check engine YAMAHA YZF-R125 2021 User Guide

Operation and important rid ing points
5-2
5
EAU86690
Startin g the eng ineThe ignition circuit cut-off system will
enable starting when:
 the transmission is in the neutral
position or
 the transmission is in gear, the
sidestand is up, and the clutch le-
ver is pulled.
To start the engine1. Turn the main switch on and set the engine stop switch to the run
position.
2. Confirm the indicator and warning light(s) come on for a few sec-
onds, and the go off. (See page
3-2.)TIPDo not start the engine if the en-
gine trouble warning light remains
on.
 The ABS warning light should
come on and stay on until the ve-
hicle reaches a speed of 10 km/h
(6 mi/h).
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.3. Shift the transmission into the
neutral position.
4. Start the engine by pushing the start switch.
5. 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!
EAU45312
TIPThis model is equipped with a lean an-
gle sensor to stop the engine in case of
a turnover. In this case, turn the main
switch off and then on. Failing to do so
will prevent the engine from starting
even though the engine will crank
when pushing the start switch.
UB5GE2E0.book Page 2 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-3
6
EAU71021
TIP The annual checks must be performe d every year, except if a distance- based maintenance is performe d in-
stea d.
 From 30000 km (17500 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 6000 km (3500 mi).
 Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and tech-
nical skills.
EAU71041
Perio dic maintenance chart for the emission control systemNO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 6000 km
(3500 mi) 12000 km
(7000 mi) 18000 km
(10500 mi) 24000 km
(14000 mi)
1 *Fuel line • Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√√
2 *Spark plu g • Check condition.
• Adjust gap and clean.
√√
•Replace. √√
3 *Valve clearance • Check and adjust. √√√√
4 *Fuel injection • Check and adjust engine idle
speed. √√√√√√
5 *Exhaust system • Check for leakage.
• Tighten if necessary.
• Replace gasket if necessary. √√√√√
6 *Evaporative emis-
sion control system • Check control system for dam-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√
UB5GE2E0.book Page 3 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-6
6
20 Si destan d • Check operation.
• Lubricate with lithium-soap-
based grease. √√√√√
21 *Sidestan d switch • Check operation and replace if
necessary. √√√√√√
22 *Front fork • Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
23 *Shock a
bsor ber as-
sem bly • Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
24 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm an
d con-
nectin g arm
pivotin g points • Check operation.
√√√√
• Lubricate with lithium-soap- based grease. √√
25 En gine oil • Change (warm engine before
draining).
• Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage. At the initial interval and
every 3000 km (1800 mi) thereafter. √
26 En
gine oil filter ele-
ment • Replace.
√√√√√
27 *Coolin g system • Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage. √√√√√
• Change. Every 3 years
28 *Front an
d rear
b rake switches • Check operation.
√√√√√√
29 *Movin
g parts an d
cab les • Lubricate.
√√
√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 6000 km
(3500 mi) 12000 km
(7000 mi) 18000 km
(10500 mi) 24000 km
(14000 mi)
UB5GE2E0.book Page 6 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-9
6
Cowlin
g B
To remove the cowling
Remove the quick fastener, screws
and bolt, and then take the cowling off.
To install the cowlingPlace the cowling in the original posi-
tion, and then install the bolt, screws
and quick fastener.
Cowlin g C
To remove the cowling1. Remove the cowling B. (See page 6-8.) 2. Remove the quick fastener and
screws, and then take the cowling
off.
To install the cowling
1. Place the cowling in the original position, and then install the
screws and quick fastener.
2. Install the cowling B. (See page 6-8.)
EAU19623
Checkin g the spark plu gThe spark plug is an important engine
component, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
it should be removed and checked in
accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addi-
tion, the condition of the spark plug
can reveal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the
center electrode of the spark plug
should be a medium-to-light tan (the
ideal color when the vehicle is ridden
normally). If the spark plug shows a
distinctly different color, the engine
could be operating improperly. Do not
attempt to diagnose such problems
yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the vehicle.
If the spark plug shows signs of elec-
trode erosion and excessive carbon or
other deposits, it should be replaced.
1. Screw
2. Quick fastener
3. Cowling B
4. BoltZAUM1618
1
1. Cowling C
2. Screw
3. Quick fastenerZAUM1619
21
Specified spark plu g:
NGK/MR8E9
UB5GE2E0.book Page 9 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-11
6
EAUM4051
En gine oil an d oil filter ele-
mentThe engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
To check the en gine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set- tles, remove the oil filler cap, wipe
the dipstick clean, insert it back
into the oil filler hole (without
screwing it in), and then remove it
again to check the oil level.
NOTICE: Do not operate the ve-
hicle until you know that the en-
g ine oil level is sufficient.
[ECA10012]
TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
5. Install the oil filler cap.
To chan ge the en gine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment) 1. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-8.)
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap and the drain bolt along with the
O-ring, compression spring, and
engine oil strainer, to drain the oil
from the crankcase. NOTICE:
When removin g the eng ine oil
d rain bolt, the O-ring , compres-
sion sprin g, an d oil strainer will
fall out. Take care not to lose
these parts.
[ECA11002]
1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level markZAUM1610
1
2
3
ZAUE1300
UB5GE2E0.book Page 11 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-13
6
10. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
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.
11. 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.
12. Turn the engine off, and then check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU85450
Why Yamalu beYAMALUBE oil is a Genuine YAMAHA
Part born of the engineers’ passion
and belief that engine oil is an impor-
tant liquid engine component. We form
teams of specialists in the fields of me-
chanical engineering, chemistry, elec-
tronics and track testing, and have
them develop the engine together with
the oil it will use. Yamalube oils take full
advantage of the base oil’s qualities
and blend in the ideal balance of addi-
tives to make sure the final oil clears
our performance standards. Thus,
Yamalube mineral, semisynthetic and
synthetic oils have their own distinct
characters and value. Yamaha’s expe-
rience gained over many years of re-
search and development into oil since
the 1960’s helps make Yamalube the
best choice for your Yamaha engine.
Recommen ded en gine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity: Oil change:
0.85 L (0.90 US qt, 0.75 Imp.qt)
With oil filter removal: 0.95 L (1.00 US qt, 0.84 Imp.qt)
UB5GE2E0.book Page 13 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-14
6
EAUS1203
CoolantThe coolant level should be checked
regularly. In addition, the coolant must
be changed at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance chart.TIPIf genuine Yamaha coolant is not avail-
able, use an ethylene glycol antifreeze
containing corrosion inhibitors for alu-
minum engines and mix with distilled
water at a 1:1 ratio.
EAUE3460
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face.
2. Remove cowling C of left side. (See page 6-8.)
3. Hold the vehicle in an upright po- sition.
TIPThe 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.4. Check the coolant level in the
coolant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the coolant is at or below theminimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap.
6. Add coolant to the maximum level mark, and then install the coolant
reservoir cap. WARNING! Re-
move only the coolant reservoir
cap. Never attempt to remove
the ra diator cap when the en-
g ine is hot.
[EWA15162]
NOTICE: If
coolant is not availa ble, use dis-
tille d water or soft tap water in-
stead . Do not use har d water or
salt water since it is harmful to
the en gine. If water has been
use d instead of coolant, replace
it with coolant as soon as possi-
b le, otherwise the coolin g sys-
Recommen ded coolant:
YAMALUBE coolant
Coolant quantity: Coolant reservoir (max level mark):0.15 L (0.16 US qt, 0.13 Imp.qt)
Radiator (including all routes): 0.49 L (0.52 US qt, 0.43 Imp.qt)
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
FULL
LOW
ZAUE3384
1. Coolant reservoir cap
1ZAUE3385
UB5GE2E0.book Page 14 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-16
6
EAU34302
A djustin g the eng ine idlin g
spee dThe engine idling speed must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted as
follows at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
The engine should be warm before
making this adjustment.
Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, adjust it to specification by
turning the idle adjusting screw. To in-
crease the engine idling speed, turn
the screw in direction (a). To decrease
the engine idling speed, turn the screw
in direction (b).
TIPIf the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
EAU48434
A djustin g the throttle grip free
playMeasure the throttle grip free play as
shown.
Periodically check the throttle grip free
play and, if necessary, adjust it as fol-
lows.TIPThe engine idling speed must be cor-
rectly adjusted before checking and
adjusting the throttle grip free play.1. Slide the rubber cover back.
2. Loosen the locknut.
1. Idle adjusting screwZAUE3388
(a)
(b)
1
En gine i dlin g spee d:
1250–1550 r/min
1. Throttle grip free playThrottle grip free play:
3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in)ZAUM1595
1
UB5GE2E0.book Page 16 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-17
6
3. To increase the throttle grip free
play, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection (a). To decrease the throt-
tle grip free play, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (b).
4. Tighten the locknut and then slide the rubber cover to its original po-
sition.
EAU21403
Valve clearanceThe valves are an important engine
component, and since valve clearance
changes with use, they must be
checked and adjusted at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
chart. Unadjusted valves can result in
improper air-fuel mixture, engine
noise, and eventually engine damage.
To prevent this from occurring, have
your Yamaha dealer check and adjust
the valve clearance at regular intervals.TIPThis service must be performed when
the engine is cold.
EAU77621
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. Adjusting nut
2. LocknutZAUM1596
1 2
(a)
(b)
UB5GE2E0.book Page 17 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-36
6
EAU86350
Trou bleshootin g chart
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.
Try starting the engine.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.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug(s). 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 battery is good.
DryWet
Try starting the engine.
Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
The engine does not start.
Check the ignition.
UB5GE2E0.book Page 36 Thursday, July 30, 2020 3:08 PM