2008 YAMAHA WR 250R coolant level

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Main switch/steering lock .................3-1
Indicator and warning lights .............3-2
Multi-function display .......................3-3
Handlebar switches .........................3-8
Clutch lever ......................................3-9
Shift pedal ......................................3-10
Brake lever ....................................3-10
Brake pedal ...................................3-10
Fuel tank cap .................................3-11
Fuel ................................................3-11
Catalytic converter .........................3-12
Seat ...............................................3-12
Helmet holder ................................3-13
Adjusting the front fork ...................3-13
Front fork bleeding .........................3-15
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ....................................3-15
EXUP system ................................3-17
Sidestand .......................................3-18
Ignition circuit cut-off system .........3-18
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
.............. 4-1
Pre-operation check list ................... 4-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ................................ 5-3
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR
.................................. 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ............................................. 6-2
Removing and installing panels ...... 6-6
Checking the spark plug .................. 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter element ....... 6-9
Coolant .......................................... 6-12
Cleaning the air filter element and
check hose ................................. 6-15
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-17
Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-18
Valve clearance ............................. 6-18
Tires .............................................. 6-18
Spoke wheels ................................ 6-20Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ............................................ 6-21
Adjusting the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-22
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ......................................... 6-22
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 6-23
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-23
Changing the brake fluid ............... 6-24
Drive chain slack ........................... 6-25
Cleaning and lubricating the drive
chain .......................................... 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-27
Checking and lubricating the throttle
grip and cable ............................ 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake
and shift pedals ......................... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake
and clutch levers ........................ 6-28
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-29
Lubricating the rear suspension .... 6-29
Checking the front fork .................. 6-29
Checking the steering ................... 6-30
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-31
Battery ........................................... 6-31
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-32
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-33
Tail/brake light ............................... 6-35

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9fore turning the key to “OFF” or

“LOCK”.
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11020
Turn signal indicator light “”
This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left or
right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when thetransmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11350
Fuel level warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
2.1 L (0.55 US gal) (0.46 Imp.gal).
When this occurs, refuel as soon as
possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
EAU11440
Coolant temperature warning light
“”
This warning light comes on when the
engine overheats. When this occurs,
stop the engine immediately and allow
1. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
2. Fuel level warning light “ ”
3. Neutral indicator light “ ”
4. Turn signal indicator light “ ”
5. High beam indicator light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
1234
5 6

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
2
3
45
6
7
8
9

EAU15605
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-11
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9
Coolant

Check coolant level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.

Check cooling system for leakage.6-12
Front brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-22, 6-23
Rear brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-23
Clutch

Check operation.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-21

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

17

Brake pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
18

Clutch lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
19

Shift pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
20

Sidestand

Check operation.

Lubricate.
√√√√√
21

*
Sidestand switch

Check operation.
√√√√√√
22

*
Front fork

Check operation and for oil
leakage.
√√√√
23

*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
24

*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivoting
points

Check operation.
√√√√
25

Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for
oil leakage.
√
Every 5000 km (3000 mi)
√
26

Engine oil filter ele-
ment

Replace.
√√√√√
27

*
Cooling system

Check coolant level and vehi-
cle for coolant leakage.
√√√√√

Change. Every 3 years
28

*
Front and rear brake
switches

Check operation.
√√√√√√
29

Moving parts and
cables

Lubricate.
√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
11. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
CAUTION:

ECA11230
After changing the engine oil, make
sure to check the oil pressure as de-
scribed below.

Remove the bleed bolt.

Start the engine and keep it
idling until oil flows out. If no oilcomes out after one minute,
turn the engine off immediately
so it will not seize. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer repair the
vehicle.

After checking the oil pressure,
tighten the bleed bolt to the
specified torque.
EAU20070
Coolant
The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU20252
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
NOTE:


The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.

Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.
NOTE:

The coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2

1. Bleed bolt
Tightening torque:
Bleed bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove pan-
el C (See page 6-6.), remove the
reservoir cap, add coolant to the
maximum level mark, and then in-
stall the reservoir cap and the pan-
el.
CAUTION:

ECA10471

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.

If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion.

If water has been added to thecoolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
WARNING

EWA10380
Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
NOTE:


The radiator fan is automatically
switched on or off according to the
coolant temperature in the radia-
tor.

If the engine overheats, see page
6-41 for further instructions.
EAU45152
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
3. Remove the radiator cap retaining
bolt and radiator cap.
1. Maximum level mark
2. Minimum level mark
1
2

1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
recommended coolant into the ra-
diator and reservoir.
CAUTION:

ECA10471

If coolant is not available, use
distilled water or soft tap water
instead. Do not use hard water
or salt water since it is harmful
to the engine.

If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion.

If water has been added to thecoolant, have a Yamaha dealer
check the antifreeze content of
the coolant as soon as possible,
otherwise the effectiveness of
the coolant will be reduced.
12. Install the coolant reservoir cap.
13. Install the radiator cap.
14. Start the engine, let it idle for sev-
eral minutes, and then turn it off.
15. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap and its retaining bolt.
16. Check the coolant level in the res-
ervoir. If necessary, remove the
coolant reservoir cap, add coolant
to the maximum level mark, and
then install the cap.
17. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.
EAU44321
Cleaning the air filter element
and check hose
The air filter element should be cleaned
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Clean the air filter element more fre-
quently if you are riding in unusually
wet or dusty areas. In addition, the air
filter check hose must be frequently
checked and cleaned if necessary.
To clean the air filter element
1. Remove panel B. (See page 6-6.)
2. Open the air filter case cover by re-
moving the screw and pulling the
case cover outward as shown.
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibitors
for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator capacity (including all
routes):
0.90 L (0.95 US qt) (0.79 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt) (0.22 Imp.qt)

1. Screw
2. Air filter case cover
2
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-42
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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.