maintenance YAMAHA YZF-R6 2003 Owner's Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-26
6
EW000079
WARNING
@

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the
motorcycle with excessively
worn tires decreases riding sta-
bility and can lead to loss of
control.


The replacement of all wheel-
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.
@
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
EW000080
WARNING
@

The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motor-
cycle cannot be guaranteed.


After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model by
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.


Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.


Use only the tire valves and
valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during a
high-speed ride.
@CE-10E
CE-14E
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
FRONT
Manufacturer Size Model
Michelin
120/60 ZR17 M/C (55W)
Pilot SPORT N
Dunlop
120/60 ZR17 M/C (55W)
D208F L
REAR
Manufacturer Size Model
Michelin
180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W)
Pilot SPORT B
Dunlop
180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W)
D208 L
FRONT & REAR
Tire air valve TR412
Valve core #9000A (original)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU00684
WARNING
@ This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.

Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.


Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
after installing a new tire.


The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.


Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operating
conditions.
@
EAU03773
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.


The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU01356
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10–15 mm as shown. Periodically
check the clutch lever free play and, if
necessary, adjust it as follows.
To increase the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt at the clutch le-
ver in direction
a. To decrease the
clutch lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction
b.1. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
c. Clutch lever free play
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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NOTE:@ If the specified clutch lever free play
cannot be obtained as described
above, proceed as follows. @1. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction
a to loos-
en the clutch cable.
2. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-5
for cowling removal and installa-
tion procedures.)
3. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
4. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection
a. To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
nut in direction
b.
5. Tighten the locknut.
6. Install the cowling.
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
(crankcase)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU01357
Adjusting the brake pedal
position The top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 7–11 mm be-
low the bottom of the footrest bracket
as shown. Periodically check the brake
pedal position and, if necessary, have
a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
EW000109
WARNING
_ A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
pedal can indicate the presence of
air in the hydraulic system. If there
is air in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will diminish
the braking performance, which
may result in loss of control and an
accident. _
EAU00713
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch The rear brake light switch, which is ac-
tivated by the brake pedal, is properly
adjusted when the brake light comes
on just before braking takes effect. If
necessary, adjust the brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the adjusting nut while holding the
rear brake light switch in place. To
make the brake light come on earlier,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
a. To
make the brake light come on later,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
b.
a. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
bracket
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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6
EAU00721
Checking the front and rear
brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU00724
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator, which allows you to
check the brake pad wear without hav-
ing to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake pad wear, check the position
of the wear indicator while applying the
brake. If a brake pad has worn to the
point that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake pads
as a set.
EAU04510
Rear brake pads
Check each rear brake pad for damage
and measure the lining thickness. If a
brake pad is damaged or if the lining
thickness is less than 1.0 mm, have a
Yamaha dealer replace the brake pads
as a set.
1. Brake pad wear indicatorFront
a. Lining thicknessRear
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU04856
Checking the brake fluid level Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake flu-
id level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.Observe these precautions:


When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is level.


Use only the recommended quali-
ty brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.


Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.


Be careful that water does not en-
ter the brake fluid reservoir when
refilling. Water will significantly
lower the boiling point of the fluid
and may result in vapor lock.


Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.


As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to
gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Minimum level markFront
1. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4Rear
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU03976
Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the NOTE after the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the master cylin-
ders and calipers as well as the brake
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.


Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU00744
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright
position.NOTE:@ When checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, the motorcycle should be
positioned straight up and there should
be no weight on it. @2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain
slack as shown.
4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
a. Drive chain slackDrive chain slack:
35–45 mm
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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6
EAU03608
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock-
nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction
a. To loos-
en the drive chain, turn the adjust-
ing bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction
b, and then
push the rear wheel forward.
NOTE:_ Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both chain pullers are in the same posi-
tion for proper wheel alignment. _
EC000096
CAUTION:_ Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within the
specified limits. _3. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque.
EAU03006
Lubricating the drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.
EC000097
CAUTION:@ The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle or
riding in the rain. @1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
ECA00053
CAUTION:@ To prevent damaging the O-rings,
do not clean the drive chain with
steam cleaners, high-pressure
washers or inappropriate solvents. @2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Alignment marks
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
110 Nm (11.0 m·kgf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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ECA00052
CAUTION:@ Do not use engine oil or any other
lubricants for the drive chain, as
they may contain substances that
could damage the O-rings. @
EAU02962
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
EW000112
WARNING
@ Damage to the outer sheath may in-
terfere with proper cable operation
and will cause the inner cable to
rust. Replace a damaged cable as
soon as possible to prevent unsafe
conditions. @
EAU04034
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated or
replaced at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU03164
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers The operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
EAU03370
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
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