2008 YAMAHA YFM250R steering

RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV.............. 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD
JUDGEMENT ........................................... 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE ............ 7-8
TURNING YOUR ATV ............................. 7-12
CLIMBING UPHILL .................................. 7-14
RIDING DOWNHILL................................. 7-16
CROSSING A SLOPE.............................. 7-17
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER .................................................. 7-18
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN .......... 7-20
SLIDING AND SKIDDING ........................ 7-20
WHAT TO DO IF... ................................... 7-21
WHAT TO DO... ....................................... 7-21
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR
REPAIR .......................................................... 8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit ...................... 8-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system .......................... 8-3
General maintenance and lubrication
chart ........................................................ 8-5
Checking the spark plug ............................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter element ............... 8-10
Cleaning the air filter element ................. 8-14
Cleaning the spark arrester ..................... 8-18
Adjusting the carburetor .......................... 8-19
Adjusting the engine idling speed ........... 8-20Adjusting the throttle cable free play ........ 8-20
Valve clearance ....................................... 8-21
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ....................................................... 8-22
Checking the brake fluid level .................. 8-23
Changing the brake fluid .......................... 8-25
Checking the front brake lever free
play ........................................................ 8-26
Checking the brake pedal position ........... 8-26
Adjusting the parking brake free play ...... 8-27
Brake light switches ................................. 8-29
Adjusting the clutch lever free play .......... 8-29
Drive chain slack ...................................... 8-30
Lubricating the drive chain ....................... 8-32
Checking and lubricating the cables ........ 8-33
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers ........................................... 8-33
Checking and lubricating the brake and
shift pedals ............................................. 8-34
Checking the wheel hub bearings ............ 8-34
Lubricating the swingarm pivots .............. 8-34
Lubricating the upper and lower arm
pivots ..................................................... 8-35
Lubricating the steering shaft ................... 8-36
Battery ..................................................... 8-36
Replacing the fuse ................................... 8-37
Replacing a headlight bulb ...................... 8-39
Adjusting a headlight beam ..................... 8-41
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ............ 8-42

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EBU17670
Read and understand all of the labels on your ATV. These labels contain important information for safe and
proper operation.
Never remove any labels from your ATV. If a label becomes difficult to read or comes off, request a replace-
ment label from your Yamaha dealer.
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
SHIZUOKA JAPANp
4GB-2155A-00
For Europe
GB
D
E
F
I
NL
P
S
Before you operate this vehicle,
read the owner’s manual.Lesen Sie die Bedienungsanleitung
bevor Sie dieses Fahrzeug fahren.Antes de conducir este vehículo,
lea el Manual del Propietario.
Lire le manuel du propriétaire avantd’utiliser ce véhicule.Prima di usare il veicolo,
leggete il manuale di istruzioni.
Voor het gebruik van dit voertuigde handleiding met aandacht lezen.Antes de utilizar este veículo,
leia o manual do proprietário.
Innan du kör detta fordon,läs handboken.
5FK-21568-00
WARNING
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH.ALWAYS USE
NEVER USE
NEVER CARRYNEVER USE
AN APPROVED ON PUBLIC PASSENGERS WITH DRUGS
HELMET AND ROADS
OR ALCOHOL
PROTECTIVE
GEAR
NEVER
operate :
9 without proper training or instruction.9 at speeds too fast for your skills or
the conditions.9 on public roads-a collision can occur
with another vehicle.9 with a passenger-passengers affect balance
and steering and increase risk
of losing control.ALWAYS :9 use proper riding techniques to avoid
vehicle overturns on hills and rough terrainand it turns.9 avoid paved surfaces-pavement mayseriously affect handling and control.LOCATE AND READ OWNER'S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
5FE-21568-11
For Europe For Oceania
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accessories.

Choose only accessories designed for your
ATV. Your Yamaha dealer has a variety of gen-
uine Yamaha accessories. Other accessories
may also be available on the market. However,
it is not possible for Yamaha to test all non-
Yamaha accessories, nor control over their qual-
ity or suitability. Choose a genuine Yamaha ac-
cessory, or one that is equivalent in design and
quality.

Accessories should be rigidly and securely
mounted. An accessory which can shift position
or come off while you are riding could affect your
ability to control the ATV.

Do not mount an accessory where it could inter-
fere with your ability to control the ATV. Exam-
ples include (but are not limited to) a heavy or
bulky object attached to the handlebars which
could make steering difficult, an accessory that
limits your ability to move around on the seat, or
one that limits your view.

Use extra caution when riding an ATV with ac-
cessories. The ATV may handle differently than
it does without accessories.
EBU20940
Loading
As originally equipped, this ATV is not designed to
carry cargo or tow a trailer. If you choose to add ac-
cessories so that you can carry cargo or tow a trail-
er, you must use common sense and good
judgment as the stability and handling of an ATV
can be changed. When adding accessories, keep
the following points in mind:

Never exceed the weight limits shown. An over-
loaded ATV can be unstable.

If you are carrying cargo and towing a trailer, in-
clude the tongue weight in the maximum ATV
load limit.

Load cargo on the carriers as close to the center
of the ATV as possible. Put cargo at the rear of
the front carrier, at the front of the rear carrier,
and center it.

Tie down cargo securely to the carriers. Make
sure cargo in the trailer cannot move around. A
shifting load can cause an accident. MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of rider, cargo,
accessories, and tongue):
100.0 kg (220 lb)

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steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointing
the front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes, be sure not to make sharp turns either up
or down hill.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles in
your path. As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to travel.
WARNING

EWB01631
Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning on
any hill. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill
if possible.
When crossing the side of a hill:

Always follow proper procedures as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.

Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces.

Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV.CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm (14 in) in
depth. Before entering the water, choose your path
carefully. Enter where there is no sharp drop off,
and avoid rocks or other obstacles which may be
slippery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and care-
fully.WARNING

EWB01640
Never operate this ATV in fast flowing water or

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RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN
Riding over rough terrain should be done with cau-
tion. Look out for obstacles which could cause
damage to the ATV or could lead to an upset or ac-
cident. Be sure to keep your feet firmly mounted on
the footboards at all times. Avoid jumping the ATV
as loss of control and damage to the ATV may re-
sult.
WARNING

EWB01650
Before operating in a new area, check for ob-
stacles. Never attempt to ride over large obsta-
cles, such as large rocks or fallen trees. Whenyou go over obstacles, always follow proper
procedures as described in the Owner’s Manu-
al.
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or slip-
pery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If unex-
pected and uncorrected, sliding could lead to an
accident.
To reduce the tendency for the front wheels to slide
in loose or slippery conditions, positioning your
weight over the front wheels will sometimes help.
If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
1. Air filter case check hose
1

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10
*
Swingarm pivots

Check operation and for excessive play, and
replace bearings if necessary.

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√
11
*
Upper and lower
arm pivots


Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√
12 Drive chain

Check chain slack and adjust if necessary.

Check rear wheel alignment and correct if necess-
sary.

Clean and lubricate.
√√√√√
13
*
Drive chain rollers


Check for wear and replace if necessary.
√√√
14
*
Chassis fasteners


Make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened.
√√√√√
15
*
Shock absorber
assemblies


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.
√√√
16
*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivot-
ing points


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√√
17
*
Steering shaft


Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
√√√
18
*
Steering system


Check operation and repair or replace if damaged.

Check toe-in and adjust if necessary.
√√√√√
19
*
Engine mount


Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.
√√√
NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320

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Right side

EBU25100
Lubricating the steering shaft
The steering shaft must be lubricated at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
EBU25222
Battery
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. Check and, if necessary, tighten the
battery lead connections.CAUTION:

ECB00620
Never attempt to remove the battery cell seals,
as this would permanently damage the battery.WARNING
EWB02160
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, cigarettes or other sources of ig-
nition away. Ventilate when charging or using
in an enclosed space.
1. Upper grease nipple
2. Lower grease nipple
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
1
2

Light switch .................................................................... 4-2
M
Main switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-2
N
Neutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-1
O
Owner’s manual and tool kit ........................................... 8-1
P
Parking ........................................................................... 6-5
Parking brake free play, adjusting ................................ 8-27
Parking brake lever ........................................................ 4-5
Parking on a slope ......................................................... 6-6
Part locations ................................................................. 3-1
Pre-operation check list.................................................. 5-1
R
Riding your ATV ............................................................. 7-1
S
Safety information .......................................................... 1-1
Seat .............................................................................. 4-10
Shifting ........................................................................... 6-3
Shift pedal ...................................................................... 4-6
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front .......... 4-11
Spark arrester, cleaning ............................................... 8-18
Spark plug, checking ...................................................... 8-9
Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter .................................................................. 4-3
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-10
Start switch..................................................................... 4-2Steering shaft, lubricating............................................. 8-36
Storage........................................................................... 9-2
Suspension, lubricating the upper and lower arm
pivots.......................................................................... 8-35
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ........................................ 8-34
T
Tail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-42
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ................................ 8-20
Throttle lever .......................................................... 4-2
,
5-4
Tire pressure, measuring ............................................... 5-5
Tires ............................................................................... 5-4
Tire wear limit ................................................................. 5-6
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-43
Troubleshooting chart .................................................. 8-44
V
Valve clearance............................................................ 8-21
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1
W
Wheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-34
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-42
Wheel, removing .......................................................... 8-42