2019 YAMAHA YZ85 suspension

Table of contents
Location of important la bels ........... 1-1
Safety information ............................ 2-1
Description ....................................... 3-1
Left view ......................................... 3-1
Right view ....................................... 3-2
Controls and instruments ............... 3-3
Instrument an d 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 ................................................. 4-4
Fuel tank breather hose.................. 4-6
Fuel cock ........................................ 4-6
Starter (choke) knob ....................... 4-7
Kickstarter ...................................... 4-7
Seat ................................................ 4-8
Adjusting the front fork ................... 4-8
Front fork bleeding ....................... 4-10
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ................................... 4-11
Removable sidestand ................... 4-14
YPVS system ................................ 4-15
For your safety – pre-operation
checks ............................................... 5-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points ................................................ 6-1
Starting and warming up a cold
engine ......................................... 6-1
Starting a warm engine .................. 6-2
Shifting ........................................... 6-2
Engine break-in .............................. 6-3
Parking ........................................... 6-5
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 7-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 7-2
Checking the spark plug ................ 7-6 Transmission oil .............................. 7-7
Coolant ............................................ 7-8
Cleaning the air filter element ....... 7-10
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 7-12
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ......................................... 7-13
Adjusting the throttle grip free play ............................................ 7-13
Tires .............................................. 7-14
Spoke wheels ................................ 7-16
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 7-17
Checking the brake lever free play ............................................ 7-18
Checking the shift pedal ............... 7-18
Checking the front and rear brake pads ................................. 7-19
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 7-20
Changing the brake fluid ............... 7-21
Drive chain slack ........................... 7-21
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain ................................. 7-23
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 7-23
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 an d stora ge .......... 8-1
Matte color caution ......................... 8-1
Care................................................. 8-1
Storage............................................ 8-3
UB4B80E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Safety information
2-4
2tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become
unstable in cross winds.
• Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the
freedom of movement of the
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
7-14 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.
UB4B80E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-9
4
3. Install the protector.
TIP
Install the protector so that the side
with the notch is facing rearward.
TIP
Although a damping force adjuster
may click beyond the stated minimum
settings, such adjustments are ineffec-
tive and may damage the suspension.
Compression dampin g force
1. Remove the rubber cap by pulling it out of the front fork leg.
2. To increase the compression damping force and thereby hard-
en the compression damping, turn
the adjusting screw on each fork
leg in direction (a). To decrease
the compression damping force
and thereby soften the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting
screw on each fork leg in direction
(b).
3. Install the rubber cap.
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
Re boun d d ampin g setting :
Minimum (soft): 20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard: 7 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned in direction (a)
1. Notch
1 1
(a)
(b)(a)(b)
1
1. Rubber cap
2. Compression damping force adjusting screw
Compression dampin g settin g:
Minimum (soft): 20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
10 (YZ85LW, YZ85LWK)
12 (YZ85, YZ85K) click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully
turned in direction (a)
2
1
(a)(b)
UB4B80E0.book Page 9 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-10
4
TIP
Although a damping force adjuster
may click beyond the stated minimum
settings, such adjustments are ineffec-
tive and may damage the suspension.
EAU84390
Front fork b leedin g
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 air from each front fork leg.
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.
To bleed the front fork legs
1. Remove the protector.
2. Place the motorcycle on a suitable
stand. (See page 7-28.)
3. Make sure the front wheel is off the ground and the area near the
bleed screws is clean.
4. Remove the bleed screws.
1. Protector
1
UB4B80E0.book Page 10 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-12
4
4. Loosen the locknut.
5. 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).
6. Tighten the locknut to the speci- fied torque. NOTICE: Always
ti ghten the locknut ag ainst the
a d justin g nut, and then tighten
the locknut to the specifie d
torque.
[ECA10122]
7. Install the air filter joint in its origi- nal position, and then tighten the
clamp screw and clamp bolt.
TIP
Align the projection on the air filter joint
with the projection on the frame guide.
1. Clamp bolt
2. Clamp screw
3. Air filter joint
1. Locknut
2. Spring preload adjusting nut
1 2
3
1 2
(a)
(b)
1. Distance A
Sprin
g preloa d:
Minimum (soft): Distance A = 218.5 mm (8.60 in)
Standard: Distance A = 210.0 mm (8.27 in)
(YZ85LW, YZ85LWK)
215.0 mm (8.46 in) (YZ85, YZ85K)
Maximum (hard): Distance A = 202.0 mm (7.95 in)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Locknut:
30 N·m (3.0 kgf·m, 22 lb·ft)
1
UB4B80E0.book Page 12 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-13
4
8. Place the left side panel in its orig-
inal position, and then install the
bolt.
9. Install the seat.
Re boun d d ampin g force
To increase the rebound damping for-
ce and thereby harden the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting screw in
direction (a). To decrease the rebound
damping force and thereby soften the
rebound damping, turn the adjusting
screw in direction (b).
TIP
Although a damping force adjuster
may click beyond the stated minimum
settings, such adjustments are ineffec-
tive and may damage the suspension.
Compression dampin g force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the com-
pression damping, turn the adjusting
screw in direction (a). To decrease the
compression damping force and there-
by soften the compression damping,
turn the adjusting screw in direction (b).
1. Frame guide
2. Air filter joint
3. Projection
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
1
3
2
1
(a)
(b)
Re boun d d ampin g settin g:
Minimum (soft): 20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
10 (YZ85LW, YZ85LWK)
6 (YZ85, YZ85K) click(s) in direc-
tion (b)*
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully
turned in direction (a)
1. Compression damping force adjusting
screw
(b)(a)
1
UB4B80E0.book Page 13 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-14
4
TIP
Although a damping force adjuster
may click beyond the stated minimum
settings, such adjustments are ineffec-
tive and may damage the suspension.
WARNING
EWA10222
This shock a bsor ber assem bly con-
tains hi ghly pressurize d nitro gen
g as. Rea d an d un derstan d the fol-
lowin g information before han dlin g
the shock a bsor ber assem bly.
 Do not tamper with or attempt
to open the cylind er assembly.
 Do not su bject the shock a b-
sor ber assem bly to an open
flame or other hi gh heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plo de due to excessive g as
pressure.
 Do not deform or damag e the
cylin der in any way. Cylin der
d amag e will result in poor
d ampin g performance.
 Do not d ispose of a damag ed or
worn-out shock a bsor ber as-
sem bl

y yourself. Take the shock
a b sor ber assem bly to a Yamaha
d ealer for any service.
EAU41382
Remova ble si destan d
This motorcycle is equipped with a re-
movable sidestand.
TIP
Make sure that the sidestand is proper-
ly secured when the motorcycle is be-
ing supported or is being transported.
WARNING
EWA14602
Never apply force on the motor-
cycle while it is on the si de-
stan d.
 Always remove the si destan d
b efore startin g out.
Compression dampin g settin g:
Minimum (soft): 15 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
10 (YZ85LW, YZ85LWK)
9 (YZ85, YZ85K) click(s) in direc-
tion (b)*
Maximum (hard): 1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully
turned in direction (a)
1. Sidestand
1
UB4B80E0.book Page 14 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-5
7
EAU42012
TIP
 Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid levels.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cyl- inders and calipers, and change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-in
Everyrace
Every
third race
Every
fifth race
As
required
24 *Shock absorber
assembly Check operation and adjust. Tighten if necessary.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

25 *Drive chain roller
and support guide Check for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
26
*Rear suspension Check operation and tighten if
necessary.
Lubricate with molybdenum disulfidegrease.
Check operation, free play, andtighten if necessary.
27 *
Steering head Clean and lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
Replace bearings. Check tire air pressure, wheel runout,spokes for looseness, and tires for
wear.

Tighten sprocket bolts if necessary.
28 *Tires and wheels
Check wheel bearings for looseness. Lubricate wheel bearings with
lithium-soap-based grease.
Replace wheel bearings.
29 *Moving parts and ca-
bles Lubricate.
30 *
Throttle grip Check operation. Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
Lubricate cable and grip housing.
After washing the motorcycle or riding in the rain.
UB4B80E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 1:39 PM