
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. 

1-10
SPECIAL TOOLS
Timing light
YM-33277-A, 90890-03141 This tool is necessary for checking 
ignition timing.
Valve spring compressor
YM-04019, 90890-04019 This tool is needed to remove and 
install the valve assemblies.
Clutch holding tool
YM-91042, 90890-04086This tool is used to hold the clutch 
when removing or installing the 
clutch boss securing nut.
Valve guide remover
Intake 4.0 mm (0.16 in)
Exhaust 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
YM-4111, 90890-04111
YM-4116, 90890-04116This tool is needed to remove and 
install the valve guide.
Valve guide installer
Intake 4.0 mm (0.16 in)
Exhaust 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
YM-4112, 90890-04112
YM-4117, 90890-04117This tool is needed to install the 
valve guide.
Valve guide reamer
Intake 4.0 mm (0.16 in)
Exhaust 4.5 mm (0.18 in)
YM-4113, 90890-04113
YM-4118, 90890-04118This tool is needed to rebore the 
new valve guide. Tool name/Part number How to use Illustration 

1-16
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine 
will enhance its appearance, maintain 
good overall performance, and ex-
tend the life of many components.
1. Before washing the machine, 
block off the end of the exhaust 
pipe to prevent water from enter-
ing. A plastic bag secured with a 
rubber band may be used for this 
purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively 
greasy, apply some degreaser to 
it with a paint brush. Do not apply 
degreaser to the chain, sprockets, 
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off 
with a garden hose; use only 
enough pressure to do the job.
Do not use high-pressure washers 
or steam-jet cleaners since they 
cause water seepage and deterio-
ration seals.
4. After the majority of the dirt has 
been hosed off, wash all surfaces 
with warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Use an old toothbrush to 
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediate-
ly with clean water, and dry all 
surfaces with a soft towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, re-
move excess water from the 
chain with a paper towel and lubri-
cate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl uphol-
stery cleaner to keep the cover 
pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied 
to all painted or chromed surfac-
es. Avoid combination cleaner-
waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start 
the engine and allow it to idle for 
several minutes.STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60 
days or more, some preventive mea-
sures must be taken to avoid deterio-
ration. After cleaning the machine 
thoroughly, prepare it for storage as 
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank, fuel lines, and 
the carburetor float bowl.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a ta-
blespoon of SAE 10W-40 motor 
oil in the spark plug hole, and re-
install the plug. With the engine 
stop switch pushed in, kick the en-
gine over several times to coat the 
cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it 
thoroughly with solvent, and lubri-
cate it. Reinstall the chain or store 
it in a plastic bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the 
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust 
pipe outlet to prevent moisture 
from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a 
humid or salt-air environment, 
coat all exposed metal surfaces 
with a film of light oil. Do not apply 
oil to rubber parts or the seat cov-
er.
Make any necessary repairs before 
the machine is stored. 

3-21
CHASSIS
A tight spoke will emit a clear, ringing 
tone; a loose spoke will sound flat.
2. Tighten:
• Spokes
(with a spoke nipple wrench "1")
Be sure to retighten these spokes be-
fore and after break-in.
CHECKING THE WHEELS
1. Inspect:
• Wheel runout
Elevate the wheel and turn it.
Abnormal runout→ Replace.2. Inspect:
• Bearing free play
Exist play→Replace.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE 
STEERING HEAD
1. Place a stand under the engine to 
raise the front wheel off the 
ground. WARNING! Securely 
support the vehicle so that 
there is no danger of it falling 
over.
2. Check:
• Steering stem
Grasp the bottom of the forks and 
gently rock the fork assembly 
back and forth.
Free play→Adjust steering head.
3. Check:
• Steering smooth action
Turn the handlebar lock to lock.
Unsmooth action→Adjust steer-
ing ring nut.
4. Adjust:
• Steering ring nut
Steering ring nut adjustment 
steps:
a. Remove the number plate.
b. Remove the handlebar and upper 
bracket.c. Loosen the steering ring nut "1" 
using the steering nut wrench "2".
d. Tighten the steering ring nut "3" 
using steering nut wrench "4".
• Apply the lithium soap base grease 
on the thread of the steering stem.
• Set the torque wrench to the steer-
ing nut wrench so that they form a 
right angle.
e. Loosen the steering ring nut one 
turn.
f. Retighten the steering ring nut us-
ing the steering nut wrench.
Avoid over-tightening.
g. Check the steering stem by turn-
ing it lock to lock. If there is any 
binding, remove the steering stem 
assembly and inspect the steer-
ing bearings. Spoke nipple wrench:
YM-01521/90890-01521
Spokes:
3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2 
ft•lb)
Steering nut wrench:
YU-33975/90890-01403
Steering nut wrench:
YU-33975/90890-01403
Steering ring nut (initial 
tightening):
38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27 
ft•lb)
Steering ring nut (final 
tightening):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 
ft•lb) 

4-26
VALVES AND VALVE SPRINGS
h. Press the valve through the valve guide and onto the valve seat to 
make a clear pattern.
i. Measure the valve seat width  again. If the valve seat width is out 
of specification, reface and relap 
the valve seat.
CHECKING THE VALVE SPRINGS
1. Measure:• Valve spring free length "a"Out of specification →Replace.
2. Measure: • Compressed spring force "a"Out of specification →Replace.
b. Installed length
3. Measure: • Spring tilt "a"Out of specification →Replace. CHECKING THE 
VALVE LIFTERS
1. Inspect:
• Valve lifterScratches/damage →Replace 
both lifters and cylinder head.
INSTALLING THE VALVES
1. Apply: • Molybdenum disulfide oil
Onto the valve stem and valve 
stem seal.
2. Install:
• Valve "1"
• Valve spring seat "2"
• Valve stem seal "3" 
• Valve spring "4"
• Valve spring retainer "5"To cylinder head.
• Make sure that each valve is in-
stalled in its original place, also re-
ferring to the painted color as 
follows.
Intake (middle) "a": Sky blue
Intake (right/left) "b": not paint
Exhaust "c": Purple
• Install the valve springs with the  larger pitch "d" facing upward.
e. Smaller pitch
3. Install: • Valve cotter
Install the valve cotters by compress-
ing the valve spring with the valve 
spring compressor “1” and the valve 
spring compressor  attachment “2”.
4. To secure the valve cotters onto 
the valve stem, lightly tap the 
valve tip with a piece of wood.
Hitting the valve tip with excessive 
force could damage the valve.
5. Install:• Adjusting pad "1"
• Valve lifter "2"
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil on the valve stem end.
• Apply the engine oil on the valve lift- ers.
• Valve lifter must turn smoothly  when rotated with a finger.
• Be careful to reinstall valve lifters  and pads in their original place.
Free length (valve 
spring): Intake:39.76 mm (1.57 in)
(1.53 in)
Exhaust: 37.78 mm (1.49 in)
(1.45 in)
Compressed spring 
force: Intake: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)
Exhaust: 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)
Spring tilt limit: Intake:2.5°/1.7 mm (0.067 in)
Exhaust: 2.5°/1.6 mm (0.063 in)
Valve spring compres-
sor:
YM-04019/90890-04019
Valve spring compressor 
adapter 19.5 mm: YM-04114
Valve spring compressor 
attachment: 900890-04114 

4-55
ENGINE REMOVAL
HANDLING NOTE
Support the machine securely so 
there is no danger of it falling over.
REMOVING THE DRIVE 
SPROCKET
1. Remove:
• Nut (drive sprocket) "1"
• Lock washer "2"
• Straighten the lock washer tab.
• Loosen the nut while applying the 
rear brake.
2. Remove:
• Drive sprocket "1"
• Drive chain "2"
Remove the drive sprocket together 
with the drive chain.
REMOVING THE ENGINE
1. Remove:
• Pivot shaft "1"
If the pivot shaft is pulled all the way 
out, the swingarm will come loose. If 
possible, insert a shaft of similar di-
ameter into the other side of the 
swingarm to support it.
2. Remove:
• Engine "1"
From right side.
Make sure that the couplers, hoses 
and cables are disconnected.
INSTALLING THE ENGINE
1. Install:
• Engine "1"
Install the engine from right side.
• Pivot shaft "2"
• Engine mounting bolt (lower) "3"
• Front engine bracket "4"
• Bolt (front engine bracket) "5"
• Patch "6"
• Engine mounting bolt (front) "7"
• Upper engine bracket "8"
• Bolt (upper engine bracket) "9"
• Engine mounting bolt (upper) "10"• Lower engine guard "11"
• Bolt (lower engine guard) "12"
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide 
grease on the pivot shaft.
• Install the patch with the claw "a" 
facing outside the chassis.
INSTALLING THE BRAKE PEDAL
1. Install:
• Spring "1"
• Brake pedal "2"
• O-ring "3" 
• Bolt (brake pedal) "4"
• Clip "5"
Apply the lithium soap base grease 
on the bolt, O-rings and brake pedal 
bracket.
Pivot shaft:
85 Nm (8.5 m•kg, 61 
ft•lb)
Engine mounting bolt 
(lower):
53Nm (5.3 m•kg, 38 
ft•lb)
Bolt (front engine brack-
et):
34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 
ft•lb)
Engine mounting bolt 
(front):
53 Nm (5.3 m•kg, 38 
ft•lb)
Bolt (upper engine brack-
et):
34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 
ft•lb)
Engine mounting bolt 
(upper):
55 Nm (5.5 m•kg, 40 
ft•lb)
Bolt (lower engine 
guard):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 
ft•lb)
Bolt (brake pedal):
26 Nm (2.6 m•kg, 19 
ft•lb)
M 

5-3
FRONT WHEEL AND REAR WHEEL
HANDLING NOTE
Support the machine securely so 
there is no danger of it falling over.
REMOVING THE REAR WHEEL
1. Remove:
• Wheel "1"
Push the wheel forward and remove 
the drive chain "2".
REMOVING THE WHEEL BEARING
1. Remove:
• Bearing "1"
Remove the bearing using a general 
bearing puller "2".
CHECKING THE WHEEL
1. Measure:
• Wheel runout
Out of limit → Repair/replace.
2. Inspect:
• Bearing
Rotate inner race with a finger.
Rough spot/seizure → Replace.
Replace the bearings, oil seal and 
wheel collar as a set.
CHECKING THE WHEEL AXLE
1. Measure:
• Wheel axle bends
Out of specification → Replace.
Use the dial gauge "1".
The bending value is shown by one 
half of the dial gauge reading.
Do not attempt to straighten a bent 
axle.
CHECKING THE BRAKE DISC
1. Measure:
• Brake disc deflection (only rear 
brake disc)
Use the dial gauge "1".
Out of specification → Inspect 
wheel runout.
If wheel runout is in good condi-
tion, replace the brake disc.
2. Measure:
• Brake disc thickness "a"
Out of limit → Replace.INSTALLING THE FRONT WHEEL
1. Install:
• Bearing (left) "1"
• Spacer "2"
• Bearing (right) "3"
• Oil seal "4" 
• Apply the lithium soap base grease 
on the bearing and oil seal lip when 
installing.
• Use a socket that matches the out-
side diameter of the race of the 
bearing.
• Left side of bearing shall be in-
stalled first.
• Install the oil seal with its manufac-
ture's marks or numbers facing out-
ward.
Do not strike the inner race of the 
bearing. Contact should be made 
only with the outer race.
Wheel runout limit:
Radial "1": 2.0 mm 
(0.08 in)
Lateral "2": 2.0 mm 
(0.08 in)
Wheel axle bending limit:
0.5 mm (0.020 in)
Brake disc deflection lim-
it:
Rear:
(0.006 in)
Brake disc thickness:
Front:
3.0 mm (0.12 in)
in)
Rear:
4.0 mm (0.16 in)
in) 

5-10
FRONT BRAKE AND REAR BRAKE
HANDLING NOTE
Support the machine securely so 
there is no danger of it falling over.
DRAINING THE BRAKE FLUID
1. Remove:
• Brake master cylinder cap "1"
• Protector (rear brake)
Do not remove the diaphragm.
A. Front
B. Rear
2. Connect the transparent hose "2" 
to the bleed screw "1" and place a 
suitable container under its end.
A. Front
B. Rear
3. Loosen the bleed screw and drain 
the brake fluid while pulling the le-
ver in or pushing down on the 
pedal.
• Do not reuse the drained brake 
fluid.
• Brake fluid may erode painted 
surfaces or plastic parts. Always 
clean up spilled fluid immediate-
ly.
REMOVING THE BRAKE CALIPER 
PISTON
1. Remove:
• Brake caliper piston
Use compressed air and proceed 
carefully.
• Cover piston with rag and use ex-
treme caution when expelling 
piston from cylinder.
• Never attempt to pry out piston.
Caliper piston removal steps:
a. Insert a piece of rag into the brake 
caliper to lock one brake caliper.
b. Carefully force the piston out of 
the brake caliper cylinder with 
compressed air.
A. Front
B. Rear
REMOVING THE BRAKE CALIPER 
PISTON SEAL KIT
1. Remove:
• Brake caliper piston dust seal "1"
• Brake caliper piston seal "2"
Remove the brake caliper piston 
seals and brake caliper piston dust 
seals by pushing them with a finger.
Never attempt to pry out brake cal-
iper piston seals and brake caliper 
piston dust seals.
Replace the brake caliper piston 
seals and brake caliper piston dust 
seals whenever a caliper is disas-
sembled.
A. Front
B. Rear
CHECKING THE BRAKE MASTER 
CYLINDER
1. Inspect:
• Brake master cylinder inner sur-
face "a"
Wear/scratches → Replace mas-
ter cylinder assembly.
Stains→Clean.
Use only new brake fluid.
A. Front
B. Rear
2. Inspect:
• Diaphragm "1"
Crack/damage→Replace.
A. Front
B. Rear