2008 YAMAHA WR 250X wheel

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
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67
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EAU22760
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22773
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side-
stand.
NOTE:

When checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weight
on the motorcycle.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain slack
as shown.4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU22942
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock-
nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (a). To loos-
en the drive chain, turn the adjust-
ing bolt on each side of the
swingarm in direction (b), and then
push the rear wheel forward.
NOTE:

Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure thatboth chain pullers are in the same posi-
tion for proper wheel alignment.
CAUTION:

ECA10570
Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within the
specified limits.
3. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque.
Drive chain slack:
40.0–50.0 mm (1.57–1.97 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1

1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
1
23
(b)
(a)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-30
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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.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-31
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67
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EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings
The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU23390
Battery
The battery is located behind panel D.
(See page 6-6.)
This model is equipped with a
sealed-type (MF) battery, which does
not require any maintenance. There is
no need to check the electrolyte or to
add distilled water.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quicklyif the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
WARNING

EWA10760

Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.

EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.

INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.

EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.

Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.

KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
1. Negative battery terminal
2. Positive battery terminal
3. Battery
3
2
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-37
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67
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EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
a jack either under each side of theframe in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.

EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU45160
To remove the front wheel
WARNING

EWA10820

It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.

Securely support the motorcy-
cle so that there is no danger of
it falling over.
1. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolts and axle nut.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Axle nut
2
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
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2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-37.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
CAUTION:

ECA11070
Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise the
brake pads will be forced shut.
EAU45170
To install the front wheel
1. Lift the wheel up between the forklegs.
NOTE:

Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before install-
ing the brake caliper onto the brake
disc.
2. Insert the wheel axle.
3. Install the wheel axle pinch bolts
and axle nut.
4. Lower the front wheel so that it is
on the ground.
5. Tighten the axle nut and the wheel
axle pinch bolts to their specified
torques.
6. Push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU45180
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING

EWA10820

It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.

Securely support the motorcy-
cle so that there is no danger of
it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-37.
3. Remove the axle nut and washer.
4. Loosen the locknut and drive chain
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Wheel axle
1
2

Tightening torques:
Axle nut:
63 Nm (6.3 m·kgf, 45.6 ft·lbf)
Wheel axle pinch bolt:
23 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 16.6 ft·lbf)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-39
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5. While supporting the brake caliper,
pull the wheel axle out.6. Push the wheel forward, and then
remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
NOTE:

The drive chain does not need to be
disassembled in order to remove and
install the rear wheel.
7. Remove the wheel.
CAUTION:

ECA11070
Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise the
brake pads will be forced shut.
EAU45190
To install the rear wheel
1. Install the wheel and the brake cal-
iper bracket by inserting the wheel
axle from the left-hand side.
NOTE:


Make sure that the retainer on the
brake caliper bracket is inserted
into the slot in the swingarm.

Make sure that there is enough
space between the brake pads be-
fore installing the wheel.2. Install the drive chain onto the rear
sprocket.
3. Install the washer and the axle nut,
and then lower the rear wheel so
that it is on the ground.
4. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See
page 6-25.)
5. Tighten the axle nut to the speci-
fied torque.
1. Axle nut
2. Washer
3. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
4. Locknut
5. Brake caliper
1. Wheel axle
1
34
2
51

1. Brake caliper bracket
2. Retainer
3. Slot
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
125 Nm (12.5 m·kgf, 90.4 ft·lbf)
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3

7-1
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78
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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.