Yamaha R1 3rd Gen (2004-2006) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the 2004-2006 Yamaha R1, the third generation of the Yamaha YZF-R1, its well-known liter-class sportbike.
The third generation Yamaha R1 added ram air and braking improvements to the second generation R1. It also included the stunning 2006 50th Anniversary Edition Yamaha R1, one of the most gorgeous models released ever, and perhaps more street-worthy than the 2016 60th Anniversary Edition Yamaha R1, which came later.
Here are all the Yamaha YZF-R1 maintenance schedules in case you’re looking for one of those:
- Yamaha YZF-R1 1st gen (1998-2001) (The original, carburettor-fed, 5 valve per cylinder)
- Yamaha YZF-R1 2nd gen (2002-2003) (Fuel injection, more muted design)
- Yamaha YZF-R1 3rd gen (2004-2006) (Braking improvements, ram air, Anniversary model)
- Yamaha YZF-R1 4th gen (2007-2008) (4 valves per cylinder, RbW / YCC-T)
- Yamaha YZF-R1 5th gen (2009-2014) (Crossplane crank, TC from 2012)
- Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M 6th gen (2015+) (6-axis IMU, more power / track focus)
Yamaha introduced ride by wire in the 4th generation 2007-2008 R1.
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What you need to service the 2004-2006 Yamaha R1
Below is a list of consumable items you may need to service your 2004-2006 Yamaha R1.
| Part/consumable | 2004-2006 Yamaha R1 3rd Gen specification. |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Yamaha recommends using their own motor oil, which is affordable and good. Yamalube 10W-50 covers a huge range of operating temperatures, from below freezing to above 100 degrees F / 40 degrees C. Or use a high-grade synthetic like Motul 7100. |
| Oil filter | Replace every 2nd oil change. Many 3rd gen R1 owners use Hiflofiltro filter HF303RC for easy replacement (you can use a normal wrench). |
| Spark plugs | You need four spark plugs for the YZF-R1, NGK CR9EK for the 2004-2006 Yamaha R1. |
| Air filter | Use K&N air filter YA-1004 for the 04-06 model. |
| Chain lubricant | A really popular chain lubricant that’s low-mess and highly effective is Motul chain paste. |
| Brake pads | Recommended pads are EBC FA380HH for the front and FA174HH for the rear for the 04-06 Yamaha R1. See here for a comprehensive guide to brake pads for the Yamaha YZF-R1. |
| Coolant | Valvoline Zerex G05 meets Yamaha’s requirements for an ethylene-glycol anti-freeze with corrosion-prevention properties. |
| Cable lubricant | Keeping good clutch action depends on having a well-lubricated cable. You can use engine oil, but Protect All Cable Life is an affordable and well-used staple of maintenance. |
| Mechanical grease | It’s important to grease moving parts, like the sidestand and sometimes bearings, to keep them from getting notchy or seizing. Valvoline moly-fortified grease meets a lot of needs. |
2004-2006 Yamaha R1 (3rd Gen) Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the 2004-2006 Yamaha R1 third generation.
It’s from the manual for the YZF-R1, but adapted and simplified, as well as re-ordered.
The original maintenance schedule has regulatory input. For example, it has emissions-related items separately, and recommends some safety-related items be done by a mechanic. You can see it all in the original maintenance schedule.
Notes on the maintenance schedule
- At the end of the maintenance schedule, keep repeating the maintenance every 1-2 periods.
- The periods below are given in a distance or time interval — you should observe whichever comes first.
- The US / North America manual for the 2004-2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 indicates a 4000 mile / 6000 km or 6 month service interval, whereas the European / APAC manual specifies a 10000 km / 6000 mile or 12 month service interval. See here for more information on the difference.
- This motorcycle is no longer sold new so the break-in service is not shown below.
Yamaha YZF-R1 3rd gen Maintenance Schedule (North America, 4000 mile intervals)
In the North American manual for the 2004-2006 3rd gen Yamaha YZF-R1, there are service intervals of 4000 miles or 6000 km, or 6 months.
| mi x 1000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 7 | 13 | 19 | 25 | 31 | |
| Months | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | Every |
| Change oil (warm engine before draining). Yamalube 10W-40 or Motul 7100 10W-40 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Change oil filter (HF303RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check and adjust valve clearance | 26600 mi (42000 km) | |||||
| Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Replace spark plugs (NGK CR9EK) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Replace fuel filter | ✓ | |||||
| Check fuel injection synchronization | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check and adjust engine idle speed. Adjust throttle cable freeplay. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check the air cut valve and reed valve for damage. Replace damaged parts as necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check air filter, and replace if necessary (K&N YA-1004) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | More often if riding in dust/rain |
| Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Replace brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder/calipers | 2 years | |||||
| Replace coolant | ✓ | 2 years | ||||
| Check brake system operation, pad wear, and fluid leakage. Top up fluid / replace pads as necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Lubricate control cables (Protect All Cable Life) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check swingarm bearing assembly for looseness | ✓ | |||||
| Repack swingarm bearing with lithium soap-based grease | ✓ | |||||
| Check rear suspension link pivot operation. Correct if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check rear shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Repair / replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Repair / replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check steering bearing assembly for looseness | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease | ✓ | |||||
| Lubricate brake / clutch lever pivot shafts with cable lubricant lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Lubricate brake pedal with cable lubricant lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check drive chain slack/alignment condition. Adjust and lubricate chain thoroughly (Motul chain paste) | 600 mi (1000 km) | |||||
| Check wheel bearing for smooth rotation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check sidestand pivot operation and lubricate with lithium soap-based grease | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check and clean sidestand switch, or replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check all chassis fittings and fasteners. Tighten/replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check lights, signals, and switches. Adjust headlight beam. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check crankcase ventilation hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check fuel hoses and vacuum hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check exhaust for leakage. Retighten /replace gaskets if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check evap control system (if fitted) for damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ |
3rd gen Yamaha YZF-R1 Maintenance Schedule — Europe / APAC
The Europe / APAC manuals for the Yamaha YZF-R1 specify 10000 km / 6000 mile maintenance intervals, or 12 months.
| km x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mi x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | Every |
| Change oil (warm engine before draining). Yamalube 10W-40 or Motul 7100 10W-40 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Change oil filter (HF303RC) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check and adjust valve clearance | ✓ | 40000 km / 24000 mi | |||
| Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Replace spark plugs (NGK CR9EK) | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check fuel injection synchronization | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check and adjust engine idle speed. Adjust throttle cable freeplay. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check the air cut valve and reed valve for damage. Replace air induction system if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check air filter, and replace if necessary (K&N YA-1004) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | More often if riding in dust/rain |
| Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Replace brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder/calipers | 2 years | ||||
| Replace coolant | 2 years | ||||
| Check brake system operation, pad wear, and fluid leakage. Top up fluid / replace pads as necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Lubricate control cables (Protect All Cable Life) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check swingarm bearing assembly for looseness | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Repack swingarm bearing with lithium soap-based grease | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Check rear suspension link pivot operation. Correct if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check rear shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Repair / replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Repair / replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check steering bearing assembly for looseness | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease | 24000 km | ||||
| Lubricate brake / clutch lever pivot shafts with cable lubricant lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Lubricate brake pedal with cable lubricant lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check drive chain slack/alignment condition. Adjust and lubricate chain thoroughly (Motul chain paste) | 1000 km (600 mi) | ||||
| Check wheel bearing for smooth rotation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Check sidestand pivot operation and lubricate with lithium soap-based grease | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check and clean sidestand switch, or replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check all chassis fittings and fasteners. Tighten/replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check lights, signals, and switches. Adjust headlight beam. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check crankcase ventilation hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check fuel hoses and vacuum hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Check exhaust for leakage. Retighten /replace gaskets if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Maintaining Your Chain on the Yamaha YZF-R1
It’s important to maintain your chain on the R1, particularly as on a sportbike the chain might get a bit of hard work.
Clean and lubricate it with at least a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.
Yamaha recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule every 500 mi / 800 km and after washing the R1, riding in the rain, or riding in wet areas.
| Chain maintenance item |
|---|
| Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste) |
| Check drive chain slack, alignment, and condition, adjusting / replacing if necessary |
Naturally, if you track or race your YZF-R1, then attend to your chain more often (every day or event).
About the 2004-2006 3rd Gen Yamaha R1
The 2004-2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 is an incremental update on the 2002-2003 model, which brought with it fuel injection.
The 2004-2006 Yamaha R1 is still based on a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine with five-valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. The 2004-2006 Yamaha R1 brought with it ram air and some brake improvements (hat mean that the brake part numbers are different to earlier models.
Ram air means that at higher speeds, air is forced into the inbox, forcing more fuel/air mixture — like a turbocharger. It works, with claimed power at speed being a few kW more than at standstill.
The 2004-2006 Yamaha R1 also has a longer swingarm to increase stability.
In 2006, Yamaha also released the drop-dead-gorgeous anniverary-edition Yamaha R1, which is already a collector’s item (good luck finding one).
Yamaha also released the SP with this generation, with a custom Öhlins suspension and forged marchesini wheels, much like the S-series Ducati super bikes of the time.
Much like the earlier fuel-injected Yamaha YZF-R1, the 2004-2006 model is a demon on the track but also rideable on the street, if you can put up with the engine heat and the unforgiving riding position.
The 3rd gen Yamaha R1 came before any ride electronics. No traction control, no ABS, and no ride-by-wire throttle. But it also was slightly more modest (or less extreme) in power than the latest generation of superbikes.
The 2004 YZF-R1 makes a peak of 126 kW / 171 hp at 12500 rpm, with peak torque of 107 Nm / 79 Nm at 10500 rpm. Peak power and peak torque climbs in numbers with respect to earlier generations, but also in engine speed.
Finally, a bit of ballyhoo was made about the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 being the first to reach the 1:1 power:weight ratio, if you measure power in horsepower and weight in kilograms, and measure dry. Nonetheless, it’s a nice metric to hit!
Manual for the 2004-2006 Yamaha R1 3rd Gen
The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1. It’s the same for other model years of this generation of Yamaha YZF-R1.
You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.
