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.
2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ250FB (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ250F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 17D9 (USA,CDN)
17DA (EUROPE)
17DC (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, CDN EUROPE AUS, NZ, ZA
Overall length 2,170 mm (85.43
in)2,163 mm (85.16
in)2,161 mm (85.08
in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.48 in)←←
Overall height 1,307 mm (51.46
in)1,306 mm (51.42
in)←
Seat height 992 mm (39.06 in)←990 mm (38.98 in)
Wheelbase 1,477 mm (58.15
in)1,468 mm (57.80
in)←
Minimum ground clearance 378 mm (14.88 in)←377 mm (14.84 in)
Weight:
Curb weight 103 kg (227 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder
Displacement 250 cm
3 (8.80 Imp oz, 8.45 US oz)
Bore × stroke 77.0 × 53.6 mm (3.03 × 2.11 in)
Compression ratio 13.5 : 1
Starting system Kickstarter
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Oil type or grade:
Engine oil Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-40, SAE10W-50
SAE15W-40, SAE20W-40 or SAE20W-50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
Oil capacity:
Engine oil
Periodic oil change 0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt, 1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replacement 1.05 L (0.92 Imp qt, 1.11 US qt)
Total amount 1.20 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 1.00 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
Fuel:
Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 6.4 L (1.4 Imp gal, 1.69 US gal)
2
2-5
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Stem runout limit ---- 0.01 mm
(0.0004 in)
Valve seat width (IN) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve spring:
Free length (IN) 39.76 mm (1.57 in) 38.76 mm (1.53
in)
Free length (EX) 37.78 mm (1.49 in) 36.78 mm (1.45
in)
Set length (valve closed) (IN) 28.98 mm (1.14 in) ----
Set length (valve closed) (EX) 28.30 mm (1.11 in) ----
Compressed force (installed) (IN) 99–114 N at 28.98 mm (9.9–11.4 kg at
28.98 mm, 22.27–25.57 lb at 1.14 in)----
Compressed force (installed) (EX) 126–145 N at 28.30 mm (12.6–14.5 kg at
28.30 mm, 28.44–31.97 lb at 1.11 in)----
Tilt limit* (IN) ---- 2.5°/1.7 mm
(2.5°/0.067 in)
Tilt limit* (EX) ---- 2.5°/1.6 mm
(2.5°/0.063 in)
Direction of winding (top view) (IN) Clockwise ----
Direction of winding (top view) (EX) Clockwise ----
Piston:
Piston to cylinder clearance 0.030–0.055 mm (0.0012–0.0022 in) 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Piston size "D" 76.955–76.970 mm (3.0297–3.0303 in) ----
Measuring point "H" 9 mm (0.35 in) ----
Piston off-set 0 mm (0 in) ----Item Standard Limit
2-7
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Clutch:
Friction plate thickness 2.9–3.1 mm (0.114–0.122 in) 2.8 mm (0.110
in)
Quantity 9 ----
Clutch plate thickness 1.1–1.3 mm (0.043–0.051 in) ----
Quantity 8 ----
Warp limit ---- 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Clutch spring free length 35.7 mm (1.41 in) 34.7 mm (1.37
in)
Quantity 5 ----
Clutch housing thrust clearance 0.050–0.300 mm (0.0020–0.0118 in) ----
Clutch housing radial clearance 0.010–0.044 mm (0.0004–0.0017 in) ----
Clutch release method Inner push, cam push ----
Shifter:
Shifter type Cam drum and guide bar ----
Guide bar bending limit ---- 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Kickstarter:
Type Kick and ratchet type ----
Carburetor: USA, CDN, AUS,
NZ, ZAEUROPE
Type/manufacturer FCR-MX39/KEIHIN←----
I. D. mark 17D9 90 17DA A0 ----
Main jet (M.J) #185←----
Main air jet (M.A.J) ø2.0←----
Jet needle-clip position (J.N) NFPR-5 NFPQ-5 ----
Cutaway (C.A) 1.5←----
Pilot jet (P.J) #38←----
Pilot air jet (P.A.J) #100←----
Pilot outlet (P.O) ø0.9←----
Pilot screw (example) (P.S) 2 2-1/4 ----
Bypass (B.P) ø1.0←----
Valve seat size (V.S) ø3.8←----
Starter jet (G.S) #72←----
Leak jet (Acc.P) #95←----
Float height (F.H) 6 mm (0.24 in)←----
Engine idle speed 1,900–2,100 r/min←----
Intake vacuum 29.3–34.7 kPa
(220–260 mmHg,
8.7–10.2 inHg)←----
Hot starter lever free play 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24
in)←---- Item Standard Limit
2-8
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSISLubrication system:
Oil filter type Paper type ----
Oil pump type Trochoid type ----
Tip clearance 0.12 mm or less (0.0047 in or less) 0.20 mm (0.008
in)
Side clearance 0.09–0.17 mm (0.0035–0.0067 in) 0.24 mm (0.009
in)
Housing and rotor clearance 0.03–0.10 mm (0.0012–0.0039 in) 0.17 mm
(0.0067 in)
Cooling:
Radiator core size
Width 121.4 mm (4.8 in) ----
Height 235 mm (9.3 in) ----
Thickness 28 mm (1.1 in) ----
Radiator cap opening pressure 110 kPa (1.1 kg/cm
2, 15.6 psi) ----
Radiator capacity (total) 0.64 L (0.56 Imp qt, 0.68 US qt) ----
Water pump
Type Single-suction centrifugal pump ----Item Standard Limit
Item Standard Limit
Steering system:
Steering bearing typeTaper roller bearing ----
Front suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Front fork travel 300 mm (11.8 in)←----
Fork spring free length 454 mm (17.9 in)←449 mm (17.7
in)
Spring rate, STD K = 4.5 N/mm (0.459 kg/
mm, 25.7 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Oil capacity 543 cm
3 (19.1 lmp oz,
18.4 US oz)←----
Oil grade Suspension oil "S1"←----
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.89 in)←----
Front fork top end 5 mm (0.20 in)←----
Rear suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Shock absorber travel 132.0 mm (5.20 in)←----
Spring free length 260 mm (10.24 in)←----
Fitting length 250 mm (9.84 in)←
Preload length
in)←----
Spring rate, STD K = 52.0 N/mm (5.30 kg/
mm, 296.8 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Enclosed gas pressure 1,000 kPa (10 kg/cm
2,
142 psi)←----
2-9
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Swingarm:
Swingarm free play limit
End ---- 1.0 mm (0.04
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: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Type/manufacturer DID520DMA2 SDH/
DAIDO←----
Number of links 113 links + joint←----
Chain slack 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 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) 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) ----
Throttle grip free play3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) ---- Item Standard Limit
2-15
TIGHTENING TORQUES
GENERAL TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
This chart specifies torque for stan-
dard fasteners with standard I.S.O.
pitch threads. Torque specifications
for special components or assem-
blies are included in the applicable
sections of this book. To avoid war-
page, tighten multi-fastener assem-
blies in a crisscross fashion, in
progressive stages, until full torque is
reached. Unless otherwise specified,
torque specifications call for clean,
dry threads. Components should be
at room temperature.A. Distance between flats
B. Outside thread diameter
DEFINITION OF UNITS
A
(Nut)B
(Bolt
)TORQUE SPECIFI-
CATION
Nm m•kg ft•lb
10
mm6 mm 6 0.6 4.3
12
mm8 mm 15 1.5 11
14
mm10
mm30 3.0 22
17
mm12
mm55 5.5 40
19
mm14
mm85 8.5 61
22
mm16
mm130 13 94
Unit Read Definition Measure
mm
millimeter 10-3 meter Length
cmcentimeter 10-2 meter Length
kgkilogram 103 gram Weight
NNewton 1 kg × m/sec2Force
NmNewton meter N × m Torque
m•kgMeter kilogram m × kg Torque
PaPascal N/m2Pressure
N/mmNewton per millimeter N/mm Spring rate
LLiter — Volume or capacity
cm3Cubic centimeter — Volume or capacity
r/minRevolution per minute — Engine speed
3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals.
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine performance. The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is
required by reference to the list below.
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
Inspect●●
OIL FILTER ELEMENT, OIL
STRAINER
Clean●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances●●The engine must be cold.
Inspect●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace●
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace●
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace●
TIMING CHAIN SPROCKETS,
TIMING CHAIN
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●It is recommended that the piston pin
and ring are also replaced at the same
time.
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●
3