light YAMAHA YZF-R125 2008 User Guide
Page 30 of 84
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine iscold!NOTE:The engine is warm when it quickly re-sponds to the throttle.
EAU16671
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 itstravel, and then slightly raise it.
CAUTION:
ECA10260
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 damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand theshock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16830
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1000 km (600 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1000 km (600 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU16980
0–500 km (0–300 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6000
r/min.
After every hour of operation, stop the
engine, and then let it cool for five to ten
minutes.
Vary the engine speed from time to
time. Do not operate the engine at one
set throttle position.500–1000 km (300–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8000
r/min.
Rev the engine freely through the
gears, but do not use full throttle at any
time.
CAUTION:
ECA10320
After 1000 km (600 mi) of operation,
the engine oil must be changed, the
oil filter cartridge or element re-placed, and the oil strainer cleaned.
1000 km (600 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.CAUTION:
ECA10310
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-cle.
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Page 37 of 84
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
6
EAUM2070
NOTE:
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years change the brake fluid.Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
25*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.√√√√√
Change. Every 3 years
26*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
27Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
28*Throttle grip hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.√√√√√
29*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√√ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)6000 km
(3500 mi)12000 km
(7000 mi)18000 km
(10500 mi)24000 km
(14000 mi)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-6
6
EAU18731
Removing and installing the
cowlings and panel The cowlings and panel shown need to
be removed to perform some of the
maintenance jobs described in this
chapter. Refer to this section each time
a cowling or panel needs to be re-
moved and installed.
EAU18790
Cowling A
To remove the cowlingRemove the screws, and then take the
cowling off.
To install the cowlingPlace the cowling in the original posi-
tion, and then install the screws.
EAUM2350
Cowling B
To remove the cowling1. Remove cowling A and panel A.2. Remove the screws, slide the
cowling forward, and then take it
off.
3. Disconnect the turn signal light
lead coupler.
To install the cowling
1. Connect the turn signal light lead
coupler.
2. Fit the projection on the cowling
into the slot, and then slide the
cowling backward.
3. Install the screws.
4. Install cowling A and panel A.
1. Cowling A
2. Cowling B
3. Cowling C
4. Cowling D
5. Panel A
1. Screw
2. Cowling A
1. Screw
2. Cowling B
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-8
6To install the panel
1. Place the panel in the original posi-
tion, and then install the screws.
2. Install the rider seat.
EAU19631
Checking the spark plug The spark plug is an important engine
component, which is easy to check.
Since heat and deposits will cause any
spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plug should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plug can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
To remove the spark plug
1. Remove cowling A. (See page
6-6.)
2. Remove the spark plug cap.3. Remove the spark plug as shown,
with the spark plug wrench includ-
ed in the owner’s tool kit.
To check the spark plug
1. Check that the porcelain insulator
around the center electrode of the
spark plug is a medium-to-light tan
(the ideal color when the vehicle is
ridden normally).
NOTE:If the spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be oper-
ating improperly. Do not attempt to
diagnose such problems yourself. In-
stead, have a Yamaha dealer checkthe vehicle.
1. Screw
2. Panel A
1. Spark plug cap
1. Spark plug wrench
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-9
6 2. Check the spark plug for electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, and replace it if
necessary.
To install the spark plug
1. Measure the spark plug gap with a
wire thickness gauge and, if nec-
essary, adjust the gap to specifica-
tion.2. Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and
then wipe off any grime from the
spark plug threads.
3. Install the spark plug with the
spark plug wrench, and then tight-
en it to the specified torque.
NOTE:
If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-fied torque as soon as possible.
4. Install the spark plug cap.
5. Install the cowling.
EAUM2380
Engine oil and oil filter ele-
ment The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:
Make sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt to the side can result in afalse 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, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in), and then remove it
again to check the oil level.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR8E1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
1
ZAUM0037
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9.0 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
6
CAUTION:
ECA11620
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.
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.13. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU20091
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:
The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.
Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to theside can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
NOTE:The coolant should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter element replace-
ment:
0.95 L (1.00 US qt) (0.84 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement:
1.00 L (1.06 US qt) (0.88 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-30
6To store the battery
1. If the motorcycle will not be used
for more than one month, remove
the battery, fully charge it, and then
place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for more
than two months, check the specif-
ic gravity of the electrolyte at least
once a month and fully charge the
battery whenever necessary.
3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation.
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals and
that the breather hose is properly
routed, in good condition, and not
obstructed.
CAUTION:
ECA10600
If the breather hose is positioned in
such a way that the frame is ex-
posed to electrolyte or gas expelled
from the battery, the frame could
suffer structural and external dam-ages.
EAUM2410
Replacing the fuses The fuse box is located under the rider
seat. (See page 3-9.)
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off
the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then
install a new fuse of the specified
amperage.
CAUTION:
ECA10640
Do not use a fuse of a higher amper-
age rating than recommended to
avoid causing extensive damage to
the electrical system and possibly afire.
3. Turn the key to “ON” and turn on
the electrical circuit in question to
check if the device operates.
4. If the fuse immediately blows
again, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical system.
1. Fuse box
2. Spare fuse
3. Headlight fuse
4. Signaling system fuse
5. Ignition fuse
6. Radiator fan fuse
7. Main fuse
Specified fuses:
Main fuse:
20.0 A
Ignition fuse:
7.5 A
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Radiator fan fuse:
5.0 A
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-31
6
EAU34240
Replacing a headlight bulb This model is equipped with quartz bulb
headlights. If a headlight bulb burns
out, have a Yamaha dealer replace it
and, if necessary, adjust the headlight
beam.
EAU24181
Tail/brake light This model is equipped with an LED-
type tail/brake light.
If the tail/brake light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check it.
EAU24202
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb 1. Remove the turn signal light lens
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the defective bulb by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.
3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the
screw.CAUTION:
ECA11190
Do not overtighten the screw, other-wise the lens may break.1. Screw
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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6
EAUM2200
Replacing the license plate
light bulb 1. Remove the socket (together with
the bulb) by pulling it out.
2. Remove the defective bulb by pull-
ing it out.
3. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
4. Install the socket (together with the
bulb) by pushing it in.
EAU43230
Replacing an auxiliary light
bulb This model is equipped with two auxil-
iary lights. If an auxiliary light bulb burns
out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove the socket (together with
the bulb) by pulling it out.
2. Remove the defective bulb by pull-
ing it out.
3. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
4. Install the socket (together with the
bulb) by pushing it in.
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
1. License plate light bulb
1. Auxiliary light bulb
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