2015 YAMAHA YZ85 suspension

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
U1SN83E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
2-4
2
operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
7-15 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g 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 location 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 exces-
sively during transport.
U1SN83E0.book Page 4 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-9
4
TIPAlthough the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above
specifications due to small differences
in production, the actual number of
clicks always represents the entire ad-
justing range. To obtain a precise ad-
justment, it would be advisable to
check the number of clicks of each
damping force adjusting mechanism
and to modify the specifications as
necessary.
EAU51651
Front fork bleedin g
WARNING
EWA10201
Always blee d b oth fork le gs, other-
wise poor han dlin g an d loss of sta-
b ility 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 7-28.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.
1. Bleed screw
U1SN83E0.book Page 9 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-10
4
EAU41335
Adjustin g the shock a bsorb er
assem blyThis 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
ECA10102
To avoi d d amag ing the mechanism,
d o not attempt to turn b eyond the
maximum or minimum setting s.Spring preloa d
Adjust the spring preload as follows. 1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the spring preload and thereby harden the suspen-
sion, turn the adjusting nut in di-
rection (a). To decrease the spring
preload and thereby soften the
suspension, turn the adjusting nut
in direction (b). 
A special wrench can be ob-
tained at a Yamaha dealer to
make this adjustment.
 The spring preload setting is
determined by measuring
distance A, shown in the illus-
tration. The longer distance A
is, the lower the spring pre-
load; the shorter distance A
is, the higher the spring pre-
load. With each complete
turn of the adjusting nut, dis-
tance A is changed by 1.5
mm (0.06 in). 3. Tighten the locknut to the speci-
fied torque. NOTICE: Always
ti g hten the locknut ag ainst the
a d justin g nut, an d then ti ghten
the locknut to the specified
torque.
[ECA10122]
1. Locknut
2. Spring preload adjusting nut
1. Distance ASprin g preloa d:
Minimum (soft): Distance A = 218.5 mm (8.60 in)
Standard:YZ85/YZ85F Distance A = 215.0 mm (8.46 in)
Standard:YZ85LW/YZ85LWF
Distance A = 207.0 mm (8.15 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Maximum (hard): Distance A = 202.5 mm (7.97 in)
U1SN83E0.book Page 10 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-6
7
EAU42012
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.
U1SN83E0.book Page 6 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

SPECIFICATIONS
9-2
9
5th:1.130 (26/23)
6th: 1.000 (25/25)
Chassis:Frame type:Semi double cradle
Caster angle: YZ85 26.30 °
YZ85F 26.30 °
YZ85LW 26.00 °
YZ85LWF 26.00 °
Trail:
YZ85 88 mm (3.5 in)
YZ85F 88 mm (3.5 in)
YZ85LW 99 mm (3.9 in)
YZ85LWF 99 mm (3.9 in)Front tire:Type:With tube
Size:
YZ85 70/100-17 40M
YZ85F 70/100-17 40M
YZ85LW 70/100-19 42M
YZ85LWF 70/100-19 42M
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/MX51FRear tire:Type:
With tube Size:
YZ85 90/100-14 49M
YZ85F 90/100-14 49M
YZ85LW 90/100-16 52M
YZ85LWF 90/100-16 52M
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/MX51
Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires):
Front:
100 kPa (1.00 kgf/cm², 15 psi)
Rear:
100 kPa (1.00 kgf/cm², 15 psi)
Front wheel:Wheel type:Spoke wheel
Rim size:
YZ85 17x1.40
YZ85F 17x1.40
YZ85LW 19x1.40
YZ85LWF 19x1.40Rear wheel:Wheel type:Spoke wheel
Rim size:
YZ85 14x1.60
YZ85F 14x1.60
YZ85LW 16x1.85
YZ85LWF 16x1.85Front brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
Rear brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation: Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Front suspension:Type:Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type: Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
275 mm (10.8 in)Rear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel: YZ85 282 mm (11.1 in)
YZ85F 282 mm (11.1 in)
YZ85LW 287 mm (11.3 in)
YZ85LWF 287 mm (11.3 in)Electrical system:Ignition system:
CDI
U1SN83E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM

11-1
11
INDEX
AAir filter element, cleaning .................... 7-12BBrake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating........................................... 7-24
Brake fluid, changing............................ 7-22
Brake fluid level, checking.................... 7-20
Brake lever.............................................. 4-2
Brake lever free play, checking ............ 7-19
Brake pedal ............................................ 4-3
Brake pedal, checking and lubricating........................................... 7-25CCables, checking and lubricating ......... 7-24
Carburetor, adjusting............................ 7-14
Care ........................................................ 8-1
Clutch lever............................................. 4-1
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ........... 7-18
Coolant ................................................. 7-10DDrive chain, cleaning and lubricating ... 7-23
Drive chain slack .................................. 7-22EEngine break-in ...................................... 6-3
Engine idling speed .............................. 7-14
Engine serial number ............................ 10-1
Engine, starting a warm.......................... 6-1
Engine stop switch ................................. 4-1FFront and rear brake pads, checking ... 7-20
Front fork, adjusting ............................... 4-8
Front fork, bleeding ................................ 4-9
Front fork, checking ............................. 7-26
Fuel ......................................................... 4-3 Fuel cock................................................ 4-6
Fuel tank breather hose ......................... 4-5
Fuel tank cap.......................................... 4-3
HHandlebar switch ................................... 4-1IIdentification numbers ......................... 10-1KKickstarter .............................................. 4-7LLabels, location ...................................... 1-1MMatte color, caution ............................... 8-1
Model label........................................... 10-1PParking ................................................... 6-4
Part locations ......................................... 3-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ..................................................... 7-2RRear suspension, lubricating................ 7-25SSafety information .................................. 2-1
Seat ........................................................ 4-7
Shifting ................................................... 6-2
Shift pedal .............................................. 4-2
Shift pedal, checking ........................... 7-19
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ... 4-10
Sidestand ............................................. 4-12
Spark plug, checking ............................. 7-8
Specifications......................................... 9-1
Starter (choke) knob............................... 4-6
Starting and warming up a cold
engine .................................................. 6-1 Steering, checking ................................ 7-27
Storage ................................................... 8-3
Supporting the motorcycle ................... 7-28
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................ 7-26
TThrottle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ........................................... 7-24
Throttle grip free play, adjusting ........... 7-15
Tires ...................................................... 7-15
Transmission oil ...................................... 7-9
Troubleshooting .................................... 7-31
Troubleshooting charts ......................... 7-32VVehicle identification number ............... 10-1WWheel bearings, checking .................... 7-27
Wheel (front).......................................... 7-28
Wheel (rear)........................................... 7-29
Wheels .................................................. 7-17
U1SN83E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 8, 2014 2:36 PM