Yamaha YZF600RT User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

YZF600RT(C)

5AH-28199-19LIT-11626-18-17

EAU10041

INTRODUCTION

EAU10080

Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YZF600R(C). This model is the result of Yamaha’s vast experience in the
production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship and
reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of the operation, inspection, and basic maintenance of this motorcycle. If you
have any questions concerning the operation or maintenance of your motorcycle, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
The design and manufacture of this Yamaha motorcycle fully comply with the emissions standards for clean air applicable at
the date of manufacture. Yamaha has met these standards without reducing the performance or economy of operation of the
motorcycle. To maintain these high standards, it is important that you and your Yamaha dealer pay close attention to the
recommended maintenance schedules and operating instructions contained within this manual.

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION

Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:

The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!

EAU10130

WARNING

Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death
motorcycle operator, a bystander or a person inspecting or repairing the motor-

to the

cycle.

CAUTION:

NOTE:

A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to
the motorcycle.

A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.

NOTE:

● This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain with it even if the motorcycle

is subsequently sold.

● Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most

current product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle
and this manual. If you have any questions concerning this manual, please consult your Yamaha dealer.

EWA10010

WARNING

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL AND THE “YOU AND YOUR MOTORCYCLE: RIDING TIPS” BOOKLET CAREFULLY
AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING THIS MOTORCYCLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THIS MOTOR­CYCLE UNTIL YOU HAVE ATTAINED ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CONTROLS AND OPERATING FEATURES

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION

AND UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES. REGULAR INSPECTIONS
AND CAREFUL MAINTENANCE, ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU SAFELY ENJOY
THE CAPABILITIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF THIS MOTORCYCLE.

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION

AFFIX DEALER

LABEL HERE

YZF600RT(C)

OWNER’S MANUAL

©2004 by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

1st edition, May 2004

All rights reserved.

Any reprinting or unauthorized use

without the written permission of

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

is expressly prohibited.

Printed in Japan.

P/N LIT-11626-18-17

EAU10192

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1

Location of important labels ...........1-5

DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1

Left view ..........................................2-1

Right view........................................2-2

Controls and instruments ................2-3

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL

FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1

Main switch/steering lock ................3-1

Indicator and warning lights ............3-2

Speedometer unit ...........................3-3

Tachometer ....................................3-3

Self-diagnosis device .....................3-3

Coolant temperature gauge ............3-4

Handlebar switches ........................3-4

Clutch lever ....................................3-5

Shift pedal ......................................3-6

Brake lever .....................................3-6

Brake pedal ....................................3-6

Fuel tank cap ..................................3-7

Fuel ................................................3-7

Starter (choke) lever .......................3-8

Seat ................................................3-9

Helmet holder .................................3-9

Storage compartment ...................3-10

Adjusting the front fork .................3-10

Adjusting the shock absorber

assembly ...................................3-12

Luggage strap holders ..................3-14

Sidestand ..................................... 3-14

Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 3-15

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 4-1

Pre-operation check list ................. 4-2

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT

RIDING POINTS ................................ 5-1

Starting and warming up a cold

engine ......................................... 5-1

Starting a warm engine .................. 5-3

Shifting ........................................... 5-3

Engine break-in .............................. 5-4

Parking ........................................... 5-5

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND

MINOR REPAIR................................. 6-1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE .......... 6-1

Owner’s tool kit .............................. 6-1

Periodic maintenance chart for the

emission control system ............. 6-3

General maintenance and

lubrication chart .......................... 6-4

Removing and installing

cowlings ...................................... 6-8

Checking the spark plugs ............ 6-10

Canister (for California only) ........ 6-11

Engine oil and oil filter

cartridge ................................... 6-12

Coolant ........................................ 6-15

Cleaning the air filter element ...... 6-18

Checking the air vent hose ........... 6-20

Air intake duct ..............................6-20

Adjusting the carburetors ............. 6-20

Adjusting the throttle cable free

play ...........................................6-21

Adjusting the valve clearance ......6-21

Tires .............................................6-21

Cast wheels ..................................6-24

Accessories and replacement

parts ..........................................6-24

Adjusting the clutch lever free

play ...........................................6-25

Adjusting the rear brake light

switch ........................................6-26

Checking the front and rear

brake pads ................................6-26

Checking the brake fluid level ......6-27

Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-28

Drive chain slack ..........................6-28

Lubricating the drive chain ...........6-29

Checking and lubricating the

cables .......................................6-30

Checking and lubricating the

throttle grip and cable ............... 6-30

Checking and lubricating the

brake and shift pedals ............... 6-31

Checking and lubricating the

brake and clutch levers .............6-31

Checking and lubricating the

sidestand ..................................6-31

Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-32

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Checking the front fork .................6-32

Checking the steering ...................6-33

Checking the wheel bearings .......6-33

Battery ..........................................6-34

Replacing the fuses ......................6-35

Replacing the headlight bulb ........6-36

Replacing the tail/brake light

bulb ...........................................6-37

Replacing a turn signal light

bulb ...........................................6-37

Supporting the motorcycle ............6-38

Front wheel ...................................6-38

Rear wheel ...................................6-40

Troubleshooting ............................6-42

Troubleshooting charts .................6-43

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND

STORAGE ..........................................7-1

Care ................................................7-1

Storage ...........................................7-3

SPECIFICATIONS .............................8-1

CONSUMER INFORMATION.............9-1

Identification numbers ....................9-1

Reporting safety defects .................9-3

Motorcycle noise regulation ............9-4

Maintenance record ........................9-5

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION,

U.S.A. STREET AND ENDURO
MOTORCYCLE LIMITED

WARRANTY ...............................9-7

YAMAHA EXTENDED SERVICE

(Y.E.S.) ....................................... 9-9

SAFETY INFORMATION

EAU10271

MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE
TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE
USE AND OPERATION ARE DEPEN­DENT UPON THE USE OF PROPER
RIDING TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS
THE EXPERTISE OF THE OPERA­TOR. EVERY OPERATOR SHOULD
KNOW THE FOLLOWING REQUIRE­MENTS BEFORE RIDING THIS
MOTORCYCLE.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:

● OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUC-

TIONS FROM A COMPETENT
SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF
MOTORCYCLE OPERATION.

● OBSERVE THE WARNINGS

AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRE­MENTS IN THE OWNER’S MAN­UAL.

● OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING

IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES.

● OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECH-

NICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED
BY THE OWNER’S MANUAL

AND/OR WHEN MADE NECES­SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI­TIONS.

Safe riding

● Always make pre-operation

checks. Careful checks may help
prevent an accident.

● This motorcycle is designed to

carry the operator and a passen­ger.

● The failure of motorists to detect

and recognize motorcycles in traf­fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been
caused by an automobile driver
who did not see the motorcycle.
Making yourself conspicuous ap­pears to be very effective in reduc­ing the chance of this type of
accident.

Therefore:

• Wear a brightly colored jacket.

• Use extra caution when you are

approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-

tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.

• Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.

● Many accidents involve inexperi-

enced operators. In fact, many op­erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur­rent motorcycle license.

• Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your
motorcycle to other qualified op­erators.

• Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.

• We recommend that you prac­tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil­iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.

● Many accidents have been

caused by error of the motorcycle
operator. A typical error made by
the operator is veering wide on a

1

1-1

SAFETY INFORMATION

turn due to EXCESSIVE SPEED
or undercornering (insufficient lean
angle for the speed).

1

• Always obey the speed limit and
never travel faster than warrant­ed by road and traffic conditions.

• Always signal before turning or
changing lanes. Make sure that
other motorists can see you.

● The posture of the operator and

passenger is important for proper
control.

• The operator should keep both
hands on the handlebar and
both feet on the operator foot­rests during operation to main­tain control of the motorcycle.

• The passenger should always
hold onto the operator, the seat
strap or grab bar, if equipped,
with both hands and keep both
feet on the passenger footrests.

• Never carry a passenger unless
he or she can firmly place both
feet on the passenger footrests.

● Never ride under the influence of

alcohol or other drugs.

● This motorcycle is designed for on-

road use only. It is not suitable for
off-road use.

Protective apparel

The majority of fatalities from motor­cycle accidents are the result of head
injuries. The use of a safety helmet is
the single most critical factor in the pre­vention or reduction of head injuries.

● Always wear an approved helmet.

● Wear a face shield or goggles.

Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.

● The use of a jacket, heavy boots,

trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in
preventing or reducing abrasions
or lacerations.

● Never wear loose-fitting clothes,

otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.

● Never touch the engine or exhaust

system during or after operation.
They become very hot and can

cause burns. Always wear protec­tive clothing that covers your legs,
ankles, and feet.

● A passenger should also observe

the above precautions.

Modifications

Modifications made to this motorcycle
not approved by Yamaha, or the re­moval of original equipment, may ren­der the motorcycle unsafe for use and
may cause severe personal injury.
Modifications may also make your
motorcycle illegal to use.

Loading and accessories

Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili­ty and handling if the weight distribution
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 are some general guidelines to
follow if loading cargo or adding acces­sories to your motorcycle:

1-2

SAFETY INFORMATION

Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas­senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.

Maximum load:

YZF600RT 182 kg (401 lb)
YZF600RTC 180 kg (397 lb)

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. Make
sure to distribute the weight as
evenly as possible on both sides of
the motorcycle to minimize imbal­ance or instability.

● Shifting weights can create a sud-

den imbalance. Make sure that ac­cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.

● Never attach any large or heavy

items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. These items, in­cluding such cargo as sleeping

bags, duffel bags, or tents, can
create unstable handling or a slow

steering response.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re­sponsible for the proper selection, in­stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac­cessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.

● Never install accessories or carry

cargo that would impair the perfor-

mance of your motorcycle. Care-

fully inspect the accessory before

using it to make sure that it does

not in any way reduce ground

clearance or cornering clearance,

limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob­scure lights or reflectors.

• Accessories fitted to the handle­bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody­namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.

• Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody­namic effects. Wind may at­tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un­stable in cross winds. These ac­cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.

• Certain accessories can dis­place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free­dom of movement of the opera-

1

1-3

SAFETY INFORMATION

tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

1

● Use caution when adding electri-

cal accessories. If electrical acces­sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.

Gasoline and exhaust gas

● GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-

BLE:

• Always turn the engine off when
refueling.

• Take care not to spill any gaso­line on the engine or exhaust
system when refueling.

• Never refuel while smoking or in
the vicinity of an open flame.

● Never start the engine or let it run

for any length of time in a closed
area. The exhaust fumes are poi­sonous and may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate your
motorcycle in an area that has ad­equate ventilation.

● Always turn the engine off before

leaving the motorcycle unattended
and remove the key from the main
switch. When parking the motor­cycle, note the following:

• The engine and exhaust system
may be hot, therefore, park the
motorcycle in a place where pe­destrians or children are not like­ly to touch these hot areas.

• Do not park the motorcycle on a
slope or soft ground, otherwise it
may fall over.

• Do not park the motorcycle near
a flammable source, (e.g., a ker­osene heater, or near an open
flame), otherwise it could catch
fire.

● When transporting the motorcycle

in another vehicle, make sure that
it is kept upright. If the motorcycle
should lean over, gasoline may
leak out of the carburetor or fuel
tank.

● If you should swallow any gaso-

line, inhale a lot of gasoline vapor,
or allow gasoline to get into your
eyes, see your doctor immediately.
If any gasoline spills on your skin

1-4

or clothing, immediately wash the
affected area with soap and water
and change your clothes.

Location of important labels

Please read the following important labels carefully before operating this vehicle.

SAFETY INFORMATION

EAU10381

1

1-5

SAFETY INFORMATION

1

1

CAUTION

Cleaning with alkaline or
acid cleaner, gasoline or
solvent will damage
windshield.

Use neutral detergent.

5JW-00

2

5

6

3

7

4

1-6

Left view

DESCRIPTION

EAU10410

2

1. Air intake duct (page 6-20)

2. Fuel tank (page 3-7)

3. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring (page 3-12)

4. Shock absorber assembly rebound damping force adjusting knob
(page 3-12)

5. Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting screw
(page 3-12)

6. Storage compartment (page 3-10)

7. Helmet holder (page 3-9)

8. Grab bar

9. Shift pedal (page 3-6)

10.Radiator (page 6-15)

2-1

DESCRIPTION

Right view

2

1. Luggage strap holder (page 3-14)

2. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-27)

3. Coolant reservoir (page 6-15)

4. Front fork spring preload adjusting bolt (page 3-10)

5. Front fork rebound damping force adjusting screw (page 3-10)

6. Radiator cap (page 6-15)

7. Front fork compression damping force adjusting screw (page 3-10)

8. Engine oil level check window (page 6-12)

9. Brake pedal (page 3-6)

10.Engine oil filler cap (page 6-12)

EAU10420

2-2

Controls and instruments

1. Clutch lever (page 3-5)

2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-4)

3. Starter (choke) lever (page 3-8)

4. Speedometer unit (page 3-3)

5. Tachometer (page 3-3)

6. Coolant temperature gauge (page 3-4)

7. Right handlebar switches (page 3-4)

8. Brake lever (page 3-6)

9. Throttle grip (page 6-21)

10.Main switch/steering lock (page 3-1)

DESCRIPTION

EAU10430

2

2-3

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Main switch/steering lock

3

The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.

ON

All electrical systems are supplied with
power, and the headlight, meter light­ing, taillight and position lights come
on, and the engine can be started. The
key cannot be removed.

OFF

All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.

EAU10460

EAU10510

EAU10660

LOCK

EAU10680

The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re­moved.

To lock the steering

1. Push.

2. Turn.

1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left.

2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po­sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.

3. Remove the key.

To unlock the steering

1. Push.

2. Turn.

Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.

EWA10060

WARNING

Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving,
otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident. Make
sure that the vehicle is stopped be­fore turning the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK”.

3-1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

EAU11001

Indicator and warning lights

1. Neutral indicator light “”

2. Oil level warning light “”

3. Fuel level warning light “”

4. Turn signal indicator light “”

5. High beam indicator light “”

EAU11020

Turn signal indicator light “”

This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left or
right.

EAU11060

Neutral indicator light “”

This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.

High beam indicator light “”

EAU11080

This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.

EAU11140

Oil level warning light “”

This warning light comes on when the
engine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked according to the follow­ing procedure.

1. Set the engine stop switch to “”
and turn the key to “ON”.

2. Shift the transmission into the neu­tral position or pull the clutch lever.

3. Push the start switch. If the warn­ing light does not come on while
pushing the start switch, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electri­cal circuit.

NOTE:

Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when riding on
a slope or during sudden acceleration
or deceleration, but this is not a mal­function.

Fuel level warning light “”

EAU11320

This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately

3.1 L (0.82 US gal) (0.68 Imp.gal).
When this occurs, refuel as soon as
possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked according to the follow­ing procedure.

1. Set the engine stop switch to “”
and turn the key to “ON”.

2. Shift the transmission into the neu­tral position or pull the clutch lever.

3. Push the start switch. If the warn­ing light does not come on, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electri­cal circuit.

NOTE:

This model is equipped with a self-diag­nosis device for the fuel level warning
light circuit. (See page 3-3.)

3

3-2

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Speedometer unit

3

1. Odometer

2. Tripmeter reset knob

3. Tripmeter

The speedometer unit is equipped with
a speedometer, an odometer and a
tripmeter. The speedometer shows
riding speed. The odometer shows the
total distance traveled. The tripmeter
shows the distance traveled since it
was last set to zero with the reset knob.
The tripmeter can be used to estimate
the distance that can be traveled with a
full tank of fuel. This information will en­able you to plan future fuel stops.

EAU11630

EAU11851

Tachometer

1. Tachometer

2. Tachometer red zone

The electric tachometer allows the rider
to monitor the engine speed and keep it
within the ideal power range.

ECA10031

CAUTION:

Do not operate the engine in the ta­chometer red zone.
Red zone: 13200 r/min and above

EAU11981

Self-diagnosis device

This model is equipped with a self-diag­nosis device for the following electrical
circuits:

● throttle position sensor

● fuel level warning light

If any of those circuits are defective, the
tachometer will repeatedly display the
following error code:

0 r/min for
3 seconds

Circuit-specific
number of r/min
for 2.5 seconds
(See the table
below.)

Use the table below to identify the faulty
electrical circuit.

Specific r/min for the faulty circuit

Throttle position sensor:

3000 r/min

Fuel level warning light:

8000 r/min

If the tachometer displays such an error
code, note the circuit-specific number
of r/min, and then have a Yamaha deal­er check the vehicle.

Current
engine
speed for
3 seconds

3-3

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

ECA10040

CAUTION:

When the tachometer displays an er­ror code, the vehicle should be
checked as soon as possible in or­der to avoid engine damage.

EAU12171

Coolant temperature gauge

1. Coolant temperature gauge

2. Coolant temperature gauge red zone

With the key in the “ON” position, the
coolant temperature gauge indicates
the temperature of the coolant. The
coolant temperature varies with chang­es in the weather and engine load. If
the needle reaches or enters the red
zone, stop the vehicle and let the en­gine cool. (See page 6-43.)

ECA10020

CAUTION:

Do not operate the engine if it is
overheated.

EAU12343

Handlebar switches

Left

3

1. Dimmer switch “ / ”

2. Turn signal switch “ / ”

3. Horn switch “”

Right

1. Engine stop switch “ / ”

2. Start switch “”

3-4

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Dimmer switch “ / ”

Set this switch to “” for the high
beam and to “” for the low beam.

Turn signal switch “ / ”

To signal a right-hand turn, push this
switch to “”. To signal a left-hand

3

turn, push this switch to “”. When re-
leased, the switch returns to the center
position. To cancel the turn signal
lights, push the switch in after it has re­turned to the center position.

Horn switch “”

Press this switch to sound the horn.

Engine stop switch “ / ”

Set this switch to “” before starting
the engine. Set this switch to “” to
stop the engine in case of an emergen­cy, such as when the vehicle overturns
or when the throttle cable is stuck.

EAU12400

EAU12460

EAU12500

EAU12660

ECA10050

CAUTION:

See page 5-1 for starting instruc­tions prior to starting the engine.

EAU12820

Clutch lever

1. Clutch lever

The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle­bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni­tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-15.)

Start switch “”

EAU12710

Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter.

3-5

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

EAU12870

Shift pedal

1. Shift pedal

The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com­bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 6-speed con­stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.

EAU12930

Brake lever

The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle­bar grip.

1. Arrow mark

2. Brake lever position adjusting dial

3. Brake lever

4. Distance between brake lever and handlebar
grip

The brake lever is equipped with a po­sition adjusting dial. To adjust the dis­tance between the brake lever and the
handlebar grip, turn the adjusting dial
while holding the lever pushed away
from the handlebar grip. Make sure that
the appropriate setting on the adjusting
dial is aligned with the arrow mark on
the brake lever.

3-6

EAU12941

Brake pedal

3

1. Brake pedal

The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Fuel tank cap

3

1. Fuel tank cap lock cover

2. Unlock.

To open the fuel tank cap

Open the fuel tank cap lock cover, in­sert the key into the lock, and then turn
it 1/4 turn clockwise. The lock will be re­leased and the fuel tank cap can be
opened.

To close the fuel tank cap

1. Push the fuel tank cap into position
with the key inserted in the lock.

2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, remove it, and
then close the lock cover.

EAU13070

NOTE:

The fuel tank cap cannot be closed un­less the key is in the lock. In addition,
the key cannot be removed if the cap is
not properly closed and locked.

EWA11090

WARNING

Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly closed before riding.

EAU13210

Fuel

1. Fuel tank filler tube

2. Fuel level

Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in
the tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom
of the filler tube as shown.

EWA10880

WARNING

● Do not overfill the fuel tank, oth-

erwise it may overflow when the
fuel warms up and expands.

● Avoid spilling fuel on the hot en-

gine.

3-7

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

ECA10070

CAUTION:

Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac­es or plastic parts.

EAU13300

Recommended fuel:

UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY

Fuel tank capacity:

19.0 L (5.02 US gal) (4.18 Imp.gal)

Fuel reserve amount:

3.1 L (0.82 US gal) (0.68 Imp.gal)

ECA11400

CAUTION:

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 de­signed to use regular unleaded gaso­line with a pump octane number
[(R+M)/2] of 86 or higher, or a research
octane number of 91 or higher. If

knocking (or pinging) occurs, use a
gasoline of a different brand or premi­um unleaded fuel. Use of unleaded fuel
will extend spark plug life and reduce
maintenance costs.

Gasohol

There are two types of gasohol: gaso­hol containing ethanol and that contain­ing methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if the ethanol con­tent does not exceed 10%. Gasohol
containing methanol is not recom­mended by Yamaha because it can
cause damage to the fuel system or ve­hicle performance problems.

EAU13610

Starter (choke) lever “”

3

1. Starter (choke) lever “”

Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction (a) to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction (b) to turn off
the starter (choke).

ECA10990

CAUTION:

Do not use the starter (choke) for
more than 3 minutes as the exhaust
pipe may discolor from excessive
heat. In addition, extended use of
the starter (choke) will cause after­burning. If this occurs, turn off the
starter (choke).

3-8

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Seat

To remove the seat

1. Insert the key into the helmet hold­er lock, and then turn it as shown.

3

1. Unlock.

2. Pull the seat off.

To install the seat

1. Insert the projections on the front
of the seat into the seat holder as
shown.

EAU13920

1. Seat holder

2. Projection

2. Push the rear of the seat down to
lock it in place.

3. Remove the key.

NOTE:

Make sure that the seat is properly se­cured before riding.

EAU14290

Helmet holder

1. Helmet holder

2. Unlock.

To open the helmet holder, insert the
key into the lock, and then turn the key
as shown.
To lock the helmet holder, turn the key
to the original position, and then re­move it.

EWA10160

WARNING

Never ride with a helmet attached to
the helmet holder, since the helmet
may hit objects, causing loss of con­trol and possibly an accident.

3-9

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

EAU14451

Storage compartment

1. Storage compartment

The storage compartment is located
under the seat. (See page 3-9.)

EWA10961

WARNING

● Do not exceed the load limit of 3

kg (7 lb) for the storage com­partment.

● Do not exceed the maximum

load of YZF600RT 182 kg (401
lb)
YZF600RTC 180 kg (397 lb) for
the vehicle.

When washing the vehicle, be careful
not to let any water enter the storage
compartment.

EAU14741

Adjusting the front fork

This front fork is equipped with spring
preload adjusting bolts, rebound damp­ing force adjusting screws and com­pression damping force adjusting
screws.

EWA10180

WARNING

Always adjust both fork legs equal­ly, otherwise poor handling and loss
of stability may result.

Spring preload

1. Spring preload adjusting bolt

3

When storing the owner’s manual or
other documents in the storage com­partment, be sure to wrap them in a
plastic bag so that they will not get wet.

To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting bolt on each fork leg in di­rection (a). To decrease the spring pre-

3-10

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

load and thereby soften the
suspension, turn the adjusting bolt on
each fork leg in direction (b).

NOTE:

Align the appropriate groove on the ad­justing mechanism with the top of the
front fork cap bolt.

3

1. Current setting

2. Front fork cap bolt

Spring preload setting:

Minimum (soft):

8

Standard:

5

Maximum (hard):

1

Rebound damping force

1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw

To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp­ing, turn the adjusting screw on each
fork leg in direction (a). To decrease the
rebound damping force and thereby
soften the rebound damping, turn the
adjusting screw on each fork leg in di­rection (b).

Rebound damping setting:

Minimum (soft):

10 click(s) in direction (b)*

Standard:

7 click(s) in direction (b)*

Maximum (hard):

1 click(s) in direction (b)*

* With the adjusting screw fully turned

in direction (a)

Compression damping force

1. Compression damping force adjusting screw

To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres­sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
on each fork leg in direction (a). To de­crease the compression damping force
and thereby soften the compression
damping, turn the adjusting screw on
each fork leg in direction (b).

Compression damping setting:

Minimum (soft):

10 click(s) in direction (b)*

Standard:

7 click(s) in direction (b)*

Maximum (hard):

1 click(s) in direction (b)*

* With the adjusting screw fully turned

in direction (a)

3-11

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

ECA10100

CAUTION:

Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum or
minimum settings.

NOTE:

Although the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec­ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num­ber of clicks of each damping force ad­justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.

EAU15011

Adjusting the shock absorber assembly

This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust­ing ring, a rebound damping force ad­justing knob and a compression
damping force adjusting screw.

ECA11220

CAUTION:

Never attempt to turn the spring pre­load and rebound damping force ad­justing mechanisms beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.

Spring preload

To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting ring in direction (a). To de­crease the spring preload and thereby
soften the suspension, turn the adjust­ing ring in direction (b).

NOTE:

● Align the appropriate notch in the

adjusting ring with the position in­dicator on the shock absorber.

● Use the special wrench included in

the owner’s tool kit to make the ad­justment.

Spring preload setting:

Minimum (soft):

1

Standard:

3

Maximum (hard):

7

3

1. Spring preload adjusting ring

2. Position indicator

3-12

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Rebound damping force

3

1. Rebound damping force adjusting knob

To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp­ing, turn the adjusting knob in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting knob in di­rection (b).

Rebound damping setting:

Minimum (soft):

25 click(s) in direction (b)*

Standard:

10 click(s) in direction (b)*

Maximum (hard):

3 click(s) in direction (b)*

* With the adjusting knob fully turned

in direction (a)

NOTE:

Although the total number of clicks of
the rebound damping force adjusting
mechanism may not exactly match the
above specifications due to small differ­ences in production, the actual number
of clicks always represents the entire
adjusting range. To obtain a precise ad­justment, it would be advisable to check
the number of clicks of the rebound
damping force adjusting mechanism
and to modify the specifications as nec­essary.

Compression damping force

1. Compression damping force adjusting screw

2. Position indicator

To harden the compression damping,
decrease the setting by turning the ad­justing screw. To soften the compres­sion damping, increase the setting by
turning the adjusting screw. Make sure
that the position indicator is aligned
with the appropriate setting.

Compression damping setting:

Minimum (soft):

6

Standard:

4

Maximum (hard):

1

EWA10220

WARNING

This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop­er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re­sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.

● Do not tamper with or attempt to

open the gas cylinder.

3-13