2008 YAMAHA YZ85 service

INTRODUCTION
EAU41541
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YZ85(X)/YZ85LW(X). This model is the result of Yamaha’s vast experience
in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of the operation, inspection, and basic maintenance of this motorcycle. If you
have any questions concerning the operation or maintenance of your motorcycle, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:

READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOTORCYCLE. MAKE SURE YOU UNDER-
STAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.


PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WARNING AND CAUTION LABELS ON THE MOTORCYCLE.


NEVER OPERATE A MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING OR INSTRUCTION.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This motorcycle is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this motorcycle, you should understand the instructions and warn-
ings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them. Children differ in skills, physical abil-
ities, and judgment. Some children may not be able to operate a motorcycle safely. Parents should supervise their child’s
use of the motorcycle at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they determine that the child has the ability to
operate the motorcycle safely.
MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT UPON
THE USE OF PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EXPERTISE OF THE OPERATOR. EVERY OPERA-
TOR SHOULD KNOW THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS BEFORE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:


OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUCTIONS FROM A COMPETENT SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF MOTORCYCLE
OPERATION.


OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IN THE OWNER’S MANUAL.


OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.


OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED BY THE OWNER’S MANUAL AND/OR WHEN
MADE NECESSARY BY MECHANICAL CONDITIONS.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
NOTE:Although the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.
WARNING
EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.

Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinder.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.


Always have a Yamaha dealerservice the shock absorber.
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(X)
9 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(X)
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
U5PA86E0.book Page 11 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-6
6
EAU42011
NOTE:

Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid levels.
√ √√
√ 24*Drive chain roller and
support guideReplace if necessary. Check for wear or damage.
√
25*Rear suspensionCheck operation and tighten if necessary.
Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease
.
NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-inEvery
raceEvery
third raceEvery
fifth raceAs
required
√
√
√
√ √ √
√ √√ √
√
√
√
√
√ 26*Steering headCheck operation, free play, and tighten if necessary.
Clean and lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
Replace bearings.
27*Tires and wheelsCheck tire air pressure, wheel runout, spokes for
looseness, and tires for wear.
Tighten sprocket bolts if necessary.
Check wheel bearings for looseness.
Lubricate wheel bearings with lithium-soap-based
grease.
Replace wheel bearings.
28*Moving parts and ca-
blesLubricate.
29*Throttle grip housing
and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
6
NOTE:Using the alignment marks on each
chain puller, make sure that both chain
pullers are in the same position forproper 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 thespecified limits.3. Tighten both locknuts and the axle
nut to the specified torques.
EAU23013
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.CAUTION:
ECA10581
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle andriding in the rain.
1. Remove all dirt and mud from the
drive chain with a brush or cloth.NOTE:For a thorough cleaning, have a
Yamaha dealer remove the drive chainand soak it in solvent.
2. Spray Yamaha Chain and Cable
Lube or a high-quality spray-type
drive chain lubricant on both sides
and on the middle of the chain,
1. Axle nut
2. Locknut
3. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
4. Alignment marks
Tightening torques:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
90 Nm (9.0 m·kgf, 65 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-27
6
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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.
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 placinga jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-28
6
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Front wheel
EAU41340
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


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


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-27.
3. Remove the axle nut and washer.4. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
EAU41420
To install the front wheel
1. Lift the wheel up between the fork
legs.
2. Insert the wheel axle from the right
side.
3. Lower the front wheel so that it is
on the ground.
4. Install the washer and axle nut,
and then tighten the axle nut to the
specified torque.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU41311
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


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


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-27.
3. Loosen the locknut and drive chain
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm.
4. Remove the axle nut and washer.
1. Washer
2. Axle nut
1. Wheel axleTightening torque:
Axle nut:
70 Nm (7.0 m·kgf, 50 ft·lbf)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-30
63. Install the washer and axle nut,
and then lower the rear wheel so
that it is on the ground.
4. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See
page 6-21.)
5. Tighten the axle nut to the speci-
fied torque.
EAU25870
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
90 Nm (9.0 m·kgf, 65 ft·lbf)
U5PA86E0.book Page 30 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM