2018 YAMAHA YZF-R6 ESP

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Safety information
EAU1028C
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are re-
sponsible for the safe and proper oper-
ation of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements be-
fore riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:  Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.
 Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
 Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
 Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.
 Never operate a motorcycle with-
out proper training or instruction.
Take a training course. Beginners
should receive training from a cer-
tified instructor. Contact an autho-
rized motorcycle dealer to find out
about the training courses nearest
you.
Safe Ri din g
Perform the pre-operation checks
each time you use the vehicle to make
sure it is in safe operating condition.
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehi-
cle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
See page 5-1 for a list of pre-operation
checks.
 This motorcycle is designed to
carry the operator and a passen-
ger.
 The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been
caused by an automobile driver
who did not see the motorcycle.
Making yourself conspicuous ap-
pears to be very effective in reduc-
ing the chance of this type of
accident.
Therefore:
• Wear a brightly colored jacket.
• Use extra caution when you are approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.
• Ride where other motorists can see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.
• Never maintain a motorcycle without proper knowledge.
Contact an authorized motorcy-
cle dealer to inform you on ba-
sic motorcycle maintenance.
Certain maintenance can only
be carried out by certified staff.
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Safety information
1-4
1sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
 This vehicle is not desi gne d to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a si decar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail- able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection
to Yamaha manufacture parts and ac-
cessories or offer other modifications
for Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in
a position to test the products that
these aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, an d
Mo difications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accesso-
ries or modifications are not suitable
because of potential safety hazards to
you or others. Installing aftermarket
products or having other modifications
performed to your vehicle that change
any of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others at greater risk of serious injury or
death. You are responsible for injuries
related to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.
 Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the per-
formance of your motorcycle.
Carefully inspect the accessory
before using it to make sure that it
does not in any way reduce
ground clearance or cornering
clearance, limit suspension travel,
steering travel or control opera-
tion, or obscure lights or reflec-
tors.
• Accessories fitted to the han- dlebar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improp-
er weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
• Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become
unstable in cross winds. These
accessories may also cause in-
stability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
• Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the
freedom of movement of the
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Special features
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EAU76422
D-mode ( drive mo de)
D-mode is an electronically controlled
engine performance system. This
model has three mode selections:
“STD”, “A”, and “B”.
WARNING
EWA18440
Do not chan ge the drive mo de while
the vehicle is movin g.
With the throttle grip closed, push this
switch to change the drive mode in the
following order:
STD → A → B → STD
TIP
 Make sure you understand each
drive mode before operating the
drive mode switch.
 The current drive mode is shown
in the drive mode display (page
4-12).
 The current drive mode is saved
when the vehicle is turned off.
Mo de “STD”
Mode “STD” is suitable for various rid-
ing conditions.
This mode allows the rider to enjoy
smooth and sporty drivability from the
low-speed range to the high-speed
range. Mo
de “A”
Mode “A” offers a sportier engine re-
sponse in the low- to mid-speed range
compared to mode “STD”.
Mo de “B”
Mode “B” offers response that is
somewhat less sharp compared to
mode “STD” for riding situations that
require especially sensitive throttle op-
eration.
1. Drive mode switch “MODE”
1
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Special features
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EAU79732
Traction control system
The 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
substitute 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.
The “ ” indicator light flashes when
traction control has engaged. You may
notice slight changes in engine and ex-
haust sounds when the system has en-
gaged.
When the traction control system is
turned off, the “ ” indicator light will
come on.
TIP
 When the vehicle is turned on, the
traction control system is turned
on and set to the last used TCS
setting.
 The current TCS setting is shown
in the TCS display (page 4-12).
TCS settin gs
TCS “OFF”
TCS “OFF” turns the traction control
system off.
TCS “1”
TCS “1” minimizes traction control
system assist.
TCS “2, 3, 4, 5”
TCS levels “2” through “5” sequentially
increase traction control system assist.
TCS “6”
TCS “6” maximizes traction control as-
sist; wheel spin is most strongly con-
trolled.
NOTICE
ECA16801
Use only the specifie d tires. (See
pa ge 7-20.) Usin g different sized
tires will prevent the traction control
system from controllin g tire rotation
accurately.
1. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
2. Traction control system indicator light “ ”
3. TCS display
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Instrument and control functions
4-30
4
EAU70641
Auxiliary DC connector
This vehicle is equipped with an auxil-
iary DC connector. Consult your
Yamaha dealer before installing any accessories.
EAU15306
Si destan d
The sidestand is located on the left
side of the frame. Raise the sidestand
or lower it with your foot while holding
the vehicle upright.
TIP
The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system,
which cuts the ignition in certain situa-
tions. (See the following section for an
explanation of the ignition circuit cut-
off system.)
WARNING
EWA10242
The vehicle must not be ri dden with
the si destan d d own, or if the si de-
stan d cannot b e properly move d up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
si destan d coul d contact the groun d
an d d istract the operator, resultin g
in a possi ble loss of control.
Yamaha’s ig nition circuit cut-off
system has been desi gne d to assist
the operator in fulfillin g the respon-
si bility of raisin g the si destan d b e-
fore startin g off. Therefore, check
this system re gularly an d have a
Yamaha dealer repair it if it does not
function properly.
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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TIP
Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both drive chain pullers are in the same
position for proper wheel alignment.
3. Tighten the axle nut, then the lock-
nuts to their specified torques.
4. Make sure that the drive chain pullers are in the same position,
the drive chain slack is correct,
and the drive chain moves
smoothly.
EAU23026
Cleanin g an d lu bricatin g the
d rive chain
The 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 lu bricate d
after washin g the motorcycle, ri din g
in the rain or ri din g in wet areas.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE: To prevent d amaging
the O-rin gs, do not clean the
d rive chain with steam cleaners,
hi gh-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
en gine oil or any other lu bri-
cants for the drive chain, as they
may contain su bstances that
coul d damag e the O-rin gs.
[ECA11112]
Ti ghtenin g torques:
Axle nut: 110 N·m (11 kgf·m, 81 lb·ft)
Locknut: 16 N·m (1.6 kgf·m, 12 lb·ft)
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
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EAU37834
Matte color caution
NOTICE
ECA15193
Some mo dels are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
a d vice on what pro ducts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical prod ucts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applie d to any matte colored fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU54721
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-
ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA11143
Avoi d using strong aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such pro ducts are
use d on har d-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
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