2011 YAMAHA YFM250R-W tires

7-13
7
WARNING
EWB01720Always open the throttle gradually and release
the clutch lever slowly. Otherwise, the ATV
could wheelie which would increase thechance of an accident.NOTICEECB00230Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-cur.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.
WARNING
EWB01560Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too highcould cause the wheels to stop rotating.TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning technique must be
used to allow the ATV to make turns quickly and
easily. It is essential that this skill be learned first at
low speed.
WARNING
EWB01570Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fastfor your skills or the conditions.
As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As you
do so, put your weight on the footboard to the out-
side of the turn (opposite your desired direction)
and lean your upper body into the turn. Use the
throttle to maintain an even speed through the turn.
This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside of
the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make the
turn properly.
U33B70E0.book Page 13 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

7-20
7
WARNING
EWB01640Never operate this ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that specified in your
Owner’s 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 lin-
ings. If the ATV is operated through deep or
fast flowing water, the tires may float, causing
loss of traction and loss of control, whichcould lead to an accident.
Test your brakes after leaving the water. Do not
continue to ride your ATV without verifying that you
have regained proper braking ability.U33B70E0.book Page 20 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

8-5
8
EBU21864General maintenance and lubrication chart NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320
1 Air filter elementClean and replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours (more often in wet or
dusty areas)
2*ClutchCheck operation and adjust if necessary.√ √√√
3*Front brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4*Rear brakeCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6*Parking brakeCheck operation and adjust if necessary.√√√√√
7*WheelsCheck runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.√ √√√
8*TiresCheck tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.
Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.√ √√√
9*Wheel hub bearingsCheck for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.√ √√√
U33B70E0.book Page 5 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

8-29
8
TIPIf the specified free play cannot be obtained as de-
scribed above or if the clutch does not operate cor-
rectly, have a Yamaha dealer check the internalclutch mechanism.EBUM0200Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be checked before
each ride and adjusted if necessary.
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive chain
slack, there should be no weight on the ATV andall tires must be touching the ground.
2. Move the ATV back and forth to locate the
tightest portion of the drive chain, and then
measure the drive chain slack as shown.3. If the drive chain slack is incorrect, adjust it as
follows.
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Loosen the rear axle pinch bolts.
3. Insert a rod of a diameter of 8 mm (0.3 in) and
a length of 10 cm (4 in) into one of the holes in
the drive chain tensioner as shown.
Drive chain slack:
45.0–55.0 mm (1.77–2.17 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1
U33B70E0.book Page 29 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

9-3
9 b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the
spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the spark
plug, and then place the spark plug on the
cylinder head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit sparking during
the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the
starter. (This will coat the cylinder wall with
oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap from the spark
plug, and then install the spark plug and
the spark plug cap.
6. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting
points of all levers and pedals.
7. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air
pressure, and then block up the ATV so that
all of its wheels are off the ground. Alternative-
ly, turn the wheels a little every month in order
to prevent the tires from becoming degraded
in one spot.
8. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag to
prevent moisture from entering it.
9. Remove the battery and fully charge it. Store
it in a cool, dry place and charge it once a
month. Do not store the battery in an exces-sively cold or warm place [less than 0 °C (30
°F) or more than 30 °C (90 °F)]. For more in-
formation on storing the battery, see page
8-36.
TIPMake any necessary repairs before storing theATV.
U33B70E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

10-3
10
Front tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size:
AT21 x 7-10
Manufacturer/model:
MAXXIS/C9207Rear tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size:
AT20 x 10-9
Manufacturer/model:
MAXXIS/M976Loading:Maximum loading limit:
100.0 kg (220 lb)
(Total weight of rider, cargo, accessories, and tongue)Tire air pressure (measured on cold tires):Recommended:
Front:
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Rear:
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Minimum:
Front:
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm², 3.6 psi)
Rear:
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm², 3.6 psi)
Front wheel:Wheel type:
Panel wheel
Rim size:
10 x 5.5ATRear wheel:Wheel type:
Panel wheel
Rim size:
9 x 8.5ATFront brake:Type:
Dual disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4Front suspension:Type:
Double wishbone
Spring/shock absorber type:
YFM250RSE-W Coil spring/gas-oil damper
YFM250R-W Coil spring/oil damper
U33B70E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

LLabel locations ............................................................... 2-1
Light switch .................................................................... 4-4MMain switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-2NNeutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-2OOwner’s manual and tool kit ........................................... 8-1PParking ........................................................................... 6-5
Parking brake free play, adjusting ................................ 8-26
Parking brake lever ........................................................ 4-8
Parking on a slope ......................................................... 6-6
Part locations ................................................................. 3-1
Pre-operation check list ................................................. 5-1RRiding your ATV ............................................................. 7-1SSafety information .......................................................... 1-1
Seat .............................................................................. 4-14
Shifting ........................................................................... 6-3
Shift pedal ...................................................................... 4-9
Shift pedal, checking .................................................... 8-34
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front
(YFM250RSE-W) ....................................................... 4-15
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front
(YFM250R-W) ........................................................... 4-14Shock absorber assembly, adjusting the rear
(YFM250RSE-W) ....................................................... 4-22
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting the rear
(YFM250R-W) ........................................................... 4-20
Spark arrester, cleaning ............................................... 8-17
Spark plug, checking ..................................................... 8-8
Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter .................................................................. 4-5
Speedometer ................................................................. 4-2
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-12
Start switch .................................................................... 4-3
Steering lock ................................................................ 4-13
Steering shaft, lubricating ............................................ 8-35
Storage .......................................................................... 9-2
Suspension, lubricating the upper and lower arm
pivots ......................................................................... 8-34
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ........................................ 8-34
TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-40
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ................................ 8-20
Throttle lever ........................................................... 4-4, 5-4
Tire pressure, measuring ............................................... 5-5
Tires ............................................................................... 5-4
Tire wear limit ................................................................ 5-6
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-43
Troubleshooting chart .................................................. 8-44
Turn signal indicator light ............................................... 4-2
Turn signal light bulb, replacing ................................... 8-40
Turn signal switch .......................................................... 4-4VValve clearance ........................................................... 8-20
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1
U33B70E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM