2012 YAMAHA YZ85 ABS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF IMPORTANT
LABELS ............................................1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION .................. 2-1
DESCRIPTION .................................. 3-1
Left view .......................................... 3-1
Right view ........................................ 3-2
Controls and instruments ................3-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ....................................... 4-1
Handlebar switch ............................ 4-1
Clutch lever .................................... 4-1
Shift pedal ......................................4-1
Brake lever ..................................... 4-2
Brake pedal .................................... 4-2
Fuel tank cap .................................. 4-3
Fuel ................................................ 4-3
Fuel tank breather hose ................. 4-5
Fuel cock ........................................ 4-5
Starter (choke) knob ....................... 4-6
Kickstarter ......................................4-6
Seat ................................................ 4-7
Adjusting the front fork ................... 4-7
Front fork bleeding ......................... 4-9
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ..................................... 4-9
Removable sidestand ................... 4-12 FOR YOUR SAFETY
–
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 5-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................ 6-1
Starting and warming up a cold engine .............................. 6-1
Starting a warm engine .................. 6-1
Shifting ........................................... 6-2
Engine break-in .............................. 6-3
Parking ........................................... 6-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 7-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 7-2
Checking the spark plug ................ 7-8
Transmission oil ............................. 7-9
Coolant ........................................ 7-10
Cleaning the air filter element ...... 7-12
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 7-14
Adjusting the engine idling speed ........................................ 7-14
Adjusting the throttle grip free play ........................................... 7-15
Tires ............................................. 7-15
Spoke wheels .............................. 7-17
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ........................................... 7-17
Checking the brake lever free play ........................................... 7-18 Checking the shift pedal ............... 7-19
Checking the front and
rear brake pads ......................... 7-19
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 7-20
Changing the brake fluid .............. 7-21
Drive chain slack .......................... 7-22
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain .......................... 7-23
Checking and lubricating the cables ................................. 7-23
Checking and lubricating
the throttle grip and cable ......... 7-24
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ....... 7-24
Checking and lubricating the brake pedal ......................... 7-25
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ... 7-25
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 7-25
Checking the front fork ................. 7-26
Checking the steering .................. 7-26
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 7-27
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 7-27
Front wheel .................................. 7-28
Rear wheel ................................... 7-29
Troubleshooting ........................... 7-30
Troubleshooting charts ................. 7-32
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE .......................................... 8-1
Matte color caution ......................... 8-1
Care ............................................... 8-1
U1SN80E0.book Page 1 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

DESCRIPTION
3-1
3
EAU10410
Left view1. Radiator cap (page 7-10)
2. Fuel cock (page 4-5)
3. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting nut (page 4-9)
4. Air filter element (page 7-12)
5. Seat (page 4-7)
6. Shift pedal (page 4-1)
7. Throttle stop screw (page 7-14)
8. Starter (choke) knob (page 4-6)
U1SN80E0.book Page 1 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

DESCRIPTION
3-2
3
EAU10420
Right view1. Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting screw (page 4-9)
2. Kickstarter (page 4-6)
3. Front fork rebound damping force adjusting screw (page 4-7)
4. Bleed screw (page 4-9)
5. Front fork compression damping force adjusting screw (page 4-7)
6. Spark plug cap (page 7-8)
7. Transmission oil filler cap (page 7-9)
8. Coolant drain bolt (page 7-11) 9. Brake pedal (page 4-2)
10.Transmission oil drain bolt (page 7-9)
11.Shock absorber assembly rebound damping force adjusting screw
(page 4-9)U1SN80E0.book Page 2 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

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
4-11
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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-5
7
√ √
21 *Brakes 
Adjust lever position and pedal height.
 Lubricate pivot points.
 Check brake disk surface.
 Check fluid level and for leakage.
 Tighten brake disk bolts, caliper bolts, master cylinder
bolts and union bolts. √
 Replace brake pads. √
 Replace brake fluid. Every year√
22 *Front fork
Replace oil seals.

Replace fork oil.

Clean dust seal and lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.
Adjust if necessary.

Check operation and for oil leakage.
√
√√√
NO. ITEM ROUTINE
After
break-in Every
race Every
third race Every
fifth race As
required
√
√
√
23 *Shock absorber assem-
bly 
Check operation and adjust.
 Tighten if necessary.
 Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease
. √(After
washing the
motorcycle or riding in the rain)
U1SN80E0.book Page 5 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
8-2
8
off any detergent residue using
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.


Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.


Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain or near the sea
Since sea salt is extremely corrosive,
carry out the following steps after each
ride in the rain or near the sea.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa- ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent
corrosion.
After cleaning 1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. 4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.


If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle ’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
U1SN80E0.book Page 2 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

SPECIFICATIONS
9-3
9
Operation:Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Front suspension:Type:Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type: Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
275.0 mm (10.83 in)Rear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel: YZ85 282.0 mm (11.10 in)
YZ85B 282.0 mm (11.10 in)
YZ85LW 287.0 mm (11.30 in)
YZ85LWB 287.0 mm (11.30 in)Electrical system:Ignition system:
CDI
U1SN80E0.book Page 3 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM