Page 5 of 134

EBU17170
INTRODUCTION
EBU17322Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YFM25RZ/YFM250RZ. This ATV represents the result of
many years of Yamaha experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing ma-
chines. With the purchase of this Yamaha, you can now appreciate the high degree of craftsmanship and
reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will provide you with a good basic understanding of the features and operation of this ATV.
This manual includes important safety information. It provides information about special tech-
niques and skills necessary to ride the ATV. It also includes basic maintenance and inspection proce-
dures. If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your ATV, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:Read this manual completely before operating your ATV. Make sure you understand all instructions.Pay close attention to the warning and notice labels on the ATV.This ATV should not be ridden by anyone under 16 years of age.This ATV is a high-performance ATV for off-road use only, for sport-type recreational and competitive use
by experienced operators.
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Page 6 of 134
EBU17330
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EBU17342FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS IN-
JURY OR DEATH.
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
* Product and specifications are subject to change without notice.This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this sym-
bol to avoid possible injury or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIPU1BT60E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, April 15, 2009 1:13 PM
Page 8 of 134

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ...................................................... 3-1
Right view.................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ............................ 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ................................................ 4-1
Indicator light .............................................. 4-2
Handlebar switches .................................... 4-2
Throttle lever .............................................. 4-3
Speed limiter .............................................. 4-4
Clutch lever ................................................ 4-4
Brake lever ................................................. 4-5
Brake pedal ................................................ 4-5
Parking brake lever .................................... 4-6
Shift pedal .................................................. 4-7
Fuel tank cap .............................................. 4-7
Fuel ............................................................ 4-8Fuel cock ....................................................4-9
Starter (choke) ..........................................4-11
Seat ..........................................................4-11
Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ..............................................4-12
Adjusting the rear shock absorber
assembly .................................................4-13
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Fuel .............................................................5-3
Engine oil ....................................................5-3
Front and rear brakes .................................5-3
Throttle lever ...............................................5-3
Drive chain ..................................................5-4
Tires ............................................................5-4
Chassis fasteners .......................................5-6
Instruments, lights and switches .................5-6
OPERATION...................................................6-1
Starting a cold engine .................................6-1
Starting a warm engine ...............................6-2
Shifting ........................................................6-3
Engine break-in ...........................................6-4
Parking ........................................................6-5U1BT60E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, April 15, 2009 1:13 PM
Page 11 of 134
1-1
1
EBU29680
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND SPECIFICATION LABELS
EBU27153Read 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.
For Europe
2 1
4 3
7
5 86
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1-8
1
3B4-2151H-00
WARNINGNEVER ride as a
passenger.Passengers can cause
a loss of control,
resulting in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH.
WARNING
Improper ATV use can result in SEVERE
INJURY or DEATH.ALWAYS USE
NEVER USE
NEVER CARRY NEVER USE
A N A P PROV E D O N P UB L IC PASSENGERS W IT H D RU G S
HELMET AND ROADS
OR ALCOHOL
PROTECTIVE
GEAR
NEVER
operate :
without proper training or instruction. at speeds too fast for your skills or
the conditions. on public roads-a collision can occur
with another vehicle. with a passenger-passengers affect balance
and steering and increase risk
of losing control.ALWAYS : use proper riding techniques to avoid
vehicle overturns on hills and rough terrainand it turns. avoid paved surfaces-pavement mayseriously affect handling and control.LOCATE AND READ OWNER'S MANUAL.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
5FE-21568-11
12
3
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1-9
1
4AA-22259-40
WARNING
OPERATING TIRE PRESSURE : Set with tires cold
Recommended
: Front
: 27.5
kPa,
Rear
: 27.5
kPa,
Minimum
: Front
: 24.5
kPa,
Rear
: 24.5
kPa,
Never set tire pressure below minimum.
It could cause the tire to dislodge from the rim.LOADINGMaximum weight capacity:
100 kg,(220 lbs).
Includes weight of operator, cargo and accessories.Improper tire pressure or overloading can cause
loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
4.0 psi
4.0 psi
3.6 psi
3.6 psi(
()
()
())
4D3-2816M-00
45
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Page 22 of 134

2-3
2speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight up-
hill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in this manual.
Always check for obstacles before operating in a
new area.Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles as described in this manual.Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such as
ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in
water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.
Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.
WARNING
EWB00071Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nau-
sea, confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas which may be present even if you
do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
and you can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can linger for hours or days in en-
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2-4
2 closed or poorly ventilated areas. If you experi-
ence any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.
Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to
ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open
windows and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or par-
tially enclosed areas such as barns, garages,
or carports.Do not run engine outdoors where engine
exhaust can be drawn into a building
through openings such as windows and
doors.
WARNING
EWB02591When transporting the ATV in another vehicle,
be sure it is kept upright and that the fuel cock
is in the “OFF” position. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out of the carburetor or fuel tank.U1BT60E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, April 15, 2009 1:13 PM