2009 YAMAHA WR 250R wheel

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU21940
Spoke wheels
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage, and
the spokes for looseness or dam-
age before each ride. If any dam-
age is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the wheel. Do not
attempt even the smallest repair to
the wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.

The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.

Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU22034
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play
The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Slide the rubber cover back at the
clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). Todecrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt in direction
(b).
TIP

If the specified clutch lever free play
could be obtained as described above,
skip steps 4–7.
4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a) to loosen the clutch ca-
ble.
5. Loosen the locknut further down
the clutch cable.
6. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the clutch lever free play
1. Clutch lever free play
2. Locknut (clutch lever)
3. Adjusting bolt (clutch lever)
4. Rubber cover
3 2
1
(a)(b)
4

1. Locknut (clutch cable)
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
(clutch cable)
12
(a)
(b)

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EAU22731
Changing the brake fluid
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the TIP after the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. In addition, have
the oil seals of the master cylinders and
calipers as well as the brake hoses re-
placed at the intervals listed below or
whenever they are damaged or leak-
ing.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.

Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU22760
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU47221
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side-
stand.
TIP

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. Push on the drive chain at the cen-
ter point between the chain ten-
sioner and the chain support
mounting bolt with a force of 50 N
(5.0 kgf, 36 lbf).
4. Measure drive chain slack be-
tween the swingarm and the top of
the chain link closest to the swing-
arm as shown.5. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU22943
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
drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in direc-
tion (a). To loosen the drive chain,
turn the adjusting bolt on each side
of the swingarm in direction (b),
and then push the rear wheel for-
ward.
NOTICE:
Improper drive
chain slack will overload the en-

Drive chain slack:
8.0–13.0 mm (0.31–0.51 in)
1. Drive chain slack
2. Chain support mounting bolt
3. Chain tensioner
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9 gine 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 with-
in the specified limits.

[ECA10571]

TIP

Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both chain pullers are in the same posi-
tion for proper wheel alignment.
3. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque.
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 and
riding 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 they
1. Axle nut
2. Locknut
3. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
4. Alignment marks
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(b)
(a)

Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
125 Nm (12.5 m·kgf, 90.4 ft·lbf)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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 6-36 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.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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.
EAU46340
Battery
The battery is located behind panel D.
(See page 6-7.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, securely
fastened.
WARNING

EWA10760

Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severeburns. 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-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
1. Negative battery lead (black)
2. Positive battery lead (red)
3. Battery
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pull-
ing it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the socket (together with the
bulb) by pushing it in.
6. Install the license plate light unit by
installing the screws.

EAU45222
Replacing an auxiliary light
bulb
If the auxiliary light bulb burns out, re-
place it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit. (See
page 6-33.)
2. Remove the auxiliary light socket
(together with the bulb) by pulling it
out.
3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pull-
ing it out.
4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the auxiliary light socket (to-
gether with the bulb) by pushing it
in.
6. Install the headlight unit.
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 the

1. License plate light unit
2. License plate light bulb socket
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1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.

EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU45161
To remove the front wheel
WARNING

EWA10821
To avoid injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no danger of it
falling over.
1. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolts and axle nut.
2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-36.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
NOTICE:
Do
not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed to-
gether with the brake disc, oth-
erwise the brake pads will be
forced shut.

[ECA11071]

EAU46700
To install the front wheel
1. Lift the wheel up between the fork
legs.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Axle nut
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1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Wheel axle
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TIP

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 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
EAU45181
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING

EWA10821
To avoid injury, securely support the
vehicle so 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 6-36.
3. Remove the axle nut and washer.
4. Loosen the locknut and drive chain
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm.5. While supporting the brake caliper,
pull the wheel axle out.
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)
1. Axle nut
2. Washer
3. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
4. Locknut
5. Brake caliper
1. Wheel axle
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