light YAMAHA YZF-R125 2021 Owner's Manual

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
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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
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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
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-22
6 the motorcycle until the
brake sys-
tem has b een checked or repaired
b y a Yamaha dealer.
EAU36505
Brake li ght switchesThe brake light should come on just
before braking takes effect. The brake
light is activated by switches connect-
ed to the brake lever and brake pedal.
Since the brake light switches are
components of the anti-lock brake sys-
tem, they should only be serviced by a
Yamaha dealer.
EAU22393
Checkin g the front an d rear
b rake pa dsThe front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU22421
Front brake pa ds
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator groove, which allows
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator groove. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear1. Wear indicator grooveZAUM1466
1
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-33
6
EAUN2261
Vehicle li ghtsThis model is equipped with LED lights
for headlights, auxiliary lights and
brake/tail light. If a light does not come
on, check the fuse and then have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.NOTICE
ECA16581
Do not affix any type of tinte d film or
stickers to the head lig ht lens.
EAU24182
Tail/b rake li ghtThis model is equipped with an LED-
type tail/brake light.
If the tail/brake light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check it.
EAU62590
Replacin g a turn sig nal light
b ul b1. Remove the turn signal light lens
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the turn signal light bulb socket (together with the bulb) by
turning it counterclockwise.
1. Auxiliary light
2. Headlight (high beam)
3. Headlight (low beam)ZAUM1622
231
1. Screw
1
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-34
6 3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by
pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the bulb) by turning it clockwise.
6. Install the turn signal light lens by installing the screw. NOTICE: Do
not overti ghten the screw, oth-
erwise the lens may break.
[ECA11192] EAUM3510
Replacin
g the license plate
li g ht bul b1. Remove the license plate light unit
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the license plate light bulb socket (together with the
bulb) by pulling it out.
3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the bulb) by pushing it in.
6. Install the license plate light unit by installing the screw.
EAU67131
Supportin g the motorcycleSince this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, use maintenance stands
when removing the front or rear wheel
or when performing other maintenance
that requires the motorcycle to stand
up right.
Check that the motorcycle is in a stable
and level position before starting any
maintenance.
1. Turn signal light bulbZAUM1609
1
1. License plate light bulb socket
2. License plate light unit
3. ScrewZAUM1621
2
3
1. Maintenance stand (example)
1
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-2
7
chemicals such as, solvents,
g
asoline, rust removers, b rake
flui d, or antifreeze, etc.
Before washin g
1. Park the vehicle out of direct sun- light and allow it to cool. This will
help avoid water spots.
2. Make sure all caps, covers, elec- trical couplers and connectors are
tightly installed.
3. Cover the muffler end with a plas- tic bag and a strong rubber band.
4. Pre-soak stubborn stains like in- sects or bird droppings with a wet
towel for a few minutes.
5. Remove road grime and oil stains with a quality degreasing agent
and a plastic-bristle brush or
sponge. NOTICE: Do not use
d eg reasin g a gent on areas re-
quirin g lu brication such as
seals, gaskets, an d wheel axles.
Follow pro duct instructions.
[ECA26290]
Washin g
1. Rinse off any degreaser and spray down the vehicle with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure
to do the job. Avoid spraying wa-
ter directly into the muffler, instru-
ment panel, air inlet, or other inner
areas such as underseat storage
compartments.
2. Wash the vehicle with a quality au- tomotive-type detergent mixed
with cool water and a soft, clean
towel or sponge. Use an old tooth-
brush or plastic-bristle brush for
hard-to-reach places. NOTICE:
Use col d water if the vehicle has
b een exposed to salt. Warm wa-
ter will increase salt’s corrosive
properties.
[ECA26301]
3. For windshield-equipped vehicles: Clean the windshield with a soft
towel or sponge dampened with
water and a pH neutral detergent.
If necessary, use a high-quality
windshield cleaner or polish for
motorcycles. NOTICE: Never use
any stron g chemicals to clean
the wind shield. Additionally,
some cleanin g compoun ds for plastic may scratch the win
d-
shiel d, so b e sure to test all
cleanin g pro ducts before gen-
eral application.
[ECA26310]
4. Rinse off thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to remove all deter-
gent residues, as they can be
harmful to plastic parts.
After washin g
1. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or absorbent towel, preferably mi-
crofiber terrycloth.
2. For drive chain-equipped models: Dry and then lubricate the drive
chain to prevent rust.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum, and stainless
steel parts. Often the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.
4. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal parts including
chrome or nickel-plated surfaces.
WARNING! Do not apply sili- cone or oil spray to seats, han d
g rips, ru bber foot pe gs or tire
trea ds. Otherwise these parts
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-3
7 will
become slippery, which
coul d cause loss of control.
Thorou ghly clean the surfaces
of these parts before operatin g
the vehicle.
[EWA20650]
5. Treat rubber, vinyl, and unpainted plastic parts with a suitable care
product.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces using a non-abrasive wax or use a detail
spray for motorcycles.
8. When finished cleaning, start the engine and let it idle for several
minutes to help dry any remaining
moisture.
9. If the headlight lens has fogged up, start the engine and turn on
the headlight to help remove the
moisture.
10. Let the vehicle dry completely be- fore storing or covering it.NOTICE
ECA26320
Do not apply wax to ru bber or
unpainte d plastic parts. 
Do not use a brasive polishin g
compoun ds as they will wear
away the paint.
 Apply sprays an d wax sparin gly.
Wipe off excess afterwar ds.
WARNING
EWA20660
Contaminants left on the b rakes or
tires can cause loss of control.  Make sure there is no lu bricant
or wax on the brakes or tires.
 If necessary, wash the tires with
warm water an d a mil d d eter-
g ent.
 If necessary, clean the brake
d iscs an d pa ds with brake
cleaner or acetone.
 Before ri din g at hi gher spee ds,
test the vehicle’s b raking per-
formance an d cornerin g b ehav-
ior.
EAU83472
Stora geAlways store the vehicle in a cool, dry
place. If necessary, protect it against
dust with a porous cover. Be sure the
engine and the exhaust system are
cool before covering the vehicle. If the
vehicle often sits for weeks at a time
between uses, the use of a quality fuel
stabilizer is recommended after each
fill-up.NOTICE
ECA21170
 Storin g the vehicle in a poorly
ventilate d room or coverin g it
with a tarp, while it is still wet,
will allow water an d humi dity to
seep in an d cause rust.
 To prevent corrosion, avoi d
d amp cellars, sta bles (b ecause
of the presence of ammonia)
an d areas where stron g chemi-
cals are store d.Lon g term stora ge
Before storing the vehicle long term (60
days or more):
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Specifications
8-2
8
Loadin g:Maximum load:
175 kg (387 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo and
accessories)Front brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brakeRear brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brakeFront suspension:Type:
Telescopic forkRear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)Electrical system:System voltage:12 VBattery:Model:
GTZ4V
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 3.0 Ah (10 HR)Bul b watta ge:Headlight:
LED
Brake/tail light: LED
Front turn signal light: 10.0 W
Rear turn signal light:
10.0 W Auxiliary light:
LED
License plate light: 5.0 W
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10-1
10
Index
AABS....................................................... 3-15
ABS warning light ................................... 3-3
Air filter element and check hose,
replacing and cleaning ....................... 6-15BBattery .................................................. 6-31
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating........................................... 6-28
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating........................................... 6-27
Brake fluid, changing............................ 6-24
Brake fluid level, checking.................... 6-23
Brake lever............................................ 3-14
Brake light switches ............................. 6-22
Brake pedal .......................................... 3-14
Brake pedal free play, adjusting ........... 6-21CCables, checking and lubricating ......... 6-27
Canister ................................................ 6-10
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converter ............................... 3-19
Clutch lever........................................... 3-13
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ........... 6-20
Coolant ................................................. 6-14
Coolant temperature warning light ......... 3-2
Cowlings, removing and installing.......... 6-8DData recording, vehicle........................... 9-2
Diagnostic connector ............................. 9-2
Dimmer/Pass switch............................. 3-13
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating ... 6-26
Drive chain slack .................................. 6-25
EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-1
Engine idling speed.............................. 6-16
Engine oil and oil filter element ............ 6-11
Engine overheating .............................. 6-37
Engine serial number ............................. 9-1
Engine stop switch............................... 3-13FFront and rear brake pads, checking ... 6-22
Front brake lever free play, checking ... 6-21
Front fork, checking ............................. 6-29
Fuel ...................................................... 3-16
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...... 5-4
Fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose ................................................... 3-18
Fuel tank cap........................................ 3-16
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-32HHandlebar switches ............................. 3-12
High beam indicator light ....................... 3-2
Horn switch .......................................... 3-13IIdentification numbers ........................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system .............. 3-21
Indicator lights and warning lights ......... 3-2LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ....... 6-34MMain switch/steering lock ...................... 3-1
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control system ................................................. 6-3
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)............. 3-3
Matte color, caution ............................... 7-1 Model label ............................................. 9-1
Multi-function meter unit ........................ 3-4
NNeutral indicator light ............................. 3-2PParking.................................................... 5-4
Part locations.......................................... 2-1RRear suspension, lubricating ................ 6-29SSafety information................................... 1-1
Seats ..................................................... 3-19
Shifting.................................................... 5-3
Shift light ................................................. 3-3
Shift pedal............................................. 3-14
Sidestand.............................................. 3-20
Sidestand, checking and lubricating .... 6-29
Spark plug, checking .............................. 6-9
Specifications ......................................... 8-1
Starting the engine ................................. 5-2
Start switch ........................................... 3-13
Steering, checking ................................ 6-30
Storage ................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle ................... 6-34TTail/brake light ...................................... 6-33
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ........................................... 6-27
Throttle grip free play, adjusting ........... 6-16
Tires ...................................................... 6-17
Tool kit .................................................... 6-2
Troubleshooting .................................... 6-35
Troubleshooting chart........................... 6-36
Turn signal indicator light ....................... 3-2
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