2009 YAMAHA WR 125R engine

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
6
EAU23023
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.NOTICE
ECA10581
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle andriding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging
the O-rings, do not clean the
drive chain with steam cleaners,
high-pressure washers or inap-
propriate solvents.
[ECA11121]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant. NOTICE: Do not use
engine oil or any other lubri-
cants for the drive chain, as theymay contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
[ECA11111]EAU23101
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
sheath may interfere with proper ca-
ble operation and will cause the in-
ner cable to rust. Replace a
damaged cable as soon as possible
to prevent unsafe conditions.
[EWA10721]
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
U22BE0E0.book Page 23 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-26
6
EAU23272
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
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. WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-pair it.
EAU23283
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. (See page 6-32 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoid injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no danger
of it falling over.
[EWA10751]
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.
U22BE0E0.book Page 26 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6
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.
EAU24360
Front wheel
EAUM2632
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10821
To avoid injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no danger of itfalling over.
1. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolts, then the wheel axle and the
brake caliper bolts.1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Wheel axle
3. Speed sensor cable holder
U22BE0E0.book Page 32 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-37
6
EAUM2441
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wet
Dry
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.The battery is good.
Check the electrolyte and battery
lead connections, and charge the
battery if necessary.The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
U22BE0E0.book Page 37 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
6Engine overheating
WARNING
EWA10400


Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.


After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissingsound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolantas soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
U22BE0E0.book Page 38 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
7
EAU26004
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
motorcycle 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
NOTICE
ECA10772


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.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
oughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water
may be used. Be sure to rinseoff any detergent residue using
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.


Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact 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.
U22BE0E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7Test 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.
TIPSalt sprayed on roads in the winter mayremain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]
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 stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved 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.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.


If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-nering behavior.
U22BE0E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7
NOTICE
ECA10800


Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.


Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.


Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wearaway the paint.
TIP

Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.


Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from thelens.
EAU43201
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.NOTICE
ECA10810


Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.


To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinder, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap
and spark plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into the spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto
the spark plug, and then place
the spark plug on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder wall with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap
from the spark plug, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap. WARNING! To
prevent damage or injury
from sparking, make sure to
ground the spark plug elec-
trodes while turning the en-
gine over.
[EWA10951]
4. Lubricate all control cables and the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
U22BE0E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:00 AM