2008 YAMAHA WR 250R suspension

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

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-15
2
34
5
6
7
8
9

EAU14790
Front fork bleeding
When riding in extremely rough condi-
tions, the air temperature and pressure
in the front fork will rise. This will in-
crease the spring preload and harden
the front suspension. If this occurs,
bleed the front fork as follows.
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing
a suitable stand under the engine.
NOTE:

When bleeding the front fork, there
should be no weight on the front end of
the vehicle.
2. Remove the bleed screws and al-
low all of the air to escape fromeach fork leg.
WARNING

EWA10200
Always bleed both fork legs, other-
wise poor handling and loss of sta-
bility may result.
3. Install the bleed screws.
EAU45260
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly
This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring, a rebound damping force ad-
justing dial and a compression
damping force adjusting screw.
CAUTION:

ECA10100
Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum or
minimum settings.
Spring preload
Spring preload adjustment should be
made by a Yamaha dealer, since this
service requires special tools and tech-
nical skills. The specified settings are
listed below.
NOTE:

The spring preload setting is deter-
mined by measuring distance A, shown
in the illustration. The shorter the dis-
tance A is, the higher the spring pre-
load; the longer distance A is, the lower
the spring preload.
1. Bleed screw
1

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
6-19
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
WARNING

EWA11020
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your motorcycle, you should
keep the following precautions in
mind.

NEVER OVERLOAD THE MO-
TORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider,passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum load for the
vehicle.

Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.

Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.

Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.

Check the tire condition and air
pressure before each ride.Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:

The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
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

)
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

)
Maximum load*:
185 kg (408 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
12

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-29
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU23201
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand
The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING

EWA10730
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it.
EAU23250
Lubricating the rear
suspension
The pivoting points of the rear suspen-
sion must be lubricated at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU23271
Checking the front fork
The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
WARNING

EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so that
there is no danger of it falling over.
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.

Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease

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

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

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