2018 YAMAHA YZF-R6 tow

Instrument and control functions
4-4
4
EAU66055
Han dle bar switches
Left
Ri ght
EAU79740Pass switch “ ”
Press this switch to flash the headlight
and to mark the start of each lap when
using the lap timer.
TIP
When the dimmer switch is set
to “ ”, the passing switch has no ef-
fect.
EAU79871Dimmer switch “ / ”
Set this switch to “ ” for the high
beam and to “ ” for the low beam.
TIP
When the switch is set to low beam,
only the left headlight comes on.
EAU66040Turn si gnal switch “ / ”
To signal a right-hand turn, push this
switch to “ ”. To signal a left-hand
turn, push this switch to “ ”. When
released, the switch returns to the cen-
ter position. To cancel the turn signal
lights, push the switch in after it has re-
turned to the center position.
EAU66030Horn switch “ ”
Press this switch to sound the horn.
EAU73961Traction control system switch
“TCS”
See page 3-2 for an explanation of the
traction control system.
EAU66060Stop/Run/Start switch “ / / ”
To crank the engine with the starter,
set this switch to “ ”, and then push
the switch down towards “ ”. See
page 6-2 for starting instructions prior
to starting the engine.
Set this switch to “ ” to stop the en-
gine in case of an emergency, such as
when the vehicle overturns or when the
throttle cable is stuck.
1. Dimmer switch “ / ”
2. Pass switch “ ”
3. Traction control system switch “TCS”
4. Turn signal switch “ / ”
5. Horn switch “ ”
1. Stop/Run/Start switch “ / / ”
2. Drive mode switch “MODE”
3. Hazard switch “ ”
54
231
2
3
1
UBN6E1E0.book Page 4 Thursday, October 5, 2017 2:48 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-17
4
EAU12822
Clutch lever
The clutch lever is located on the left
side of the handlebar. To disengage
the clutch, pull the lever toward the
handlebar grip. To engage the clutch,
release the lever. The lever should be
pulled rapidly and released slowly for
smooth clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
4-31.)
EAU12873
Shift pe dal
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the motorcycle. It is used in
combination with the clutch lever when
shifting gears. (See page 6-3.)
1. Clutch lever
1
1. Shift pedal
2. Shift switch
1
2
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Instrument and control functions
4-18
4
EAU26825
Brake lever
The 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, turn the ad-
justing dial while holding the lever
pushed away from the throttle grip.
Make sure that the appropriate setting
on the adjusting dial is aligned with
the “ ” mark on the brake lever.
EAU12944
Brake ped al
The brake pedal is located on the right
side of the motorcycle. To apply the
rear brake, press down on the brake
pedal.
1. Brake lever
2. Distance between brake lever and throttle
grip
3. “ ” mark
4. Brake lever position adjusting dial
1
43 2
1. Brake pedal
1
UBN6E1E0.book Page 18 Thursday, October 5, 2017 2:48 PM

Operation and important ri din g points
6-3
6
EAU77401
Shiftin g
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 illustration.
TIP
To shift the transmission into the
neutral position ( ), press the
shift pedal down repeatedly until it
reaches the end of its travel, and
then slightly raise it.
 This model is equipped with a
quick shift system. (See page 3-4.)
NOTICE
ECA23990
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, d o not
coast for lon g period s of time
with the en gine off, an d d o not
tow the motorcycle for lon g d is-
tances. The transmission is
properly lu bricated only when
the en gine is runnin g. Ina de-
quate lu brication may damag e
the transmission.
 Except when upshiftin g with the
quick shift system, always use
the clutch while chan gin g g ears to avoi
d d amag ing the en gine,
transmission, an d drive train,
which are not d esigne d to with-
stan d the shock of force d shift-
in g.
1. Gear positions
2. Shift pedal
2
1
1
N 2 3
4
5
6
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-41
7 En
gine overheatin g
WARNING
EWAT1041
Do not remove the ra diator cap when the en gine an d ra diator are hot.
Scal din g hot flui d an d steam may b e blown out un der pressure, which
coul d cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the eng ine has cooled.
 Place a thick ra g, like a towel, over the ra diator cap, an d then slowly ro-
tate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any resi dual pres-
sure to escape. When the hissin g soun d has stopped , press down on the
cap while turnin g it counterclockwise, an d then remove the cap.
TIP
If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided
that it is changed to the recommended coolant as soon as possible.
Wait until the engine
has cooled.
Check the coolant
level in the reservoir
and radiator.Add coolant.
(See TIP.)
The coolant level is
OK.
There is no leakage.
There is leakage.
The coolant level is
low.
Check the cooling
system for leakage.
Have a Yamaha
dealer check and
repair the cooling
system.
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a Yamaha dealer check and repair the cooling
system.
UBN6E1E0.book Page 41 Thursday, October 5, 2017 2:48 PM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
8-3
8
NOTICE:
Do not use warm wa-
ter since it increases the corro-
sive action of the salt.
[ECA10792]
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces (except the
titanium muffler) to prevent corro-
sion.
Cleaning the windshield
Avoid using any alkaline or strong acid
cleaner, gasoline, brake fluid, or any
other solvent. Clean the windshield
with a cloth or sponge dampened with
a neutral detergent, and after cleaning,
thoroughly wash it off with water. For
additional cleaning, use Yamaha Wind-
shield Cleaner or other quality cleaner.
Some cleaning compounds for plastics
may leave scratches on surfaces of the
windshield. Before using them, make a
test by polishing an area which does
not affect your visibility.
Cleaning the titanium muffler
This model is equipped with a titanium
muffler, which requires the following
special care.  Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muffler.
However, if the muffler cannot be
thoroughly cleaned with mild de-
tergent, alkaline products and a
soft brush may be used.
 Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the ti-
tanium muffler, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the muffler. 
Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium muffler, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.
 Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the
exhaust pipe leading into the tita-
nium muffler is normal and cannot
be removed.
After cleanin g
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts.
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom- mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11132
Contaminants on the b rakes or tires
can cause loss of control.  Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
 If necessary, clean the brake
d iscs an d b rake linin gs with a
re gular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, an d wash the tires with
UBN6E1E0.book Page 3 Thursday, October 5, 2017 2:48 PM