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The drain plug on the '03/'04 Yamaha R6 is directly underneath the rider. If you get down on your knees and look through the lower fairing (Pics are again from riders left) you will see it.
The first picture is of a general location and the second is a close up of it securely wired.
And finally the filler cap. Unfortunately we don't have this one wired on either bike, but I can at least show you what I am talking about. It is the cap for where you replace oil-to the rider's RIGHT.
Talking about oil makes me think of coolant...not sure why, but it does. Which reminds me that most tracks require the use of a water based coolant. We use "Engine Ice" but I believe there are other brands out there. Another is "Water Wetter" which I believe you need to mix with distilled water, but I am not sure.
Be sure to contact a friend or dealer if you have any questions regarding the coolant in your bike and how to change it. There are a ton of people who will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Up next in prep series is mirror removal and "zip" ties....
In series three we will go through the various items requiring zip ties, sometimes referred to as "cable ties". These things are so cool. They secure many things with little effort and are very inexpensive. I don't know how mankind got by without them! Anyway, make sure you have a pair of "nippers" so you can cut the excess off after you have tightened them.
Again the disclaimer applies: Neither SBN or myself are responsible should you cause damage to your bike. You need to verify these tips will work for your particular machine and use common sense when attempting any of the following tips. My 2004 Yamaha R6 was used to demonstrate so the actual locations/tools you need for your bike may be different.
Let's start out with the removal of the mirrors. Mirrors are not allowed onto the track and are very easy to remove. Just use caution when removing them to not bump your windscreen out of place. Start out with one side and when you have finished move to the second side.
In the case of the R6, you only need a ratchet and a 10mm socket to remove the nuts that hold the mirror in place. (Pic 1)
Using the socket (make sure it is switched to "off"! Otherwise remember the saying "righty tighty, lefty loosey"!), loosen the two nuts (it may be different on your bike) that hold the mirror in place. I have two red arrows pointing them out in picture 2. Once they are both loose, I then remove them. Be careful! Sometimes the nuts will drop out of the socket and land in really hard to reach areas! Just take your time and all will be well.
Once the nuts are off, just gently pull the mirror out of the fairing. Use care to not disturb the rubber bushings that are in the windscreen. I always put the nuts back onto the mirror for storage~it's easier to keep track of them that way!
Next, using two zip ties, secure your windscreen to your fairing. Now there are several different options for this task. Some companies make these really neat mirror plates that fit right into the opening and bolt on just like your mirror. They run from reasonable to pretty pricey. Also, zip ties come in a variety of colors so you have a ton of choices. I like to use the zip ties because 1) they are cheap and 2) we always have them on hand.
Anyway, pull the zip ties snug as shown in the picture. Using your nippers, snipp off the extra "flag" at the end.
See how easy that was? Now you can repeat the steps for your other mirror!!!
Now that you have your mirrors firmly in place there are a couple of other things that need to be done. First are the passenger foot pegs. They can be easily secured to the post they are attached to, as shown in picture 1.
The second is your kickstand. I am going to show you this now (because my bike happened to be on the rear stand at the time) but you may want to wait until you are at the track to do this. It makes life a lot easier if you wait until the very end to do this. For the R6, just run the zip tie between the shifter and the bike. Secure to a stable portion of the rear set as I have shown in picture two.
NOTE: The track I go to allows this. You need to verify that the track you are going to will allow your kickstand to be tied, some may require you to remove it. But since all newer bikes have the safety switch in them...you know, you fill your bike up with gas, everyone is looking at you, you start your bike, put it in gear and it dies because your kickstand is down and then you feel like a super dork....Zip tieing it up should be sufficient....ugly things happen on the track if your kickstand should happen to come down in a turn. Even if the track you go to does not require it, I highly recommend securing your kickstand just for safety's sake.
Remember to snip off the zip tie excess once you have snugged them all down.
That's about all for zip-ties. Again, if there are any questions DO NOT HESITATE to ask. This is for your safety which in turn will help you enjoy your track day!
Now I am sure this sounds intimidating, but it is really easy! Why do we want to remove these fuses? Well, you will be putting a plastic tape of sorts over your headlights and directionals. Rather than running the risk of the tape getting hot and melting I prefer to pull the fuses. I have no desire to replace my headlights due to my being careless.
Same disclaimer as before, if you break your bike, it's your fault!!! My R6 was used to demonstrate so your bike may be different. ALWAYS verify with your owner's manual before you attempt electrical items for warnings and tips.
Before you start, you may want to disconnect your battery. It is always a safe bet when you are trying something new for the first time. Safety First!
So, on my R6, I need to get to my fuse box which is beneath the plastic cover above the upper fairing and beneath the handlebars on rider's left. I am not sure of the technical term, but I kind of see it as my bike's "dash". To remove this piece, two screws need to be removed from the mid fairing as I have shown in the first two pictures below. All it takes is a 4mm allen wrench. Again, remember "Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey", so using the allen wrench loosen both screws by turning the wrench to the left. NOTE: There is a little plastic washer on the screw-make sure you don't lose it!!!! Picture three shows the screw and washer "assembly".
Now, to remove this plastic cover (again 2003-2004 R6), you need to push it TOWARDS the headlight of the bike. There are two little tabs on the mid fairing that hold it in place. I have pointed them out in picture two. Once you have it pushed forward, it will "pop" out from beneath the mid fairing as I have pointed out in the first picture.
I know you will feel like you are going to break your bike...just be gentle and remember that plastic is more durable than you think. It does have SOME flex to it. Now this does NOT mean you grab hold of it and just rip it off in a bionic woman fashion. This will break off the tabs that hold it in place and end up costing you money in the end. Be gentle but firm and you will guide it out of position and off the bike.
Drain Plug
Anyway, make sure you have a pair of "nippers" so you can cut the excess off after you have tightened them.
Now you can repeat the steps for your other mirror!!!
My R6 was used to demonstrate so your bike may be different. ALWAYS verify with your owner's manual before you attempt electrical items for warnings and tips.