warning YAMAHA YZF-R1 2004 Owner's Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-28
6
EAU23280
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
WARNING
EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so thatthere is no danger of it falling over.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
U5VYE0E0.book Page 28 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-29
6
EAU23440
Battery This model is equipped with a sealed-
type (MF) battery, which does not re-
quire any maintenance. There is no
need to check the electrolyte or to add
distilled water.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quickly
if the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
WARNING
EWA10760


Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.


Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.


KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OFCHILDREN.
To store the battery
1. If the vehicle 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 it at least
once a month and fully charge it if
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.
CAUTION:
ECA10630


Always keep the battery
charged. Storing a discharged
battery can cause permanent
battery damage.


To charge a sealed-type (MF)
battery, a special (constant-volt-
age) battery charger is required.
Using a conventional battery
1. Negative battery terminal
2. Battery
3. Positive battery terminal
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-33
6 2. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the defective
bulb.
WARNING
EWA10790
Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooleddown.
3. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with the
bulb holder.CAUTION:
ECA10650
Take care not to damage the follow-
ing parts:

Headlight bulb
Do not touch the glass part of
the headlight bulb to keep it free
from oil, otherwise the transpar-
ency of the glass, the luminosity
of the bulb, and the bulb life will
be adversely affected. Thor-
oughly clean off any dirt and fin-
gerprints on the headlight bulb
using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.


Headlight lens
Do not affix any type of tinted
film or stickers to the headlight
lens.
Do not use a headlight bulb of awattage higher than specified.
4. Install the headlight bulb cover,
and then connect the coupler.
5. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
To replace a low beam headlight
bulb
1. Remove the headlight bulb cover
by turning it counterclockwise.
1. Headlight bulb cover
2. Headlight coupler
1. Headlight bulb holder
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
U5VYE0E0.book Page 33 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-34
62. Disconnect the headlight coupler.
3. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the defective
bulb.
WARNING
EWA10790
Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooleddown.
4. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with the
bulb holder.CAUTION:
ECA10650
Take care not to damage the follow-
ing parts:


Headlight bulb
Do not touch the glass part of
the headlight bulb to keep it free
from oil, otherwise the transpar-
ency of the glass, the luminosity
of the bulb, and the bulb life will
be adversely affected. Thor-
oughly clean off any dirt and fin-
gerprints on the headlight bulb
using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.


Headlight lens
Do not affix any type of tinted
film or stickers to the headlight
lens.
Do not use a headlight bulb of awattage higher than specified.
1. Headlight bulb cover
1. Headlight coupler
1. Headlight bulb holder
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
U5VYE0E0.book Page 34 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
6a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU33920
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle bolt, the wheel
axle pinch bolts, and then the
brake caliper bolts.
2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-37.3. Remove the brake hose holder on
each side by removing the bolt and
nut.
4. Remove the brake caliper on each
side by removing the bolts.
5. Remove the axle bolt, push the
wheel axle out from the left side,
and then remove the wheel.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
1. Brake hose holder
2. Bolt and nut
3. Bolt
4. Brake caliper
5. Axle bolt
U5VYE0E0.book Page 38 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-40
612. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU25311
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-37.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Loosen the locknut on each side of
the swingarm.
5. Turn the drive chain slack adjust-
ing bolts fully in direction (a) and
push the wheel forward.
6. Remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
NOTE:

If the drive chain is difficult to re-
move, remove the wheel axle first,
and then lift the wheel upward
enough to remove the drive chain
from the rear sprocket.


The drive chain cannot be disas-sembled.
7. While supporting the brake caliper
bracket, pull the wheel axle out,
and then remove the wheel.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt A
2. Front wheel axle pinch bolt B
3. Front wheel axle pinch bolt C
4. Front wheel axle pinch bolt D
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Brake caliper
5. Brake caliper bracket
U5VYE0E0.book Page 40 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-42
6
EAU25911
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
WARNING
EWA10840
Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system.
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
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.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-43
6 Engine overheating
WARNING
EWA10400


Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.


After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissingsound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
NOTE:If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolantas 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 NOTE.)
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.
U5VYE0E0.book Page 43 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
74. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11130


Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.


If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-nering behavior.
CAUTION:
ECA10800


Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.


Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.


Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wearaway the paint.
NOTE:Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice onwhat products to use.
EAU26201
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.CAUTION:
ECA10810


Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.


To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
U5VYE0E0.book Page 3 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
7 3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
WARNING
EWA10950
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turningthe engine over.4. Lubricate all control cables and the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plas-
tic bags to prevent moisture from
entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-29.
NOTE:Make any necessary repairs beforestoring the motorcycle.
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