2012 YAMAHA YZ85 tires

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

LOCATION OF IMPORTANT LABELS
1-6
1Familiarize yourself with the following pictograms and read the explanatory text.
**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi **.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi
Read the Owner ’s manual.
This unit contains high-pressure
nitrogen gas.
Mishandling can cause
an explosion. Do not incinerate,
puncture or open.
Turn off the main switch after
riding to avoid draining the
battery. Use unleaded gasoline only.
Measure the tire pressure when
the tires are cold.
Adjust the tire pressure.
Improper tire pressure can
cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in
severe injury or death.
U1SN80E0.book Page 6 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

SAFETY INFORMATION
2-4
2electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 7-15 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
Transporting the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.


Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.


Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “ OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.


Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.


Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).


Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.


The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
U1SN80E0.book Page 4 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

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
U1SN80E0.book Page 2 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-6
7
EAU42011
TIP

Hydraulic brake service Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid levels.
√
√√
√
24
*Drive chain roller and
support guide

Replace if necessary.

Check for wear or damage.
√
25 *Rear suspension 
Check operation and tighten if necessary.
 Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease
.
NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-in Every
race Every
third race Every
fifth race As
required
√ √√
√
√ √
√
√ √
√
√
√ √
√
√
26
*Steering head 
Check operation, free play, and tighten if necessary.
 Clean and lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.
 Replace bearings.
27 *Tires and wheels 
Check tire air pressure, wheel runout, spokes for
looseness, and tires for wear.
 Tighten sprocket bolts if necessary.
 Check wheel bearings for looseness.
 Lubricate wheel bearings with lithium-soap-based
grease.
 Replace wheel bearings.
28 *Moving parts and ca-
bles 
Lubricate.
29 *Throttle grip 
Check operation.
 Check throttle grip free play, and adjust if necessary.
 Lubricate cable and grip housing.
U1SN80E0.book Page 6 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-15
7
EAU48432
Adjusting the throttle grip free
play The throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12 –0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, adjust it as follows.TIPThe engine idling speed must be cor-
rectly adjusted before checking and ad-
justing the throttle grip free play.1. Slide the rubber cover back.
2. Loosen the locknut. 3. To increase the throttle grip free
play, turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To decrease the throttle
grip free play, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (b).
4. Tighten the locknut and then slide the rubber cover to its original po-
sition.
EAU41821
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA14381
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).


The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
weight of the rider, the riding
speed, and the riding condi-
tions.
1. Throttle grip free play
1. Locknut
2. Throttle grip free play adjusting nut
3. Rubber cover
2
3
(a)
(b)
1
U1SN80E0.book Page 15 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-16
7Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride.
NOTICE
ECA15580


Be sure the bead stoppers are
tightened. Loose bead stoppers
will cause the tire to slip off the
rim if tire pressure is too low.


Be sure the valve stem is posi-
tioned straight. A tilted valve
stem indicates that the tire has
slipped from its original posi-
tion on the rim. Rotate the tire
so that the valve stem is posi-
tioned straight.
If the center tread depth reaches the
specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with spoke
wheels and tube tires.
WARNING
EWA10461
The front and rear tires should be of
the same make and design, other-
wise the handling characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Standard tire air pressure:
Fr o nt :
100 kPa (1.00 kgf/cm ², 15 psi)
Rear:
100 kPa (1.00 kgf/cm ², 15 psi)1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
12
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
4.0 mm (0.16 in)
Front tire:
Size:YZ85 70/100-17 40M
YZ85B 70/100-17 40M
YZ85LW 70/100-19 42M
YZ85LWB 70/100-19 42M
Manufacturer/model:
YZ85 DUNLOP/D739FA (ZAF)
YZ85 DUNLOP/D756F
(AUT)(BEL)(CHE)(DEU)(DNK)
(ESP)(FIN)(FRA)(GBR)(GRC)
(IRL)(ITA)(NLD)(NOR)(POL)
(PRT)(SVN)(SWE)
YZ85B DUNLOP/D756F
YZ85LW DUNLOP/D739FA (ZAF)
YZ85LW DUNLOP/D756F
(AUT)(BEL)(CHE)(DEU)(DNK)
(ESP)(FIN)(FRA)(GBR)(GRC)
(IRL)(ITA)(NLD)(NOR)(POL)
(PRT)(SVN)(SWE)
YZ85LWB DUNLOP/D756F
Rear tire:
Size:YZ85 90/100-14 49M
YZ85B 90/100-14 49M
YZ85LW 90/100-16 52M
YZ85LWB 90/100-16 52M
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D756
U1SN80E0.book Page 16 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-17
7
WARNING
EWA14390


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Operat-
ing the motorcycle with exces-
sively worn tires decreases
riding stability and can lead to
loss of control.


The replacement of all wheel-
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.


It is not recommended to patch
a punctured tube. If unavoid-
able, however, patch the tube
very carefully and replace it as
soon as possible with a high-
quality product.
EAU48321
Spoke wheels
WARNING
EWA10610
The wheels on this model are not de-
signed for use with tubeless tires.
Do not attempt to use tubeless tires
on this model.To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or oth-
er damage and the spokes for
looseness or damage before each
ride. If any damage is found, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A de-
formed or cracked wheel must be
replaced.


The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU48373
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0 –15.0 mm (0.39 –0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows. 1. Slide the rubber cover back at the clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt in direction
(b).
U1SN80E0.book Page 17 Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:24 AM