2008 YAMAHA WR 250F oil change

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.

1-1
DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Hot starter lever
3. Engine stop switch
4. Multi-function display
5. Main switch
6. Start switch
7. Front brake lever
8. Throttle grip
9. Radiator cap
10. Fuel tank cap
11. Taillight
12. Kickstarter crank
13. Fuel tank 14. Headlight
15. Radiator
16. Coolant drain bolt
17. Rear brake pedal
18. Valve joint
19. Fuel cock
20. Cold starter knob
21. Air cleaner
22. Catch tank
23. Drive chain
24. Oil level check window
25. Shift pedal
26. Front fork
1

2-2
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Oil capacity:Engine oilPeriodic oil change 1.1 L (0.97 Imp qt, 1.16 US qt)
With oil filter replacement 1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Total amount 1.4 L (1.23 Imp qt, 1.48 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 0.99 L (0.87 Imp qt, 1.05 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
Fuel: Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 8.0 L (1.76 Imp gal, 2.11 US gal)
Reserve 1.1 L (0.24 Imp gal, 0.29 US gal)
Carburetor: Type FCR-MX37
Manufacturer KEIHIN
Spark plug: Type/manufacturer CR9E/NGK (resistance type)
Gap 0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc
Transmission: USA, CDN, ZA, AUS, NZEUROPE
Primary reduction system Gear←
Primary reduction ratio 57/17 (3.353)←
Secondary reduction system Chain drive←
Secondary reduction ratio 50/13 (3.846)47/14 (3.357)
Transmission type Constant mesh, 5-speed←
Operation Left foot operation←
Gear ratio: 1st 31/13 (2.385)←
2nd 28/16 (1.750)←
3rd 23/17 (1.353)←
4th 23/21 (1.095)←
5th 17/19 (0.895)←
Chassis: USA, CDN, ZA AUS, NZ EUROPE
Frame type Semi double cra-
dle ←←
Caster angle 27.0 °26.6 °26.5 °
Trail 115 mm (4.53 in) 114 mm (4.49 in) 113 mm (4.45 in)
Tire: Type With tube
Size (front) 80/100-21 51M (For USA, CDN and ZA)
90/90-21 54R (For EUROPE, AUS and NZ)
Size (rear) 100/100-18 59M (For USA, CDN and ZA)
130/90-18 69R (For EUROPE, AUS and NZ)
Tire pressure (front and rear) 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2, 15 psi)
2

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maint enance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals. If
you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaini ng and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
ItemAfter
break- in Every
race
Every third
(or 500
km) Every
fifth (or 1,000
km)
As re-
quired Remarks
ENGINE OIL Replace ●●
VALVES Check the valve clearances ●● The engine must be cold.
Inspect ●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace ●
VALVE SPRINGS Inspect ●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace ●
VALVE LIFTERS Inspect ●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace ●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect ●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace ●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS Inspect ●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace ●
PISTON Inspect ●●Inspect crack.
Clean ●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace ●
PISTON RING Inspect ●Check ring end gap.
Replace ●●
PISTON PIN Inspect ●
Replace ●
CYLINDER HEAD Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Inspect and clean ●Change gasket.
CYLINDER Inspect and clean ●Inspect score marks.
Replace ●Inspect wear.

3-13
ENGINE
4. Remove:• Engine guard "1"
• Bolt (oil tank) "2"
• Washer "3"
• Oil filler cap "4"
• Oil tank drain bolt "5"
• Crankcase oil drain bolt "6"
• Oil filter element drain bolt "7"Drain the crankcase and oil tank
of its oil.
5. Remove: • Oil hose clamp "1"
• Bolt (oil hose)
• Oil hose "2"
• Oil strainer "3"
6. Inspect: • Oil strainerClogged →Blow.
7. If the oil filter is to be replaced dur-
ing this oil change, remove the fol-
lowing parts and reinstall them.
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked or damaged, replace them with a
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil filter element cover.
8. Install:• O-ring "1"
• Oil strainer "2"
• Oil hose
• Bolt (oil hose)
• Oil hose clamp
9. Install: • Copper washer
• Oil filter element drain bolt
• Crankcase oil drain bolt
• Oil tank drain bolt
• Engine guard 10. Fill:
• Engine oil
11. Check: • Oil leakage
12. Install: • Oil filler cap
• Washer (oil tank)
• Bolt (oil tank)
13. Check: • Engine oil level
CHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check: • Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling
until oil starts to seep from the oil
pressure check bolt. If no oil
comes out after one minute, turn
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the problem(s) and recheck the oil
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
Oil filter element cover:10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil strainer: 9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5
ft•lb)
Bolt (oil hose): 8 Nm (0.8 m•kg, 5.8
ft•lb)
Oil hose clamp: 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Oil filter element drain
bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Crankcase oil drain bolt: 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil tank drain bolt: 18 Nm (1.8 m•kg, 13
ft•lb)
Engine guard: 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Oil quantity: Periodic oil change:1.1 L (0.97 Imp qt, 1.16
US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27
US qt)
Total amount:
1.4 L (1.23 Imp qt, 1.48
US qt)
Bolt (oil tank): 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Oil pressure check bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)

4-5
CHASSIS
CHASSIS
SELECTION OF THE SECONDARY
REDUCTION RATIO (SPROCKET)
ondary gear reduction ratio>
• It is generally said that the second-ary gear ratio should be reduced for
a longer straight portion of a speed
course and should be increased for
a course with many corners. Actual-
ly, however, as the speed depends
on the ground condition of the day
of the race, be sure to run through
the circuit to set the machine suit-
able for the entire course.
• In actuality, it is very difficult to
achieve settings suitable for the en-
tire course and some settings may
be sacrificed. Thus, the settings
should be matched to the portion of
the course that has the greatest ef-
fect on the race result. In such a
case, run through the entire course
while making notes of lap times to
find the best balance; then, deter-
mine the secondary reduction ratio.
• If a course has a long straight por-
tion where a machine can run at
maximum speed, the machine is
generally set such that it can devel-
op its maximum revolutions toward
the end of the straight line, with care
taken to avoid the engine over-rev-
ving.
Riding technique varies from rider to
rider and the performance of a ma-
chine also vary fr om machine to ma-
chine. Therefore, do not imitate other
rider's settings from the beginning but
choose your own setting according to
the level of your riding technique.
DRIVE AND REAR WHEEL
SPROCKETS SETTING PARTS
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire pressure should be adjust to suit
the road surface condition of the cir-
cuit.
• Under a rainy, muddy, sandy, or slippery condition, the tire pressure
should be lower for a larger area of
contact with the road surface. • Under a stony or hard road condi-
tion, the tire pressure should be
higher to prevent a flat tire.
FRONT FORK SETTING
The front fork setting should be made
depending on the rider's feeling of an
actual run and the circuit conditions.
The front fork setting includes the fol-
lowing three factors:
1. Setting of air spring characteris- tics
• Change the fork oil level.
2. Setting of spring preload • Change the spring.
• Install the adjustment washer.
3. Setting of damping force • Change the compression damp-
ing.
• Change the rebound damping. The spring acts on the load and
the damping force acts on the
cushion travel speed.
CHANGE IN LEVEL AND
CHARACTERISTICS OF FORK OIL
Damping characteristic near the final
stroke can be changed by changing
the fork oil amount.
Adjust the oil level in 5 mm (0.2 in)
increments or decrements. Too
low oil level caus es the front fork
to produce a noise at full rebound
or the rider to feel some pressure
on his hands or body. Alternative-
ly, too high oil level will develop
unexpectedly early oil lock with
the consequent shorter front fork
travel and deteriorated perfor-
mance and characteristics. There-
fore, adjust the front fork within
the specified range.
Secondary reduction ratio =
Number of rear wheel sprocket
teeth/Number of drive sprocket
teeth
Standard secondary
reduction ratio 50/13
(3.846)
* 47/14
(3.357)
* For EUROPE
Part
name Size Part number
Drive
sprocket
"1" (STD) 13T 9383B-13218
** (STD) * 14T 9383B-14222
Rear
wheel
sprocket
"2" ** (STD) ** 47T 1C3-25447-00 48T 5GS-25448-50
* 48T 1C3-25448-00
* 49T 1C3-25449-00
(STD) 50T 5TJ-25450-80
* (STD) * 50T 1C3-25450-00 * 51T 1C3-25451-0052T 5TJ-25452-80
* 52T 1C3-25452-00
* For AUS and NZ
** For EUROPE
Standard tire pressure:100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2,
15 psi)
Extent of adjustment: 60–80 kPa (0.6–0.8 kgf/
cm
2, 9.0–12 psi)
Extent of adjustment: 100–120 kPa (1.0–1.2
kgf/cm
2, 15–18 psi)
Standard oil level: 132 mm (5.20 in)
Extent of adjustment: 95–150 mm (3.74–5.91
in)
From top of outer tube
with inner tube and
damper rod fully com-
pressed without
spring.

4-6
CHASSIS
A. Air spring characteristics in relation to oil level change
B. Load
C. Stroke
1. Max. oil level
2. Standard oil level
3. Min. oil level
ADJUSTING THE SPRING
PRELOAD
The spring preload is adjusted by in-
stalling the adjustment washer "1" be-
tween the fork spring "2" and damper
rod "3".
Do not install three or more adjust-
ment washers for each front fork.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
A. Load
B. Fork stroke
1. Without adjustment washer (standard)
2. 1 adjustment washer
3. 2 adjustment washers
SETTING OF SPRING AFTER
REPLACEMENT
As the front fork setting can be easily
affected by rear suspension, take
care so that the machine front and
rear are balanced (in position, etc.)
when setting the front fork.
1. Use of soft spring • Change the rebound damping.Turn out one or two clicks.
• Change the compression damp- ing.
Turn in one or two clicks.
Generally a soft spring gives a soft
riding feeling. Rebound damping
tends to become stronger and the
front fork may sink deeply over a se-
ries of gaps.
2. Use of stiff spring• Change the rebound damping.Turn in one or two clicks.
• Change the compression damp- ing.
Turn out one or two clicks.
Generally a stiff spring gives a stiff
riding feeling. Rebound damping
tends to become weaker, resulting in
lack of a sense of contact with the
road surface or in a vibrating handle-
bar.
FRONT FORK SETTING PARTS
• Adjustment washer "1" • Front fork spring "2"
The I.D. mark (slits) "a" is proved on
the end of the spring.
When using a spring with a spring
rate of 0.469 kg/mm, do not install
two or more adjustment washers
for each front fork.
REAR SUSPENSION SETTING
The rear suspension setting should
be made depending on the rider's
feeling of an actual run and the circuit
conditions.
The rear suspension setting includes
the following two factors:
1. Setting of spring preload
• Change the set length of the spring.
• Change the spring.
2. Setting of damping force • Change the rebound damping.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
Standard washer quanti-
ty:
Zero adjustment wash-
ers
Extent of adjustment:
Zero–2 adjustment
washers
TYPE (thick- ness) PART NUMBER
T = 2.3 mm (0.09 in) 5XE-23364-00
TYPESPRI
NG
RATE SPRING
PART
NUMBER (-23141-) I.D.
MARK
(slits)
SOFT 0.408 5TJ-00 |
0.418 5TJ-10 ||
0.428 5TJ-20 |||
0.438 5TJ-30 ||||
STD 0.449 5TJ-A0 —
STIFF 0.459 5TJ-50 |-|
0.469 5TJ-60 |-||

4-8
CHASSIS
SUSPENSION SETTING (FRONT FORK)
• If any of the following symptoms is experienced with the standard position as the base, make resetting by reference to the adjustment procedure gi ven in the same chart.
• Before any change, set t he rear shock absorber sunken length to the standard figure 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in).
SymptomSection
Check Adjust
Jump Large
gap Medi-
um
gap Small
gap
Stiff over entire
range ○○○ Compression damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Oil level (oil amount) Decrease oil level by about 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in).
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Unsmooth move-
ment over entire
range ○○○○ Outer tube
Check for any bends, dents, and other noticeable
scars, etc. If any, replace affected parts.
Inner tube
Under bracket tighten-
ing torque Retighten to specified torque.
Poor initial move-
ment ○Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Oil seal Apply grease in oil seal wall.
Soft over entire
range, bottoming
out ○○ Compression damping Turn adjuster clockwise (about 2 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
Oil level (oil amount) Increase oil level by about 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in).
Spring Replace with stiff spring.
Stiff toward stroke
end ○
Oil level (oil amount) Decrease oil level by about 5 mm (0.2 in).
Soft toward stroke
end, bottoming out ○
Oil level (oil amount) Increase oil level by about 5 mm (0.2 in).
Stiff initial move-
ment ○○○○
Compression dampingTurn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Low front, tending to
lower front posture ○○Compression damping Turn adjuster clockwise (about 2 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to decrease damping.
Balance with rear end Set sunken length for 95–100 mm (3.7–3.9 in) when one passenger is astride seat (lower rear
posture).
Oil level (oil amount) Increase oil level by about 5 mm (0.2 in).
"Obtrusive" front,
tending to upper
front posture ○○Compression damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Balance with rear end Set sunken length for 90–95 mm (3.5–3.7 in) when one passenger is astride seat (upper rear
posture).
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Oil level (oil amount) Decrease oil level by about 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in).