YAMAHA XJ6-S 2009 Owner's Guide

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-17
3 ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU13320
NOTICE
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 regular unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
91 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brandor premium unleaded fuel. Use of un-
leaded fuel will extend spark plug life
and reduce maintenance costs.
EAU39451
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose Before operating the motorcycle:

Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose connection.


Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose for cracks or damage,
and replace it if damaged.


Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather/overflow hose is not
blocked, and clean it if necessary.
Recommended fuel:
REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
17.3 L (4.57 US gal, 3.81 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
3.2 L (0.85 US gal, 0.70 Imp.gal)
1. Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
1 1
U36CE0E0.book Page 17 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3
EAU13433
Catalytic converter This model is equipped with a catalytic
converter in the exhaust system.
WARNING
EWA10862
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazard or
burns:

Do not park the vehicle near
possible fire hazards such as
grass or other materials that
easily burn.


Park the vehicle in a place
where pedestrians or children
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.


Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has cooled down before do-
ing any maintenance work.


Do not allow the engine to idle
more than a few minutes. Long
idling can cause a build-up ofheat.
NOTICE
ECA10701
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause unre-
pairable damage to the catalyticconverter.
EAU32980
Seat To remove the seat
1. Insert the key into the seat lock,
and then turn it counterclockwise.
2. While holding the key in that posi-
tion, lift the rear of the seat up, and
then pull the seat off.
To install the seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of
the seat into the seat holder as
shown.1. Seat lock
2. Unlock.
12
U36CE0E0.book Page 18 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-19
3
2. Push the rear of the seat down to
lock it in place.
3. Remove the key.
TIPMake sure that the seat is properly se-cured before riding.
EAU46750
Helmet holder The helmet holder is located under the
seat. A helmet holding cable is provid-
ed in the owner’s tool kit to secure a
helmet to the helmet holder.
To secure a helmet to the helmet
holder
1. Remove the seat. (See page
3-18.)
2. Pass the helmet holding cable
through the buckle on the helmet
strap as shown, and then hook the
cable loop over the helmet holder.3. Place the helmet on the right side
of the vehicle, and then install the
seat. WARNING! Never ride with
a helmet attached to the helmet
holder, since the helmet may hit
objects, causing loss of control
and possibly an accident.
[EWA10161]
To release the helmet from the hel-
met holder
Remove the seat, remove the helmet
holding cable from the helmet holder
and the helmet, and then install the
seat.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
1. Helmet holder
2. Owner’s tool kit
3. Helmet holding cable
2
3
1
1. Helmet
2. Helmet holding cable
3. Helmet holder
123
U36CE0E0.book Page 19 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-20
3
EAU14452
Storage compartment The storage compartment is located
under the seat. (See page 3-18.)
WARNING
EWA10961


Do not exceed the load limit of 3
kg (7 lb) for the storage com-
partment.


Do not exceed the maximum
load of XJ6S 189 kg (417 lb)
XJ6SA 184 kg (406 lb) for the ve-hicle.
When storing the Owner’s Manual or
other documents in the storage com-
partment, be sure to wrap them in a
plastic bag so that they will not get wet.When washing the vehicle, be careful
not to let any water enter the storage
compartment.
EAU46830
Handlebar position The handlebars can be adjusted to one
of two positions to suit the rider’s pref-
erence. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust
the position of the handlebars.
1. Storage compartment
1
1. Handlebar
1
U36CE0E0.book Page 20 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-21
3
EAU47260
Rear view mirrors The rear view mirrors of this vehicle can
be folded forward for parking in narrow
spaces. Fold the mirrors back to their
original position before riding.
WARNING
EWA14371
Be sure to fold the rear view mirrors
back to their original position beforeriding.
EAU47000
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring.NOTICE
ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond themaximum or minimum settings.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting ring in direction (a). To de-
crease the spring preload and thereby
soften the suspension, turn the adjust-
ing ring in direction (b).

Align the appropriate notch in the
adjusting ring with the position in-
dicator on the shock absorber.


Use the special wrench and exten-
sion bar included in the owner’s
tool kit to make the adjustment.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.
1. Riding position
2. Parking position
12 2
1
1. Extension bar
2. Special wrench
3. Spring preload adjusting ring
4. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
3
Maximum (hard):
7
123
(a) (b)
4
U36CE0E0.book Page 21 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-22
3


Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.


Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamahadealer for any service.
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.TIPThe 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.
U36CE0E0.book Page 22 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-23
3
EAU44902
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.
U36CE0E0.book Page 23 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-24
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
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.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.• The vehicle must be placed on the center-
stand during this inspection.• If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.
U36CE0E0.book Page 24 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided inthis manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-16
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-10
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-13
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.6-24, 6-24
U36CE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
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.6-24, 6-24
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-22
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.6-19, 6-28
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-28
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-26, 6-27
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-20, 6-22
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-28
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-29
Centerstand, sidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivots if necessary.6-30 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U36CE0E0.book Page 2 Friday, December 5, 2008 2:33 PM