Yamaha R6 4th gen (2017-2020) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha R6 4th Gen (2017-2020), known officially as the Yamaha YZF-R6.

Here are all the generations of Yamaha YZF-R6 for which we have maintenance schedules:

The 2017 Yamaha R6 replaced the last 2006-2016 Yamaha R6, improving on its brakes and suspension (310 to 320mm discs, and 41 to 43mm forks). It’s still based on a 599cc liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine in compact but aggressive sportbike geometry.

The R6 in its 4th generation lives between 9000 rpm and its 16500 rpm redline, making peak power of 90 kW / 124 bhp at 14500 rpm.

The Yamaha R6 needs no introduction, but in case it does, it’s the 600cc stablemate to the Yamaha R1, originally released the year after. The Yamaha R6 follows the same “no compromises” approach to making a track motorcycle that’s street legal. If anything, despite the smaller engine, the 600 cc bike is more extreme.

There have been other derivatives of the Yamaha R6 that are still fast motorcycles but much more suitable for road use, like the Yamaha FZ6. But those are no longer in production.

The Yamaha R6 was finally retired from most markets in 2020 to become a “track-only” model in some markets.

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Yamaha R6 generations

There were four main generations of the Yamaha R6. There were updates in between those, but overall, these generations are the ones that dictated parts differences in maintaining the R6.

PartYamaha R6 1st GenYamaha R6 2nd Gen2nd Gen Yamaha R6 AnniversaryYamaha R6 3rd GenYamaha R6 4th Gen
Years1999-20022003-200420052006-20162017-present
Carburetion4x 37mm carburettorsFuel injectionFuel injectionFuel Injection w YCC-T; YCC-I from 2008Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
IgnitionCDIDigital DC-CDIDigital DC-CDITCITCI
Front brakes2x295mm2x298mm2x310mm2x310mm2x320mm hydraulic disc
Front suspension43mm telescopic forks, fully adjustable43mm telescopic forks, fully adjustable41mm USD, fully adjustable 41mm USD, separate high/low-speed compression damping43mm USD from R1, fully adjustable
Front tyreFront:120/60-ZR17Front:120/60-ZR17Front:120/70-ZR17Front:120/70-ZR17Front:120/70-ZR17
Gearing16:4816:4816:4816:4516:45
Yamaha R6 Generations summarised

I’m highlighting the Gen 2 Anniversary edition separately, because it has a few different parts.

The above table doesn’t go into the engine changes. The fuelling was tweaked with every generation, but generally it has always been a just-below-600 cc inline four cylinder, with DOHC, 16 valves and liquid cooling, driving the rear wheel through a chain.

The power steadily increased from 74 kW (100 hp) in 1999 to a peak of 95 kW (127 hp) in 2008/9, after which it went back a bit.

What you need to service the Yamaha R6 4th Gen

If you’re servicing the Yamaha R6 4th Gen, you at least need basic motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on.

For the Yamaha R6 4th Gen, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.

PartYamaha R6 Part Codes (4th gen, 2017-2020)
Engine oilYamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50. The manual suggests it and it’s affordable. Don’t over-torque the bolt (spec is 42 Nm/31 lb-ft for the oil drain bolt per the manual) — use a torque wrench if needed.

Of course many R6 obsessives prefer synthetic oils like Motul 7100 15W-50 or even the race-spec Motul 300V.
Oil filterNeeds 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 Hiflofiltro HF204RC These are correct for all R6 models ever. Torque for the oil filter is 16 Nm/12 lb-ft.
Engine coolantThe manual requires “High-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze containing corrosion inhibitors for aluminium engines”. Valvoline Zerex G05 meets this spec.
Spark PlugsNGK CR10EK. This is what the manual and mechanics suggest for all R6 models (earlier pre-06 ones can use CR9EK too). Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.6-0.7mm (get a gapping tool) and torqued to 18 Nm/13 lb-ft (new) or 13Nm/10 lb-ft (after checking).
Air filterYou can either get an OEM air filter from a dealer, or the K&N equivalent, which is easier to get online. Part numbers below:
1999-2005: K&N YA-6001. OEM part is 5SL-14450-00-00 (2003-2005)
2006-2007: K&N YA-6006. OEM part is 2C0-14450-01-00
2008-2020: K&N YA-6008. OEM part is 13S-14450-30-00.
Brake padsIf you need brake pads, your choices are many, but it’s best to go with either OEM for street use, or EBC for street + track use (they give more life, and better brake feel, especially under duress). Brake pads are the user-replaceable part that changed the most over the life of the Yamaha R6. Make sure you get the right parts.

Front pads: FA380HH, 2C0-25805-00-00
Rear pads: FA436HH, 2CR-25806-00-00
Chain lubricantYou need to clean and lube your chain regularly. Motul chain paste is very popular because it’s low-mess and highly effective.
Cable lubricantRemember to lubricate your clutch cable with a cable lubricant. Protect All Cable Life is a good general-purpose lubricant.
GreaseGet a good lithium soap-based grease for lubricating major components like your side stand, centre stand, and bearings.
Oil, filters, coolant, plugs, and brake pads for the Yamaha R6 (4th gen, 2017-2020)

Yamaha R6 4th gen Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha R6 4th Gen.

The US maintenance schedule for the R6 is a bit different to the European maintenance schedule, for regulatory reasons. They’re both included below.

They’ve been re-ordered slightly to make the more intuitive.

Notes

  • At the end of the maintenance schedules, continue following them in the pattern shown.
  • Yamaha recommends you only do basic service (changing the oil and servicing your chain, plus doing general greasing), and leave everything else to a mechanic.
  • Don’t clean the air filter — replace it.
  • Rebuild the brake system (caliper, master cylinder) every two years with fresh brake fluid, or sooner if the hoses look cracked.

Yamaha R6 4th gen — US maintenance schedule

The below maintenance schedule is in miles, with a 4000 mile or 6 month interval.

mi x 100048121620
Time (mon)612182430Every
[D] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check error codes.
Change engine oil (warm engine before draining) (Yamalube 10W-50)
Replace engine oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plugs. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK CR10EK)
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6008)24K mi, or more often if riding in dusty/wet areas.
Check and adjust valve clearance26.6K mi
Check/adjust fuel injection synchronization
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary.
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary.
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, routing, and clamping.
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4)2 years
Check coolant hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Change coolant. (Ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten, and/or replace gaskets as necessary.
Check the air induction cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Check clutch operation. Adjust, lubricate, or replace cable.
Check wheels for runout and damage. Replace if necessary.
Check tyres for tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation. Replace if necessary.
Check swingarm bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack swingarm bearing with lithium soap-based grease.
Check drive chain slack, alignment and condition. Adjust and lubricate chain (with e.g. Motul chain paste).600 mi and after washing the bike or riding in the rain/wet
Check operation of sidestand, including switch. Grease if necessary.
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearing with lithium-soap-based grease.Distance interval only
Check operation of rear suspension link pivots.
Check all chassis fittings and fasteners. Secure/tighten if necessary.
Check fork operation and for fluid leaks. Repair/replace if necessary.
Check shock absorber operation and for fluid leakage. Repair/replace if necessary.
Check operation and play of throttle grip, adjusting if necessary. Lubricate grip housing.
Lubricate control cables (Protect All Cable Life)
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft (silicone grease)
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal pivot shafts. (lithium-soap-based grease)
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check operation of front and rear brake switches
Check operation of lights, signals, and switches
Yamaha R6 4th gen (2017-2020) — Europe maintenance schedule

Yamaha R6 4th gen — Europe/Aus/NZ maintenance schedule

Below is the Europe maintenance schedule for the Yamaha R6 4th gen.

The differences are

  • The maintenance intervals are 10000 km or a year (nearly twice as wide as the US manual)
  • There are a couple of extra line items, like checking the EXUP valve, and a couple removed, like checking the crankcase breather hose.

The motorcycles are exactly the same so it’s odd that the schedules are different (much wider for Europe). Presumably, it is for regulatory purposes.

km x 1000 (Eur/Aus manuals)10203040Every
[D] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check error codes.Year
Change engine oil (warm engine before draining) (Yamalube 10W-50)Year
Replace engine oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plugs. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK CR10EK)Replace more often if riding in dust or rain.
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6008)
Check and adjust valve clearance
Check idle speedYear
Check/adjust fuel injection synchronizationYear
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.Year
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary.Year
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary.Year
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, routing, and clamping.Year
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4)2 years
Check coolant hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.Year
Change coolant. (Ethylene glycol-based coolant)3 years
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten, and/or replace gaskets as necessary.
Check EXUP system operation, cable free play, and pulley position
Check the air induction cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Check clutch operation. Adjust, lubricate, or replace cable.
Check wheels for runout and damage. Replace if necessary.
Check tyres for tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary.Year
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation. Replace if necessary.
Check swingarm bearing assemblies for excessive play.
Lubricate swingarm bearing with lithium soap-based grease.50000 km
Check drive chain slack, alignment and condition. Adjust and lubricate chain (with e.g. Motul chain paste).800 km and after washing or riding in wet/rain
Check operation of sidestand, including switch. Grease if necessary.Year
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearing with lithium-soap-based grease.
Check operation of rear suspension relay arm and connecting arm pivot points.
Check all chassis fittings and fasteners. Secure/tighten if necessary.Year
Check fork operation and for fluid leaks. Repair/replace if necessary.
Check shock absorber operation and for fluid leakage. Repair/replace if necessary.
Check operation and play of throttle grip, adjusting if necessary. Lubricate grip housing.Year
Lubricate moving parts and control cables (Protect All Cable Life)Year
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft (silicone grease)Year
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal pivot shafts. (lithium-soap-based grease)Year
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check operation of front and rear brake switchesYear
Check operation of lights, signals, and switchesYear
Adjust headlight beamYear
Yamaha R6 4th gen Europe maintenance schedule

About the Yamaha R6 4th gen (2017-2020)

The Yamaha R6 4th gen is an evolution of the previous-gen Yamaha R6, built until 2016. It showed Yamaha was committed to the 600cc supersport class even though everyone was crying doom and gloom, saying the party days were over… though in truth, Yamaha ended their street production of the R6 in 2020 so the naysayers were eventually right.

The core of the current Yamaha YZF-R6 is (as it has always been) a 599cc transverse-mount, in-line four that comes with a host of electronic gadgetry on top of its mechanical brilliance. It’s liquid-cooled, has 16 valves, and dual overhead cams.

The engine is, at its core, similar. The design is a very over-square 67 mm bore x 42.5 mm stroke that, coupled with some high-speed internals, helps the R6’s engine rev to 16,500 rpm.

Power in the YZF-R6 starts to flatten around 15K, but still, racers really enjoy taking it all the way to the redline. The engine is unchanged since the previous generation, but tuning and intake/exhaust have been revised so that it meets Euro4 emissions standards. Power is pretty much the same.

The engine in the 4th gen has titanium poppets and high-speed springs that help the engine rev high reliably.

New for the 2017 Yamaha R6 4th gen are

  • Bigger forks – KYB 43mm inverted forks from the YZF-R1 (but revised internally for the R6).
  • 320mm front discs (up from 310mm), and a Nissin radial-pull master cylinder pushing four-piston calipers. ABS is now standard.
  • A re-shaped seat, designed to stop the rider sliding onto the tank so much
  • Traction control – adjustable in six levels, and also able to be switched off. The previous model already had YCC-T and YCC-I.
  • Quick shifter for clutchless upshifts

An aluminium “Deltabox” twin-spar frame holds the 2017-2020 Yamaha YZF-R6 4th gen together, with just the right balance of flexion and rigidity for well-behaved cornering according.

The 2017 R6 4th gen is, like its predecessor the long-running 3rd gen, THE bike to beat on the track, and it’s still a decently rideable bike for the street… just nothing as comfortable as its CP3-engined cousin the MT-09.

Manual for the Yamaha R6 4th gen (2017-2020)

The above information was gleaned from the maintenance schedule from the owner’s manual for the 2017+ Yamaha YZF-R6 4th gen.

See below for differences between the Europe and USA maintenance schedules. They have largely the same items, but they’re spaced differently.

You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.

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