light YAMAHA YZF-R6 2008 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3
CAUTION:
ECA10070
Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-es or plastic parts.
EAU13390
CAUTION:
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,as well as to the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-curs, use a gasoline of a different
brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
EAU39450
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose Before operating the motorcycle:

Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose connection.


Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose for cracks or damage,
and replace it if damaged.


Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather/overflow hose is not
blocked, and clean it if necessary.
Recommended fuel:
PREMIUM UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
17.3 L (4.57 US gal) (3.81 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on):
3.5 L (0.92 US gal) (0.77 Imp.gal)
1. Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
U13SE0E0.book Page 18 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check cable free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and
grip housing.6-19, 6-28
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-28
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-26, 6-27
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-20, 6-23
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-29
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-29
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-30
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switchCheck operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-27 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U13SE0E0.book Page 3 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15950
WARNING
EWA10270


Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.


Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.


Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible lossof control.
EAU33011
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.WARNING
EWA10290


Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-27.


Never ride with the sidestanddown.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to“”.
CAUTION:
ECA11730
The following warning lights and in-
dicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light


Fuel level warning light


Coolant temperature warning
light


Shift timing indicator light


Engine trouble warning light


Immobilizer system indicator
light
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-4 for the corre-
sponding warning and indicator
light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.NOTE:When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-cuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.NOTE:If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
U13SE0E0.book Page 1 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5 serve 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!
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.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
U13SE0E0.book Page 2 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:

Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.


Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.


Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17081
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8300
r/min.
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 9900
r/min.
CAUTION:
ECA10301
After 1000 km (600 mi) of operation,
the engine oil must be changed and
the oil filter cartridge or element re-placed.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.CAUTION:
ECA10310


Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.


If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-cle.
NOTE:During and after the engine break-in
period, the exhaust heat may cause
discoloration of the exhaust pipe, butthis is normal.
U13SE0E0.book Page 3 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
6
EAU18680
NOTE:

Air filter
This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.
The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.


Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
29*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
30Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
31*Throttle grip hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.√√√√√
32*Air induction sys-
temCheck the air cut-off valve, reed
valve, and hose for damage.
Replace any damaged parts if
necessary.√√√√√
33*Muffler and exhaust
pipeCheck the screw clamp for loose-
ness.√√√√√
34*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√√ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)U13SE0E0.book Page 5 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-8
6
2. Remove the projection on cowling
A from the hole in cowling B as
shown.3. Remove the forward-most projec-
tion from the slot, slide the cowling
forward, and then remove the re-
maining projections from the slots
as shown.
4. Disconnect the turn signal light
lead coupler.
1. Quick fastener screw
2. Quick fastener
1. Cowling B
2. Bolt
3. Quick fastener
1. Quick fastener
1. Quick fastener screw
2. Quick fastener
1. Cowling A
2. Cowling B
U13SE0E0.book Page 8 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-9
6
To install the cowling
1. Connect the turn signal light lead
coupler.2. Fit the projections into the slots,
slide the cowling rearward, and
then fit the forward-most projection
into the slot.3. Fit the projection on cowling A into
the hole in cowling B as shown.
4. Install the bolts, quick fasteners,
and quick fastener screw.
EAU39092
Cowling C
To remove the cowling1. Remove cowling B and panel B.
(See page 6-7.)
2. Unfasten the wire harness by
pressing on the projection to open
the plastic fastener.
1. Cowling A
2. Turn signal light lead coupler
1. Cowling B
2. Turn signal light lead coupler
1. Cowling A
2. Turn signal light lead coupler
1. Cowling B
2. Turn signal light lead coupler
1. Cowling A
2. Cowling B
U13SE0E0.book Page 9 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-11
6
EAU19652
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
NOTE:If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-fied torque as soon as possible.CAUTION:
ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twistit back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR10EK
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.25 m·kgf, 9.0 ft·lbf)
U13SE0E0.book Page 11 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
6
EAU38995
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:
Make sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt to the side can result in afalse 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.4. Remove the engine oil dipstick and
wipe it clean, insert it back into the
hole (without screwing it in), and
then remove it again to check the
oil level.
NOTE:The engine oil should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the engine oil is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
oil filler cap, and then add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.6. Insert and tighten the engine oil
dipstick, and then install and tight-
en the oil filler cap.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Remove cowling A. (See page
6-7.)
3. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
4. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.1. Dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Engine oil filler cap
U13SE0E0.book Page 12 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM