engine YAMAHA YZF-R6 2016 Owner's Guide
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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6
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.9. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.10. Install the new oil filter cartridge with an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench. 11. Install the fuel tank breather hose
and overflow hose into the guides,
then place them in their original
position.
12. Install the shift arm by aligning the match mark on the shift arm with
the match mark on the shift shaft
and installing the shift arm bolt,
then tightening it to the specified
torque.  NOTICE:  Be sure to ali gn
the match marks to ensure
proper shiftin g. If the match
marks are not ali gne d, the shift arm will not move correctly an
d
you may not  be a ble to shift up
or  down.
 [ECA15343]
13. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
1. O-ring
1. Torque wrenchTightenin g torque:
Oil filter cartridge: 17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
1. Bolt
2. Shift shaft
3. Match marks
4. Shift armTightenin g torque:
Shift arm bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 31 ft·lbf)
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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6
14. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11621
In or der to prevent clutch slip-
pa ge (since the en gine oil also
lu bricates the clutch),  do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a  diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a hi gh-
er quality than specifie d. In
a ddition,  do not use oils lab eled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
hi gher. 
Make sure that no forei gn mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
15. Start the engine, and then let it idle for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off
and check for the cause.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if
the oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10402
If the oil level warnin g li ght flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, imme diately turn the en gine
off an d have a Yamaha  dealer check
the vehicle.16. Turn the engine off, and then check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
17. Install the cowling.
EAU20071
CoolantThe 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.
EAU3908A
To check the coolant level 1. Place the vehicle on a level surfa- ce and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.TIPThe coolant level must be
checked on a cold engine since
the level varies with engine tem-
perature.
 Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.2. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the mi-
nimum and maximum level marks.
Recommen ded  en gine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity: Oil change:
2.40 L (2.54 US qt, 2.11 Imp.qt)
With oil filter removal: 2.60 L (2.75 US qt, 2.29 Imp.qt)
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-17
6
3. If the coolant is at or below the mi-
nimum level mark, remove panel B
to access the coolant reservoir.
(See page 6-8.)
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cap, add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap.  WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the ra diator
cap when the en gine is hot.
[EWA15162]
 NOTICE:  If coolant is not
availa ble, use  distille d water or
soft tap water instead . Do not
use har d water or salt water
since it is harmful to the en gine. If water has 
been used  instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possi ble, other-
wise the coolin g system will not
b e protecte d a gainst frost an d
corrosion. If water has  been
a dde d to the coolant, have a
Yamaha  dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possi ble, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
b e re duce d.
 [ECA10473]
5. Install the panel.
EAU39006
To chan ge the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level surfa- ce and let the engine cool if neces-
sary.
2. Remove cowlings B and C. (See page 6-8.)
3. Place a container under the en- gine to collect the used coolant.
4. Remove the radiator cap. WARNING! Never attempt to re-
move the ra diator cap when the
en gine is hot.
 [EWA10382]
5. Remove the coolant drain bolt and
its gasket to drain the cooling sys-
tem.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Coolant reservoir capCoolant reservoir capacity (up to 
the maximum level mark):0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1. Radiator cap
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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6
6. Move the hose clamp in the direc-
tion shown, and then disconnect
the radiator hose to drain the radi-
ator.
7. Remove the coolant reservoir by removing the bolts.
8. Remove the coolant reservoir cap, and then turn the coolant reservoir
upside down to empty it. 9. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
10. Install the coolant reservoir by in- stalling the bolts.
11. Connect the radiator hose, and then move the hose clamp back to
its original position.
12. Install the coolant drain bolt and its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque. 13. Pour the recommended coolant
into the reservoir to the maximum
level mark, and then install the
coolant reservoir cap.
14. Pour the recommended coolant into the radiator until it is full.
15. Install the radiator cap, start the engine, let it idle for several minu-
tes, and then turn it off.
16. Remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radi-
ator, and then install the radiator
cap.
1. Coolant drain bolt
2. Gasket
3. Radiator hose
4. Hose clamp
1
2
4
3
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir
3. Bolt
Tightenin g torque:
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
2
1
3
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio: 1:1
Recommen ded  antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibi-
tors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator (including all routes): 2.30 L (2.43 US qt, 2.02 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir (up to the maxi-
mum level mark): 0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-19
6 17. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
18. Install the cowlings.
EAU36765
Air filter elementThe air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
EAU44735
Checkin g the en gine i dlin g 
spee dCheck the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, have it corrected by a
Yamaha dealer.En gine i dlin g spee d:
1250–1350 r/min
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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6
EAU21385
Checkin g the throttle  grip free 
playThe throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21402
Valve clearanceThe valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU64320
TiresTires are the only contact between the
vehicle and the road. Safety in all con-
ditions of riding depends on a relatively
small area of road contact. Therefore, it
is essential to maintain the tires in good
condition at all times and replace them
at the appropriate time with the speci-
fied tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted
before each ride.
WARNING
EWA10504
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or d eath from loss of
control.  The tire air pressure must  be
checked  and a djuste d on col d
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the am bient
temperature).
 The tire air pressure must  be
a d juste d in accor dance with the
ri din g spee d an d with the total
1. Throttle grip free play
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-39
6 3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by
pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the bulb) by pushing it in.
6. Install the license plate light unit by installing the screws.
EAU24351
Supportin g the motorcycleSince this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motorcy-
cle is in a stable and level position be-
fore starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcy- cle by using a motorcycle stand
or, if an additional motorcycle
stand is not available, by placing a
jack under 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 a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
1. License plate light bulb
2. License plate light bulb socket
1
2
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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6
EAU42505
Trou bleshootin g chartsStartin g pro blems or poor en gine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the battery.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start. 
Check the battery.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
Operate the electric starter.4. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
The engine does not start. 
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Battery
The engine turns over  
quickly.
The engine turns over  
slowly.
The engine does not start.
Check the ignition.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge 
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
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6
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  be
b lown out un der pressure, which coul d cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the en gine has coole d.
 Place a thick rag , like a towel, over the ra diator cap, an d then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the
d etent to allow any resi dual pressure 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.TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended cool-
ant 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 TIP.)
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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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-1
7
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some mo dels are equipped  with
matte colore d finishe d parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha d ealer for
a d vice on what prod ucts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical prod ucts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or  damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applied  to any matte colore d fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU54721
CareWhile the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod- ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA11143
Avoi d using  strong aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoke d
wheels. If such prod ucts are
use d on har d-to-remove  dirt,  do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected  area any lon ger than in-
structed . Also, thorou ghly rinse
the area off with water, imme di-
ately  dry it, an d then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
 Improper cleanin g can d amage
plastic parts (such as cowlin gs,
panels, win dshiel ds, hea dlig ht
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) an d
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or spon ge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot b e thor-
ou ghly cleaned  with water,  di-
lute d mil d d eter gent with water
may  be used . Be sure to rinse
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