Oil and filter change
≈ 10,000 km or 1 year
JASO MA or MA2 approved four-stroke motorcycle oil (JASO MB on scooters): an “energy conserving” car oil makes the wet clutch slip. Change it more often in city use or on track.
Source [1]YZF-R1 RN12 · 2004–2006
Yamaha YZF-R1 RN12 998 · 172 hp (2004 to 2006)
The Yamaha YZF-R1 RN12 998 uses the Yamaha 998 4cyl petrol engine with 172 hp.
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Technical specifications
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power
- 172 PS / 126 kW
- Displacement
- 998 cm³
- Cylinders
- 4
- Engine code
- Yamaha 998 4cyl
- Period covered
- 2004–2006
- Documented market
- Europe
Transmission
- Manual · 6 speeds
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [1] AutoKarnet
This version
172 hp (126 kW), chain final drive, 6-speed manual. Built from 2004 to 2006.
AutoKarnet advice
In the range
It is the only petrol version of this generation. The Yamaha 998 4cyl engine is also fitted to: Yamaha YZF-R1 (YZF-R1 RN09), Yamaha YZF-R1 (YZF-R1 RN19), Yamaha YZF-R1 (YZF-R1 RN22), Yamaha FZ1 (FZ1).
AutoKarnet advice
Body style and inspection points
On a motorcycle, tyres, final drive and brakes matter as much as the oil change. Check the tyre manufacturing date, steering-head play and fork-tube seals; an oil film on a tube means a fork seal needs replacing. A notched steering bearing can be felt when braking at low speed.
AutoKarnet advice
Comparing generations
Other documented generations of this model: • YZF-R1 RN09 (2002–2003) : sports bike, 152–152 hp. • YZF-R1 RN19 (2007–2008) : sports bike, 180–180 hp. A first registration near a generation change does not identify the car on its own: check the body style and powertrain before using a service schedule.
AutoKarnet advice
Maintenance and records
≈: estimated reference — the vehicle’s service indicator prevails.
Brake fluid
Every 2 years
Replace the fluid in both circuits (and the hydraulic clutch if fitted), whatever the mileage; dark fluid has absorbed moisture.
Source [1]Fork oil
≈ 30,000 km
Fork oil change and seal check; an oil film on the tubes means a seal needs replacing before it contaminates the brake caliper.
Source [1]Chain kit (chain and sprockets)
≈ 25,000 km
Lubricate and check the tension every 500 to 1,000 km and after rain; replace chain and sprockets together when the chain no longer holds its tension or the teeth are hooked.
Source [1]Spark plugs
Every 20,000 km
Replace the full set; worn plugs raise consumption and cause misfires.
Source [1]Air filter
Every 40,000 km
Replace more often in dusty conditions.
Source [1]Valve clearance
Every 40,000 km
Check and adjust if needed, often together with the plugs; too little clearance burns the valves, too much makes the engine noisy.
Source [1]Coolant
Every 3 years
Replace the coolant and check the hoses and radiator; check the level cold between services.
Source [1]Questions about this version (3)
Which engine is in the Yamaha YZF-R1 RN12 998?
The Yamaha 998 4cyl petrol engine (998 cc), 172 hp (126 kW).
AutoKarnet advice
Which oil for the Yamaha YZF-R1 998?
A JASO MA2 10W-40 four-stroke motorcycle oil suited to the Yamaha 998 4cyl engine.
AutoKarnet advice
How do I check this page matches my car?
This page covers Yamaha YZF-R1 RN12 998 172 hp, sports bike, 2004–2006, with 172 hp (126 kW), Yamaha 998 4cyl, 998 cm³, 6-speed manual, 2004–2006. Compare these details with the registration document and gearbox identification. The designation Yamaha 998 4cyl may cover several revisions: a VIN is still needed to confirm part numbers.
AutoKarnet advice
Documentary sources
- [1] Rédaction AutoKarnet
AutoKarnet · FR · Europe · Synthèse éditoriale AutoKarnet · Accessed 09/10/2026