Yamaha R1 2nd Gen (2002-2003) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the 2002-2003 Yamaha YZF-R1, also known simply as the 2nd Gen Yamaha R1.

The 2nd gen Yamaha YZF-R1 is a supersport bike built in the same vein as the original 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1. It’s built around a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine with five valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. The main difference between the second gen and the first gen is that the 2002+ Yamaha R1 has fuel injection.

This maintenance schedule is for the second generation Yamaha R1, released in 2002 and kept the same for 2003. The maintenance is nonetheless very similar to that for the first generation R1.

Here are all the Yamaha YZF-R1 maintenance schedules in case you’re looking for one of those:

Purists will also be annoyed that the 2nd gen Yamaha R1 has slightly more muted design… gone is the red seat of the 1st gen!

This post was originally published on July 17, 2020, but has since been considerably updated with more detail.

The 2nd Gen Yamaha R1 was replaced, surprisingly, with the 3rd gen Yamaha R1.

This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!

What you need to service the 2nd gen Yamaha R1

To service the 2nd gen Yamaha R1, you may need the following consumables.

Part/consumable2002-2003 Yamaha R1 specification
Engine oilYamaha recommends using their own motor oil, which is affordable and good. Yamalube 10W-40 covers a huge range of operating temperatures, from below freezing to above 100 degrees F / 40 degrees C. You can also use Motul 7100 10W-40, a popular and high-grade synthetic.
Oil filterReplace every 2nd oil change. Many 2nd gen R1 owners use a Hiflofiltro HF303RC for easy replacement (you can use a normal wrench).
Spark plugsYou need four spark plugs for the YZF-R1, NGK CR9EIA-9 for the 2002-2003 Yamaha R1
Air filterUse K&N air filter YA-1002 for the 02-03 model.
Chain lubricantA really popular chain lubricant that’s low-mess and highly effective is Motul chain paste.
CoolantValvoline Zerex G05 meets Yamaha’s requirements for an ethylene-glycol anti-freeze with corrosion-prevention properties.
Cable lubricantKeeping 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 greaseIt’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.
2nd Gen Yamaha R1 consumables

2002-2003 Yamaha R1 2nd Gen Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the 2nd generation 2002-2003 Yamaha YZF-R1.

Notes

  • The periods below are given in a distance or time interval — you should observe whichever comes first.
  • Keep repeating the maintenance every 1-2 periods.
  • The US / North America manual for the 2002-2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 specifies a 4000 mile / 6000 km or 6 month service interval, whereas the European one specifies a 10000 km / 6000 mile or 12 month service interval.
  • This motorcycle is no longer sold new so the break-in service is not shown.
  • The manuals recommended cleaning the air filter with compressed air; later manuals recommend changing it to avoid engine damage from filter debris.

2002-2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 Maintenance Schedule (North America, 4000 mile intervals)

In the North American manual for the 2002-2003 YZF-R1, there are service intervals of 4000 miles or 6000 km, or 6 months.

mi x 100048121620
km x 1000713192531
Months612182430Every
Change oil (warm engine before draining). Yamalube 10W-40 or Motul 7100 10W-40
Change oil filter (HF303RC)
Check and adjust valve clearance26600 mi (42000 km)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean
Replace spark plugs (NGK CR9EIA-9)
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-1002)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/calipers2 years
Replace coolant2 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
Yamaha YZF-R1 maintenance Schedule — North America

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 100010203040
mi x 10006121824Every
Change oil (warm engine before draining). Yamalube 10W-40 or Motul 7100 10W-40Year
Change oil filter (HF303RC)
Check and adjust valve clearance
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean
Replace spark plugs (NGK CR9EIA-9)
Check fuel injection synchronizationYear
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-1002)More often if riding in dust/rain
Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessaryYear
Replace brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder/calipers2 years
Replace coolant2 years
Check brake system operation, pad wear, and fluid leakage. Top up fluid / replace pads as necessaryYear
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 necessaryYear
Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Repair / replace if necessaryYear
Check steering bearing assembly for looseness
Repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease24000 km
Lubricate brake / clutch lever pivot shafts with cable lubricant lightlyYear
Lubricate brake pedal with cable lubricant lightlyYear
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 greaseYear
Check and clean sidestand switch, or replace if necessaryYear
Check all chassis fittings and fasteners. Tighten/replace if necessaryYear
Check lights, signals, and switches. Adjust headlight beam.Year
Check crankcase ventilation hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessaryYear
Check fuel hoses and vacuum hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessaryYear
Check exhaust for leakage. Retighten /replace gaskets if necessary
Yamaha YZF-R1 2002-2003 Maintenance Schedule — Europe

About the 2002-2003 Yamaha R1 2nd gen

2003 Yamaha yZF-R1 silver static studio web

The 2002 Yamaha YZF-R1 is an evolution of the original 1998-2001 1st gen Yamaha YZF-R1 that stole the hearts of many and captured the imagination young racers everywhere.

After four years remaining fundamentally unchanged (though with some tweaks), Yamaha added fuel injection for the 2002 Yamaha YZF-R1.

The fuel injection in the 2002 Yamaha R1 works like a carburetor by employing a CV carburetor slide controlled by vacuum created by the engine. The engine, being otherwise the same, makes similar power output to the outgoing model R1.

This early Yamaha YZF-R1’s fuel injection is smooth and predictable, making it an acceptable city rider. This is in contrast with the fuel injection on many classic and even modern motorcycles, which can have a jumpy on-off behaviour at low throttle.

One notable improvement between the original YZF-R1 and the 2002-2003 fuel-injected R1 model is the use of new cylinder sleeves of a high silicon content alloy containing magnesium. These minimise heat-induced distortion, reducing eventual oil consumption as the engine wears.

Also in 2002, Yamaha released the newly developed Deltabox frame, which, with its hydro formed construction, reduces the total number of frame welds.

For 2003, the only change was fitted hazard warning lights and dipped headlights, which stay on all the time the engine is running.

The 2002-2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 is otherwise the same class-defining sport motorcycle that everyone had come to know and love since its launch in 1998 with the original carburettor-fed version.

The fuel-injected engine makes 111 kW or 152 hp at 10500 rpm — not sky high, like modern four-cylinder superbikes! Similarly, torque peaks at a relatively sane 8500 rpm, with a top number of 105 Nm or 77 ft-lb. It’s almost a street bike…

Still, the gearing of the YZF-R1 means you’ll be doing illegal speeds in first gear almost anywhere in the world.

The front brakes of the 2002-2003 YZF-R1 are via 298mm discs and four-piston calipers. Suspension is fully adjustable on both ends, of course.

Manual for the Yamaha R1 2nd Gen

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2003 Yamaha R1, which is identical to that for the 2002.

2002-2003 Yamaha R1 manual maintenance schedule

You can download the manual for the YZF-R1 from Yamaha’s website here.

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