YAMAHA YZF-R125 2008 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-7
3
EAUM2080
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap
1. Open the fuel tank cap lock cover.
2. Insert the key into the lock and turn
it 1/4 turn counterclockwise. The
lock will be released and the fuel
tank cap can be removed.
To install the fuel tank cap
1. Push the fuel tank cap into position
with the key inserted in the lock.
2. Turn the key clockwise to the orig-
inal position, and then remove it.
3. Close the lock cover.
NOTE:The fuel tank cap cannot be installed
unless the key is in the lock. In addition,
the key cannot be removed if the cap isnot properly installed and locked.
WARNING
EWA11140
Make sure that the fuel tank cap isproperly installed before riding.
EAU13211
Fuel Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in
the tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom
of the filler tube as shown.
WARNING
EWA10880


Do not overfill the fuel tank, oth-
erwise it may overflow when the
fuel warms up and expands.


Avoid spilling fuel on the hot en-gine.
1. Fuel tank cap lock cover
2. Unlock.
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Fuel level
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-8
3
CAUTION:
ECA10070
Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-es or plastic parts.
EAU43420
CAUTION:
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,as well as to the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-curs, use a gasoline of a different
brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
EAU13442
Catalytic converters This vehicle is equipped with catalytic
converters in the exhaust system.
WARNING
EWA10860
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. Make sure that the exhaust
system has cooled down before do-ing any maintenance work.CAUTION:
ECA10700
The following precautions must be
observed to prevent a fire hazard or
other damages.

Use only unleaded gasoline.
The use of leaded gasoline will
cause unrepairable damage to
the catalytic converter.


Never park the vehicle near pos-
sible fire hazards such as grass
or other materials that easily
burn.


Do not allow the engine to idletoo long.
Recommended fuel:
PREMIUM UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
13.8 L (3.65 US gal) (3.04 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning indicator comes on):
1.6 L (0.42 US gal) (0.35 Imp.gal)
U5D7E0E0.book Page 8 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-9
3
EAUM2460
Rider seat To remove the rider seat
1. Insert the key into the seat lock,
and then turn it clockwise.
2. Pull the rider seat off.
To install the rider seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of
the rider seat into the seat holder
as shown.2. Push the rear of the rider seat
down to lock it in place.
3. Turn the key counterclockwise,
and then remove it.
NOTE:Make sure that the rider seat is properlysecured before riding.
EAUM2311
Anti-theft device housing The anti-theft device housing, located
under the rider seat, is designed to hold
a genuine Yamaha CYCLELOK. (See
page 3-9 for seat removal and installa-
tion procedures.)NOTE:Some locks cannot fit into the housingdue to their size or shape.
1. Seat lock
2. Open.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1. Anti-theft device housing
U5D7E0E0.book Page 9 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-10
3
EAU15301
Sidestand 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.NOTE:The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation ofthe ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as describedbelow and have a Yamaha dealer re-
pair it if it does not function proper-
ly.
EAU44890
Ignition circuit cut-off system The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.


It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.


It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the sid-
estand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.WARNING
EWA10250
If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system be-fore riding.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is turned on.
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
U5D7E0E0.book Page 11 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15593
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.NOTE:Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very shorttime; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING
EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operatingthe vehicle.U5D7E0E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
EAU15605
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-7
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-12
Front brakeCheck 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 recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-20, 6-21
Rear brakeCheck 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 recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-20, 6-21
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-19
U5D7E0E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check cable free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and
grip housing.6-15, 6-25
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-24
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-22, 6-24
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-16, 6-18
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-25
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-26
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-26
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switchCheck operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-10
BatteryCheck fluid level.
Fill with distilled water if necessary.6-29 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U5D7E0E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15950
WARNING
EWA10270


Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.


Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.


Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible lossof control.
EAUM2320
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.WARNING
EWA10290


Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-10.


Never ride with the sidestanddown.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to“”.
CAUTION:
ECAM1100
The following warning lights and in-
dicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Neutral indicator light


Turn signal indicator light


High beam indicator light


Coolant temperature warning
light


Engine trouble warning light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-2 for the corre-
sponding warning and indicator
light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.NOTE:When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-cuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.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 oneattempt.
U5D7E0E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM

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
U5D7E0E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:13 AM