2020 YAMAHA YZF-R6 maintenance

Table of contentsSafety information ............................ 1-1
Description ....................................... 2-1
Left view ......................................... 2-1
Right view ....................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ............... 2-3
Special features ............................... 3-1
D-mode (drive mode)...................... 3-1
Traction control system .................. 3-2
Quick shift system .......................... 3-4
Instrument an d control functions ... 4-1
Immobilizer system......................... 4-1
Main switch/steering lock............... 4-2
Handlebar switches ........................ 4-3
Indicator lights and warning
lights............................................ 4-5
Multi-function meter unit ................ 4-8
Clutch lever .................................. 4-16
Shift pedal .................................... 4-17
Brake lever.................................... 4-17
Brake pedal .................................. 4-17
ABS .............................................. 4-18
Fuel tank cap ................................ 4-19
Fuel ............................................... 4-19
Fuel tank overflow hose ............... 4-21
Catalytic converter ....................... 4-22
Seats ............................................ 4-22
Rear view mirrors.......................... 4-23
Adjusting the front fork ................. 4-24 Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly.................................... 4-26
EXUP system ................................ 4-28
Auxiliary DC connector ................. 4-29
Sidestand ...................................... 4-29
Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 4-30
For your safety – pre-operation
checks ............................................... 5-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points ................................................. 6-1
Starting the engine .......................... 6-1
Shifting ............................................ 6-2
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ................................ 6-3
Engine break-in ............................... 6-4
Parking ............................................ 6-4
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 7-1
Tool kit ............................................ 7-2
Periodic maintenance charts .......... 7-3
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system .............. 7-3
General maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................... 7-5
Removing and installing cowlings and panels ................................... 7-9
Checking the spark plugs ............. 7-13
Canister ......................................... 7-14 Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 7-15
Why Yamalube.............................. 7-18
Coolant ......................................... 7-19
Air filter element ............................ 7-20
Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 7-20
Checking the throttle grip free play ............................................ 7-21
Valve clearance............................. 7-21
Tires .............................................. 7-21
Cast wheels .................................. 7-24
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 7-24
Checking the brake lever free
play ............................................ 7-25
Brake light switches ..................... 7-26
Checking the front and rear brake pads ................................ 7-26
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 7-27
Changing the brake fluid .............. 7-28
Drive chain slack........................... 7-29
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain ................................. 7-30
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 7-31
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 7-31
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals............... 7-32
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 7-32UBN6E2E0.book Page 1 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

1-1
1
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.UBN6E2E0.book Page 1 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

Special features
3-3
3Setting
the traction control system
To turn TCS off
Stop the vehicle and:  push up on the TCS switch for two
seconds to turn the traction con-
trol system off.
 push down on the TCS switch to
turn the traction control system
back on.TIPTurn the traction control system off to
help free the rear wheel if it is stuck in
mud or sand, etc.To change TCS settingsStop the vehicle or close the throttle
and: 
push up on the TCS switch to de-
crease traction control
(6→ 5→ 4→ 3→ 2→ 1).
 push down on the TCS switch to
increase traction control
(1→ 2→ 3→ 4→ 5→ 6).
TIPTCS settings can also be changed
when moving in straight line if the throt-
tle grip is held in a fixed position for two
seconds while in 4th, 5th, or 6th gear.
WARNING
EWA18940
Take extra precaution when chan g-
in g mo des while rid ing.Resettin g the traction control sys-
tem
The traction control system will auto-
matically disable when:  the front wheel or rear wheel
comes off the ground while riding.
 excessive rear wheel spin is de-
tected while riding.
 either wheel is rotated with the
main switch turned on (such as
when performing maintenance). If the traction control system is dis-
abled, both the “ ” indicator light and
the “ ” warning light will come on.
Should this occur, try resetting the sys-
tem as follows.
1. Stop the vehicle and turn the main switch off.
2. Wait a few seconds and then turn the main switch back on.
3. The “ ” indicator light should turn off and the system be en-
abled.
TIPIf the “ ” indicator light remains on af-
ter resetting, the vehicle may still be
ridden; however, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.4. Have a Yamaha dealer check thevehicle and turn off the “ ”
warning light.
1. Traction control system switch “TCS”
1
UBN6E2E0.book Page 3 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-22
4
EAU13435
Catalytic converterThe exhaust system contains catalytic
converter(s) to reduce harmful exhaust
emissions.
WARNING
EWA10863
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazar d or
b urns:
 Do not park the vehicle near
possi ble fire hazar ds such as
g rass or other materials that
easily burn.
 Park the vehicle in a place
where pe destrians or chil dren
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.
 Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has coole d down before
d oin g any maintenance work.
 Do not allow the en gine to i dle
more than a few minutes. Lon g
i d lin g can cause a buil d-up of
heat.
EAU79900
SeatsPassen ger seat
To remove the passenger seat1. Insert the key into the seat lock, and then turn it clockwise.
2. Lift the front of the passenger seat and pull it forward.
To install the passenger seat1. Insert the projection on the rear of the passenger seat into the seat
holder as shown, and then push
the front of the seat down to lock
it in place. 2. Remove the key.
Ri der seat
To remove the rider seat
1. Remove the passenger seat.
2. Pull up the corners on the rear of the rider seat as shown, remove
the bolts with the hexagon wrench
located under the passenger seat,
and then pull the seat off.
1. Seat lock
2. Unlock.
1
2
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
2
1
UBN6E2E0.book Page 22 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

For your safety – pre-operation checks
5-1
5
EAU15599
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11152
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an acci dent or equipment damag e.
Do not operate the vehicle if you fin d any pro blem. If a pro blem cannot be corrected b y the proce dures provi ded in
this manual, have the vehicle inspecte d b y a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel • Check fuel level in fuel tank.
• Refuel if necessary.
• Check fuel line for leakage.
• Check fuel tank overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and check
hose connection. 4-19, 4-21
En gine oil • Check oil level in engine.
• If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
• Check vehicle for oil leakage. 7-15
Coolant • Check coolant level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
• Check cooling system for leakage. 7-19
Front brake • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 7-26, 7-27
UBN6E2E0.book Page 1 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-1
7
EAU17246
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition
possible. Safety is an obligation of the
vehicle owner/operator. The most im-
portant points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are ex-
plained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle or performin g maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death durin g
service or while usin g the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha d ealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15123
Turn off the en gine when performin g
maintenance unless otherwise
specified .
 A runnin g en gine has movin g
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothin g an d electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
 Runnin g the en gine while ser-
vicin g can lead to eye injury,
b urns, fire, or car bon monoxi de
poisonin g – possi bly lea din g to
d eath. See pag e 1-3 for more in-
formation a bout car bon monox-
i d e.
WARNING
EWA15461
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linin gs can b ecome very hot d uring
use. To avoi d possi ble burns, let
b rake components cool before
touchin g them.
EAU17303
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replace-
ment, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be per-
formed by any repair establishment or
individual that is certified (if applicable).
Yamaha dealers are trained and equipped to perform these particular
services.
UBN6E2E0.book Page 1 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-2
7
EAU67092
Tool kitThe tool kit should be stored separate-
ly from the vehicle. However, there are
some tools located under the seat.
(See page 4-22.)
The information included in this manual
and the tools provided are intended to
assist you in the performance of pre-
ventive maintenance and minor re-
pairs. However, a torque wrench and
other tools are necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.TIPIf you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
your Yamaha dealer perform it for you.1. Hexagon wrench
1
UBN6E2E0.book Page 2 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-3
7
EAU71033
Perio dic maintenance chartsTIP Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by your Yamaha dealer because these items require special tools,
data, and technical skills.
 From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).
 The annual checks must be performe d every year, except if a distance- based maintenance is performe d in-
stea d.
EAU71051
Perio dic maintenance chart for the emission control systemNO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
1 *Fuel line • Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√√
2 *Spark plu gs • Check condition.
• Adjust gap and clean.
√√
• Replace. √√
3 *Valve clearance • Check and adjust. Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
4 *Fuel injection • Check engine idle speed.
√√√√√√
• Check and adjust synchroniza- tion. √√√√√
5 *Exhaust system • Check for leakage.
• Tighten if necessary.
• Replace gaskets if necessary. √√√√√
UBN6E2E0.book Page 3 Friday, December 7, 2018 2:56 PM