tow YAMAHA YZF-R1 2004 Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-15
3
EAU12820
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-26.)
EAU12870
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 6-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU33850
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a po-
sition adjusting knob. To adjust the dis-
tance between the brake lever and the
handlebar grip, turn the adjusting knob
while holding the lever pushed away
from the handlebar grip. When the de-
sired position is obtained, be sure to set
1. Clutch lever
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
2. Brake lever position adjusting knob
3. Distance between brake lever and handlebar
grip
4.“” mark
U5VYE0E0.book Page 15 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.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.
EAU16751
Recommended shift points (for
Switzerland only)
The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U5VYE0E0.book Page 2 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM

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
7-2
7 den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.
NOTE:Salt sprayed on roads in the winter mayremain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.CAUTION:
ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of thesalt.
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply
a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces (except the tita-
nium muffler) to prevent corrosion.
Cleaning the titanium mufflerThis model is equipped with a titanium
muffler, which requires the following
special care.

Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muffler.
However, if the muffler cannot bethoroughly cleaned with mild de-
tergent, alkaline products and a
soft brush may be used.


Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium muffler, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the muffler.


Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium muffler, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.


Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
muffler is normal and cannot be re-
moved.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts.
U5VYE0E0.book Page 2 Friday, November 14, 2003 11:47 AM