
Shifting.................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal............................................. 3-19
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ... 3-31
Sidestand.............................................. 3-34
Sidestand, checking and lubricating .... 6-27
Spark plugs, checking .......................... 6-10
Specifications ......................................... 8-1
Stability bar ........................................... 6-33
Starting the engine ................................. 5-1
Steering bearings, lubricating ............... 6-29
Steering, checking ................................ 6-28
UBD5E0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM