2012 YAMAHA YZ85 Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-8
4
Compression damping force 1. Remove the rubber cap by pulling it out of the front fork leg.
2. To increase the compression damping force and thereby harden
the compression damping, turn the
adjusting screw on each fork leg in
direction (a). To decrease the
compression damping force and thereby soften the compression
damping, turn the adjusting screw
on each fork leg in direction (b).
3. Install the rubber cap.
TIPAlthough the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-
ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screwRebound damping setting: Minimum (soft):20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard: 7 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned in direction (a)
1. Rubber cap
2. Compression damping force adjusting screw
Compression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
YZ85(B): 10 click(s) in direction
(b)*
YZ85LW(B): 9 click(s) in direction
(b)*
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned in direction (a)
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-9
4
EAU51650
Front fork bleeding
WARNING
EWA10200
Always bleed both fork legs, other-
wise poor handling and loss of sta-
bility may result.When riding in extremely rough condi-
tions, the air temperature and pressure
in the front fork will rise. This will in-
crease the spring preload and harden
the front suspension. If this occurs,
bleed the front fork as follows.1. Lift the front wheel off the ground according to the procedure on
page 7-27.TIPWhen bleeding the front fork, there
should be no weight on the front end of
the vehicle.2. Remove the bleed screws and al-low all of the air to escape from
each fork leg. 3. Install the bleed screws.
4. Lower the front wheel so that it is
on the ground, install the remov-
able sidestand, and then rest the
motorcycle on it.
EAU41333
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing nut, a rebound damping force ad-
justing screw and a compression
damping force adjusting screw.NOTICE
ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.Spring preload
Adjust the spring preload as follows.1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the spring preload and thereby harden the suspension,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
(a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the sus-
pension, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
1. Bleed screw
U1SN80E0.book Page 9 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-10
4


A special wrench can be ob-
tained at a Yamaha dealer to
make this adjustment.


The spring preload setting is
determined by measuring dis-
tance A, shown in the illustra-
tion. The longer distance A is,
the lower the spring preload;
the shorter distance A is, the
higher the spring preload.
With each complete turn of
the adjusting nut, distance A
is changed by 1.5 mm (0.06
in).3. Tighten the locknut to the specified
torque. NOTICE: Always tighten
the locknut against the adjust-
ing nut, and then tighten the
locknut to the specified torque.
[ECA10121]
Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting screw in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting screw in di-
rection (b).
1. Locknut
2. Spring preload adjusting nut
1. Distance A
Spring preload: Minimum (soft):Distance A = 218.5 mm (8.60 in)
Standard:YZ85(B) Distance A = 215.0 mm (8.46 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Standard:YZ85LW(B) Distance A = 207.0 mm (8.15 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Maximum (hard):
Distance A = 202.5 mm (7.97 in)
Tightening torque:Locknut:
35 Nm (3.5 m ·kgf, 25 ft ·lbf)
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
U1SN80E0.book Page 10 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-11
4Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (b).
TIPTo obtain a precise adjustment, it is ad-
visable to check the actual total number
of clicks or turns of each damping force adjusting mechanism. This adjustment
range may not exactly match the spec-
ifications listed due to small differences
in production.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.

Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.


Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(B)
6 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(B) 7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned in direction (a)
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting: Minimum (soft):20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(B) 9 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(B) 7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned in direction (a)
U1SN80E0.book Page 11 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-12
4
EAU41381
Removable sidestand This motorcycle is equipped with a re-
movable sidestand.TIPMake sure that the sidestand is proper-
ly secured when the motorcycle is be-
ing supported or is being transported.
WARNING
EWA14601


Never apply force on the motor-
cycle while it is on the side-
stand.


Always remove the sidestand
before starting out.
1. Sidestand
U1SN80E0.book Page 12 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-1
5
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner ’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel 
Check fuel level in fuel tank.
 Always use a fresh mixture of gasoline and oil.
 Check fuel line for leakage.
 Check fuel tank breather hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and check
hose connection. 4-3, 4-5
Transmission oil 
Check oil level in transmission case.
 If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level. 7-9
Coolant 
Check coolant level.
 If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
 Check cooling system for leakage. 7-10
Front brake 
Check operation.
 If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check fluid level in reservoir.
 If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. 7-19, 7-20
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-2
5
Rear brake 
Check operation.
 If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check fluid level in reservoir.
 If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. 7-19, 7-20
Clutch 
Check operation.
 Lubricate cable if necessary.
 Check lever free play.
 Adjust if necessary. 7-17
Throttle grip 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Check throttle grip free play.
 If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing. 7-15, 7-24
Drive chain 
Check chain slack.
 Adjust if necessary.
 Check chain condition.
 Lubricate if necessary. 7-22, 7-23
Wheels and tires 
Check for damage.
 Check tire condition and tread depth.
 Check air pressure.
 Correct if necessary.
 Check for loose spokes and tighten if necessary. 7-15, 7-17
Shift pedal 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Correct if necessary. 7-19
Brake pedal 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary. 7-25
Brake and clutch levers 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 7-24
Steering Check that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and has no excessive play. 7-26
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-3
5
Front fork and rear shock ab-
sorber assembly 
Check that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage. 4-7, 4-9, 4-9, 7-26
Chassis fasteners 
Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
 Tighten if necessary. —
Moving parts and cables 
Check that the control cables move smoothly.
 Check that the control cables are not caught when the handlebars are turned or
when the front forks travel up and down.
 Lubricate moving parts and cables if necessary. 7-23, 7-24, 7-25, 7-25
Exhaust system 
Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks.
 Check for leakage. —
Ignition system Check that all leads and cables are properly connected. 7-8
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U1SN80E0.book Page 3 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM