2018 YAMAHA NIKEN ABS

Table of contentsSafety information ............................ 1-1
Description ....................................... 2-1
Left view ......................................... 2-1
Right view ....................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ............... 2-3
Instrument an d control functions ... 3-1
Immobilizer system......................... 3-1
Main switch/steering lock............... 3-2
Handlebar switches ........................ 3-3
Indicator lights and warning lights............................................ 3-5
Cruise control system..................... 3-8
Multi-function meter unit .............. 3-11
D-mode (drive mode).................... 3-18
Clutch lever .................................. 3-18
Shift pedal .................................... 3-19
Quick shift system ........................ 3-19
Brake lever.................................... 3-20
Brake pedal .................................. 3-20
ABS .............................................. 3-20
Traction control system ................ 3-21
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-23
Fuel ............................................... 3-24
Fuel tank overflow hose ............... 3-26
Catalytic converter ....................... 3-26
Seats ............................................ 3-27
Helmet holding cable.................... 3-28
Storage compartment .................. 3-29
Rear view mirrors.......................... 3-30 Adjusting the front fork ................. 3-30
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly.................................... 3-31
Auxiliary DC jack ........................... 3-33
Auxiliary DC connector ................. 3-34
Sidestand ...................................... 3-34
Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 3-35
For your safety – pre-operation
checks ............................................... 4-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points ................................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ................................ 5-3
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-4
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 6-1
Tool kit ............................................ 6-2
Periodic maintenance charts .......... 6-3
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system .............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart ........................... 6-5
Removing and installing the
panel ............................................ 6-9
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-10 Canister ........................................ 6-11
Engine oil ...................................... 6-11
Coolant ......................................... 6-13
Air filter element ............................ 6-15
Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-15
Checking the throttle grip free play ............................................ 6-15
Valve clearance............................. 6-16
Tires .............................................. 6-16
Cast wheels .................................. 6-18
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 6-19
Checking the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-19
Brake light switches ..................... 6-20
Checking the front and rear brake pads ................................ 6-20
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-21
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-23
Drive chain slack........................... 6-23
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain ................................. 6-24
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-25
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals............... 6-26
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 6-26UBD5E0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-5
3
EAU4939F
In dicator li ghts an d warnin g
li g hts
EAU11032
Turn si gnal in dicator li ghts “ ”
an d“”
Each indicator light will flash when its
corresponding turn signal lights are
flashing.
EAU11061
Neutral in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11081
Hi gh beam in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11259
Oil level warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
engine oil level is low. To prevent en-
gine damage, replenish the engine oil
as soon as possible.
Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when riding
on a slope or during sudden accelera-
tion or deceleration, but this is not a
malfunction. If a problem is detected in
the oil level detection circuit, the oil lev- el warning light will flash repeatedly. If
this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
TIPWhen the vehicle is turned on, this light
will come on for a few seconds and
then go off. If the light does not come
on, or if the light remains on after con-
firming that the oil level is correct (see
page 6-11), have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
EAU58402
Cruise control in
dicator li ghts “ ”
an d “SET”
These indicator lights come on when
the cruise control system is activated.
(See page 3-8.)TIPWhen the vehicle is turned on, these
lights should come on for a few sec-
onds and then go off. If the lights do
not come on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
1. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
2. Neutral indicator light “ ”
3. Left turn signal indicator light “ ”
4. High beam indicator light “ ”
5. Oil level warning light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Traction control system indicator light “ ”
8. Cruise control indicator lights “ ” “SET”
9. Right turn signal indicator light “ ”
10.Shift indicator light
11.ABS warning light “ ”
12.Immobilizer system indicator light “ ”123
654
118
910
78
12
ABS
UBD5E0E0.book Page 5 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-6
3
EAU11448
Coolant temperature warnin g
lig ht “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
engine is overheating. If this occurs,
stop the engine immediately and allow
the engine to cool.
When the vehicle is turned on, the light
will come on for a few seconds, and
then go off. If the light does not come
on, or if the light remains on, have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle. TIP For vehicles with a radiator fan,
the radiator fan(s) automatically
switch on or off according to the
coolant temperature.
 If the engine overheats, see page
6-36 for further instructions.NOTICE
ECA10022
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheatin g.
EAU79310
En gine trou ble warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on if a prob-
lem is detected in the engine. If this oc-
curs, have a Yamaha dealer check the
on-board diagnostic system.
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the ve-
hicle power on. The warning light
should come on for a few seconds,
and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on at
all, or if the warning light remains on,
have a Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU69892
ABS warnin g lig ht “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
vehicle is first turned on, and goes off
after starting riding. If the warning light
comes on while riding, the anti-lock
brake system may not work correctly.
(See page 3-20.)TIPIf the light does not come at all, or if the
light does not go off after traveling 10
km/h (6 mi/h), have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
WARNING
EWA16041
If the ABS warning light does not go
off after travelin g at a speed of 10
km/h (6 mi/h) or hi gher, or if the
warnin g lig ht comes on or flashes
while ri din g, the b rake system re-
verts to conventional brakin g. If ei-
ther of the a bove occurs, or if the
warnin g lig ht does not come on at
all, use extra caution to avoi d possi-
b le wheel lock durin g emer gency
b rakin g. Have a Yamaha d ealer
check the brake system an d electri-
cal circuits as soon as possi ble.
EAU73272
Traction control system in dicator
li g ht “ ”
In normal operation, this indicator light
is off. When traction control has en-
gaged, this indicator light will flash for
a few seconds and then go off.
When the traction control system is
turned off, this indicator light will come
on.
If the traction control system becomes
disabled while riding, or if a problem is
detected in the traction control system,
ABS
UBD5E0E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-20
3
EAU26826
Brake leverThe brake lever is located on the right
side of the handlebar. To apply the
front brake, pull the lever toward the
throttle grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a
brake lever position adjusting dial. To
adjust the distance between the brake
lever and the throttle grip, slightly pull
the brake lever away from the throttle
grip and rotate the adjusting dial. Make
sure the setting number on the adjust-
ing dial aligns with the match mark on
the brake lever.
EAU12944
Brake ped alThe brake pedal is located on the right
side of the motorcycle. To apply the
rear brake, press down on the brake
pedal.
EAU84570
ABSThe anti-lock brake system (ABS) acts
on the front and rear brakes indepen-
dently.
WARNING
EWA16051
Always keep a sufficient d istance
from the vehicle ahea d to match the
ri din g speed even with ABS.
 The ABS performs b est with
lon g b rakin g d istances.
 On certain surfaces, such as
rou gh or g ravel roa ds, the b rak-
in g d istance may be lon ger with
the ABS than without.How to operate the brakes
Operate the brake lever and brake
pedal the same as you would conven-
tional brakes. If wheel slip is detected
while braking, ABS will activate and a
pulsating sensation may be felt at the
brake lever or brake pedal. Continue to
apply the brakes and let the ABS work.
Do not pump the brakes as this will re-
duce braking effectiveness.
1. Brake lever
2. Distance
3. Brake lever position adjusting dial
4. Match mark3
4
1
2
1. Brake pedal
1
UBD5E0E0.book Page 20 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-21
3 
The ABS performs a self-check
when you first start off. During this
time a clicking noise from the hy-
draulic unit may be audible, and if
the brake lever or brake pedal is
applied a vibration can be felt, but
this is not a malfunction.
 The brake system will revert to a
conventional brake system in case
of ABS malfunction.
NOTICE
ECA20100
Be careful not to damag e the wheel
sensor or wheel sensor rotor; other-
wise, improper performance of the
ABS will result.
EAU76315
Traction control systemThe traction control system (TCS)
helps maintain traction when acceler-
ating on slippery surfaces, such as un-
paved or wet roads. If sensors detect
that the rear wheel is starting to slip
(uncontrolled spinning), the traction
control system assists by regulating
engine power as needed until traction
is restored.
WARNING
EWA15433
The traction control system is not a
su bstitute for rid ing appropriately
for the con ditions. Traction control
cannot prevent loss of traction due
to excessive speed when entering
turns, when acceleratin g har d at a
sharp lean an gle, or while brakin g,
an d cannot prevent front wheel slip-
pin g. As with any vehicle, approach
surfaces that may be slippery with
caution an d avoi d especially slip-
pery surfaces.
1. Front wheel sensor
2. Front wheel sensor rotor
1
2
1. Rear wheel sensor
2. Rear wheel sensor rotor1
2
UBD5E0E0.book Page 21 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-31
3
Compression dampin g force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the com-
pression damping, turn the adjusting
screw on each side of the front fork in
direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting screw on each side of the
front fork in direction (b).
EAU84610
A djustin g the shock a bsorb er
assem blyThis shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing knob and a rebound damping force
adjusting screw.NOTICE
ECA10102
To avoi d d amag ing the mechanism,
d o not attempt to turn b eyond the
maximum or minimum settin gs.Sprin g preloa d
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting knob in direction (a). To
decrease the spring preload and there-
by soften the suspension, turn the ad-
justing knob in direction (b).
Re boun d d ampin g setting :
Minimum (soft):
17 click(s) in direction (b)
Standard:
13 click(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)1. Compression damping force adjusting
screw
(b)
(a)
1
Compression dampin g settin g:
Minimum (soft):
13 click(s) in direction (b)
Standard:
8 click(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)
UBD5E0E0.book Page 31 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Operation and important ri din g points
5-1
5
EAU15952
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10272
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which coul d cause an acci dent
or injury.
EAUM3632
TIPThis model is equipped with:  a lean angle sensor. This sensor
stops the engine in case of a vehi-
cle turnover. If this happens, the
engine trouble warning light will
come on, but this is not a malfunc-
tion. Turn the vehicle power off
and then back on again to cancel
the warning light. Failing to do so
will prevent the engine from start-
ing even though the engine will
crank when pushing the start
switch.
 an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. If the engine
stops, simply push the start
switch to restart the engine.
EAU84620
Startin g the en gineUnder normal conditions, shift the
transmission into neutral before start-
ing the engine. To start the engine with
the transmission in gear, the sidestand
must be up and the clutch lever pulled.
To start the engine1. Set the engine stop switch to “ ”.
2. Turn the main switch to “ ”.
3. Confirm the following lights per-
form a circuit check. Coolant temperature warning
light
 Oil level warning light
 Engine trouble warning light
 ABS warning light
 Traction control system indi-
cator light
 Cruise control indicator lights
 Shift indicator light
 Immobilizer system indicator
lightTIP The ABS warning light should go
off after reaching a speed of 10
km/h (6 mi/h) or higher.
UBD5E0E0.book Page 1 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
UBD5E0E0.book Page 22 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM