2008 YAMAHA WR 250F maintenance

FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha WR series. This model is
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents
the highest grade of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any
questions about this manual or your
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality.
Therefore, while this manual contains
the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between
your machine and this manual. If you
have any questions concerning this
manual, please consult your Yamaha
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE,
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF
THIS MACHINE.
PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
The Safety Alert Symbol means AT-
TENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Failure to follow WARNING instruc-
tions could result in severe injury or
death to the machine operator, a by-
stander, or a person inspecting or re-
pairing the machine. A CAUTION indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the machine.
A NOTE provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
STRICTLY FOR
COMPETITION
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may be illegal. Please
check local regulations before riding.
1. THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OP- ERATED BY AN EXPERI-
ENCED RIDER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this
machine at maximum power
until you are totally familiar
with its characteristics.
2. THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO BE RIDDEN BY THE OP-
ERATOR ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on
this machine.
3. ALWAYS WEAR PROTEC- TIVE APPAREL.
When operating this ma-
chine, always wear an ap-
proved helmet with goggles
or a face shield. Also wear
heavy boots, gloves, and pro-
tective clothing. Always wear
proper fitting clothing that
will not be caught in any of
the moving parts or controls
of the machine.
4. ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MACHINE IN PROPER
WORKING ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the
machine must be properly
maintained. Always perform
the pre-operation checks in-
dicated in this manual. Cor-
recting a mechanical problem
before you ride may prevent
an accident.
5. GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAM- MABLE.
Always turn off the engine
while refueling. Take care to
not spill any gasoline on the
engine or exhaust system.
Never refuel in the vicinity of
an open flame, or while
smoking.
6. GASOLINE CAN CAUSE IN- JURY.
If you should swallow some
gasoline, inhale excess gaso-
line vapors, or allow any gas-
oline to get into your eyes,
contact a doctor immediately.
If any gasoline spills onto
your skin or clothing, imme-
diately wash skin areas with
soap and water, and change
your clothes.
7. ONLY OPERATE THE MA- CHINE IN AN AREA WITH AD-
EQUATE VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it
run for any length of time in
an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes are poisonous. These
fumes contain carbon mon-
oxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon
monoxide is a dangerous gas
which can cause uncon-
sciousness or can be lethal.
8. PARK THE MACHINE CARE- FULLY; TURN OFF THE EN-
GINE.
Always turn off the engine if
you are going to leave the
machine. Do not park the ma-
chine on a slope or soft
ground as it may fall over.
9. THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE, MUFFLER, AND OIL
TANK WILL BE VERY HOT
AFTER THE ENGINE HAS
BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them
or to allow any clothing item
to contact them during in-
spection or repair.

TO THE NEW OWNER
This manual will provide you with a
good basic understanding of fea-
tures, operation, and basic mainte-
nance and inspection items of this
machine. Please read this manual
carefully and completely before oper-
ating your new machine. If you have
any questions regarding the opera-
tion or maintenance of your machine,
please consult your Yamaha dealer.
This manual should be considered a
permanent part of this machine and
should remain with it even if the ma-
chine is subsequently sold.
NOTICE
Some data in this manual may be-
come outdated due to improve-
ments made to this model in the
future. If there is any question you
have regarding this manual or your
machine, please consult your
Yamaha dealer.
F.I.M. MACHINE WEIGHTS
Weights of machines without fuel
The minimum weights for motocross
machines are:
for the class 125 cc:
minimum 88 kg (194 lb)
for the class 250 cc:
minimum 98 kg (216 lb)
for the class 500 cc:
minimum 102 kg (225 lb)
In modifying your machine (e.g., for
weight reduction), take note of the
above limits of weight.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
FINDING THE REQUIRED PAGE
1. This manual consists of seven chapters; "General Information",
"Specifications", "Regular inspec-
tion and adjustments", "Tuning",
"Engine", "Chassis" and "Electri-
cal". 2. The table of contents is at the be-
ginning of the manual. Look over
the general layout of the book be-
fore finding then required chapter
and item.
Bend the book at its edge, as
shown, to find the required fore
edge symbol mark and go to a
page for required item and de-
scription.
MANUAL FORMAT
All of the procedures in this manual
are organized in a sequential, step-
by-step format. The information has
been complied to provide the me-
chanic with an easy to read, handy
reference that contains comprehen-
sive explanations of all disassembly,
repair, assembly, and inspection op-
erations.
In this revised format, the condition of
a faulty component will precede an
arrow symbol and the course of ac-
tion required will follow the symbol,
e.g., •BearingsPitting/damage →Replace.
10. PROPERLY SECURE THE
MACHINE BEFORE TRANS-
PORTING IT.
When transporting the ma-
chine in another vehicle, al-
ways be sure it is properly
secured and in an upright po-
sition and that the fuel cock is
in the "OFF" position. Other-
wise, fuel may leak out of the
carburetor or fuel tank.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1GENERAL
INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-1
MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ............. 1-2
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-2
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-2
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION .................. 1-3
SPECIAL TOOLS ............. 1-4
CONTROL FUNCTIONS .. 1-8
MULTI-FUNCTION
DISPLAY .......................... 1-9
STARTING AND
BREAK-IN ...................... 1-14
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-16
CLEANING AND
STORAGE ...................... 1-17
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-3
TIGHTENING
TORQUES ...................... 2-11
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-18
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-21
CHAPTER 3 REGULAR
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE................ 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS ........................ 3-17
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-27
CHAPTER 4 TUNING
ENGINE ............................ 4-1
CHASSIS .......................... 4-5
CHAPTER 5ENGINE
RADIATOR ....................... 5-1
CARBURETOR................. 5-4
AIR INDICTOIN
SYSTEM ......................... 5-12
CAMSHAFTS.................. 5-14
CYLINDER HEAD........... 5-19
VALVES AND VALVE
SPRINGS ........................ 5-21
CYLINDER AND
PISTON ........................... 5-25
CLUTCH ......................... 5-29
OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP ....... 5-34
BALANCER .................... 5-38
OIL PUMP ....................... 5-40
KICK SHAFT AND
SHIFT SHAFT ................. 5-43
AC MAGNETO AND
STARTER CLUTCH ....... 5-48
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 5-53 CRANKCASE AND
CRANKSHAFT ...............5-57
TRANSMISSION, SHIFT
CAM AND SHIFT FORK .5-63
CHAPTER 6
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL AND
REAR WHEEL ..................6-1
FRONT BRAKE AND
REAR BRAKE ..................6-6
FRONT FORK .................6-16
HANDLEBAR..................6-23
STEERING ......................6-27
SWINGARM ....................6-31
REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER ....................6-36
CHAPTER 7
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS AND
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........7-1
IGNITION SYSTEM...........7-3
ELECTRIC STARTING
SYSTEM............................7-5
CHARGING SYSTEM .....7-13
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM .........7-15
LIGHTING SYSTEM .......7-18
SIGNALING SYSTEM.....7-20

1-14
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline the day of a race.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust pipe, etc. have cooled off.
HANDLING NOTE
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes
are poisonous; they can cause
loss of consciousness and death
in a very short time. Always oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
• The carburetor on this machine has a built-in accelerator pump.
Therefore, when starting the en-
gine, do not operate the throttle
or the spark plug will foul.
• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per- form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
This model is equipped with an igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. The engine
can be started under the following
conditions.
• When the transmission is in neutral.
• When the clutch is disengaged with the transmission in any position.
However, it is recommended to shift
into neutral before starting the en-
gine.
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON".
3. Push on the main switch to "ON".
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
5. Fully open the cold starter knob "1".
6. Start the engine by pushing the start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter crank.
If the engine fails to start by pushing
the start switch, release the switch,
wait a few seconds, and then try
again. Each starting attempt should
be as short as possible to preserve
the battery. Do no t crank the engine
more than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt. If the engine does not start
with the starter motor, try using the
kickstarter crank.
• If the starter moto r will not turn
when pushing the start switch,
stop pushing it immediately and
kick start the engine in order to
avoid the load on the motor.
• Do not open the throttle while
kicking the kickstarter crank.
Otherwise, the kickstarter crank
may kick back.
7. Return the cold starter knob to its original position and run the en-
gine at 3,000–5,000 r/min for 1 or
2 minutes.
Since this model is equipped with an
accelerator pump, if the engine is
raced (the throttle opened and
closed), the air/fuel mixture will be too
rich and the engine may stall. Also
unlike a two-stroke engine, this model
can idle.
Do not warm up th e engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the cold starter knob
and throttle. Pull the hot starter lever
"1" and start the engine by pushing
the start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter crank forcefully with a firm
stroke. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
Restarting an engine after a fall
Pull the hot starter lever and start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.

2-3
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINEBrake:
Front brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right hand operation
Rear brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right foot operation
Suspension: Front suspension Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm (link type monocross suspension)
Shock absorber: Front shock absorber Coil spring/oil damper
Rear shock absorber Coil spring/gas, oil damper
Wheel travel: Front wheel travel 300 mm (11.8 in)
Rear wheel travel 310 mm (12.2 in)
Electrical: Ignition system CDI
Generator system AC magneto
Battery type YTZ7S (F)
Battery voltage/capacity 12V/6 AH
Specific gravity 1.310
Headlight type: Quartz bulb (halogen)
Bulb wattage × quantity: Headlight 12 V 35/36.5 W × 1
Taillight 12 V 1.6/0.3 W × 1
ItemStandardLimit
Cylinder head: Warp limit ----0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Cylinder: Bore size 77.00–77.01 mm (3.0315–3.0319 in) ----
Out of round limit ----0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Camshaft: Drive method Chain drive (Left)----
Camshaft cap inside diameter 22.000–22.021 mm (0.8661–0.8670 in) ----
Camshaft outside diameter 21.959–21.972 mm (0.8645–0.8650 in) ----
Shaft-to-cap clearance 0.028–0.062 mm (0.0011–0.0024 in) 0.08 mm (0.003
in)

2-4
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Cam dimensions
Intake "A" 29.65–29.75 mm (1.1673–1.1713 in) 29.55 mm (1.1634 in)
Intake "B" 22.45–22.55 mm (0.8839–0.8878 in) 22.35 mm (0.8799 in)
Exhaust "A" 30.399–30.499 mm (1.1968–1.2007 in) 30.299 mm (1.1929 in)
Exhaust "B" 22.45–22.55 mm (0.8839–0.8878 in) 22.35 mm (0.8799 in)
Camshaft runout limit ---- 0.03 mm (0.0012 in)
Timing chain: Timing chain type/No. of links 92RH2010-114M/114----
Timing chain adjustm ent method Automatic ----
Valve, valve seat, valve guide: Valve clearance (cold)IN 0.10–0.15 mm (0.0039–0.0059 in) ----
EX 0.17–0.22 mm (0.0067–0.0087 in) ----
Valve dimensions: "A" head diameter (IN) 22.9–23.1 mm (0.9016–0.9094 in) ----
"A" head diameter (EX) 24.4–24.6 mm (0.9606–0.9685 in) ----
"B" face width (IN) 2.26 mm (0.089 in)----
"B" face width (EX) 2.26 mm (0.089 in)----
Item
StandardLimit

2-5
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
"C" seat width (IN)0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in)1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
"C" seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in)1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
"D" margin thickness (IN) 0.8 mm (0.0315 in)----
"D" margin thickness (EX) 0.7 mm (0.0276 in)----
Stem outside diameter (IN) 3.975–3.990 mm (0.1565–0.1571 in) 3.945 mm
(0.1553 in)
Stem outside diameter (EX) 4.460–4.475 mm (0.1756–0.1762 in) 4.430 mm
(0.1744 in)
Guide inside diameter (IN) 4.000–4.012 mm (0.1575–0.1580 in) 4.050 mm
(0.1594 in)
Guide inside diameter (EX) 4.500–4.512 mm (0.1772–0.1776 in) 4.550 mm
(0.1791 in)
Stem-to-guide clearance (I N) 0.010–0.037 mm (0.0004–0.0015 in) 0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Stem-to-guide clearance (E X) 0.025–0.052 mm (0.0010–0.0020 in) 0.10 mm (0.004
in)
Stem runout limit ----0.01 mm
(0.0004 in)
Valve seat width (IN) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve spring: Free length (IN) 36.58 mm (1.44 in)35.58 mm (1.40
in)
Free length (EX) 37.54 mm (1.48 in)36.54 mm (1.44
in)
Set length (valve closed ) (IN) 29.13 mm (1.15 in) ----
Set length (valve closed ) (EX) 29.30 mm (1.15 in) ----
Compressed force (installed) (IN) 103–118 N at 29.13 mm (10.50–12.09 kg
at 29.13 mm, 23.15–26.66 lb at 1.15 in) ----
Item
StandardLimit

2-6
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Compressed force (installed) (EX)126–144 N at 29.30 mm (12.85–14.68 kg
at 29.30 mm, 28.32–32.37 lb at 1.15 in) ----
Tilt limit* (IN) ----2.5°/1.6 mm
(2.5°/0.063 in)
Tilt limit* (EX) ----2.5°/1.6 mm
(2.5°/0.063 in)
Direction of winding (top view) (IN) Clockwise----
Direction of winding (top view) (EX) Clockwise----
Piston: Piston to cylinder clearance 0.030–0.055 mm (0.0012–0.0022 in) 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Piston size "D" 76.955–76.970 mm (3.0297–3.0303 in) ----
Measuring point "H " 8 mm (0.31 in) ----
Piston off-set 0.5 mm (0.020 in)/IN-side ----
Piston pin bore inside diameter 16.002–16.013 mm (0.6300–0.6304 in) 16.043 mm
(0.6316 in)
Piston pin outside diameter 15.991–16.000 mm (0.6296–0.6299 in) 15.971 mm
(0.6288 in)
Piston rings: Top ring:
Type Barrel----
Dimensions (B × T) 0.90 × 2.75 mm (0.04 × 0.11 in)----
End gap (installed) 0.15–0.25 mm (0.006–0.010 in) 0.50 mm (0.020
in)
Side clearance (installed) 0.030–0.065 mm (0.0012–0.0026 in) 0.12 mm (0.005
in)
2nd ring:
Type Taper----
Dimensions (B × T) 0.80 × 2.75 mm (0.03 × 0.11 in)----
End gap (installed) 0.30–0.45 mm (0.012–0.018 in) 0.80 mm (0.031
in)
Item
StandardLimit