INTRODUCTION
EAU10102
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the YBR250, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the design
and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your YBR250. The Owner’s Manual
does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and
others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition. If you have any
further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur-
rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this
manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10031
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this motorcycle.
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10132
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 personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety 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 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
NOTICETIP
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TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-1
Indicator and warning lights ............3-2
Speedometer ..................................3-3
Tachometer ....................................3-3
Multi-function display ......................3-3
Handlebar switches ........................3-5
Clutch lever .....................................3-6
Shift pedal .......................................3-6
Brake lever .....................................3-6
Brake pedal ....................................3-7
Fuel tank cap ..................................3-7
Fuel .................................................3-8
Catalytic converter ..........................3-9
Seat ..............................................3-10
Helmet holder ...............................3-10
Storage compartment ...................3-11
Adjusting the shock absorber
assemblies ................................3-11
Luggage strap holders ..................3-12
Sidestand ......................................3-12
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........3-13FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-2
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-3
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-2
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-3
Removing and installing the
cowling and panels ..................... 6-6
Checking the spark plug ................. 6-7
Engine oil and oil filter element ...... 6-9
Cleaning the air filter element ...... 6-11
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-12
Checking the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-12
Valve clearance ............................ 6-13
Tires ............................................. 6-13
Cast wheels .................................. 6-15Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-15
Adjusting the brake pedal position
and free play ............................. 6-16
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ....................................... 6-17
Checking the front brake pads
and rear brake shoes ............... 6-17
Checking the front brake fluid
level .......................................... 6-18
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-19
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-19
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain ................................ 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals .............. 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............ 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-23
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-24
Checking the front fork ................. 6-24
Checking the steering .................. 6-25
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-25
Battery ......................................... 6-25
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-27
Replacing the headlight bulb ....... 6-28U5D1E1E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 5, 2008 1:17 PM
1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10283
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent 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 mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks each
time you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 4-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.
This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator and a passenger.
The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.
Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent motorcycle license.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your
motorcycle to other qualified op-
erators.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.
Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10460
Main switch/steering lock The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.
EAU10570
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight and
auxiliary light come on, and the engine
can be started. The key cannot be re-
moved.TIPThe headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays onuntil the key is turned to “OFF”.
EAU10661
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING
EWA10061
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result inloss of control or an accident.
EAU10691
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left or right.
2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po-
sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.
OFF ON
LOCK
1. Push.
2. Turn.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3To unlock the steering
Push the key into the main switch, and
then turn it to “OFF” while still pushing
it.
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Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights“”
and“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11350
Fuel level warning light“”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
4.5 L (1.19 US gal, 0.99 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
EAU11471
Engine trouble warning light“”
This warning light comes on or flashes
if an electrical circuit monitoring the en-
gine is not working correctly. If this oc-
curs, have a Yamaha dealer check the
self-diagnosis system.
1. Push.
2. Turn.
1. Turn signal indicator light“”
2. Neutral indicator light“”
3. High beam indicator light“”
4. Fuel level warning light“”
5. Engine trouble warning light“”
Km/h
20 406080100
120
140
160
N
x1000r/min
10 456
7
8
9 3
2
1
Km
11
RESET SELECT
TRIP
ODO2
3
5
1
4 1
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
TIPBe sure to turn the key to “ON” before
using the “SELECT” and “RESET” but-tons.
Odometer, tripmeter and clock
modes
Pushing the “SELECT” button switches
the display between the odometer
mode “ODO” and the tripmeter modes
“TRIP 1”, “TRIP 2” and the clock mode
in the following order:
ODO → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → clock →
ODO
If the fuel level warning light comes on
(see page 3-2), the odometer display
will automatically change to the fuel re-
serve tripmeter mode “F-TRIP” and
start counting the distance traveled
from that point. In that case, pushing
the “SELECT” button switches the dis-
play between the various tripmeter,
odometer and clock modes in the fol-
lowing order:
F-TRIP → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → clock →
ODO → F-TRIPTo reset a tripmeter, select it by push-
ing the “SELECT” button, and then
push the “RESET” button for at least
one second. If you do not reset the fuel
reserve tripmeter manually, it will reset
itself automatically and the display will
return to the prior mode after refueling
and traveling 5 km (3 mi).
Clock mode
To set the clock:
1. Push the “SELECT” button and
“RESET” button together for at
least two seconds.
2. When the hour digits start flashing,
push the “RESET” button to set the
hours.
3. Push the “SELECT” button, and
the minute digits will start flashing.
4. Push the “RESET” button to set
the minutes.
5. Push the “SELECT” button and
then release it to start the clock.
Fuel meter
With the key in the “ON” position, the
fuel meter indicates the amount of fuel
in the fuel tank. The display segmentsof the fuel meter disappear towards “E”
(Empty) as the fuel level decreases.
When the fuel level reaches the bottom
segment near “E”, the fuel level warn-
ing indicator and the bottom segment
will flash. Refuel as soon as possible.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-7
3
EAU12941
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
EAU13022
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap
Insert the key into the lock and turn it
1/4 turn clockwise. The lock will be re-
leased and the fuel tank cap can be re-
moved.
To install the fuel tank cap
1. Insert the fuel tank cap into the
tank opening with the key inserted
in the lock and with the“” mark
facing forward.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, and then re-
move it.
TIPThe fuel tank cap cannot be installed
unless the key is in the lock. In addition,
the key cannot be removed if the cap isnot properly installed and locked.
WARNING
EWA10131
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly installed before riding.Leaking fuel is a fire hazard.
1. Brake pedal
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