tires YAMAHA YZF-R6 2018 Owners Manual

Table of contents
Safety information ............................1-1
Description ........................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view........................................2-2
Controls and instruments ................2-3
Special features ................................3-1
D-mode (drive mode) ......................3-1
Traction control system...................3-2
Quick shift system ...........................3-4
Instrument an d control functions ....4-1
Immobilizer system .........................4-1
Main switch/steering lock ...............4-2
Handlebar switches.........................4-4
Indicator lights and warning
lights ............................................4-5
Multi-function meter unit .................4-8
Clutch lever ...................................4-17
Shift pedal .....................................4-17
Brake lever ....................................4-18
Brake pedal ...................................4-18
ABS ...............................................4-19
Fuel tank cap.................................4-20
Fuel................................................4-20
Fuel tank overflow hose ................4-22
Catalytic converters .....................4-22
Seats .............................................4-23
Rear view mirrors ..........................4-24
Adjusting the front fork..................4-25
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly....................................4-27
EXUP system ................................4-29
Auxiliary DC connector .................4-30
Sidestand ......................................4-30
Ignition circuit cut-off system........4-31
For your safety – pre-operation
checks ...............................................5-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points .................................................6-1
Starting the engine ..........................6-2
Shifting ............................................6-3 Tips for reducing fuel
consumption................................ 6-4
Engine break-in ............................... 6-4
Parking ............................................ 6-5
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 7-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 7-2
Periodic maintenance charts .......... 7-3
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system.............. 7-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart........................... 7-4
Removing and installing cowlings
and panels ................................... 7-7
Checking the spark plugs ............. 7-11
Canister......................................... 7-12
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 7-13
Coolant ......................................... 7-17
Air filter element ............................ 7-18
Checking the engine idling speed......................................... 7-19
Checking the throttle grip free
play ............................................ 7-19
Valve clearance ............................. 7-20
Tires .............................................. 7-20
Cast wheels .................................. 7-23
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 7-23
Checking the brake lever free play ............................................ 7-24
Brake light switches ...................... 7-25
Checking the front and rear
brake pads................................. 7-25
Checking the brake fluid level....... 7-26
Changing the brake fluid............... 7-27
Drive chain slack ........................... 7-28
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain ................................. 7-29
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 7-30
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ............... 7-30
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals ............... 7-31
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Safety information
1-3
1
Avoi
d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.  Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.
 Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loa din g
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabil-
ity and handling if the weight distribu-
tion of the motorcycle is changed. To
avoid the possibility of an accident, use
extreme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloa
ded vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent.
When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:  Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle
as possible and make sure to dis-
tribute the weight as evenly as
possible on both sides of the mo-
torcycle to minimize imbalance or
instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories and cargo are se-
curely attached to the motorcycle
before riding. Check accessory
mounts and cargo restraints fre-
quently.
• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
Maximum loa d:
185 kg (408 lb)
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Safety information
1-5
1
operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. See page 7-20
for tire specifications and for informa-
tion on servicing and replacing your
tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
 Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the off position and
that there are no fuel leaks.
 Shift the transmission into gear
(for models with a manual trans-
mission).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
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Special features
3-2
3
EAU79732
Traction control system
The traction control system (TCS)
helps maintain traction when acceler-
ating on slippery surfaces, such as un-
paved or wet roads. If sensors detect
that the rear wheel is starting to slip
(uncontrolled spinning), the traction
control system assists by regulating
engine power as needed until traction
is restored.
WARNING
EWA15433
The traction control system is not a
substitute for rid ing appropriately
for the con ditions. Traction control
cannot prevent loss of traction due
to excessive speed when entering
turns, when acceleratin g har d at a
sharp lean an gle, or while brakin g,
an d cannot prevent front wheel slip-
pin g. As with any vehicle, approach
surfaces that may be slippery with
caution an d avoi d especially slip-
pery surfaces.
The “ ” indicator light flashes when
traction control has engaged. You may
notice slight changes in engine and ex-
haust sounds when the system has en-
gaged.
When the traction control system is
turned off, the “ ” indicator light will
come on.
TIP
 When the vehicle is turned on, the
traction control system is turned
on and set to the last used TCS
setting.
 The current TCS setting is shown
in the TCS display (page 4-12).
TCS settin gs
TCS “OFF”
TCS “OFF” turns the traction control
system off.
TCS “1”
TCS “1” minimizes traction control
system assist.
TCS “2, 3, 4, 5”
TCS levels “2” through “5” sequentially
increase traction control system assist.
TCS “6”
TCS “6” maximizes traction control as-
sist; wheel spin is most strongly con-
trolled.
NOTICE
ECA16801
Use only the specifie d tires. (See
pa ge 7-20.) Usin g different sized
tires will prevent the traction control
system from controllin g tire rotation
accurately.
1. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
2. Traction control system indicator light “ ”
3. TCS display
12
3
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For your safety – pre-operation checks
5-2
5
Throttle grip • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check throttle grip free play.
• If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip
free play and lubricate cable and grip housing. 7-19,
7-30
Control ca bles • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary.
7-30
Drive chain • Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary. 7-28,
7-29
Wheels an d tires •Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary. 7-20,
7-23
Brake an d shift pe dals • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary. 7-31
Brake an d clutch le-
vers • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.
7-31
Si destan d • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary. 7-32
Chassis fasteners • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly
tightened.
• Tighten if necessary. —
Instruments, li ghts,
si gnals an d switches • Check operation.
• Correct if necessary.
—
Si destan d switch • Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
• If system is not working correctly, have Yamaha dealer
check vehicle. 4-30
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-4
7
EAU71372
General maintenance an d lu brication chart
NO. ITEM
1 *Dia
gnostic system
check • Perform dynamic inspection
using Yamaha diagnostic tool.
• Check the error codes. √√√√√√
2 *Air filter element • Replace. Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
3Clutch • Check operation.
•Adjust. √√√√√
4 *Front brake • Check operation, fluid level,
and for fluid leakage.
• Replace brake pads if neces- sary. √√√√√√
5 *Rear brake • Check operation, fluid level,
and for fluid leakage.
• Replace brake pads if neces- sary. √√√√√√
6 *Brake hoses • Check for cracks or damage.
√√√√√
• Replace. Every 4 years
7 *Brake flui d • Change. Every 2 years
8 *Wheels • Check runout and for damage.
• Replace if necessary. √√√√
9 *Tires • Check tread depth and for
damage.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary. √√√√√
10 *Wheel bearin gs • Check bearing for looseness or
damage. √√√√
11 *Swin
garm pivot
b earin gs • Check operation and for exces-
sive play. √√√√
• Lubricate with lithium-soap- based grease. Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
12 Drive chain • Check chain slack, alignment
and condition.
• Adjust and lubricate chain with a special O-ring chain lubricant
thoroughly. Every 800 km (500 mi) and after
washing the motorcycle, riding
in the rain or riding in wet areasX 1000 km
CHECK OR
MAINTENANCE JOB
X 1000 mi
ODOMETER READINGS
ANNUAL CHECK
110203040
0.66121824
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-20
7
EAU21403
Valve clearance
The valves are an important engine
component, and since valve clearance
changes with use, they must be
checked and adjusted at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
chart. Unadjusted valves can result in
improper air-fuel mixture, engine
noise, and eventually engine damage.
To prevent this from occurring, have
your Yamaha dealer check and adjust
the valve clearance at regular intervals.
TIP
This service must be performed when
the engine is cold.
EAU70961
Tires
Tires 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
EWA18370
 Operation of this vehicle with
improper tire air pressure may
cause severe injury or d eath
from loss of control.
 The tire air pressure must b e
checked and a djuste d on col d
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the am bient
temperature).
WARNING
EWA10512
Never overloa d your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloa ded vehicle coul d
cause an acci dent.
Col d tire air pressure:
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Maximum loa d*:
185 kg (408 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-21
7 Tire inspection
The tires should 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 replace the tire immediately.
TIP
The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always com-
ply with the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10472

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besi des
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases ri din g sta bility an d
can lead to loss of control.
 The replacement of all wheel
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience to do so. 
Ride at mo derate spee ds after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first b e “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and tire air valves.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of
ageing. Old and aged tires should be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10482
 The front an d rear tires shoul d
b e of the same make an d d e-
si gn, otherwise the han dlin g
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may b e different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.
 Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installe d to
prevent air pressure leakag e.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread d epth (front an d
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-22
7

Use only the tire valves an d
valve cores liste d below to
avoi d tire d eflation during a
hi gh-spee d ri de.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below are approved for this model
by Yamaha.
WARNING
EWA10601
This motorcycle is fitte d with super-
hi gh-spee d tires. Note the followin g
points in or der to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.  Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the dan ger of bursting at super
hi gh spee ds.
 Bran d-new tires can have a rel-
atively poor g rip on certain roa d
surfaces until they have been
“ b roken in”. Therefore, it is a d-
visa ble before doin g any hi gh-
speed ridin g to ri de conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installin g a new tire. 
The tires must be warme d up
b efore a hi gh-spee d run.
 Always a djust the tire air pres-
sure accor din g to the operating
con ditions.
Front tire:
Size:
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/SPORTMAX D214F
BRIDGESTONE/BATTLAX S21F
Rear tire: Size:
180/55ZR17M/C(73W)
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/SPORTMAX D214
BRIDGESTONE/BATTLAX S21R
FRONT an d REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core: #9100 (original)
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
8-3
8
NOTICE:
Do not use warm wa-
ter since it increases the corro-
sive action of the salt.
[ECA10792]
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces (except the
titanium muffler) to prevent corro-
sion.
Cleaning the windshield
Avoid 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 neutral detergent, and after cleaning,
thoroughly wash it off with water. For
additional cleaning, use Yamaha Wind-
shield Cleaner or other quality cleaner.
Some cleaning compounds for plastics
may leave scratches on surfaces of the
windshield. Before using them, make a
test by polishing an area which does
not affect your visibility.
Cleaning the titanium muffler
This model is equipped with a titanium
muffler, which requires the following
special care.  Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muffler.
However, if the muffler cannot be
thoroughly cleaned with mild de-
tergent, alkaline products and a
soft brush may be used.
 Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the ti-
tanium muffler, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the muffler. 
Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium muffler, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.
 Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the
exhaust pipe leading into the tita-
nium muffler is normal and cannot
be removed.
After cleanin g
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts.
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom- mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11132
Contaminants on the b rakes or tires
can cause loss of control.  Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
 If necessary, clean the brake
d iscs an d b rake linin gs with a
re gular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, an d wash the tires with
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