2008 YAMAHA WR 250R maintenance

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

1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAUW0200
MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE
TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE
USE AND OPERATION ARE DEPEN-
DENT UPON THE USE OF PROPER
RIDING TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS
THE EXPERTISE OF THE OPERA-
TOR. EVERY OPERATOR SHOULD
KNOW THE FOLLOWING REQUIRE-
MENTS BEFORE RIDING THIS MO-
TORCYCLE.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:

OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUC-
TIONS FROM A COMPETENT
SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF
MOTORCYCLE OPERATION.

OBSERVE THE WARNINGS
AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRE-
MENTS IN THE OWNER’S MAN-
UAL.

OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING
IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES.

OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECH-
NICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED
BY THE OWNER’S MANUAL
AND/OR WHEN MADE NECES-
SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI-TIONS.
Safe riding

Always make pre-operation
checks. Careful checks may help
prevent an accident.

This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator and a passenger.

The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.

Therefore:

Wear a brightly colored jacket.

Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.

Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in anothermotorist’s blind spot.

Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent motorcycle license.

Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified opera-
tors.

Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.

We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.

Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
due to EXCESSIVE SPEED or un-
dercornering (insufficient lean an-
gle for the speed).

Always obey the speed limit and
never travel faster than warrant-

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-

es or plastic parts.
EAU13390
CAUTION:

ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different
brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
EAU13431
Catalytic converter
This model is equipped with a catalytic
converter in the exhaust system.
WARNING

EWA10860
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. Make sure that the exhaust
system has cooled down before do-
ing any maintenance work.
CAUTION:

ECA10700
The following precautions must be
observed to prevent a fire hazard or
other damages.

Use only unleaded gasoline.
The use of leaded gasoline will
cause unrepairable damage to
the catalytic converter.

Never park the vehicle near pos-
sible fire hazards such as grass
or other materials that easily
burn.

Do not allow the engine to idle
too long.
EAU13970
Seat
To remove the seat
Remove the bolts, and then pull the
seat off.
To install the seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of
the seat into the seat holder as
shown.

Recommended fuel:
PREMIUM UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
7.6 L (2.01 US gal) (1.67 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on):
2.1 L (0.55 US gal) (0.46 Imp.gal)

1. Bolt
1

6-1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING

EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealer
do it for you.
EAU35010
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located inside the
tool box.
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
NOTE:

If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING

EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es.
1. Tool box
1

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

EAU1770A
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart
NOTE:


The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.

From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).

Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
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)
1*
Fuel line

Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.
√√√√√
2*
Spark plug

Check condition.

Clean and regap.
√√

Replace.
√√
3*
Valves

Check valve clearance.

Adjust.Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
4
Air filter element

Clean.
√√

Replace.
√√
5
Clutch

Check operation.

Adjust.
√√√√√
6*
Front brake

Check operation, fluid level
and vehicle for fluid leakage.

Adjust brake lever free play.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
7*
Rear brake

Check operation, fluid level
and vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-3
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

8*
Brake hoses

Check for cracks or damage.
√√√√√

Replace. Every 4 years
9*
Wheels

Check runout, spoke tightness
and for damage.

Tighten spokes if necessary.
√√√√
10

*
Tires

Check tread depth and for
damage.

Replace if necessary.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.
√√√√√
11

*
Wheel bearings

Check bearing for looseness or
damage.
√√√√
12

*
Swingarm

Check operation and for exces-
sive play.
√√√√
13

Drive chain

Check chain slack, alignment
and condition.

Adjust and lubricate chain with
a special O-ring chain lubricant
thoroughly.Every 500 km (300 mi) and after washing the motorcycle or riding in the rain
14

*
Steering bearings

Check bearing play and steer-
ing for roughness.
√√√√√

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
15

*
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts
and screws are properly tight-
ened.
√√√√√
16

Brake lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
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
6-4
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
6-5
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU18670
NOTE:


The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.

Hydraulic brake service

Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.

Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.

Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
30

*
Throttle grip hous-
ing and cable

Check operation and free play.

Adjust the throttle cable free
play if necessary.

Lubricate the throttle grip
housing and cable.
√√√√√
31

*
Air induction system

Check the air cut-off valve,
reed valve, and hose for dam-
age.

Replace any damaged parts if
necessary.
√√√√√
32

*
EXUP system

Check operation, cable free
play and pulley position.
√√√
33

*
Lights, signals and
switches

Check operation.

Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
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)