2015+ Yamaha R1 Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
The Yamaha R1 Maintenance Schedule applies to the
- 2015 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
- 2016 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
- 2017 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
- 2018 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
- 2019 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
- 2020 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
If you’re looking for other Yamaha superbikes, check out our full page of resources. There’s some overlap, but there is also a lot of commonality between the maintenance schedules.
About the 2015+ Yamaha R1 and R1M
In 2015 Yamaha re-did its line of YZF-R1 motorcycles.
In addition to the electronics introduced in 2012, Yamaha introduced even more riding aids, including a slide control system aided by a 6-way IMU — what Ducati calls “cornering ABS”.
The 2015+ R1 makes nearly 200hp, and that threshold was soon passed in later years.
It’s a killer motorcycle — a beast at the track, and with ride modes to make it tolerably docile in town.
What you need to service the 2015+ Yamaha R1
To service the Yamaha R1, you need the right tools and consumables.
Luckily most tools are pretty standard. But the consumables need to be the right ones.
Here are the recommended consumables for the 2015+ Yamaha R1, according to the manual, mechanics, and enthusiasts.
- Spark Plugs: NGK LMAR9E-J (no alternatives). This is what the manual and mechanics suggest. Make sure it’s gapped correctly (get a gapping tool).
- Oil: Yamalube 10W-40. The manual suggests it and it’s affordable on Amazon with a solid 5-star rating. Other lubricants would do, but that’s your call. Don’t over-torque the bolt — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough.
- Oil filter: Needs to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock one (part 5GH-13440-50-00, used for many Yamaha products) or the K&N KN-204-1.
- Engine coolant: Use any 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol and water. You can either use pre-mix or concentrate. I usually recommend this Valvolene 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix.
- Air filter: The R1 uses an oil-coated paper element. Either get the stock one (part 2CR-14451-00-00), or the K&N YA-1015.
- Brake pads: Either buy them OEM from Yamaha (they’re hard to buy online), or EBC double-sintered HH (2x part FA380HH for front, FA436HH for rear). Everyone swears by EBC, I’ve used them in many bikes. Here are some other brake pads for the Yamaha R1, including race-spec ones.
- Brake/Clutch fluid: Yamaha recommends a DOT-4 brake/clutch fluid. Castrol Dot 4 full synthetic is well-regarded.
You might also find the following general-purpose tools and consumables useful when servicing your R1. You won’t get far without a paddock stand (or a full-blown motorcycle stand).
| Product | Thumbnail | Description |
| Chain lubricant |  | The chain needs to be lubricated every 800 km/500 miles (or more, if it gets wet/dirty). Motul chain paste is cheap and well-loved. |
| Chain cleaner brush |  | A chain cleaner brush makes cleaning off grime and then distributing new lubricant much more easy. |
| Paddock stand |  | Lubricating the chain and changing the oil both become a lot easier once you use an affordable paddock stand. |
| Cable lubricant |  | Remember to lubricate your clutch cable (and brake cables if you have them) with a cable lubricant. Protect All Cable Life is a good general-purpose lubricant. |
| Grease |  | Get a good lithium soap based grease for lubricating major components like your side stand, centre stand, and bearings. |
2015+ Yamaha R1 Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the 2015+ Yamaha R1.
TIPS
- The annual checks must be performed every year, except if kilometre-based maintenance, or for the UK, mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.
- From 50,000 km (30,000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10,000 km (6,000 mi).
- Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical skills.
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system
| # | Item | Check or Maintenance Job | 1000 km (600 mi) | 10000 km (6000 mi) | 20000 km (12000 mi) | 30000 km (18000 mi) | 40000 km (24000 mi) | Annual check | |
| 1 | * | Fuel line | • Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 2 | * | Spark plugs | • Check condition • Clean and re-gap | X | X | X | |||
| • Replace (NGK LMAR9E-J) | X | X | |||||||
| 3 | * | Valves | • Check valve clearance • Adjust | Every 40000 km (24000 mi) | |||||
| 4 | * | Fuel injection system | • Adjust synchronization | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 5 | * | Muffler and exhaust pipe | • Check the screw clamp(s) for looseness | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 6 | * | Air induction system | • Check the air cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for damage • Replace any damaged parts if necessary | X | X | X | X | X |
General maintenance and lubrication chart
| # | Item | Check or Maintenance Job | 1000 km (600 mi) | 10000 km (6000 mi) | 20000 km (12000 mi) | 30000 km (18000 mi) | 40000 km (24000 mi) | Annual | |
| 1 | * | Air filter element | • Replace (OEM 2CR-14451-00-00, K&N) | X | |||||
| 2 | * | Clutch | • Check operation • Adjust | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 3 | * | Front brake | • Check operation, fluid level, and vehicle for fluid leakage. | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| • Replace brake pads | Whenever worn to the limit | ||||||||
| 4 | * | Rear brake | • Check operation, fluid level, and vehicle for fluid leakage. | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| • Replace brake pads | Whenever worn to the limit | ||||||||
| 5 | * | Brake hoses | • Check for cracks or damage • Check for correct routing and clamping | X | X | X | X | X | |
| • Replace | Every 4 years | ||||||||
| 6 | * | Brake fluid | • Change | Every 2 years | |||||
| 7 | * | Wheels | • Check runout and for damage | X | X | X | X | ||
| 8 | * | Tires | • Check tread depth and for damage • Replace if necessary • Check air pressure • Correct if necessary | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 9 | * | Wheel bearings | • Check bearings for looseness or damage | X | X | X | X | ||
| 10 | * | Swingarm | • Check operation and for excessive play | X | X | X | X | ||
| • Lubricate with lithium soap-based grease | Every 50000 km (30000 mi) | ||||||||
| 11 | 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 areas | ||||||
| 12 | * | Steering bearings | • Check bearing play and steering for roughness | X | X | X | X | X | |
| • Lubricate with lithium soap-based grease | Every 20000 km (12000 mi) | ||||||||
| 13 | * | Steering damper | • Check operation and for oil leakage | X | X | X | X | ||
| 14 | * | Chassis fasteners | • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 15 | Brake pedal pivot shaft | • Lubricate with silicone grease. | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 16 | Brake pedal pivot shaft | • Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 17 | Clutch lever pivot shaft | • Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 18 | Shift pedal pivot shaft | • Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 19 | Sidestand | • Check operation. • Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 20 | * | Sidestand switch | • Check operation. | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 21 | * | Front fork | • Check operation and for oil | X | X | X | X | ||
| 22 | * | Shock absorber assembly | • Check operation and shock absorber for oil leakage. | X | X | X | X | ||
| 23 | * | Rear suspension relay arm and connecting arm pivoting points | • Check operation. | X | X | X | X | ||
| 24 | Engine oil | • Change. • Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage. | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 25 | Engine oil filter cartridge | • Replace. | X | X | X | ||||
| 26 | * | Cooling system | • Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage. | X | X | X | X | X | |
| • Change coolant. | Every 3 years | ||||||||
| 27 | * | EXUP system | • Check operation, cable free play and pulley position. | X | X | X | |||
| 28 | * | Front and rear brake switches | • Check operation. | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 29 | Moving parts andcables | • Lubricate. | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 30 | * | Throttle grip | • Check operation. • Check throttle grip free play, and adjust if necessary. • Lubricate cable and grip housing. | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 31 | * | Lights, signals and switches | • Check operation. • Adjust headlight beam. | X | X | X | X | X | X |
TIP
- Air filter
- This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with compressed air to avoid damaging it
- The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
- Hydraulic brake service
- After disassembling the front brake master cylinder and calipers, always change the fluid. Regularly check the brake fluid levels and fill the reservoirs as required.
- Every two years replace the rear brake master cylinder, the internal components of the front brake master cylinder, the brake calipers, and change the brake fluid.
- Replace the brake hoses every four years or sooner if cracked, damaged, or if any section of the stainless steel brake hose has turned black.
Manual for the Yamaha R1
The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the Yamaha R1.
You can download it below.
