2009 YAMAHA WR 250X engine

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU45322
Adjusting the engine idling
speed
The engine idling speed must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted as
follows.
TIP

A digital tachometer is needed to make
this adjustment.
1. Position the digital tachometer at
the ignition coil, which is located in
the spark plug cap.
2. Check the engine idling speed
and, if necessary, adjust it to spec-
ification by turning the idle adjust-
ing screw. To increase the engine
idling speed, turn the screw in di-
rection (a). To decrease the en-
gine idling speed, turn the screw in
direction (b).
TIP

If the specified idling speed cannot be
obtained as described above, have a
Yamaha dealer make the adjustment.
EAU21382
Checking the throttle cable
free play
The throttle cable free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
throttle grip. Periodically check the
throttle cable free play and, if neces-
sary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.
1. Idle adjusting screw
Engine idling speed:
1450–1650 r/min1
(b)
(a)

1. Throttle cable free play
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU21401
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21641
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING

EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING

EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm
2

, 29 psi)
Rear:
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm
2

, 29 psi)
90–185 kg (198–408 lb):
Front:
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm
2

, 29 psi)
Rear:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2

, 33 psi)
Maximum load*:
185 kg (408 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9gine 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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9 may 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]

EAU23111
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable
The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil

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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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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
12

1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1

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EAU42131
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.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
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
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.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9Engine 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 hissing
sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIP

If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as 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.