transmission YAMAHA NIKEN 2018 Owners Manual

Safety information
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. See page 6-16
for tire specifications and for informa-
tion on servicing and replacing your
tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe the following in-
structions before transporting the mo-
torcycle in another vehicle. 
Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
 Confirm there are no fuel or oil
leaks.
 Shift the transmission into gear.
 Secure with suitable straps that
are attached to solid parts of the
motorcycle, such as the frame or
upper front fork triple clamp. Do
not attach to turn signals, cowl-
ings and fairings, or any other
parts that can break. Choose the
location for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be partial-
ly compressed by the tie-down
straps so that the motorcycle will
not bounce excessively during
transport.
UBD5E0E0.book Page 5 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-5
3
EAU4939F
In dicator li ghts an d warnin g
li g hts
EAU11032
Turn si gnal in dicator li ghts “ ”
an d“”
Each indicator light will flash when its
corresponding turn signal lights are
flashing.
EAU11061
Neutral in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11081
Hi gh beam in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11259
Oil level warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
engine oil level is low. To prevent en-
gine damage, replenish the engine oil
as soon as possible.
Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when riding
on a slope or during sudden accelera-
tion or deceleration, but this is not a
malfunction. If a problem is detected in
the oil level detection circuit, the oil lev- el warning light will flash repeatedly. If
this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
TIPWhen the vehicle is turned on, this light
will come on for a few seconds and
then go off. If the light does not come
on, or if the light remains on after con-
firming that the oil level is correct (see
page 6-11), have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
EAU58402
Cruise control in
dicator li ghts “ ”
an d “SET”
These indicator lights come on when
the cruise control system is activated.
(See page 3-8.)TIPWhen the vehicle is turned on, these
lights should come on for a few sec-
onds and then go off. If the lights do
not come on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
1. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
2. Neutral indicator light “ ”
3. Left turn signal indicator light “ ”
4. High beam indicator light “ ”
5. Oil level warning light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Traction control system indicator light “ ”
8. Cruise control indicator lights “ ” “SET”
9. Right turn signal indicator light “ ”
10.Shift indicator light
11.ABS warning light “ ”
12.Immobilizer system indicator light “ ”123
654
118
910
78
12
ABS
UBD5E0E0.book Page 5 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-11
3
EAU84540
Multi-function meter unit
WARNING
EWA12423
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
makin g any settin g chan ges to the
multi-function meter unit. Chan gin g
settin gs while ri din g can d istract the
operator an d increase the risk of an
acci dent.
The multi-function meter unit is
equipped with the following:
 speedometer
 tachometer
 clock
 fuel meter
 eco indicator
 transmission gear display
 drive mode display
 TCS display
 QS indicator
 multi-function display
 brightness and shift light control
modeTIPThe multi-function meter unit can
be set to kilometers or miles. To
switch between kilometers and
miles, set the multi-function dis-
play to the odometer, and then
push the “RESET” button for one
second.
 “ ” does not function.
1. “TCS” button
2. “RESET” button
1
2
1. Transmission gear display
2. QS indicator
3. Tachometer
4. Speedometer
5. Fuel meter
6. Eco indicator “ECO”
7. Multi-function display
8. Clock
9. TCS display
10.Drive mode display
3
4
5
12
6
7
8
9
10
UBD5E0E0.book Page 11 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-13
3
TIPIf a problem is detected in the electrical
circuit, the fuel level segments will flash
repeatedly. If this occurs, have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.Eco in dicator
This indicator comes on when the vehi-
cle is being operated in an environ-
mentally friendly, fuel-efficient manner.
The indicator goes off when the vehicle
is stopped.TIPConsider the following tips to reduce
fuel consumption:  Avoid high engine speeds during
acceleration. 
Travel at a constant speed.
 Select the transmission gear that
is appropriate for the vehicle
speed.
Transmission gear display
This display shows the selected gear.
The neutral position is indicated by “N”
and by the neutral indicator light. Drive mo
de display
This display indicates which drive
mode has been selected: “1”, “2” or
“3”. For more details on the modes and
on how to select them, see page 3-18.
TCS display
1. Eco indicator “ECO”
1
1. Neutral indicator light “ ”
2. Transmission gear display
1
2
1. Drive mode display
1. TCS display
1
1
UBD5E0E0.book Page 13 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-19
3
EAU84321
Shift pe dalThe shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine. To shift the trans-
mission to a higher gear, move the shift
pedal up. To shift the transmission to a
lower gear, move the shift pedal down.
(See page 5-2.)TIPWhen the quick shift system is turned
on, the shift switch senses shift pedal
movement and allows for upshifting
without operating the clutch lever.
EAU84560
Quick shift systemThe quick shift system (QS) allows for
full-throttle, clutch lever-less, electron-
ically-assisted upshifts. When the shift
switch detects motion in the shift ped-
al, engine power and drive torque are
momentarily adjusted to allow the up-
shift to occur.TIP QS operates when traveling at
least 20 km/h (12 mi/h) with an en-
gine speed of 4000 r/min or high-
er, and only when accelerating.
 QS does not operate when the
clutch lever is pulled.To turn the system off1. Turn the main switch off.
2. Move the shift pedal upward so
that the shift rod is partially re-
tracted into the shift switch, and
hold it in that position. 3. Turn the main switch on, and after
10 seconds release the shift ped-
al.
4. “ ” will disappear.
TIPTo turn on the quick shift system, per-
form the same procedure.
1. Shift pedal
2. Shift switch
2
1
1. Shift switch
2. Rod
1
2
UBD5E0E0.book Page 19 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-36
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Set engine stop switch to run position.
3. Turn main switch to on position.
4. Shift transmission into neutral.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Pull the clutch lever.
8. Shift transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Pull the clutch lever.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
The neutral switch may not be working.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.The sidestand switch may not be working.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.If a malfunction is found, have the vehicle
inspected before riding.
WARNING
UBD5E0E0.book Page 36 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Operation and important ri din g points
5-1
5
EAU15952
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10272
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which coul d cause an acci dent
or injury.
EAUM3632
TIPThis model is equipped with:  a lean angle sensor. This sensor
stops the engine in case of a vehi-
cle turnover. If this happens, the
engine trouble warning light will
come on, but this is not a malfunc-
tion. Turn the vehicle power off
and then back on again to cancel
the warning light. Failing to do so
will prevent the engine from start-
ing even though the engine will
crank when pushing the start
switch.
 an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. If the engine
stops, simply push the start
switch to restart the engine.
EAU84620
Startin g the en gineUnder normal conditions, shift the
transmission into neutral before start-
ing the engine. To start the engine with
the transmission in gear, the sidestand
must be up and the clutch lever pulled.
To start the engine1. Set the engine stop switch to “ ”.
2. Turn the main switch to “ ”.
3. Confirm the following lights per-
form a circuit check. Coolant temperature warning
light
 Oil level warning light
 Engine trouble warning light
 ABS warning light
 Traction control system indi-
cator light
 Cruise control indicator lights
 Shift indicator light
 Immobilizer system indicator
lightTIP The ABS warning light should go
off after reaching a speed of 10
km/h (6 mi/h) or higher.
UBD5E0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Operation and important rid ing points
5-2
5 
The neutral position indicator light
should be on when the transmis-
sion is in neutral.
NOTICE
ECA24110
If a warnin g or in dicator li ght does
not work as d escribed a bove, have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.4. Push the start switch “ ”.
Release the start switch when the
engine starts, or after 5 seconds.
Wait 10 seconds before pressing
the switch again to allow battery
voltage to restore.NOTICE
ECA11043
For maximum en gine life, never ac-
celerate har d when the en gine is
col d!
EAU84370
Shiftin gShifting 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.TIPTo shift the transmission into the
neutral position ( ), press the
shift pedal down repeatedly until it
reaches the end of its travel, and
then slightly raise it. 
This model is equipped with a
quick shift system. (See page
3-19.)
NOTICE
ECA23990
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for lon g period s of time
with the eng ine off, and d o not
tow the motorcycle for lon g d is-
tances. The transmission is
properly lu bricated only when
the en gine is runnin g. Ina de-
quate lu brication may damag e
the transmission.
 Except when upshiftin g with the
quick shift system, always use
the clutch while chan gin g g ears
to avoi d d amag ing the en gine,
transmission, an d drive train,
which are not desi gne d to with-
stan d the shock of forced shift-
in g.
1. Gear positions
2. Shift pedal
2
1
1
N 2 3 4
5
6
UBD5E0E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-23
6
EAU22734
Chan gin g the brake flui dHave a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid every 2 years. In addition,
have the seals of the master cylinders
and brake calipers, as well as the brake
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or sooner if they are damaged or
leaking.
 Brake seals: every 2 years
 Brake hoses: every 4 years
EAU22762
Drive chain slackThe drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU2277G
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side- stand.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weight
on the motorcycle.2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
3. Measure the drive chain slack as shown. 4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows. NOTICE: Im-
proper drive chain slack will
overloa d the en gine as well as
other vital parts of the motorcy-
cle an d can lead to chain slip-
pa ge or b reakag e. If the d rive
chain slack is more than 50.0
mm (1.97 in), the chain can d am-
a g e the frame, swin garm, an d
other parts. To prevent this from
occurrin g, keep the d rive chain
slack within the specified limits.
[ECA17791]
EAU74260
To adjust the drive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing the drive chain slack. 1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock- nut on each side of the swingarm.
1. Drive chain slack
1
Drive chain slack:5.0–15.0 mm (0.20–0.59 in)
UBD5E0E0.book Page 23 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 2:23 PM