2018 YAMAHA YZF-R1 oil

Periodic maintenance and adjustment
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EAU67110
Checking the spark plugsThe spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter 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 en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
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.
NOTICE
ECA10841
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twistit back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/LMAR9E-J
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap: 0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque: Spark plug (new):18 N·m (1.8 kgf·m, 13 lb·ft)
Spark plug (after checking):
13 N·m (1.3 kgf·m, 9.6 lb·ft)
1
1
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment7-12
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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 fol-
lowing:
Check each hose connection.

Check each hose and canister for
cracks or damage. Replace if dam-
aged.

Make sure that the canister breath-
er is not blocked, and if necessary,
clean it.
EAU66534
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridgeThe engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication 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, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-left side of the crank-
case.TIPThe engine oil should be between theminimum and maximum level marks. 4. If the engine oil is at or below the
minimum level mark, add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.
TIPCheck the oil filler cap O-ring for dam-age, and replace it if necessary.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)1. Remove cowling A and panel B. (See page 7-8.)
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
1. To fuel tank
2. To atmosphere
3. Throttle body
4. Charcoal canister
5. Canister breather
#4#3#2#1
1 2
3 4 5
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
2
3
1
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
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12 several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap, the engine oil drain bolt and its
gasket to drain the oil from the
crankcase.
TIPSkip steps 5–7 if the oil filter cartridge isnot being replaced.
5. Remove the oil filter cartridge with an oil filter wrench.
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at aYamaha dealer.
6. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
12
1. Oil filter cartridge
2. Oil filter wrench1
2
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TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properlyseated. 7. Install the new oil filter cartridge with an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench. 8. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of the recommended engine oil.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11621

In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.

Make sure that no foreign mate-rial enters the crankcase.
1. O-ring
1
1. Torque wrenchTightening torque:Oil filter cartridge:
17 N·m (1.7 kgf·m, 13 lb·ft)
Tightening torque: Engine oil drain bolt:23 N·m (2.3 kgf·m, 17 lb·ft)
1
Recommended engine oil:
Full synthetic
10W-40, 15W-50
Oil quantity:
Oil change:3.90 L (4.12 US qt, 3.43 Imp.qt)
With oil filter removal:
4.10 L (4.33 US qt, 3.61 Imp.qt)
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment
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12 10. Check the oil filler cap O-ring for
damage, and replace it if neces-
sary.
11. Install and tighten the oil filler cap.
12. Start the engine, and then let it idle for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIPAfter the engine is started, the oil pres-
sure and coolant temperature warning
light should go off if the oil level is suffi-cient.
NOTICE
ECA22490
If the oil pressure and coolant tem-
perature warning light flickers or re-
mains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer checkthe vehicle.
13. Turn the engine off, wait a few min- utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
14. Install the cowling and panel.
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 distilledwater 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.
2. With the vehicle in an upright posi- tion, look at the coolant level in the
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. O-ring
21
Recommended 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): 2.25 L (2.38 US qt, 1.98 Imp.qt)
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment7-24
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EAU22583
Checking the br ake fluid levelBefore riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark.
Check the brake fluid level with the res-
ervoir in an upright position. Replenish
the brake fluid if necessary.NOTICE
ECA17641
Brake fluid may damage painted sur-
faces or plastic parts. Always cleanup spilled fluid immediately.
Front brake Rear brake
As the brake pads wear, it is normal for
the brake fluid level to gradually go
down.

A low brake fluid level may indicate
worn brake pads 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 rid-
ing.WARNING
EWA15991
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability. Observe
these precautions:

Insufficient brake fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, reducing braking
performance.

Clean the filler cap before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.

Use only the specified brake flu-
id; otherwise, the rubber seals
may deteriorate, causing leak-
age.

Refill with the same type of
brake fluid. Adding a brake fluid
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.

Be careful that water does not
enter the brake fluid reservoir
when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of
the fluid and may result in vaporlock.
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 41. Minimum level mark
1
1. Minimum level mark
1
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Periodic maintenance and adjustment7-26
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1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock-
nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in direc-
tion (a). To loosen the drive chain,
turn the adjusting bolt on each side
of the swingarm in direction (b),
and then push the rear wheel for-
ward.
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both drive chain pullers are in the sameposition for proper wheel alignment. 3. Tighten the axle nut, then the lock-
nuts to their specified torques.
4. Make sure that the drive chain pull- ers are in the same position, the
drive chain slack is correct, and
the drive chain moves smoothly.
EAU23026
Cleaning and l ubricating the
drive chainThe drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.NOTICE
ECA10584
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle, ridingin the rain or riding in wet areas.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero- sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging
the O-rings, do not clean the
drive chain with steam cleaners,
high-pressure washers or inap-
propriate solvents.
[ECA11122]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant. NOTICE: Do not use
engine oil or any other lubri-
cants for the drive chain, as they
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain puller
3. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
4. Locknut
5. Alignment marksTightening torques: Axle nut:190 N·m (19 kgf·m, 140 lb·ft)
Locknut: 16 N·m (1.6 kgf·m, 12 lb·ft)
1
2 3
45
(a)
(b)
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EAU23273
Checking the front forkThe condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
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 avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10752]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10591
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-pair it.
EAU23285
Checking the steeringWorn 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 pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.1. Raise the front wheel off the ground. (See page 7-35.)
WARNING! To avoid injury, se-
curely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10752]
2. Hold the lower ends of the frontfork 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 steering.
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