2015 YAMAHA YZ85 maintenance

INTRODUCTION
EAU41545
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YZ85/YZ85F/YZ85LW/YZ85LWF. This model is the result of Yamaha’s
vast experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. It represents the high degree
of craftsmanship and reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of the operation, inspection, and basic maintenance of this motorcycle. If you
have any questions concerning the operation or maintenance of your motorcycle, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur- rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and
this manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10032
Please rea d this manual carefully an d completely before operatin g this motorcycle.
WARNING
EWA14352
This motorcycle is d esigne d an d manufactured for off-road use only. It is ille gal to operate this motorcycle on any
pu blic street, roa d or hi ghway. Such use is prohi bite d b y law. This motorcycle complies with almost all state off-
hi ghway noise level an d spark arrester laws an d re gulations. Please check your local ri din g laws an d re gulations
b efore operatin g this motorcycle.AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:
 Read this manual completely before operating your motorcycle. Make sure you understand all instructions.
 Pay close attention to the warning and notice labels on the motorcycle.
 Never operate a motorcycle without proper training or instruction.
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INTRODUCTIONAN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This motorcycle is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this motorcycle, you should understand the instructions and warn-
ings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them. Children differ in skills, physical abil-
ities, and judgment. Some children may not be able to operate a motorcycle safely. Parents should supervise their child’s
use of the motorcycle at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they determine that the child has the ability
to operate the motorcycle safely.
Motorcycles are sin gle track vehicles. Their safe use an d operation are d ependent upon the use of proper ri din g
techniques as well as the expertise of the operator. Every operator shoul d know the followin g requirements b efore
ri din g this motorcycle.
He or she should:  Obtain thorough instructions from a competent source on all aspects of motorcycle operation.
 Observe the warnings and maintenance requirements in this Owner’s Manual.
 Obtain qualified training in safe and proper riding techniques.
 Obtain professional technical service as indicated in this Owner’s Manual and/or when made necessary by mechanical
conditions.U1SN83E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

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 .......................................4-2
Brake lever ......................................4-2
Brake pedal .....................................4-3
Fuel tank cap ...................................4-3
Fuel ..................................................4-3
Fuel tank breather hose...................4-5
Fuel cock .........................................4-6
Starter (choke) knob ........................4-6
Kickstarter .......................................4-7
Seat .................................................4-7
Adjusting the front fork ....................4-8
Front fork bleeding ..........................4-9
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ....................................4-10
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 ............................................ 7-18
Checking the brake lever free play ............................................ 7-19 Checking the shift pedal ............... 7-19
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 7-20
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 7-20
Changing the brake fluid ............... 7-22
Drive chain slack ........................... 7-22
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain .......................................... 7-23
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 7-24
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 rear suspension.... 7-25
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ... 7-26
Checking the front fork ................. 7-26
Checking the steering ................... 7-27
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 7-27
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 7-28
Front wheel ................................... 7-28
Rear wheel .................................... 7-29
Troubleshooting ............................ 7-31
Troubleshooting charts ................. 7-32
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE .......................................... 8-1
Matte color caution ......................... 8-1
Care................................................. 8-1
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2-1
2
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU41469
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are re-
sponsible for the safe and proper oper-
ation of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements be-
fore riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:  Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.
 Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
 Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
 Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions. 
Never operate a motorcycle with-
out proper training or instruction.
Take a training course. Beginners
should receive training from a cer-
tified instructor. Contact an autho-
rized motorcycle dealer to find out
about the training courses nearest
you.
Safe Ri din g
Perform the pre-operation checks
each time you use the vehicle to make
sure it is in safe operating condition.
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehi-
cle properly increases the possibility of
an accident or equipment damage.
See page 5-1 for a list of pre-operation
checks.  This motorcycle is designed for
off-road use only, therefore, it is il-
legal to operate it on public
streets, roads, or highways, even
a dirt or gravel one. Off-road use
on public lands may be illegal.
Please check local regulations be-
fore riding.
 This motorcycle is designed to
carry the operator only. No pas-
sengers. 
The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been
caused by an automobile driver
who did not see the motorcycle.
Making yourself conspicuous ap-
pears to be very effective in reduc-
ing the chance of this type of
accident.
Therefore:
• Wear a brightly colored jacket.
• Use extra caution when you are approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.
• Ride where other motorists can see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.
• Never maintain a motorcycle without proper knowledge.
Contact an authorized motorcy-
cle dealer to inform you on ba-
sic motorcycle maintenance.
Certain maintenance can only
be carried out by certified staff.U1SN83E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-1
5
EAU15598
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
EWA11152
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an acci dent or equipment damag e.
Do not operate the vehicle if you fin d any pro blem. If a pro blem cannot be corrected b y the proce dures provi ded in
this manual, have the vehicle inspecte d b y 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 for leakage. 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. 7-20, 7-20
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
6-3
6
EAU41505
Engine break-in
WARNING
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle or performin g maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death durin g
service or while usin g the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha d ealer perform
service.1. Before starting the engine, fill the fuel tank with a break-in oil-fuel
mixture as follows.
2. Start and warm up the engine. Check the operation of the con-
trols and the engine stop switch.
(See page 4-1.)
3. Operate the motorcycle in the lower gears at moderate throttle
openings for five to eight minutes.
Stop the engine and check the spark plug condition (see page
7-8); it will show a rich condition
during break-in.
4. Allow the engine to cool. Restart the engine and operate the motor-
cycle as in the step above for five
minutes. Then, very briefly shift to
the higher gears and check the
full-throttle response. Stop the en-
gine and check the spark plug.
5. After again allowing the engine to cool, restart and run the motorcy-
cle for five more minutes. Full
throttle and the higher gears may
be used, but sustained full-throttle
operation should be avoided.
Stop the engine and check the
spark plug again.
6. Allow the engine to cool, remove the cylinder head and cylinder,
and inspect the piston and cylin-
der. Remove any high spots on
the piston with #600-grit wet
sandpaper. Clean all components
and carefully reassemble the cyl-
inder head and cylinder.
7. Drain the break-in oil-fuel mixture from the fuel tank and refill with
the specified mix. (See page 4-3.) 8. Start the engine and check the op-
eration of the motorcycle through-
out its entire operating range.
Stop the engine and check the
spark plug condition. Restart the
motorcycle and ride it for about 10
to 15 more minutes. The motorcy-
cle will now be ready to ride nor-
mally.
After the engine break-in period, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-
justments thoroughly, especially cable
and drive chain slack and loose
spokes. In addition, check all fittings
and fasteners for looseness, and tight-
en if necessary.
NOTICE
ECA15561
 When any of the followin g parts
have been replaced , they must
b e broken in.
Cylin der or crankshaft:
A bout one hour of b reak-in op-
eration is necessary.
Piston, rin gs or transmission
g ears:
Recommen ded 2-stroke en gine oil:
See page 9-1.
Mixin g ratio ( gasoline to oil):
15:1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-1
7
EAU42074
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition
possible. Safety is an obligation of the
vehicle owner/operator. The most im-
portant points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are ex-
plained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, depending on the
weather, terrain, geographical location,
and individual use, the maintenance in-
tervals may need to be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death durin g
service or while usin g the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha d ealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15123
Turn off the en gine when performin g
maintenance unless otherwise
specified .
 A runnin g en gine has movin g
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothin g an d electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
 Runnin g the en gine while ser-
vicin g can lead to eye injury,
b urns, fire, or car bon monoxi de
poisonin g – possi bly lea din g to
d eath. See pag e 2-2 for more in-
formation a bout car bon monox-
i d e.
WARNING
EWA15461
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linin gs can b ecome very hot d uring
use. To avoi d possi ble burns, let
b rake components cool before
touchin g them.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-2
7
EAU4179A
Periodic maintenance an d lu brication chartThe following chart is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as weath-
er, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals. If you
are in doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your motorcycle, consult your Yamaha dealer.TIPItems marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-in Every
race Every
third race Every
fifth race As
required
1 *Piston Check piston for carbon deposits and cracks or dam-
age.
Clean. √
√
√
Replace. √
√
2 *Piston rings Check piston ring end gap and rings for damage.
√
Replace.
3 *Piston pin and small
end bearing
Check piston pin and small end bearing for damage. √√√
Replace. √
√
4
*Cylinder head Check cylinder head for carbon deposits.
Clean.
√
√
√
Check cylinder head gasket for damage.
Replace cylinder head gasket. Tighten cylinder head nuts if necessary. √
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