Adjusting the front fork

  • Use extra care to avoid scratching the anodized finish when making suspension adjustments.
  • To avoid damaging the suspension’s internal mechanisms, do not attempt to turn beyond the maximum or minimum settings.
YZF-R1

This model is equipped with adjustable suspension. The spring preload, rebound damping force, and compression damping force of each leg can be adjusted.

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

Spring preload

Turn the adjusting nut in direction (a) to increase the spring preload.

Turn the adjusting nut in direction (b) to decrease the spring preload.

To set the spring preload, turn the adjuster in direction (b) until it stops, and then count the turns in direction (a).

ZAU0N790.png
  1. Spring preload adjusting nut
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
0 turn(s) in direction (a)
Standard:
6 turn(s) in direction (a)
Maximum (hard):
15 turn(s) in direction (a)

When turning the spring preload adjuster in direction (a), it may turn beyond the stated specifications, however such adjustments are ineffective and may damage the suspension.

Rebound damping force

Turn the adjusting bolt in direction (a) to increase the rebound damping force.

Turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b) to decrease the rebound damping force.

To set the rebound damping force, turn the adjuster in direction (a) until it stops, and then count the clicks in direction (b).

ZAU0N791.png
  1. Rebound damping force adjusting bolt
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
14 click(s) in direction (b)
Standard:
7 click(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)
  • When turning the damping force adjuster in direction (a), the 0 click position and the 1 click position may be the same.
  • When turning the damping force adjuster in direction (b), it may click beyond the stated specifications, however such adjustments are ineffective and may damage the suspension.
Compression damping force

Turn the adjusting bolt in direction (a) to increase the compression damping force.

Turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b) to decrease the compression damping force.

To set the compression damping force, turn the adjuster in direction (a) until it stops, and then count the clicks in direction (b).

ZAU0N792.png
  1. Compression damping force adjusting bolt
Compression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
23 click(s) in direction (b)
Standard:
17 click(s) in direction (b)
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)
  • When turning the damping force adjuster in direction (a), the 0 click position and the 1 click position may be the same.
  • When turning the damping force adjuster in direction (b), it may click beyond the stated specifications, however such adjustments are ineffective and may damage the suspension.
YZF-R1M

This model is equipped with ÖHLINS electronic racing suspension with gas reservoir. The compression and rebound damping forces are electronically adjusted (see ERS on page ). The spring preload is manually adjusted.

The front fork legs contain highly pressurized nitrogen gas. Read and understand the following information before handling the front fork legs.

  • Do not subject the axle brackets to open flame or other heat source. This may cause the units to explode due to excessive gas pressure.
  • Do not attempt to open the gas cylinder assemblies.
  • Do not deform or damage the cylinders in any way. Cylinder damage will result in poor damping performance.
  • Do not dispose of a damaged or worn-out front fork leg yourself. Take the front fork leg to a Yamaha dealer for disposal.
Spring preload

  1. Turn the vehicle off.

  2. Slide the rubber cover back at each coupler.

  3. Remove the coupler on each front fork. NOTICE: To prevent damaging the couplers, do not use sharp tools or excessive force.

    ZAU0F384.png
    1. Rubber cover
    2. Coupler

  4. Turn the adjusting bolt in direction (a) to increase the spring preload. Turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b) to decrease the spring preload. To set the spring preload, turn the adjuster in direction (b) until it stops, and then count the turns in direction (a).

    ZAU0F385.png
    1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
    Spring preload setting:
    Minimum (soft):
    0 turn(s) in direction (a)
    Standard:
    3 turn(s) in direction (a)
    Maximum (hard):
    15 turn(s) in direction (a)

    When turning the spring preload adjuster in direction (a), it may turn beyond the stated specifications, however such adjustments are ineffective and may damage the suspension.

  5. Attach the coupler on each fork.

  6. Slide the rubber cover to the original position.