2011 YAMAHA YZ125LC ESP

1-12
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Mix oil with the gas at the ratio speci-
fied below. Always use fresh, name-
brand gasoline, and mix the oil and gas
the day of the race. Do not use premix
that is more than a few hours old.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
Never mix two types of oil in the
same batch; clotting of the oil
could result. If you wish to change
oil types, be sure to drain the fuel
tank and the carburetor float bowl
of old premix prior to filling with
the new type.
HANDLING NOTE
Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes are
poisonous; they can cause loss of
consciousness and death in a very
short time. Always operate the ma-
chine in a well-ventilated area.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Shift the transmission into neutral.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON" and full
open the starter knob (CHOKE).
3. With the throttle completely
closed start the engine by kicking
the kick starter forcefully with firm
stroke.
4. Run the engine at idle or slightly
higher until it warms up: this usu-
ally takes about one or two min-
utes.
5. The engine is warmed up when it
responds normally to the throttle
with the starter knob (CHOKE)
turned off.
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the starter knob
(CHOKE). Open the throttle slightly
and start the engine by kicking the
kick starter forcefully with firm stroke.
Observe the following break-in
procedures during initial operation
to ensure optimum performance
and avoid engine damage.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with a break-in oil-fuel
mixture as follows.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks
on the machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the idle speed, and check
the operation of the controls and
the "ENGINE STOP" button.
4. Operate the machine in the lower
gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes. Stop
and check the spark plug condi-
tion; it will show a rich condition
during break-in.5. Allow the engine to cool. Restart
the engine and operate the ma-
chine as in the step above for five
minutes. Then, very briefly shift to
the higher gears and check full-
throttle response. Stop and check
the spark plug.
6. After again allowing the engine to
cool, restart and run the machine
for five more minutes. Full throttle
and the higher gears may be
used, but sustained full-throttle
operation should be avoided.
Check the spark plug condition.
7. Allow the engine to cool, remove
the top end, and inspect the pis-
ton and cylinder. Remove any
high spots on the piston with #600
grit wet sandpaper. Clean all
components and carefully reas-
semble the top end.
8. Drain the break-in oil-fuel mixture
from the fuel tank and refill with
the specified mix.
9. Restart the engine and check the
operation of the machine through-
out its entire operating range.
Stop and check the spark plug
condition. Restart the machine
and operate it for about 10 to 15
more minutes. The machine will
now be ready to race.
• After the break-in or before each
race, you must check the entire
machine for loose fittings and
fasteners as per "TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS". Tighten all
such fasteners as required.
• When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in oper-
ation is necessary.
PISTON, RING AND GEARS:
These parts require about 30
minutes of break-in operation at
half-throttle or less. Observe the
condition of the engine carefully
during operation.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.
Fuel tank capacity:
8.0 L (1.76 Imp gal, 2.11
US gal)
Mixing oil:
Recommended oil:
Yamalube "2-R"
(Yamalube racing 2-
cycle oil)
Mixing ratio: 30:1
If unavailable, use an
equivalent type of oil.
Mixing oil:
Yamalube "2-R"
Mixing ratio:
15:1

1-14
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine
will enhance its appearance, maintain
good overall performance, and ex-
tend the life of many components.
1. Before washing the machine,
block off the end of the exhaust
pipe to prevent water from enter-
ing. A plastic bag secured with a
rubber band may be used for this
purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively
greasy, apply some degreaser to
it with a paint brush. Do not apply
degreaser to the chain, sprockets,
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off
with a garden hose; use only
enough pressure to do the job.
Do not use high-pressure washers
or steam-jet cleaners since they
cause water seepage and deterio-
ration seals.
4. After the majority of the dirt has
been hosed off, wash all surfaces
with warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Use an old toothbrush to
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediate-
ly with clean water, and dry all
surfaces with a soft towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, re-
move excess water from the
chain with a paper towel and lubri-
cate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl uphol-
stery cleaner to keep the cover
pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied
to all painted or chromed surfac-
es. Avoid combination cleaner-
waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start
the engine and allow it to idle for
several minutes.STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60
days or more, some preventive mea-
sures must be taken to avoid deterio-
ration. After cleaning the machine
thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank, fuel lines, and
the carburetor float bowl.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a ta-
blespoon of SAE 10W-40 motor
oil in the spark plug hole, and re-
install the plug. With the engine
stop switch pushed in, kick the en-
gine over several times to coat the
cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it
thoroughly with solvent, and lubri-
cate it. Reinstall the chain or store
it in a plastic bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust
pipe outlet to prevent moisture
from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a
humid or salt-air environment,
coat all exposed metal surfaces
with a film of light oil. Do not apply
oil to rubber parts or the seat cov-
er.
Make any necessary repairs before
the machine is stored.

2-6
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Swingarm:
Swingarm free play limit
End ---- 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Side clearance ---- 0.2–0.9 mm
(0.008–0.035
in)
Wheel:
Front wheel type Spoke wheel ----
Rear wheel typeSpoke wheel ----
Front rim size/material 21 × 1.60/Aluminum ----
Rear rim size/material 19 × 1.85/Aluminum ----
Rim runout limit:
Radial ---- 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Lateral ---- 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Drive chain:
Type/manufacturer DID520DMA2 SDH G&B/DAIDO ----
Number of links 111 links + joint ----
Chain slack 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in) ----
Chain length (15 links) ---- 242.9 mm
(9.563 in)
Front disc brake:
Disc outside dia.×Thickness 250 × 3.0 mm (9.84 × 0.12 in) 250 × 2.5 mm
(9.84 × 0.10 in)
Pad thickness 4.4 mm (0.17 in) 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Master cylinder inside dia. 9.52 mm (0.375 in) ----
Caliper cylinder inside dia. 22.65 mm (0.892 in) × 2 ----
Brake fluid type DOT #4 ----
Rear disc brake:
Disc outside dia.×Thickness 245 × 4.0 mm (9.65 × 0.16 in) 245 × 3.5 mm
(9.65 × 0.14 in)
Deflection limit ---- 0.15 mm
(0.006 in)
Pad thickness 6.4 mm (0.25 in) 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Master cylinder inside dia. 11.0 mm (0.433 in) ----
Caliper cylinder inside dia. 25.4 mm (1.000 in) × 1 ----
Brake fluid type DOT #4 ----
Brake lever and brake pedal:
Brake lever position 95 mm (3.74 in) ----
Brake pedal height (vertical height above footrest
top)Zero mm (Zero in) ----
Clutch lever free play (lever end) 8–13 mm (0.31–0.51 in) ----
Throttle grip free play3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) ---- Item Standard Limit

5-15
FRONT BRAKE AND REAR BRAKE
4. Install:
• Reservoir float (front brake)
• Diaphragm
• Brake master cylinder cap "1"
• Screw (brake master cylinder
cap) "2"
After installation, while pulling the
brake lever in or pushing down on
the brake pedal, check whether
there is any brake fluid leaking
where the union bolts are installed
respectively at the brake master
cylinder and brake caliper.
A. Front
B. Rear
5. Install: (rear brake only)
• Protector "1"
• Bolt (protector) "2"Screw (bolt) {brake mas-
ter cylinder cap}:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Bolt (protector):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)

5-40
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
HANDLING NOTE
• Support the machine securely so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
• This rear shock absorber is pro-
vided with a separate type tank
filled with high-pressure nitro-
gen gas. To prevent the danger
of explosion, read and under-
stand the following information
before handling the shock ab-
sorber. The manufacturer can
not be held responsible for prop-
erty damage or personal injury
that may result from improper
handling.
• Never tamper or attempt to dis-
assemble the cylinder or the
tank.
• Never throw the rear shock ab-
sorber into an open flame or
other high heat. The rear shock
absorber may explode as a re-
sult of nitrogen gas expansion
and/ or damage to the hose.
• Be careful not to damage any
part of the gas tank. A damaged
gas tank will impair the damp-
ing performance or cause a
malfunction.
• Take care not to scratch the
contact surface of the piston
rod with the cylinder; or oil
could leak out.
• Never attempt to remove the
plug at the bottom of the nitro-
gen gas tank. It is very danger-
ous to remove the plug.
• When scrapping the rear shock
absorber, follow the instruc-
tions on disposal.
NOTES ON DISPOSAL (YAMAHA
DEALERS ONLY)
Before disposing the rear shock ab-
sorber, be sure to extract the nitrogen
gas from valve "1". Wear eye protec-
tion to prevent eye damage from es-
caping gas and/or metal chips.
To dispose of a damaged or worn-
out rear shock absorber, take the
unit to your Yamaha dealer for this
disposal procedure.
REMOVING THE BEARING
1. Remove:
• Stopper ring (upper bearing) "1"
Press in the bearing while pressing its
outer race and remove the stopper
ring.
2. Remove:
• Upper bearing "1"
Remove the bearing by pressing its
outer race.
3. Remove:
• Lower bearing "1"
Remove the bearing by pressing its
outer race.
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:
• Damper rod "1"
Bends/damage→Replace rear
shock absorber assembly.
• Shock absorber "2"
Oil leaks→Replace rear shock
absorber assembly.
Gas leaks→Replace rear shock
absorber assembly.
• Spring "3"
Damage→Replace spring.
Fatigue→Replace spring.
Move spring up and down.
• Spring guide "4"
Wear/damage→Replace spring
guide.
• Spring seat "5"
Cracks/damage →Replace.
• Bearing "6"
Free play exists/unsmooth revolu-
tion/rust →Replace.
INSTALLING THE BEARING
1. Install:
• Upper bearing "1"
Install the bearing parallel until the
stopper ring groove appears by
pressing its outer race.
Do not apply the grease on the
bearing outer race because it will
wear the rear shock absorber sur-
face on which the bearing is press
fitted.

7-4
ENGINE
ROAD CONDITION AND EXAMPLES OF CARBURETOR SETTING
A. For USA and CDN
B. Except for USA and CDN
SPECIFICATIONS OF JET NEEDLE
EXAMPLES OF CARBURETOR SETTING DEPENDING ON SYMPTOM General condition Sandy condition
Under 10°C (50°F) 15–25°C (59–
77°F) Over 30°C
(86°F) Under 10°C
(50°F) 15–25°C (59–
77°F) Over 30°C
(86°F
(Winter) (Spring, Au- tumn)(Summer) (Winter) (Spring, Au-
tumn)(Summer)
Main jet #440 #430 #420 #460 #450 #440
Jet needle 6BFY44-74-3 6BFY43-74-3 6BFY44- 74-2 6BFY43-74-4 6BFY44-74-3 6BFY43-74-3
Pilot jet A #42.5 #40 #40 #42.5 #40 #40 B #47.5 #45 #42.5 #47.5 #45 #42.5
Pilot air screw 2-1/4 2-1/4 2-1/4 2-1/4 2-1/4 2-1/4
Diameter of straight portion
ø2.72 mm
(0.1071 in) ø2.73 mm
(0.1075 in) ø2.74 mm
(0.1079 in) ø2.75 mm
(0.1083 in) ø2.76 mm
(0.1087 in)
Rich 1 richer 6BFY43-72-4 6BFY43-73-4 6BFY43-74-4 6BFY43-75-4 6BFY43-76-4
0.5 richer 6BFY44-72-3 6BFY44-73-3 6BFY44-74-3 6BFY44-75-3 6BFY44-76-3
6BFY42-72-4 6BFY42-73-4 6BFY42-74-4 6BFY42-75-4 6BFY42-76-4
STD 6BFY43-72-3 6BFY43-73-3 6BFY43-74-3 6BFY43-75-3 6BFY43-76-3
0.5 leaner 6BFY44-72-2 6BFY44-73-2 6BFY44-74-2 6BFY44-75-2 6BFY44-76-2
6BFY42-72-3 6BFY42-73-3 6BFY42-74-3 6BFY42-75-3 6BFY42-76-3
Lean 1 leaner 6BFY43-72-2 6BFY43-73-2 6BFY43-74-2 6BFY43-75-2 6BFY43-76-2
Symptom Setting Checking
At full throttle Stall at high speeds
*Hard breathing
Shearing noise
Whitish spark plug ↓
Lean mixture Increase main jet calibration no. (Gradual-
ly)
Discoloration of spark plug
→If tan color, it
is in good condition.
If cannot be corrected: Clogged float valve seat
Clogged fuel hose
Clogged fuel cock
At full throttle Stop of speed pick-up
Slow speed pick-up
Slow response
Sooty spark plug ↓
Rich mixture Decrease main jet calibration no. (Gradual-
ly)
*In case of racing slig
ht enrichment of mix-
ture reduces engine trouble. Discoloration of spark plug
→If tan color, it
is in good condition.
If not effect: Clogged air filter
Fuel overflow from carburetor
Clogged main air passage or clogged fil-
ter

7-5
ENGINE
This should be taken simply for an example. It is necessary to set the carburetor while checking the operating conditions
of the engine and discoloration of spark plugs. Normally, carb uretor setting is made by means of the main jet, jet needle
clip position (including one with 0.5 difference), pilot jet and pilot air screw. If the result of setting is still unsatisfactory, it is
advisable to change the diameter of the straight portion the jet needle.
Lean mixture Lower jet needle clip position. (1 groove
down)
Clip position indicates the position of jet
needle groove, to which the clip is fitted.
The position is numbered from the top.
If a change in the clip position (1 groove) is
effective, try another jet needle that pro-
vides a difference of 0. 5 in the clip position.
Rich mixture Raise jet needle clip position. (1 groove up)
1/4–3/4 throttle
*Hard breathing
Lack of speed Lower jet needle clip position. (1 groove
down)
1/4–1/2 throttle Slow speed pick-up
White smoke
Poor acceleration Raise jet needle clip position. (1 groove up)
0–1/4 throttle *Hard breathing
Speed down Use jet needle having a smaller diameter. Number of turns-back
→Correct properly
Overflow from carburetor
0–1/4 throttle Poor acceleration
White smoke Use jet needle with a larger diameter.
Unstable at low speeds Pinking noise Lower jet needle clip position.
(1 groove down)
Turn in pilot air screw.
Poor response at extremely low
speed Reduce pilot jet calibration No.
Turn out pilot air screw.
If not effect, reverse the above procedures. Dragging brake
Overflow from carburetor
Poor response in the range of
low to intermediate speeds Raise jet needle clip position.
If no effect, reverse the above procedures.
Poor response when throttle is
opened quickly Check overall settings.
Use main jet having lower calibration no.
Raise jet needle clip position. (1 groove up)
If no effect, reverse the above procedures. Check air filter for fouling.
Poor engine operation Turn in pilot ai r screw. Check throttle valve operation.
* In case of hard breathing, check the air vent hose for clogging. Symptom Setting CheckingGroove 1
Groove 2
Groove 3
Groove 4
Groove 5
Clip
Jet needle
Leaner
(Standard)
Richer

7-7
CHASSIS
Adjust the oil amount in 5 cm3 (0.2
Imp oz, 0.2 US oz) increments or
decrements. Too small oil amount
causes the front fork to produce a
noise at full rebound or the rider to
feel some pressure on his hands
or body. Alternatively, too large oil
amount will cause the air spring
characteristics to have a tendency
to be stiffer with the consequent
deteriorated performance and
characteristics. Therefore, adjust
the front fork within the specified
range.
A. Air spring characteristics in
relation to oil amount change
B. Load
C. Stroke
1. Max. oil amount
2. Standard oil amount
3. Min. oil amount
SETTING OF SPRING AFTER
REPLACEMENT
As the front fork setting can be easily
affected by rear suspension, take
care so that the machine front and
rear are balanced (in position, etc.)
when setting the front fork.
1. Use of soft spring
• Change the rebound damping.
Turn out one or two clicks.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
Turn in one or two clicks.
Generally a soft spring gives a soft
riding feeling. Rebound damping
tends to become stronger and the
front fork may sink deeply over a se-
ries of gaps.
2. Use of stiff spring
• Change the rebound damping.
Turn in one or two clicks.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
Turn out one or two clicks.
Generally a stiff spring gives a stiff
riding feeling. Rebound damping
tends to become weaker, resulting in
lack of a sense of contact with the
road surface or in a vibrating handle-
bar.
FRONT FORK SETTING PARTS
• Front fork spring "1"
The I.D. mark (slits) "a" is proved on
the end of the spring.
REAR SUSPENSION SETTING
The rear suspension setting should
be made depending on the rider's
feeling of an actual run and the circuit
conditions.
The rear suspension setting includes
the following two factors:
1. Setting of spring preload
• Change the set length of the
spring.
• Change the spring.
2. Setting of damping force
• Change the rebound damping.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
CHOOSING SET LENGTH
1. Place a stand or block under the
engine to put the rear wheel
above the floor, and measure the
length "a" between the rear wheel
axle center and the rear fender
holding bolt.
2. Remove the stand or block from
the engine and with a rider astride
the seat, measure the sunken
length "b" between the rear wheel
axle center and the rear fender
holding bolt.
3. Loosen the locknut "1" and make
adjustment by turning the spring
adjuster "2" to achieve the stan-
dard figure from the subtraction of
the length "b" from the length "a".
• If the machine is new and after it is
broken in, the same set length of
the spring may change because of
the initial fatigue, etc. of the spring.
Therefore, be sure to make reeval-
uation.
• If the standard figure cannot be
achieved by adjusting the spring
adjuster and changing the spring Standard oil amount:
333 cm
3 (11.72 Imp oz,
11.26 US oz)
*335 cm
3 (11.79 Imp oz,
11.33 US oz)
Extent of adjustment:
300–375 cm
3 (10.6–13.2
Imp oz, 10.1–12.7 US
oz)
* For EUROPE
TY
PESPRIN
G
RATESPRING
PART NUM-
BER (-23141-)I.D.
MA
RK
(slit
s)
SO
FT0.398 1C3-A1 |
0.408 1C3-B1 ||
ST
D0.418 1C3-P0 —
STI
FF0.428 1C3-D1 ||||
0.438 1C3-E1 |||||
0.449 1C3-F1 |-|
0.459 1C3-G1 |-||
0.469 1C3-H1 |-|||
0.479 1C3-J1 |-||||
Standard figure:
90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)