Page 68 of 90

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-21
7
EAU51721
Chan gin g the brake flui d
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the master cylinders and calipers as
well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they
are damaged or leaking.
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU22762
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU84400To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on a suitable stand. (See page 7-28.)
2. Confirm the rear wheel is off the ground and the rear shock ab-
sorber is fully extended.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral.
4. Pull up the drive chain until the chain is taut, and then measure
distance A between the top of the
swingarm and the bottom of the
chain as shown.
5. If the drive chain slack is incorrect, adjust it as follows. NOTICE: Im-
proper drive chain slack will
overloa d the en gine as well as
other vital parts of the motorcy-
cle an d can lead to chain slip-
pa ge or b reakag e. To prevent
1. Distance A
Distance A:
58.0–68.0 mm (2.28–2.68 in) (YZ85,
YZ85K)
65.0–75.0 mm (2.56–2.95 in)
(YZ85LW, YZ85LWK)
1
UB4B80E0.book Page 21 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM
Page 69 of 90
![YAMAHA YZ85 2019 Owners Manual Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-22
7
this from occurrin
g, keep the
d rive chain slack within the
specified limits.
[ECA10572]
EAU84060
To adjust the d rive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha deal YAMAHA YZ85 2019 Owners Manual Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-22
7
this from occurrin
g, keep the
d rive chain slack within the
specified limits.
[ECA10572]
EAU84060
To adjust the d rive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha deal](/manual-img/51/54027/w960_54027-68.png)
Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-22
7
this from occurrin
g, keep the
d rive chain slack within the
specified limits.
[ECA10572]
EAU84060
To adjust the d rive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing the drive chain slack. 1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock- nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in di-
rection (a). To loosen the drive
chain, turn the adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in di-
rection (b), and then push the rear
wheel forward.
TIP
Using the alignment marks on the drive
chain pullers and the notch on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both drive chain pullers are in the same
position for proper wheel alignment.
3. Tighten both locknuts and the axlenut to the specified torques.
4. Make sure that the drive chain pullers are in the same position,
the drive chain slack is correct,
and the drive chain moves
smoothly.1. Axle nut
2. Locknut
1. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
1
2
(b)
(a) 1
1. Notch
2. Alignment mark
3. Drive chain puller
Ti
ghtenin g torques:
Locknut: 21 N·m (2.1 kgf·m, 15 lb·ft)
Axle nut:
80 N·m (8.0 kgf·m, 59 lb·ft)
12
3
UB4B80E0.book Page 22 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM
Page 74 of 90
Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-27
7
EAU23285
Checkin g the steerin g
Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Raise the front wheel off the ground. (See page 7-28.)
WARNING! To avoi d injury, se-
curely support the vehicle so
there is no dan ger of it fallin g
over.
[EWA10752]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steer-
ing.
EAU23292
Checkin g the wheel b earings
The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the wheel bearings.
UB4B80E0.book Page 27 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM
Page 75 of 90
Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-28
7
EAU75190
Supportin g the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, use a maintenance stand
when removing the front or rear wheel,
adjusting the chain or washing the ve-
hicle, etc.
Check that the motorcycle is in a stable
and level position before starting any
maintenance.
TIP
If a suitable maintenance stand is not
available, a strong wooden box can be
used instead.
EAU24361
Front wheel
EAU56372
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10822
To avoi d injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no dan ger of it
fallin g over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Place the motorcycle on a suitable
stand. (See page 7-28.)
3. Remove the axle nut and washer.
4. Pull out the wheel axle.1. Maintenance stand (for off-road motorcycle)
1
1. Washer
2. Axle nut
1. Wheel axle
2
1
1
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Page 76 of 90

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-29
7 5. Remove the wheel.
NOTICE: Do
not apply the b rake after the
wheel an d b rake disc have been
remove d, otherwise the brake
pa ds will be forced shut.
[ECA11073]
To install the front wheel
1. Make sure the brake pads have not been forced shut.
2. Lift up the wheel between the fork legs.
3. Insert the wheel axle from the right side.
4. Install the washer and axle nut.
5. Tighten the axle nut to the speci- fied torque.
EAU25081
Rear wheel
EAU84051
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10822
To avoi d injury, securely support the
vehicle so there is no dan ger of it
fallin g over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Place the motorcycle on a suitable
stand. (See page 7-28.)
3. Loosen the locknut, and then turn the drive chain slack adjusting bolt
in direction (a). Repeat for the oth-
er side.
Tightenin g torque:
Axle nut: 70 N·m (7.0 kgf·m, 52 lb·ft)
1. Axle nut
2. Washer
1. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
2. Locknut
3. Drive chain puller
12
23
(a)1
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Page 77 of 90

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-30
7
4. Remove the axle nut and washer.
5. Push the wheel forward and re-
move the drive chain from the rear
sprocket.
6. While supporting the brake caliper bracket, pull out the wheel axle.
TIP
A rubber mallet may be useful to
tap the wheel axle out.
The drive chain pullers may fall out
when removing the wheel axle.
7. Remove the wheel. NOTICE: Do
not apply the brake after the
wheel an d b rake disc have been
remove d, otherwise the brake
pa ds will b e forced shut.
[ECA11073]
TIP
If the drive chain is difficult to re-
move, remove the wheel axle first.
For easy installation, rest the drive
chain on top of the swingarm.
To install the rear wheel
1. Make sure the brake pads have not been forced shut.
2. Install the wheel, the brake caliper bracket and drive chain pullers by
inserting the wheel axle from the
left side.
TIP
Make sure the slot in the brake caliper
bracket is fit over the retainer on the
swingarm.
3. Install the drive chain onto the rearsprocket.
4. Install the washer and axle nut.
5. Adjust the drive chain slack. (See page 7-21.)
1. Wheel axle
1
1. Retainer
2. Slot
2 1
UB4B80E0.book Page 30 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM
Page 81 of 90

Motorcycle care and stora ge
8-1
8
EAU37834
Matte color caution
NOTICE
ECA15193
Some mo dels are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
a d vice on what pro ducts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical prod ucts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applie d to any matte colored fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU41359
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-
ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA17692
Avoi d using strong aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such pro ducts are
use d on har d-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
UB4B80E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM
Page 82 of 90

Motorcycle care and stora ge
8-2
8 fected
area any lon ger than in-
structe d. Also, thorou ghly rinse
the area off with water, imme di-
ately dry it, an d then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
Improper cleanin g can d amage
plastic parts (such as cowlin gs,
panels, etc.) an d the mufflers.
Use only a soft, clean cloth or
spon ge with water to clean
plastic. However, if the plastic
parts cannot be thorou ghly
cleaned with water, dilute d mil d
d eter gent with water may b e
use d. Be sure to rinse off any
d eter gent resi due using plenty
of water, as it is harmful to plas-
tic parts.
Do not use any harsh chemical
prod ucts on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoi d using cloths or
spon ges which have been in
contact with stron g or a brasive
cleanin g prod ucts, solvent or
thinner, fuel (g asoline), rust re-
movers or inhi bitors, brake flui
d,
an
tifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use hi gh-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepa ge an d
d eterioration in the followin g ar-
eas: seals (of wheel an d swin g-
arm bearin gs, fork an d b rakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, an d switches),
b reather hoses an d vents.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain or near the sea
Since sea salt is extremely corrosive,
carry out the following steps after each
ride in the rain or near the sea.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold water and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm wa-
ter since it increases the corro-
sive action of the salt.
[ECA10792]
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome-
and nickel-plated, surfaces to pre-
vent corrosion.
After cleaning 1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system.
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom- mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
UB4B80E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM