1-18
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust
pipe, etc. have cooled off.
HANDLING NOTE
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes
are poisonous; they can cause
loss of consciousness and death
in a very short time. Always oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
• The carburetor on this machine
has a built-in accelerator pump.
Therefore, when starting the en-
gine, do not operate the throttle
or the spark plug will foul.
• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this
engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
This model is equipped with an igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. The engine
can be started under the following
conditions.
• When the transmission is in neutral.
• When the clutch is disengaged with
the transmission in any position.
However, it is recommended to shift
into neutral before starting the en-
gine.
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON".
3. Push on the main switch to "ON".
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
5. Fully open the cold starter knob
"1".
6. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter lever.
If the engine fails to start by pushing
the start switch, release the switch,
wait a few seconds, and then try
again. Each starting attempt should
be as short as possible to preserve
the battery. Do not crank the engine
more than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt. If the engine does not start
with the starter motor, try using the
kickstarter lever.
• If the starter motor will not turn
when pushing the start switch,
stop pushing it immediately and
kick start the engine in order to
avoid the load on the motor.
• Do not open the throttle while
kicking the kickstarter lever. Oth-
erwise, the kickstarter lever may
kick back.
7. Return the cold starter knob to its
original position and run the en-
gine at 3,000–5,000 r/min for 1 or
2 minutes.
Since this model is equipped with an
accelerator pump, if the engine is
raced (the throttle opened and
closed), the air/fuel mixture will be too
rich and the engine may stall. Also
unlike a two-stroke engine, this model
can idle.
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the cold starter knob
and throttle. Pull the hot starter lever
"1" and start the engine by pushing
the start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter lever forcefully with a firm
stroke. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
Restarting an engine after a fall
Pull the hot starter lever and start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
The engine fails to start
Pull the hot starter lever all the way
out and while holding the lever, kick
the kickstarter lever 10 to 20 times to
clear the engine. Then, restart the en-
gine. Refer to "Restarting an engine
after a fall". Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.
2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: WR250FE (AUS, NZ)
WR250F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 1HCD (EUROPE)
1HCE (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: ZA AUS, NZ EUROPE
Overall length 2,165 mm (85.2
in)2,175 mm (85.6
in)2,185 mm (86.0
in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.5 in)←←
Overall height 1,300 mm (51.2
in)1,305 mm (51.4
in)←
Seat height 980 mm (38.6 in) 990 mm (39.0 in)←
Wheelbase 1,480 mm (58.3
in)←1,485 mm (58.5
in)
Minimum ground clearance 365 mm (14.37 in)←←
Weight: ZA EUROPE, AUS, NZ
Curb weight
116 kg (256 lb)117 kg (258 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 12.5 : 1
Starting system Kick and electric starter
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Oil type or grade:
Engine oil Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50,
SAE 15W-40, SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
Oil capacity:
Engine oil
Periodic oil change 1.10 L (0.97 Imp qt, 1.16 US qt)
With oil filter replacement 1.20 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Total amount 1.40 L (1.23 Imp qt, 1.48 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 0.99 L (0.87 Imp qt, 1.05 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS FOR COMPETITION USE
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS FOR COMPETITION USE
• 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
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
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●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
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●●
PISTON PIN
Inspect●
Replace●
CYLINDER HEAD Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Inspect and clean●Change gasket.
3-12
ENGINE
4. Clean:
• Air filter element
Clean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remove the remaining
solvent by squeezing the element.
• Do not twist the element when
squeezing the element.
• Leaving too much of solvent in
the element may result in poor
starting.
5. Inspect:
• Air filter element
Damage→Replace.
6. Apply:
• Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil
to the element
• Squeeze out the excess oil. Ele-
ment should be wet but not drip-
ping.
• Wipe off the oil left on the element
surface using a clean dry cloth. (Ex-
cess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
7. Install:
• Air filter guide "1"
• Align the projection "a" on filter
guide with the hole "b" in air filter el-
ement.
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the matching surface "c" on air
filter element.
8. Install:
• Air filter element "1"
Align the projection "a" on filter guide
with the hole "b" in air filter case.
9. Hook:
• Binder "1"
Hook the binder "1" so that it contacts
the filter guide projections "a".
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
1. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn off
the engine and wait for five min-
utes.
2. Place the machine on a level
place and hold it up on upright po-
sition by placing the suitable
stand under the engine.
3. Inspect:
• Oil level
Oil should be up to the full level in
the check window "1".
Level check window is not full. →
Add 0.2 L (0.18 Imp qt, 0.21 US
qt) of oil.
• Engine oil also lubricates the
clutch and the wrong oil types or
additives could cause clutch
slippage. Therefore, do not add
any chemical additives or use en-
gine oils with a grade of CD or
higher and do not use oils la-
beled "ENERGY CONSERVING
II".
• Do not allow foreign materials to
enter the crankcase.
4. Install:
• Oil tank cap
5. Start the engine and let it warm up
for several minutes.
6. Turn off the engine and inspect
the oil level once again.
Wait a few minutes until the oil settles
before inspecting the oil level.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
1. Start the engine and warm it up
for several minutes, and then turn
off the engine and wait for five
minute.
2. Place the machine on a level
place and hold it on upright posi-
tion by placing the suitable stand
under the engine.
3. Place a suitable container under
the engine.
4. Remove:
• Engine guard "1"
• Bolt (oil tank) "2"
• Washer "3"
• Oil filler cap "4"
• Oil tank drain bolt "5"
• Crankcase oil drain bolt "6"
• Oil filter element drain bolt "7"
Drain the crankcase and oil tank
of its oil.
Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
Recommended engine
oil type
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-
40, SAE 10W-50, SAE
15W-40, SAE 20W-40 or
SAE 20W-50
Recommended engine
oil grade
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA
3-20
CHASSIS
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
1. Place the brake master cylinder
so that its top is in a horizontal po-
sition.
2. Inspect:
• Brake fluid level
Fluid at lower level→Fill up.
• Use only designated quality
brake fluid to avoid poor brake
performance.
• Refill with same type and brand
of brake fluid; mixing fluids
could result in poor brake perfor-
mance.
• Be sure that water or other con-
taminants do not enter master
cylinder when refilling.
• Clean up spilled fluid immediate-
ly to avoid erosion of painted
surfaces or plastic parts.
a. Lower level
A. Front
B. Rear
CHECKING THE SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Sprocket teeth "a"
Excessive wear→Replace.
Replace the drive sprocket, rear
wheel sprocket and drive chain as a
set.
CHECKING THE DRIVE CHAIN
1. Measure:
• Drive chain length (15 links) "a"
Out of specification→Replace.
• While measuring the drive chain
length, push down on the drive
chain to increase its tension.
• Measure the length between drive
chain roller "1" and "16" as shown.
• Perform this measurement at two or
three different places.
2. Remove:
• Drive chain "1"
Remove the drive chain using a drive
chain cutter "2".
3. Clean:
• Drive chain
Brush off as much dirt as possi-
ble. Then clean the drive chain
using the chain cleaner.
This machine has a drive chain
with small rubber O-rings "1" be-
tween the side plates. Steam
cleaning, high-pressure washes,
certain solvent and kerosene can
damage these O-rings.
4. Inspect:
• O-ring "1" (drive chain)
Damage→Replace the drive
chain.
•Roller "2"
• Side plate "3"
Damage/wear→Replace the
drive chain.
5. Check:
• Drive chain stiffness "a"
Clean and oil the drive chain and
hold as illustrated.
Stiff→Replace the drive chain.
6. Install:
• Chain joint "1"
• O-ring "2"
• Drive chain "3"
• Link plate "4"
When installing the drive chain, apply
the lithium soap base grease on the
chain joint and O-rings.
7. Install:
• Link plate
• Press the link plate onto the chain
joint using a drive chain riveter "5".
• Rivet the end of the chain joint us-
ing a drive chain riveter.
• After riveting the chain joint, make
sure its movement is smooth.
Recommended brake flu-
id:
DOT #4
Drive chain length (15
links):
(9.42 in)
3-31
ELECTRICAL
6. Install:
•Battery
• Battery band
7. Connect:
• Battery leads
(to the battery terminals)
First, connect the positive lead "1",
then the negative lead "2".
8. Check:
• Battery terminals
Dirt→Clean with a wire brush.
Loose connection→Connect
properly.
9. Lubricate:
• Battery terminal
10. Install:
• Seat
CHECKING THE FUSE
To avoid a short circuit, always set
the main switch to "OFF" when
checking or replacing a fuse.
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Fuse cover
2. Check:
• Continuity
Checking steps:
a. Remove the fuse "1".
b. Connect the pocket tester to the
fuse and check the continuity.
Set the pocket tester selector to " Ω×
1".
2. Reserve fuse
c. If the pocket tester indicates "∞",
replace the fuse.
3. Replace:
• Blown fuse
Replacement steps:
a. Set the main switch to "OFF".
b. Install a new fuse of the correct
amperage.
c. Set on the switches to verify if the
electrical circuit is operational.
d. If the fuse immediately blows
again, check the electrical circuit.
Never use a fuse with an amperage
rating other than that specified. Im-
provising or using a fuse with the
wrong amperage rating may cause
extensive damage to the electrical
system, cause the starting and ig-
nition systems to malfunction and
could possibly cause a fire.
4. Install:
• Fuse cover
•SeatREPLACING THE HEADLIGHT
BULBS
1. Remove:
• Headlight
Refer to "REMOVING THE SEAT,
FUEL TANK AND SIDE COV-
ERS" section.
2. Remove:
• Headlight bulb holder cover "1"
3. Remove:
• Headlight bulb holder "1"
Remove the headlight bulb holder by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.
4. Remove:
• Headlight bulb
Since the headlight bulb gets ex-
tremely hot, keep flammable prod-
ucts and your hands away from the
bulb unit it has cooled down.
5. Install:
• Headlight bulb
Avoid touching the glass part of
the headlight bulb to keep it free
form oil, otherwise the transparen-
cy of the glass, the life of the bulb
and the luminous flux will be ad-
versely affected. If the headlight
bulb gets soiled, thoroughly clean
it with a cloth moistened with alco-
hol or lacquer thinner.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium soap base
grease
Pocket tester:
YU-03112-C/90890-
03112
Items Amperage
ratingQ'ty
Main fuse 10.0 A 1
6-15
FRONT BRAKE AND REAR BRAKE
FILLING THE BRAKE FLUID
1. Fill:
• Brake fluid
Until the fluid level reaches
"LOWER" level line "a".
• Use only the designated quality
brake fluid:
otherwise, the rubber seals may
deteriorate, causing leakage and
poor brake performance.
• Refill with the same type of brake
fluid;
mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor performance.
• Be careful that water does not
enter the master cylinder when
refilling. Water will significantly
lower the boiling point of the flu-
id and may result in vapor lock.
Brake fluid may erode painted sur-
faces or plastic parts. Always
clean up spilled fluid immediately.
A. Front
B. Rear
2. Air bleed:
• Brake system
Refer to "BLEEDING THE HY-
DRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM" sec-
tion in the CHAPTER 3.
3. Inspect:
• Brake fluid level
Fluid at lower level→Fill up.
Refer to "CHECKING THE
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL" section in
the CHAPTER 3.4. Install:
• Reservoir float (front brake)
• Diaphragm
• Brake master cylinder cap "1"
• Screw (bolt) {brake master cylin-
der cap} "2"
After installation, while pulling the
brake lever in or pushing down on
the brake pedal, check whether
there is any brake fluid leaking
where the union bolts are installed
respectively at the brake master
cylinder and brake caliper.
A. Front
B. Rear
5. Install: (rear brake only)
• Protector "1"
• Bolt (protector) "2" Recommended brake flu-
id:
DOT #4
Screw (bolt) {brake mas-
ter cylinder cap}:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Bolt (protector):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
6-18
FRONT FORK
HANDLING NOTE
Support the machine securely so
there is no danger of it falling over.
The front fork requires careful atten-
tion. So it is recommended that the
front fork be maintained at the deal-
ers.
To prevent an accidental explosion
of air, the following instructions
should be observed:
• The front fork with a built-in pis-
ton rod has a very sophisticated
internal construction and is par-
ticularly sensitive to foreign ma-
terial. Use enough care not to
allow any foreign material to
come in when the oil is replaced
or when the front fork is disas-
sembled and reassembled.
• Before removing the cap bolts or
front forks, be sure to extract the
air from the air chamber com-
pletely.
REMOVING THE FRONT FORK
CAP BOLT
1. Remove:
• Front fork cap bolt "1"
From the outer tube.
Before removing the front fork from
the machine, loosen the front fork cap
bolt.
2. Remove:
• Front fork cap bolt "1"
Hold the locknut "2" and remove the
front fork cap bolt.
REMOVING THE INNER TUBE
1. Remove:
• Dust seal "1"
• Stopper ring "2"
Using slotted-head screwdriver.
Take care not to scratch the inner
tube.
2. Remove:
• Inner tube "1"
Oil seal removal steps:
a. Push in slowly "a" the inner tube
just before it bottoms out and then
pull it back quickly "b".
b. Repeat this step until the inner
tube can be pulled out from the
outer tube.
REMOVING THE DAMPER ROD
1. Remove:
• Base valve "1"
• Damper rod "2"
Use a damper rod holder "3" to lock
the damper rod.
CHECKING THE DAMPER ROD
1. Inspect:
• Damper rod "1"
Bend/damage→Replace damper
rod.
The front fork with a built-in piston
rod has a very sophisticated inter-
nal construction and is particularly
sensitive to foreign material.
Use enough care not to allow any
foreign material to come in when
the oil is replaced or when the
front fork is disassembled and re-
assembled.
CHECKING THE BASE VALVE
1. Inspect:
• Valve assembly "1"
Wear/damage →Replace.
• O-ring "2"
Damage→ Replace.
CHECKING THE FORK SPRING
1. Measure:
• Fork spring free length "a"
Out of specification→Replace.
Damper rod holder:
YM-01494/90890-01494
Fork spring free length:
460.0 mm (18.11 in)
(17.91 in)