warning YAMAHA YZF-R6 2008 Owner's Manual

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU17212
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10310


Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.


Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehiclemay overturn.
CAUTION:
ECA10380
Never park in an area where there
are fire hazards such as grass orother flammable materials.
U13SE0E0.book Page 4 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-1
6
EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING
EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealerdo it for you.
EAU17541
Owner’s tool kit The owner’s tool kit is located under the
passenger seat. (See page 3-19.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.NOTE:If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, havea Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING
EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-es.
1. Owner’s tool kit
U13SE0E0.book Page 1 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.


Make sure that no foreign mate-rial enters the crankcase.
15. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
NOTE:After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if theoil level is sufficient.CAUTION:
ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealercheck the vehicle.
16. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
17. Install the cowling.
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU39084
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.NOTE:

The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.


Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to theside can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
NOTE:The coolant should be between theminimum and maximum level marks.
1.“CD” specification
2.“ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2
U13SE0E0.book Page 15 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-16
6 3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove pan-
el B. (See page 6-7.)
4. Remove the reservoir cap, add
coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap.
CAUTION:
ECA10471


If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.


If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion.


If water has been added to the
coolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness ofthe coolant will be reduced.WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.
5. Install the panel.NOTE:

The radiator fans are automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.


If the engine overheats, see page6-44 for further instructions.
EAU39002
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowlings B and C. (See
page 6-7.)
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
U13SE0E0.book Page 16 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
63. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
4. Remove the radiator cap.
WARNING
EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiatorcap when the engine is hot.
5. Remove the coolant drain bolt to
drain the cooling system.
6. Move the hose clamp in the direc-
tion shown, and then disconnect
the radiator hose to drain the radi-
ator.7. Remove the coolant reservoir by
removing the bolts.
8. Remove the coolant reservoir cap,
and then turn the coolant reservoir
upside down to empty it.9. After the coolant is completely
drained, thoroughly flush the cool-
ing system with clean tap water.
10. Install the coolant reservoir by in-
stalling the bolts.
11. Connect the radiator hose, and
then move the hose clamp back to
its original position.
12. Install the coolant drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
NOTE:Check the washer for damage and re-place it if necessary.
1. Radiator cap
1. Coolant drain bolt
2. Hose clamp
3. Radiator hose
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir
3. Bolt
U13SE0E0.book Page 17 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-20
6
EAU21401
Valve clearance The 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.
EAU21771
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10500


The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).


The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approvedfor this model.
WARNING
EWA11020
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your motorcycle, you should
keep the following precautions in
mind.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Fr o nt :
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
90–190 kg (198–419 lb):
Fr o nt :
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
High-speed riding:
Fr o nt :
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.50 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
290 kPa (42 psi) (2.90 kgf/cm²)
Maximum load*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
U13SE0E0.book Page 20 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
6


NEVER OVERLOAD THE
MOTORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider,
passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum load for the
vehicle.


Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.


Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.


Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.


Check the tire condition and airpressure before each ride.Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always complywith the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10470


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability 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
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
U13SE0E0.book Page 21 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
6 This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10480


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 ahigh-speed ride.
WARNING
EWA10600
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
(60 mi) 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 operatingconditions.
Front tire:
Size:
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT016F F
DUNLOP/Qualifier PT M
Rear tire:
Size:
180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT016R F
DUNLOP/Qualifier PT M
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Va l ve c o r e :
#9100 (original)
U13SE0E0.book Page 22 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-28
6
CAUTION:
ECA11110
Do not use engine oil or any other lu-
bricants for the drive chain, as they
may contain substances that coulddamage the O-rings.
EAU23100
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.
WARNING
EWA10720
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 unsafeconditions.
EAU23111
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 at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
U13SE0E0.book Page 28 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-30
6
EAU23201
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING
EWA10730
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamahadealer check or repair it.
EAUM1650
Lubricating the swingarm piv-
ots The swingarm pivots must be lubricat-
ed at the intervals specified in the peri-
odic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Recommended lubricants:
Brake lever:
Silicone grease
Clutch lever:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
U13SE0E0.book Page 30 Monday, August 27, 2007 4:53 PM