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.
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
1-9
SPECIAL TOOLS
Fuel level gauge "1"
YM-1312-A, 90890-01312
Fuel level gauge adaptor "2"
YM-01470, 90890-01470This gauge is used to measure the
fuel level in the float chamber.
Radiator cap tester
YU-24460-01, 90890-01325
Radiator cap tester adapter
YU-33984, 90890-01352These tools are used for checking
the cooling system.
Flywheel puller
YU-33270-B, 90890-01362 These tool is used to split the crank-
case.
Steering nut wrench
YU-33975, 90890-01403 This tool is used when tighten the
steering ring nut to specification.
Cap bolt wrench
YM-01500, 90890-01500This tool is used to loosen or tighten
the base valve.
Cap bolt ring wrench
YM-01501, 90890-01501This tool is used to loosen or tighten
the damper assembly. Tool name/Part number How to use Illustration
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
2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ125B (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ125 (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 1SR1 (USA, CDN)
1SR2 (EUROPE)
1SR4 (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, AUS, NZ, ZA EUROPE, CDN
Overall length 2,135 mm (84.1 in) 2,139 mm (84.2 in)
Overall width 827 mm (32.6 in)←
Overall height 1,315 mm (51.8 in) 1,318 mm (51.9 in)
Seat height 997 mm (39.3in) 998 mm (39.3 in)
Wheelbase 1,443 mm (56.8 in)←
Minimum ground clearance 386 mm (15.2 in) 388 mm (15.3 in)
Weight:
Curb weight 94 kg (207 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 2-stroke, gasoline
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder
Displacement 124 cm
3 (4.36 Imp oz, 4.19 US oz)
Bore × stroke 54 × 54.5 mm (2.126 × 2.146 in)
Compression ratio 8.6–10.7 : 1
Starting system Kick starter
Lubrication system: Premix (30 : 1)(Yamalube 2-R)
Oil type or grade (2-stroke):
Transmission oil Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE10W-40
API service SG type or higher
JASO standard MA
Periodic oil change 0.66 L (0.58 Imp qt, 0.69 US qt)
Total amount 0.70 L (0.62 Imp qt, 0.74 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 0.9 L (0.79 Imp qt, 0.95 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
Fuel:
Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 8.0 L (1.76 Imp gal, 2.11 US gal)
Carburetor:
Type/Manufacturer TMXχ38SS/MIKUNI
Spark plug:
Type/Manufacturer BR9EVX/NGK (resistance type)
Gap 0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc
2
2-10
TIGHTENING TORQUES
△Brake pedal mounting M8 1 26 Nm (2.6 m•kg, 19 ft•lb)
△Rear brake master cylinder and frame M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Rear brake master cylinder cap M4 2 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
△
Rear brake hose union bolt (caliper) M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Rear brake hose union bolt (master cylin-
der)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Rear wheel axle and axle nut M20 1 125 Nm (12.5 m•kg, 90 ft•lb)
△Nipple (spoke) — 72 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2 ft•lb)
△Driven sprocket and wheel hub M8 6 42 Nm (4.2 m•kg, 30 ft•lb)
△Disc cover and rear brake caliper M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
△Protector and rear brake caliper M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Drive chain puller adjust bolt and locknut M8 2 19 Nm (1.9 m•kg, 13 ft•lb)
Engine :
△Engine and frame (front) M10 1 64 Nm (6.4 m•kg, 46 ft•lb)
△Engine and frame (lower) M10 1 64 Nm (6.4 m•kg, 46 ft•lb)
△Engine bracket and frame M8 2 34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 ft•lb)
△Engine bracket and engine M8 1 34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 ft•lb)
△Pivot shaft and nut M16 1 85 Nm (8.5 m•kg, 61 ft•lb)
△Relay arm and swingarm M14 1 70 Nm (7.0 m•kg, 50 ft•lb)
△Relay arm and connecting rod M14 1 80 Nm (8.0 m•kg, 58 ft•lb)
△Connecting rod and frame M14 1 80 Nm (8.0 m•kg, 58 ft•lb)
△Rear shock absorber and frame M10 1 56 Nm (5.6 m•kg, 40 ft•lb)
△Rear shock absorber and relay arm M10 1 53 Nm (5.3 m•kg, 38 ft•lb)
△Rear frame and frame (upper) M8 1 32 Nm (3.2 m•kg, 23 ft•lb)
△Rear frame and frame (lower) M8 2 29 Nm (2.9 m•kg, 21 ft•lb)
△Swingarm and brake hose holder M54 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2 ft•lb)
Swingarm and patch M4 4 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Drive chain tensioner M8 2 16 Nm (1.6 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Drive chain support and swingarm M6 37 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Seal guard and swingarm M5 4 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
Cable guide and frame M5 2 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
△Fuel tank boss and frame M10 2 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14 ft•lb)
△Fuel tank M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
△Fuel tank and fuel cock M6 2 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Fuel tank and seat set bracket M6 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Fuel tank and hooking screw (fitting band) M6 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Fuel tank and fuel tank bracket M6 4 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Air scoop and fuel tank M6 4 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Air scoop and radiator guard (lower) M6 2 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
△Front fender M6 4 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Rear fender (front) M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Rear fender (rear) M6 2 12 Nm (1.2 m•kg, 8.7 ft•lb)
△Side cover M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Seat M8 2 19 Nm (1.9 m•kg, 13 ft•lb)ItemThread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks
3-2
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
ROTOR NUT
Retighten●●
MUFFLER
Inspect●●
Clean●
Retighten●●
Replace fiber●** When the exhaust sound be-
comes louder or when a per-
formance drop is felt
CRANK
Inspect and clean●●
CARBURETOR
Inspect, adjust and clean●●
SPARK PLUG
Inspect and clean●●
Replace●
DRIVE CHAINUse chain lube.
Lubricate, slack, alignment●●Chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–
2.3 in)
Replace●
COOLING SYSTEM
Check coolant level and
leakage●●
Check radiator cap opera-
tion●
Replace coolant●Every two years
Inspect hoses●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND
BOLTS
Retighten●●Refer to "STARTING AND
BREAK-IN" section in the
CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate●●Use foam air-filter oil or equiv-
alent oil.
Replace●
FRAME
Clean and inspect●●
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect●● ItemAfter
break-in
Every
race
(about
2.5
hours)Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
3
3-5
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P. 3-6 – 7
FuelCheck that a fresh mixture of oil and gasoline is filled in the fuel
tank. Check the fuel line for leakage.P. 1-12
Transmission oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase for leak-
age.P. 3-8 – 9
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P. 3-7
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P. 3-7 – 8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P. 3-9 – 12
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P. 3-12 – 13
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P. 3-16
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P. 3-17
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P. 3-13 – 16
Cables (wires)Check that the clutch and throttle cables move smoothly. Check
that they are not caught when the handlebars are turned or when
the front forks travel up and down.—
Muffler Check that the muffler is tightly mounted and has no cracks. P. 4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P. 3-12
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P. 3-18
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P. 1-13
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P. 1-7
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done?P. 7-1 – 11