engine YAMAHA YZF-R3 2015 Owner's Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6
EAU21385
Checking the throttle grip free
playThe throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21402
Valve clearanceThe valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAUN0701
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 death 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 speed and with the total
1. Throttle grip free play
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-35
63. Remove the license plate light
bulb socket (together with the
bulb) by pulling it out.
4. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pulling it out. 5. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
6. Install the socket (together with
the bulb) by pushing it in.
7. Install the rear fender lower panel by installing the bolts and screws.
8. Install the mudguard by installing the quick fasteners.
EAU24351
Supportin g the motorcycleSince this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motorcy-
cle is in a stable and level position be-
fore starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcy- cle by using a motorcycle stand
or, if an additional motorcycle
stand is not available, by placing a
jack under the frame in front of the
rear wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
1. Bolt
2. Screw
3. Rear fender lower panel
1. License plate light bulb
2. License plate light bulb socket
3
2
1 2
2
121
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-37
6
EAU42505
Troubleshootin g chartsStartin g pro blems or poor en gine performance
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.
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.
Operate the electric starter.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.
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 engine does not start.
Check the ignition.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
UB02E0E0.book Page 37 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
6
En
gine overheatin g
WARNING
EWAT1041
Do not remove the ra diator cap when the en gine an d ra diator are hot. Scal din g hot flui d an d steam may be
b lown out un der pressure, which coul d cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the en gine has coole d.
 Place a thick ra g, like a towel, over the ra diator cap, an d then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the
d etent to allow any resi dual pressure to escape. When the hissin g soun d has stoppe d, press down on the cap
while turnin g it counterclockwise, an d then remove the cap.TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended cool-
ant as 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 TIP.)
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.
UB02E0E0.book Page 38 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-1
7
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
a d vice on what prod ucts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical pro ducts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applie d to any matte colored fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU54661
CareWhile the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod- ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA10773
Avoi d usin g stron g aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such pro ducts are
use d on har d-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any lon ger than in-
structed . Also, thorou ghly rinse
the area off with water, immed i-
ately dry it, an d then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
 Improper cleanin g can d amage
plastic parts (such as cowlin gs,
panels, win dshiel ds, hea dlig ht
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) an d
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or spon ge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
ou ghly cleaned with water, di-
lute d mil d d eter gent with water
may be used . Be sure to rinse
UB02E0E0.book Page 1 Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:39 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7off any d
etergent resi due usin g
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.
 Do not use any harsh chemical
prod ucts on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoi d using cloths or
spon ges which have been in
contact with stron g or a brasive
cleanin g prod ucts, solvent or
thinner, fuel ( gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhi bitors, brake flui d,
antifreeze or electrolyte.
 Do not use hi gh-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepa ge an d
d eterioration in the followin g ar-
eas: seals (of wheel an d swin g-
arm bearin gs, fork an d b rakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches an d lig hts), breather
hoses an d vents.
 For motorcycles equippe d with
a win dshield : Do not use stron g
cleaners or har d spon ges as
they will cause dullin g
or
scrat

ching . Some cleanin g
compoun ds for plastic may
leave scratches on the win d- shield
. Test the pro duct on a
small hidden part of the win d-
shield to make sure that it does
not leave any marks. If the win d-
shield is scratche d, use a quality
plastic polishin g compoun d af-
ter washin g.
After normal useRemove 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.
TIPSalt sprayed on roads in the winter
may remain well into spring.1. Clean the motorcycle with cold
water and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm wa-
ter since it increases the corro-
sive action of the salt.
[ECA10792]
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome-
and nickel-plated, surfaces to pre-
vent corrosion.
Cleaning the windshieldAvoid using any alkaline or strong acid
cleaner, gasoline, brake fluid, or any
other solvent. Clean the windshield
with a cloth or sponge dampened with
a mild detergent, and then wash it off
thoroughly with water. For additional
cleaning, use Yamaha Windshield
Cleaner or another high-quality wind-
shield cleaner. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastics may leave
scratches on the windshield. Before
using such cleaners, test an area of the
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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
7
EAU26183
StorageShort-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the mo-
torcycle.NOTICE
ECA10811
 Storin g the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilate d room or cover-
in g it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water an d humi d-
ity to seep in an d cause rust.
 To prevent corrosion, avoi d
d amp cellars, sta bles ( because
of the presence of ammonia)
an d areas where stron g 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.
3. Perform the following steps to protect 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 elec-
trodes are grounded. (This will
limit sparking during the next
step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent d am-
a g e or injury from sparkin g,
make sure to groun d the
spark plu g electro des while
turnin g the en gine over.
[EWA10952]
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
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 outlet with a plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
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.
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SPECIFICATIONS
8-1
8
Dimensions:Overall length:2090 mm (82.3 in)
Overall width:
720 mm (28.3 in)
Overall height: 1135 mm (44.7 in)
Seat height: 780 mm (30.7 in)
Wheelbase:
1380 mm (54.3 in)
Ground clearance: 160 mm (6.30 in)
Minimum turning radius: 2700 mm (106.3 in)Wei ght:Curb weight:
169 kg (373 lb)Engine:Engine type:
Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement: Inline 2-cylinder
Displacement: 321 cm3
Bore × stroke:
68.0 × 44.1 mm (2.68 × 1.74 in)
Compression ratio: 11.2 : 1
Starting system: Electric starter
Lubrication system:
Wet sump
Engine oil:Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
Type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40,
20W-40 or 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade: API service SG type or higher, JASO
standard MA
Engine oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replacement: 1.80 L (1.90 US qt, 1.58 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
2.10 L (2.22 US qt, 1.85 Imp.qt)Coolant quantity:Coolant reservoir (up to the maximum level
mark):0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
Radiator (including all routes): 0.96 L (1.01 US qt, 0.84 Imp.qt)Air filter:Air filter element:Oil-coated paper element
Fuel:Recommended fuel:Regular unleaded gasoline (Gasohol (E10)
acceptable)
Fuel tank capacity: 14 L (3.7 US gal, 3.08 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
3.0 L (0.79 US gal, 0.66 Imp.gal)Fuel injection:Throttle body:ID mark: 2MS2 00Spark plu g(s):Manufacturer/model:
NGK/CR8E
Spark plug gap: 0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)Clutch:Clutch type:
Wet, multiple-discTransmission:Primary reduction ratio:3.043 (70/23)
Final drive:
Chain
Secondary reduction ratio: 3.071 (43/14)
Transmission type: Constant mesh 6-speed
Operation:
Left foot operation
Gear ratio: 1st:
2.500 (35/14)
–20 –10 0 1020 30 40 50 C
10 30 50 70 90 110
0 130 F
SAE 10W-30
SAE 15W-40SAE 20W-40SAE 20W-50
SAE 10W-40SAE 10W-50
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SPECIFICATIONS
8-3
8
Front turn signal light:12 V, 10.0 W × 2
Rear turn signal light: 12 V, 10.0 W × 2
Auxiliary light:
12 V, 5.0 W × 1
License plate light: 12 V, 5.0 W × 1
Meter lighting: LED
Neutral indicator light:
LED
High beam indicator light: LED
Oil pressure warning light: LED
Turn signal indicator light:
LED
Engine trouble warning light: LED
ABS warning light: LEDFuses:Main fuse:30.0 A
Headlight fuse: 15.0 A
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 A
Ignition fuse: 15.0 A
Radiator fan motor fuse: 7.5 A ABS control unit fuse:
7.5 A
ABS motor fuse: 30.0 A
ABS solenoid fuse:
15.0 A
Backup fuse: 7.5 A
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CONSUMER INFORMATION
9-1
9
EAU53562
Id entification num bersRecord the vehicle identification num-
ber, engine serial number, and the
model label information in the spaces
provided below. These identification
numbers are needed when registering
the vehicle with the authorities in your
area and when ordering spare parts
from a Yamaha dealer.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER:
MODEL LABEL INFORMATION:
EAU62971
Vehicle i dentification num ber
The vehicle identification number is
stamped into the frame under the pas-
senger seat. (See page 3-18.)TIPThe vehicle identification number is
used to identify your vehicle and may
be used to register it with the licensing
authority in your area.
EAU26442
En gine serial num ber
The engine serial number is stamped
into the crankcase.
EAU26521
Mo del la bel
1. Vehicle identification number
1
1. Engine serial number
1. Model label
1
1
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