2016 YAMAHA YZ250F suspension

MAINTENANCE AFTER BREAK-IN
1-22
EAS1SM9044
MAINTENANCE AFTER BREAK-IN
After a break-in, perform careful maintenance
to get ready for the next practice or race.
Refer to “PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE” on page 3-7.
EAS1SM9045MAJOR MAINTENANCE
1. For the engine
• Leaks around the engine
Check for pressure leaks from the cylinder
head or the cylinder, oil leaks from the
crankcase or the case cover, leaks from the
coolant system, and other leaks.
• Check that the valve, the cylinder head, the
cylinder, the piston, and the piston ring fit
one another, and that contact between the
valve and the cylinder head, and that be-
tween the cylinder and the piston are cor-
rect.
• Engine oil change
Drain the oil, and check for dirt and foreign
materials such as metal chips. (If any foreign
material is mixed, disassemble and check
the crankcase.)
Pour the specified amount of the recom-
mended oil.
• AC magneto
Check for looseness in mounted areas of
the rotor and the stator.
Check that the connector is not being dis-
connected.
• Silencer
Check the main body and stay for cracks.
Check for leaks.
• Mounting bolts and nuts
Check for looseness in mounted areas of
parts, as well as engine mounting bolts and
engine brackets.
2. For the chassis
• Check welds and mounted areas of the
frame, the swingarm, the link, the bracket,
and so on, for looseness and cracks.
• Wheel (s)
Check the wheel for runout. Check the
spoke for looseness.
• Brake(s)
Check the brake disc mounting bolt for
looseness.
Check that the reservoir contains the speci-
fied amount of brake fluid. Check for leaks.• Cable
Grease and adjust cables.
•Drive chain
Lubricate the drive chain and adjust its ten-
sion.
• Fuel tank
Clean the inside of the fuel tank. Check for
leaks.
• Suspension
Check for oil leaks in the front fork or the rear
shock absorber. Check that the mounted
conditions are good.
• Sprocket
Check for looseness in the sprocket mount-
ed on the rear wheel.
• Mounting bolts and nuts
Check mounted areas for looseness.
ECA
NOTICE
After a break-in or before each race, always
check the points shown in “TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS” for tightening torques and
retighten them. (Refer to “TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS” on page 1-23.)
• Greasing and oiling
Always grease or oil the specified points.

TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
1-23
EAS1SM9046
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
Frame construction Frame to rear frame
Frame to engine protector
Combined seat and fuel tank Fuel tank to frame
Engine mounting Frame to engine
Engine bracket to engine
Engine bracket to frame
Seat Seat to frame
Steering Steering stem to handlebar Steering stem to frame
Steering stem to upper bracket
Upper bracket to handlebar
Suspension Front Steering stem to front fork Front fork to upper bracket
Front fork to lower bracket
Rear Link Assembly of links
Link to frame
Link to rear shock absorber
Link to swingarm
Mounting of rear shock absorber Rear shock absorber and frame
Mounting of swingarm Tightening of pivot shaft
Wheel (s) Mounting of wheel Front Tightening of wheel axle
Tightening of axle holder
Tightening of spoke nipple
Rear Tightening of wheel axle
Wheel to rear wheel sprocket
Tightening of spoke nipple
Brake(s) Front Brake caliper to front fork
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to handle-
bar
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Rear Brake pedal to frame
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to frame
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Shift pedal Shift pedal to shift shaft
Fuel system Fuel pump to fuel tank

CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS
2-8
Brake pad lining thickness (outer) 4.4 mm (0.17 in)
Limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Master cylinder inside diameter 9.52 mm (0.37 in)
Caliper cylinder inside diameter 22.65 mm  2 (0.89 in  2)
Specified brake fluid DOT 4
Rear brake
Type Single disc brake
Operation Right foot operation
Brake pedal position 0.0 mm (0.00 in)
Rear disc brake
Disc outside diameter  thickness 245  4.0 mm (9.6  0.16 in)
Brake disc thickness limit 3.5 mm (0.14 in)
Brake disc runout limit (as measured on wheel) 0.15 mm (0.0059 in)
Brake pad lining thickness (inner) 6.4 mm (0.25 in)
Limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Brake pad lining thickness (outer) 6.4 mm (0.25 in)
Limit 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Master cylinder inside diameter 11.0 mm (0.43 in)
Caliper cylinder inside diameter 25.40 mm  1 (1.00 in  1)
Specified brake fluid DOT 4
Steering
Steering bearing type Taper roller bearing
Center to lock angle (left) 43.0 °
Center to lock angle (right) 43.0 °
Front suspension
Type Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type Coil spring/oil damper
Front fork travel 310.0 mm (12.20 in)
Fork spring free length 497.0 mm (19.57 in)
Limit 492.0 mm (19.37 in)
Installed length 497.0 mm (19.57 in)
Spring rate K1 4.70 N/mm (0.48 kgf/mm, 26.84 lbf/in) (USA)
(CAN)
4.60 N/mm (0.47 kgf/mm, 26.27 lbf/in) (EUR)
(JPN) (AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Spring stroke K1 0.0–310.0 mm (0.00–12.20 in)
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.9 in)
Inner tube bending limit 0.2 mm (0.01 in)
Optional spring available Yes
Recommended oil Suspension oil S1
Quantity 526.0 cm
3 (17.78 US oz, 18.55 Imp.oz) (USA)
(CAN)
551.0 cm
3 (18.63 US oz, 19.43 Imp.oz) (EUR)
(JPN) (AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Rebound damping adjusting positions
Minimum 20 clicks out*
Standard 12 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
8 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Maximum Fully turned in
*With the adjuster fully turned in

CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS
2-9
Compression damping adjusting positions
Minimum 20 clicks out*
Standard 10 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
6 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Maximum Fully turned in
*With the adjuster fully turned in
Rear suspension
Type Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Rear shock absorber assembly travel 132.0 mm (5.20 in)
Spring free length 275.0 mm (10.83 in)
Spring rate K1 54.00 N/mm (5.51 kgf/mm, 308.34 lbf/in)
Spring stroke K1 0.0–150.0 mm (0.00–5.91 in)
Optional spring available Yes
Enclosed gas/air pressure (STD) 980 kPa (9.8 kgf/cm
2, 139.4 psi)
Spring preload adjusting positions
Minimum Position in which the spring is turned in 1.5 mm
(0.06 in) from its free length.
Standard Position in which the spring is turned in 10 mm
(0.39 in) from its free length.
Maximum Position in which the spring is turned in 18 mm
(0.71 in) from its free length.
Rebound damping adjusting positions
Minimum 30 clicks out*
Standard 13 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
14 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Maximum Fully turned in
*With the adjuster fully turned in
Compression damping setting
(for fast compression damping)
Minimum 2 turns out*
Standard 1-1/4 turns out* (USA) (CAN)
1-1/8 turns out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS) (NZL)
(ZAF)
Maximum Fully turned in
*With the adjuster fully turned in
Compression damping setting
(for slow compression damping)
Minimum 20 clicks out*
Standard 12 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
10 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Maximum Fully turned in
*With the adjuster fully turned in
Swingarm
Swingarm end free play limit (radial) 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Swingarm end free play limit (axial) 0.2–0.9 mm (0.01–0.04 in)
Drive chain
Size/manufacturer 520DMA2-SDH/DAIDO
Number of links 114
Drive chain slack 50–60 mm (1.97–2.36 in)
15-link length limit 242.9 mm (9.56 in)

3
PERIODIC CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS.......................................................................... 3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS .................................................................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE................................. 3-7
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE........................................ 3-7
ENGINE............................................................................................................ 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL .......................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLING SYSTEM ....................................................... 3-8
CHANGING THE COOLANT...................................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP ............................................................ 3-9
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP VALVE OPENING PRESSURE ......... 3-9
CHECKING THE COOLANT CIRCULATORY SYSTEM FOR LEAKS .... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER POSITION ...................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER FREE PLAY .................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP FREE PLAY .................................. 3-11
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE CABLE ................................................ 3-12
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT................................................. 3-12
CHECKING THE THROTTLE BODY JOINT ............................................ 3-13
CHECKING THE BREATHER HOSES .................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM..................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE FUEL LINE ................................................................... 3-14
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL..................................................... 3-14
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL ................................................................ 3-15
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED ............................................ 3-16
ADJUSTING THE VALVE CLEARANCE ................................................. 3-17
CHASSIS........................................................................................................ 3-22
BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM .......................................................... 3-22
CHECKING THE BRAKE HOSE .............................................................. 3-23
ADJUSTING THE FRONT BRAKE .......................................................... 3-23
ADJUSTING THE REAR BRAKE ............................................................. 3-24
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ................................................. 3-24
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PADS ................................................... 3-26
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PAD INSULATOR ................................ 3-27
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.................................................. 3-27
ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN SLACK ................................................ 3-28
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................... 3-29
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTECTOR GUIDE .......................... 3-29
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND DUST SEAL ................ 3-29
AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK .................................................... 3-29
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK LEGS .................................................. 3-30
CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION ........................................... 3-31
CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION ................................................... 3-31
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY ................... 3-31
CHECKING THE TIRES ........................................................................... 3-33
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE SPOKES ....................................... 3-33
CHECKING THE WHEELS ...................................................................... 3-34

CHASSIS
3-30
3. Tighten:
• Air bleed screw
EAS1SM9101ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK LEGSEWA32D1006
WARNING
• Always adjust the left and right front forks
evenly. If this is not done, the vehicle may
have poor stability.
• Securely support the vehicle so that there
is no danger of it falling over.
Rebound damping
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Compression dampingECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Air bleed screw
1.3 Nm (0.13 m·kgf, 0.94 ft·lbf)
Direction “a”
Rebound damping is increased (sus-
pension is harder).
Direction “b”
Rebound damping is decreased (sus-
pension is softer).
Rebound damping adjusting posi-
tions
Maximum
Fully turned in
Standard
12 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
8 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS)
(NZL) (ZAF)
Minimum
20 clicks out*
* With the adjuster fully turned in
T R..
1
Direction “a”
Compression damping is increased
(suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
Compression damping is decreased
(suspension is softer).
Compression damping adjusting
positions
Maximum
Fully turned in
Standard
10 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
6 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS)
(NZL) (ZAF)
Minimum
20 clicks out*
* With the adjuster fully turned in
1
a
b
a b
1

CHASSIS
3-31
EAS1SM9102CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION
1. Check:
• Swingarm smooth action
• Swingarm free play
Refer to “SWINGARM” on page 4-60.
EAS1SM9103CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly
Gas leaks/oil leaks  Replace the rear
shock absorber assembly.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
3. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly smooth ac-
tion
• Rear suspension link smooth action
Sit astride the seat and shake your body up
and down several times to check whether
the rear shock absorber assembly operates
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
EAS1SM9104ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORB-
ER ASSEMBLY
Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel off
the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
Spring preload
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.1. Remove:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
2. Adjust:
• Spring preload
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Loosen the locknut “1”.
b. Loosen the adjuster “2” until there is some
clearance between the spring and the ad-
juster.
c. Measure the spring free length “a”.
d. Turn the adjuster in the direction of “b” or “c”
to make an adjustment.
TIP
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud from
around the locknut and adjusting ring before
adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed) changes
1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjusting ring.
Direction “b”
Spring preload is increased (suspen-
sion is harder).
Direction “c”
Spring preload is decreased (suspen-
sion is softer).
Spring preload adjusting positions
Minimum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 1.5 mm (0.06 in) from
its free length.
Standard
Position in which the spring is
turned in 10 mm (0.39 in) from its
free length.
Maximum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 18 mm (0.71 in) from its
free length.

CHASSIS
3-32
e. Tighten the locknut.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
3. Install:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
Rebound damping
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Compression damping (for fast compres-
sion damping)
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping (for fast compression
damping)
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Locknut
30 Nm (3.0 m·kgf, 22 ft·lbf)
Direction “a”
Rebound damping is increased (sus-
pension is harder).
Direction “b”
Rebound damping is decreased (sus-
pension is softer).
Rebound damping adjusting posi-
tions
Maximum
Fully turned in
Standard
13 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
14 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS)
(NZL) (ZAF)
Minimum
30 clicks out*
* With the adjuster fully turned
c
b
T R..
Direction “a”
Compression damping is increased
(suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
Compression damping is decreased
(suspension is softer).
Compression damping setting
(for fast compression damping)
Maximum
Fully turned in
Standard
1-1/4 turns out* (USA) (CAN)
1-1/8 turns out* (EUR) (JPN)
(AUS) (NZL) (ZAF)
Minimum
2 turns out*
* With the adjuster fully turned
a
b
1
1
a b