tow YAMAHA YZF-R1 2002 Owners Manual

Page 28 of 120

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-13
3
EAU00152
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar 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 ignition
circuit cut-off system. (See page 3-26
for an explanation of the ignition circuit
cut-off system.)
EAU00157
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 6-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU00161
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front brake,
pull the lever toward the handlebar grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a posi-
tion adjusting dial. To adjust the dis-
tance between the brake lever and the
handlebar grip, turn the adjusting dial
while holding the lever pushed away
from the handlebar grip. Make sure that
the appropriate setting on the adjusting
dial is aligned with the arrow mark on
the brake lever.
1. Clutch lever
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
2. Brake lever position adjusting dial
3. Arrow mark
a. Distance between brake lever and handlebar
grip
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Page 49 of 120

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTE:_ If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt. _
ECA00045
CAUTION:_ For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold! _NOTE:_ The engine is warm when it quickly re-
sponds to the throttle. _
EAU00423
Shifting 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 il-
lustration.NOTE:_ To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it. _
EC000048
CAUTION:_ 
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
_
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
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Page 99 of 120

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-46
6 Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
_ 
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.

After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hiss-
ing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
_CT-2AENOTE:_ 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.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
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Page 104 of 120

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7Cleaning 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 ex-
haust pipe leading into the titani-
um muffler is normal and cannot
be removed.After cleaning
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.
EWA00031
WARNING
_ 
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.

If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
_
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