
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of 
a Yamaha YZ series. This model is 
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents 
the highest grade of craftsmanship 
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any 
questions about this manual or your 
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality. 
Therefore, while this manual contains 
the most current product information 
available at the time of printing, there 
may be minor discrepancies between 
your machine and this manual. If you 
have any questions concerning this 
manual, please consult your Yamaha 
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL 
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY 
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU 
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING 
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE 
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND 
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES. 
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND 
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE, 
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING 
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU 
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF 
THIS MACHINE.
IMPORTANT MANUAL 
INFORMATION
Particularly important information is 
distinguished in this manual by the 
following notations.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is 
used to alert you to potential per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safe-
ty messages that follow this 
symbol to avoid possible injury or 
death. 
A WARNING indicates a hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided, 
could result in death or serious in-
jury. 
A NOTICE indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to 
avoid damage to the vehicle or oth-
er property. 
A TIP provides key information to 
make procedures easier or clearer. 
SAFETY INFORMATION
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED 
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION 
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED 
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine 
to be operated on any public street, 
road, or highway. Off-road use on 
public lands may also be illegal. 
Please check local regulations before 
riding.
• THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OPER-
ATED BY AN EXPERIENCED RID-
ER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this ma-
chine at maximum power until you 
are totally familiar with its character-
istics.
• THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO 
BE RIDDEN BY THE OPERATOR 
ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on this 
machine.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE 
APPAREL.
When operating this machine, al-
ways wear an approved helmet with 
goggles or a face shield. Also wear 
heavy boots, gloves, and protective 
clothing. Always wear proper fitting 
clothing that will not be caught in 
any of the moving parts or controls 
of the machine.• ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MA-
CHINE IN PROPER WORKING 
ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the ma-
chine must be properly maintained. 
Always perform the pre-operation 
checks indicated in this manual. 
Correcting a mechanical problem 
before you ride may prevent an ac-
cident.
• GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE.
Always turn off the engine while re-
fueling. Take care to not spill any 
gasoline on the engine or exhaust 
system. Never refuel in the vicinity 
of an open flame, or while smoking.
• GASOLINE CAN CAUSE INJURY.
If you should swallow some gaso-
line, inhale excess gasoline vapors, 
or allow any gasoline to get into 
your eyes, contact a doctor immedi-
ately. If any gasoline spills onto 
your skin or clothing, immediately 
wash skin areas with soap and wa-
ter, and change your clothes.
• ONLY OPERATE THE MACHINE 
IN AN AREA WITH ADEQUATE 
VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it run 
for any length of time in an enclosed 
area. Exhaust fumes are poison-
ous. These fumes contain carbon 
monoxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon monox-
ide is a dangerous gas which can 
cause unconsciousness or can be 
lethal.
• PARK THE MACHINE CAREFUL-
LY; TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
Always turn off the engine if you are 
going to leave the machine. Do not 
park the machine on a slope or soft 
ground as it may fall over.
• THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE, 
MUFFLER, AND OIL TANK WILL 
BE VERY HOT AFTER THE EN-
GINE HAS BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them or to 
allow any clothing item to contact 
them during inspection or repair.
• PROPERLY SECURE THE MA-
CHINE BEFORE TRANSPORTING 
IT.
When transporting the machine in 
another vehicle, always be sure it is 
properly secured and in an upright 
position and that the fuel cock is in 
the "OFF" position. Otherwise, fuel 
may leak out of the carburetor or 
fuel tank. 

F.I.M. MACHINE WEIGHTS
Weights of machines without fuel
The minimum weights for motocross 
machines are:
for the class 125 cc:
minimum 88 kg (194 lb)
for the class 250 cc:
minimum 98 kg (216 lb)
for the class 500 cc:
minimum 102 kg (225 lb)
In modifying your machine (e.g., for 
weight reduction), take note of the 
above limits of weight.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
FINDING THE REQUIRED PAGE
1. This manual consists of seven 
chapters; "General Information", 
"Specifications", "Regular inspec-
tion and adjustments", "Engine", 
"Chassis", "Electrical" and "Tun-
ing"
2. The table of contents is at the be-
ginning of the manual. Look over 
the general layout of the book be-
fore finding then required chapter 
and item. 
Bend the book at its edge, as 
shown, to find the required fore 
edge symbol mark and go to a 
page for required item and de-
scription.
MANUAL FORMAT
All of the procedures in this manual 
are organized in a sequential, step-
by-step format. The information has 
been complied to provide the me-
chanic with an easy to read, handy 
reference that contains comprehen-
sive explanations of all disassembly, 
repair, assembly, and inspection op-
erations. 
In this revised format, the condition of 
a faulty component will precede an 
arrow symbol and the course of ac-
tion required will follow the symbol, 
e.g.,
•Bearings
Pitting/damage→Replace. 

HOW TO READ DESCRIPTIONS
To help identify parts and clarify pro-
cedure steps, there are exploded dia-
grams at the start of each removal 
and disassembly section.
1. An easy-to-see exploded diagram 
"1" is provided for removal and 
disassembly jobs.
2. Numbers "2" are given in the or-der of the jobs in the exploded di-
agram. A number that is enclosed 
by a circle indicates a disassem-
bly step.
3. An explanation of jobs and notes 
is presented in an easy-to-read 
way by the use of symbol marks 
"3". The meanings of the symbol 
marks are given on the next page.4. A job instruction chart "4" accom-
panies the exploded diagram, 
providing the order of jobs, names 
of parts, notes in jobs, etc.
5. For jobs requiring more informa-
tion, the step-by-step format sup-
plements "5" are given in addition 
to the exploded diagram and job 
instruction chart.
ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS (Refer to 
the illustration)Illustrated symbols "1" to "7" are used 
to identify the specifications appear-
ing in the text.
1. With engine mounted
2. Filling fluid
3. Lubricant
4. Special tool
5. Tightening
6. Specified value, Service limit
7. Resistance (Ω), Voltage (V), 
Electric current (A)
Illustrated symbols "8" to "14" in the 
exploded diagrams indicate grade of 
lubricant and location of lubrication 
point.
8. Apply engine mixing oil
9. Apply transmission oil
10. Apply molybdenum disulfide oil
11. Apply brake fluid
12. Apply lightweight lithium-soap 
base grease
13. Apply molybdenum disulfide 
grease
14. Apply silicone greaseIllustrated symbols "15" to "16" in the 
exploded diagrams indicate where to 
apply a locking agent and where to in-
stall new parts.
15. Apply locking agent (LOC-
TITE
®)
16. Use new one
1
23
45 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION1
SPECIFICATIONS2
REGULAR INSPECTION AND 
ADJUSTMENTS
3
ENGINE4
CHASSIS5
ELECTRICAL6
TUNING7 

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
LOCATION OF IMPORTANT 
LABELS............................ 1-1
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-5
CONSUMER 
INFORMATION................. 1-6
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-6
IMPORTANT 
INFORMATION................. 1-6
CHECKING OF 
CONNECTION .................. 1-7
SPECIAL TOOLS ............. 1-8
CONTROL 
FUNCTIONS ................... 1-11
STARTING AND 
BREAK-IN ...................... 1-12
TORQUE-CHECK 
POINTS........................... 1-13
CLEANING AND 
STORAGE ...................... 1-14
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL 
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE 
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-2
TIGHTENING TORQUES . 2-7
CABLE ROUTING 
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-12
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-
JUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE 
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION 
INSPECTION AND 
MAINTENANCE................ 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS .......................... 3-9
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-19
CHAPTER 4
ENGINE
SEAT, FUEL TANK AND 
SIDE COVERS.................. 4-1
EXHAUST PIPE AND 
SILENCER ........................ 4-3
RADIATOR ....................... 4-5
CARBURETOR AND 
REED VALVE ................... 4-7
CYLINDER HEAD, CYLIN-
DER AND PISTON ......... 4-12
CLUTCH ......................... 4-19
KICK SHAFT AND 
SHIFT SHAFT ................. 4-23
YPVS GOVERNOR......... 4-28
WATER PUMP................ 4-30
CDI MAGNETO............... 4-33
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 4-35
CRANKCASE AND 
CRANKSHAFT ............... 4-39
TRANSMISSION, SHIFT 
CAM AND SHIFT 
FORK .............................. 4-44
CHAPTER 5
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL AND 
REAR WHEEL ..................5-1
FRONT BRAKE AND 
REAR BRAKE ..................5-6
FRONT FORK .................5-16
HANDLEBAR..................5-24
STEERING ......................5-29
SWINGARM ....................5-33
REAR SHOCK 
ABSORBER ....................5-38
CHAPTER 6
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL 
COMPONENTS AND 
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........6-2
IGNITION SYSTEM...........6-3
CHAPTER 7
TUNING
ENGINE.............................7-1
CHASSIS ..........................7-6 

1-5
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Engine stop switch
3. Front brake lever
4. Throttle grip
5. Radiator cap
6. Fuel tank cap
7. Kickstarter crank
8. Fuel tank
9. Radiator
10. Coolant drain bolt
11. Check bolt (Transmission oil level)
12. Rear brake pedal
13. Valve joint14. Fuel cock
15. Air filter
16. Drive chain
17. Shift pedal
18. Starter knob
19. Front fork 

1-6
CONSUMER INFORMATION
CONSUMER INFORMATION
There are two significant reasons for 
knowing the serial number of your 
machine:
1. When ordering parts, you can 
give the number to your Yamaha 
dealer for positive identification of 
the model you own.
2. If your machine is stolen, the au-
thorities will need the number to 
search for and identify your ma-
chine.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION 
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number "1" 
is stamped on the right of the steering 
head pipe.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The engine serial number "1" is 
stamped into the elevated part of the 
right-side of the engine.
MODEL LABEL
The model label "1" is affixed to the 
frame under the rider's seat. This in-
formation will be needed to order 
spare parts.INCLUDED PARTS
DETACHABLE SIDESTAND
This sidestand "1" is used to support 
only the machine when standing or 
transporting it.
• Never apply additional force to 
the sidestand.
• Remove this sidestand before 
starting out.
VALVE JOINT
This valve joint "1" prevents fuel from 
flowing out and is installed to the fuel 
tank breather hose.
In this installation, make sure the 
arrow faces the fuel tank and also 
downward.
COLLAR (tool for YPVS)
This collar "1" is used to remove and 
install the push rod of the engine.
NIPPLE WRENCH
This nipple wrench "1" is used to 
tighten the spoke.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL 
AND DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove all dirt, mud, dust, and 
foreign material before removal 
and disassembly.
• When washing the machine with 
high pressured water, cover the 
parts follows.
Silencer exhaust port
Side cover air intake port
Crankcase cover hole at the bot-
tom
Water pump housing hole at the 
bottom
End of each hose
2. Use proper tools and cleaning 
equipment. Refer to "SPECIAL 
TOOLS" section.
3. When disassembling the ma-
chine, keep mated parts together. 
They include gears, cylinders, 
pistons, and other mated parts 
that have been "mated" through 
normal wear. Mated parts must 
be reused as an assembly or re-
placed. 

1-11
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
ENGINE STOP SWITCH
The engine stop switch "1" is located 
on the left handlebar. Continue push-
ing the engine stop switch till the en-
gine comes to a stop.
CLUTCH LEVER
The clutch lever "1" is located on the 
left handlebar; it disengages or en-
gages the clutch. Pull the clutch lever 
to the handlebar to disengage the 
clutch, and release the lever to en-
gage the clutch. The lever should be 
pulled rapidly and released slowly for 
smooth starts.
SHIFT PEDAL
The gear ratios of the constant-mesh 
6 speed transmission are ideally 
spaced. The gears can be shifted by 
using the shift pedal "1" on the left 
side of the engine.KICKSTARTER CRANK
Rotate the kickstarter crank "1" away 
from the engine. Push the starter 
down lightly with your foot until the 
gears engage, then kick smoothly 
and forcefully to start the engine. This 
model has a primary kickstarter crank 
so the engine can be started in any 
gear if the clutch is disengaged. In 
normal practices, however, shift to 
neutral before starting.
THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip "1" is located on the 
right handlebar; it accelerates or de-
celerates the engine. For accelera-
tion, turn the grip toward you; for 
deceleration, turn it away from you.
FRONT BRAKE LEVER
The front brake lever "1" is located on 
the right handlebar. Pull it toward the 
handlebar to activate the front brake.
REAR BRAKE PEDAL
The rear brake pedal "1" is located on 
the right side of the machine. Press 
down on the brake pedal to activate 
the rear brake.FUEL COCK
The fuel cock supplies fuel from the 
tank to carburetor and also filters the 
fuel. The fuel cock has the two posi-
tions:
OFF:
With the lever in this position, fuel will 
not flow. Always return the lever to 
this position when the engine is not 
running.
ON:
With the lever in this position, fuel 
flows to the carburetor. Normal riding 
is done with the lever in this position.
STARTER KNOB (CHOKE)
When cold, the engine requires a 
richer air-fuel mixture for starting. A 
separate starter circuit, which is con-
trolled by the starter knob "1", sup-
plies this mixture. Pull the starter 
knob out to open the circuit for start-
ing. When the engine has warmed 
up, push it in to close the circuit.