2008 YAMAHA WR 250R steering

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

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1

Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Make
sure to distribute the weight as
evenly as possible on both sides of
the motorcycle to minimize imbal-
ance or instability.

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. These items, in-
cluding such cargo as sleeping
bags, duffel bags, or tents, can
create unstable handling or a slow
steering response.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re-
sponsible for the proper selection, in-stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac-
cessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.


Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.

Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.

Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability ofthe motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.

Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Gasoline and exhaust gas

GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE:

Always turn the engine off when

DESCRIPTION
2-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU10430
Controls and instruments
12 34 5 6
8
7

1. Clutch lever (page 3-9)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-8)
3. Main switch/steering lock (page 3-1)
4. Multi-function display (page 3-3)
5. Right handlebar switches (page 3-8)
6. Brake lever (page 3-10)
7. Throttle grip (page 6-18)
8. Fuel tank cap (page 3-11)

3-1
2
34
5
6
7
8
9

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EAU10460
Main switch/steering lock
The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.
EAU38530
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary light
come on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.
NOTE:

The headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays on
until the key is turned to “OFF”, even if
the engine stalls.
EAU10660
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
EAU10680
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left.2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po-
sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.
WARNING

EWA10060
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving,
otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident. Make
sure that the vehicle is stopped be-
1. Push.
2. Turn.
1
2

1. Push.
2. Turn.
1 2

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
6-30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
CAUTION:

ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23280
Checking the steering
Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
WARNING

EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so that
there is no danger of it falling over.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.

9-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

CONSUMER INFORMATION
EAU26351
Identification numbers
Record the key identification number,
vehicle identification number and mod-
el label information in the spaces pro-
vided below for assistance when
ordering spare parts from a Yamaha
dealer or for reference in case the vehi-
cle is stolen.
KEY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER:
MODEL LABEL INFORMATION:
EAU26381
Key identification number
The key identification number is
stamped into the key tag. Record this
number in the space provided and use
it for reference when ordering a new
key.
EAU26400
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is
stamped into the steering head pipe.
Record this number in the space pro-
vided.
NOTE:

The vehicle identification number is
used to identify your motorcycle and
may be used to register your motorcy-
cle with the licensing authority in your
area.
1. Key identification number
1

1. Vehicle identification number
1

INDEX
A
Air filter element and check hose,
cleaning ................................................ 6-15
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing .................. 6-36
B
Battery..................................................... 6-31
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-28
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-27
Brake fluid, changing .............................. 6-24
Brake fluid level, checking ...................... 6-23
Brake lever .............................................. 3-10
Brake lever free play, adjusting............... 6-22
Brake pedal ............................................. 3-10
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ............ 6-27
Care .......................................................... 7-1
Catalytic converter .................................. 3-12
Clutch lever ............................................... 3-9
Clutch lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-21
Coolant.................................................... 6-12
Coolant temperature warning light ............ 3-2
D
Dimmer switch .......................................... 3-9
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating ...... 6-26
Drive chain slack ..................................... 6-25
E
Engine break-in ......................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed................................. 6-17
Engine oil and oil filter element ................. 6-9
Engine stop switch .................................... 3-9
Engine trouble warning light...................... 3-3
EXUP system .......................................... 3-17
F
Front and rear brake pads, checking .......6-23
Front fork, adjusting .................................3-13
Front fork, bleeding ..................................3-15
Front fork, checking .................................6-29
Fuel ..........................................................3-11
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...........5-3
Fuel level warning light ..............................3-2
Fuel tank cap ...........................................3-11
Fuses, replacing ......................................6-32
H
Handlebar switches ...................................3-8
Headlight bulb, replacing .........................6-33
Helmet holder ..........................................3-13
High beam indicator light ...........................3-2
Horn switch ................................................3-9
I
Identification numbers................................9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ...................3-18
Indicator and warning lights .......................3-2
K
Key identification number ..........................9-1
L
License plate light bulb, replacing ...........6-36
M
Main switch/steering lock ...........................3-1
Matte color, caution ...................................7-1
Model label ................................................9-2
Multi-function display .................................3-3
N
Neutral indicator light .................................3-2
P
Panels, removing and installing .................6-6Parking ...................................................... 5-4
Part locations............................................. 2-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ........................................................ 6-2
Pre-operation check list ............................. 4-2
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting............ 6-22
Rear suspension, lubricating ................... 6-29
S
Safety information ..................................... 1-1
Seat ......................................................... 3-12
Shifting ...................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................... 3-10
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting....... 3-15
Sidestand ................................................ 3-18
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ........ 6-29
Spark plug, checking ................................. 6-8
Specifications ............................................ 8-1
Starting the engine .................................... 5-1
Start switch ................................................ 3-9
Steering, checking ................................... 6-30
Storage ...................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle....................... 6-37
T
Tail/brake light ......................................... 6-35
Throttle cable free play, checking............ 6-18
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-27
Tires ........................................................ 6-18
Tool kit ....................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting....................................... 6-40
Troubleshooting charts ............................ 6-41
Turn signal indicator light .......................... 3-2
Turn signal light bulb, replacing............... 6-35