2008 YAMAHA WR 250R Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU42130
Troubleshooting charts
Starting problems or poor engine performance
WARNING

EWA10840
Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system.
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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9Engine overheating
WARNING

EWA10400

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.

After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing
sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
NOTE:

If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.

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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37833
Matte color caution
CAUTION:

ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU26002
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your mo-
torcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:

ECA10771

Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.

Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean plastic.

Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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9contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.


Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.

For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.NOTE:

Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
CAUTION:

ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of the
salt.
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray
on all metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent
corrosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stain-
less-steel parts, including the ex-
haust system. (Even the thermally
induced discoloring of stain-
less-steel exhaust systems can be
removed through polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING

EWA11130

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.

If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
CAUTION:

ECA10800

Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.

Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable careproduct.

Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
NOTE:

Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on
what products to use.
EAU43200
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
CAUTION:

ECA10810

Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.

To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinder, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap
and spark plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into the spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto
the spark plug, and then place
the spark plug on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder wall with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap
from the spark plug, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.
WARNING

EWA10950
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turning
the engine over.
4. Lubricate all control cables and thepivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the sidestand/
centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place
[less than 0 °C (30 °F) or more
than 30 °C (90 °F)]. For more in-
formation on storing the battery,
see page 6-31.
NOTE:

Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.

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SPECIFICATIONS
EAU2633N
Dimensions:
Overall length:
2180 mm (85.8 in)
Overall width:
810 mm (31.9 in)
Overall height:
1230 mm (48.4 in)
Seat height:
930 mm (36.6 in)
Wheelbase:
1420 mm (55.9 in)
Ground clearance:
300 mm (11.81 in)
Minimum turning radius:
2300 mm (90.6 in)
Weight:
With oil and fuel:
134.0 kg (295 lb)
Engine:
Engine type:
Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement:
Forward-inclined single cylinder
Displacement:
250.0 cm
3

Bore
×
stroke:
77.0
×
53.6 mm (3.03
×
2.11 in)
Compression ratio:
11.80 :1
Starting system:
Electric starterLubrication system:
Wet sump

Engine oil:
Type:
SAE 20W-40
Recommended engine oil grade:
API service SG type or higher, JASO stan-
dard MA
Engine oil quantity:
Without oil filter element replacement:
1.30 L (1.37 US qt) (1.14 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement:
1.40 L (1.48 US qt) (1.23 Imp.qt)
Cooling system:
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maxi-
mum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
Radiator capacity (including all routes):
0.90 L (0.95 US qt) (0.79 Imp.qt)
Air filter:
Air filter element:
Wet element
Fuel:
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity:
7.6 L (2.01 US gal) (1.67 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
2.1 L (0.55 US gal) (0.46 Imp.gal)
Fuel injection:
Throttle body:
Manufacturer:
MIKUNI
Type/quantity:
38EIS/1
Spark plug (s):
Manufacturer/model:
NGK/CR9EK
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Clutch:
Clutch type:
Wet, multiple-disc
Transmission:
Primary reduction system:
Spur gear
Primary reduction ratio:
78/25 (3.120)
Secondary reduction system:
Chain drive
Secondary reduction ratio:
43/13 (3.307)
Transmission type:
Constant mesh 6-speed
-20 -10 0
10 20 30
40
50 ˚C
SAE 10W-30
SAE 15W-40SAE 20W-40SAE 20W-50
SAE 10W-40SAE 10W-50

SPECIFICATIONS
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Operation:
Left foot operation
Gear ratio:
1st:
37/14 (2.642)
2nd:
29/16 (1.813)
3rd:
29/22 (1.318)
4th:
26/25 (1.040)
5th:
24/27 (0.888)
6th:
22/28 (0.786)
Chassis:
Frame type:
Semi double cradle
Caster angle:
26.67 °
Trail:
111.0 mm (4.37 in)
Front tire:
Type:
With tube
Size:
80/100-21M/C 51P
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/TW-301 F
Rear tire:
Type:
With tubeSize:
120/80-18M/C 62P
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/TW-302 F
Loading:
Maximum load:
185 kg (408 lb)
* (Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo
and accessories)
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
Loading condition:
0–90 kg (0–198 lb)
Front:
125 kPa (18 psi) (1.25 kgf/cm
2

)
Rear:
175 kPa (25 psi) (1.75 kgf/cm
2

)
Loading condition:
90–185 kg (198–408 lb)
Front:
150 kPa (22 psi) (1.50 kgf/cm
2

)
Rear:
200 kPa (29 psi) (2.00 kgf/cm
2

)
Front wheel:
Wheel type:
Spoke wheel
Rim size:
21x1.60
Rear wheel:
Wheel type:
Spoke wheel
Rim size:
18x2.15
Front brake:
Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Rear brake:
Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Front suspension:
Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
270.0 mm (10.63 in)
Rear suspension:
Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
270.0 mm (10.63 in)
Electrical system:
Ignition system:
Transistorized coil ignition (digital)
Charging system:
AC magneto