INTRODUCTIONAN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This motorcycle is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this motorcycle, you should understand the instructions and warn-
ings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them. Children differ in skills, physical abil-
ities, and judgment. Some children may not be able to operate a motorcycle safely. Parents should supervise their child’s
use of the motorcycle at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they determine that the child has the ability to
operate the motorcycle safely.
Motorcycles are single track vehicles. Their safe use and operation are dependent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of the operator. Every operator should know the following requirements before
riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:
Obtain thorough instructions from a competent source on all aspects of motorcycle operation.
Observe the warnings and maintenance requirements in this Owner’s Manual.
Obtain qualified training in safe and proper riding techniques.
Obtain professional technical service as indicated in this Owner’s Manual and/or when made necessary by mechanical
conditions.
U5PA88E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-11
4
Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (b).
TIPTo obtain a precise adjustment, it is ad-
visable to check the actual total number
of clicks or turns of each damping forceadjusting mechanism. This adjustment
range may not exactly match the spec-
ifications listed due to small differences
in production.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.
Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.
Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.
Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.
Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(Z)
6 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(Z)
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(Z)
9 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(Z)
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
U5PA88E0.book Page 11 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-3
6
EAU41503
Engine break-in
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with a break-in oil-fuel
mixture as follows.
2. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the operation of the controls
and the engine stop button. (See
page 4-1.)
3. Operate the motorcycle in the low-
er gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes. Stop
the engine and check the sparkplug condition (see page 7-8); it
will show a rich condition during
break-in.
4. Allow the engine to cool. Restart
the engine and operate the motor-
cycle as in the step above for five
minutes. Then, very briefly shift to
the higher gears and check the
full-throttle response. Stop the en-
gine and check the spark plug.
5. After again allowing the engine to
cool, restart and run the motorcy-
cle for five more minutes. Full
throttle and the higher gears may
be used, but sustained full-throttle
operation should be avoided. Stop
the engine and check the spark
plug again.
6. Allow the engine to cool, remove
the cylinder head and cylinder, and
inspect the piston and cylinder.
Remove any high spots on the pis-
ton with #600-grit wet sandpaper.
Clean all components and careful-
ly reassemble the cylinder head
and cylinder.
7. Drain the break-in oil-fuel mixture
from the fuel tank and refill with the
specified mix. (See page 4-3.)8. Start the engine and check the op-
eration of the motorcycle through-
out its entire operating range. Stop
the engine and check the spark
plug condition. Restart the motor-
cycle and ride it for about 10 to 15
more minutes. The motorcycle will
now be ready to ride normally.
After the engine break-in period, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-
justments thoroughly, especially cable
and drive chain slack and loose
spokes. In addition, check all fittings
and fasteners for looseness, and tight-
en if necessary.
NOTICE
ECA15560
When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
Cylinder or crankshaft:
About one hour of break-in op-
eration is necessary.
Piston, rings or transmission
gears:
Recommended 2-stroke engine oil:
See page 9-1.
Mixing ratio (gasoline to oil):
15:1
U5PA88E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-1
7
EAU17241
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, depending on the
weather, terrain, geographical location,
and individual use, the maintenance in-
tervals may need to be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15121
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.
A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 2-1 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.
U5PA88E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-6
7
EAU42011
TIP
Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid levels.
√ √√
√ 24*Drive chain roller and
support guideReplace if necessary. Check for wear or damage.
√
25*Rear suspensionCheck operation and tighten if necessary.
Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease
.
NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-inEvery
raceEvery
third raceEvery
fifth raceAs
required
√
√
√
√ √ √
√ √√ √
√
√
√
√
√ 26*Steering headCheck operation, free play, and tighten if necessary.
Clean and lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
Replace bearings.
27*Tires and wheelsCheck tire air pressure, wheel runout, spokes for
looseness, and tires for wear.
Tighten sprocket bolts if necessary.
Check wheel bearings for looseness.
Lubricate wheel bearings with lithium-soap-based
grease.
Replace wheel bearings.
28*Moving parts and ca-
blesLubricate.
29*Throttle grip housing
and cableCheck operation and free play.
Adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary.
Lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-22
7to chain slippage or breakage.
To prevent this from occurring,
keep the drive chain slack with-
in the specified limits.
[ECA10571]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
drive chain puller, make sure that both
drive chain pullers are in the same po-
sition for proper wheel alignment.3. Tighten both locknuts and the axle
nut to the specified torques.
EAU23015
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
ECA10582
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle and
riding in the rain or wet areas.1. Remove all dirt and mud from the
drive chain with a brush or cloth.TIPFor a thorough cleaning, have a
Yamaha dealer remove the drive chain
and soak it in solvent.2. Spray Yamaha Chain and Cable
Lube or a high-quality spray-type
drive chain lubricant on the entire
chain, making sure that all side
plates and rollers have been suffi-
ciently oiled.
1. Axle nut
2. Drive chain puller
3. Locknut
4. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
5. Alignment marks
54 3 2
Tightening torques:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
90 Nm (9.0 m·kgf, 65 ft·lbf)
U5PA88E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-26
7
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 7-26 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.
EAU23291
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.
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
U5PA88E0.book Page 26 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-29
7 2. Install the wheel and the brake cal-
iper bracket by inserting the wheel
axle from the right-hand side.
TIP
Make sure that the slot in the brake
caliper bracket is fit over the retain-
er on the swingarm.
Make sure that there is enough
space between the brake pads be-
fore installing the wheel.
3. Install the washer and axle nut.
4. Lower the rear wheel so that it is
on the ground, install the remov-
able sidestand, and then rest the
motorcycle on it.5. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See
page 7-21.)
6. Tighten the locknuts and the axle
nut to their specified torques.
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from water
1. Retainer
2. Slot
21
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
90 Nm (9.0 m·kgf, 65 ft·lbf)
U5PA88E0.book Page 29 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:44 AM