checking il YAMAHA YZF-R6 2012 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .......................................3-1
Immobilizer system .........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-2
Indicator lights and warning lights ..............................3-4
Multi-function meter unit .................3-8
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .............3-14
Handlebar switches ......................3-14
Clutch lever ...................................3-15
Shift pedal .....................................3-16
Brake lever ...................................3-16
Brake pedal ..................................3-17
Fuel tank cap ................................3-17
Fuel ...............................................3-18
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ............................3-19
Catalytic converters ......................3-19
Seats ............................................3-20
Helmet holding cable ....................3-21
Rear view mirrors .........................3-22
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-22
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ...................................3-25 Luggage strap holders ................. 3-27
EXUP system ............................... 3-28
Sidestand ..................................... 3-28
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-29
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-3
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing cowlings and panels .................................. 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-12
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 6-13
Coolant ......................................... 6-16
Air filter element ........................... 6-19 Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle grip free play ........................................... 6-19
Valve clearance ........................... 6-20
Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-22
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-23
Checking the brake lever free play ........................................... 6-23
Brake light switches ..................... 6-24
Checking the front and rear brake pads ........................ 6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-26
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-27
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain .......................... 6-28
Checking and lubricating
the cables ................................. 6-29
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ......... 6-29
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals ........ 6-30
Checking and lubricating
the brake and clutch levers ...... 6-30
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............................ 6-31
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ........................................ 6-31U1JSE0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Checking the front fork ................. 6-32
Checking the steering ................... 6-32
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-33
Battery .......................................... 6-33
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-34
Replacing a headlight bulb ........... 6-35
Tail/brake light .............................. 6-37
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ........................................... 6-37
Replacing the license plate light bulb ........................................... 6-38
Auxiliary light ................................ 6-38
Supporting the motorcycle ............ 6-39
Front wheel ................................... 6-39
Rear wheel ................................... 6-41
Troubleshooting ............................ 6-43
Troubleshooting charts ................. 6-45
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE .......................................... 7-1
Matte color caution ......................... 7-1
Care ................................................ 7-1
Storage ...........................................7-4
SPECIFICATIONS ............................. 8-1
CONSUMER INFORMATION ............. 9-1
Identification numbers .................... 9-1
U1JSE0E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
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.
TIPIf 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.NOTICE
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, twist
it 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:13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
1
1
U1JSE0E0.book Page 12 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
6addition, 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.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.16. Turn the engine off, and thencheck 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.
EAU39087
To check the coolant level 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.TIP●
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 the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-ant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
3. If the coolant is at or below theminimum level mark, remove pan-
el B to access the coolant reser-
voir. (See page 6-8.)
4. Remove the coolant reservoir cap, add coolant to the maximum level
mark, and then install the reservoir
cap. WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
[EWA15161]
NOTICE: 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.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
U1JSE0E0.book Page 16 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
6
EAU36764
Air filter element The air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
EAU44734
Checking the engine idling
speed Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, have it corrected by a
Yamaha dealer.
EAU21384
Checking the throttle grip free
play The 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.
Engine idling speed:1250–1350 r/min
1. Throttle grip free play
U1JSE0E0.book Page 19 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
6
EAU33891
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
To increase the clutch lever free play,
turn the clutch lever free play adjusting
bolt at the clutch lever in direction (a).
To decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play
cannot be obtained as described
above, proceed as follows.1. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at theclutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
2. Loosen the locknut at the crank- case.
3. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting nut in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
(b).
4. Tighten the locknut.
EAU37913
Checking the brake lever free
play There should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever 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 vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the
1. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
2. Clutch lever free play
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
1. No brake lever free play
1
U1JSE0E0.book Page 23 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-24
6braking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.
EAU22273
Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by
the brake pedal and brake lever, should
come on just before braking takes ef-
fect. If necessary, adjust the rear brake
light switch as follows, but the front
brake light switch should be adjusted
by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing 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).
EAU22392
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.
EAU36890
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with
wear indicators, 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 indicators while applying
the brake. If a brake pad has worn to
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
2
(b)
(a)
1
1. Brake pad wear indicator
U1JSE0E0.book Page 24 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-25
6
the point that a wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake pads as a set.
EAU46291
Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with
wear indicator grooves, which allow
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator grooves. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that a wear
indicator groove almost appears, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the brake
pads as a set.
EAU22581
Checking the brake fluid level Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark.
Check the brake fluid level with the top
of the reservoir level. Replenish the
brake fluid if necessary.
Front brake
Rear brake
WARNING
EWA15990
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability. Observe
these precautions:●
Insufficient brake fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, reducing braking
performance.
●
Clean the filler cap before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1
1
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
U1JSE0E0.book Page 25 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6
EAU22760
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22774
To check the drive chain slack1. Place the motorcycle on the side- stand.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weight
on the motorcycle.2. Shift the transmission into the neu- tral position.
3. Measure the drive chain slack as shown. 4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU39056
To adjust the drive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing 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
drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in direc-
tion (a). To loosen the drive chain,
turn the adjusting bolt on each side
of the swingarm in direction (b),
and then push the rear wheel for-
ward. NOTICE: Improper drive
chain slack will overload the en-
gine as well as other vital parts
of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage.
Drive chain slack: 30.0–45.0 mm (1.18–1.77 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
2. Locknut
3. Alignment marks
4. Axle nut
5. Drive chain puller
45
1
2
3
U1JSE0E0.book Page 27 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-29
6
may contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
[ECA11111]
EAU23095
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! Damage to the outer
housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711] EAU23114
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 by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
The throttle cable is equipped with a
rubber cover. Make sure that the cover
is securely installed. Even though the
cover is installed correctly, it does not
completely protect the cable from water
entry. Therefore, use care not to pour
water directly onto the cover or cable
when washing the vehicle. If the cable
or cover becomes dirty, wipe clean with
a moist cloth.
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
U1JSE0E0.book Page 29 Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:34 AM