
Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-16
7
EAU48322
Spoke wheels
WARNING
EWA10611
The wheels on this mo del are not
d esi gne d for use with tu beless tires.
Do not attempt to use tub eless tires
on this mo del.To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.
The wheel rims should be
checked for cracks, bends, warp-
age or other damage and the
spokes for looseness or damage
before each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU65775
Adjustin g the clutch lever free
playMeasure the clutch lever free play as
shown.
Periodically check the clutch lever free
play and, if necessary, adjust it.
To increase the clutch lever free play,
turn the clutch lever free play adjuster
in direction (a). To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjuster in di-
rection (b).
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play
cannot be obtained as described
above, proceed as follows.1. Fully turn the adjuster in direction
(a) to loosen the clutch cable.
2. Slide the rubber cover and clutch lever free play adjuster back fur-
ther down the clutch cable, and
then loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection (b).
1. Clutch lever free play
2. Clutch lever free play adjuster
Clutch lever free play:7.0–12.0 mm (0.28–0.47 in)
2
1
(b) (b) (b)
(a) (a) (a)
UB4B83E0.book Page 16 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-20
7
Insufficient brake flui d may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, re ducin g brakin g
performance.
Clean the filler cap before re-
movin g. Use only DOT 4 brake
flui d from a seale d container.
Use only the specifie d b rake flu-
i d ; otherwise, the ru bber seals
may deteriorate, causin g leak-
a g e.
Refill with the same type of
brake flui d. A ddin g a brake flui d
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.
Be careful that water d oes not
enter the brake flui d reservoir
when refillin g. Water will sig nifi-
cantly lower the boilin g point of
the flui d an d may result in vapor
lock.
EAU51721
Chan gin g the brake flui dHave 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 slackThe drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU84401
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on a suitable stand. (See page 7-26.)
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.1. Distance A
1 1
UB4B83E0.book Page 20 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-21
7 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 breakag e. To prevent
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.
TIPUsing 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.
Distance A:58.0–68.0 mm (2.28–2.68 in) (YZ85,
YZ85N)
65.0–75.0 mm (2.56–2.95 in)
(YZ85LW, YZ85LWN)
1. Axle nut
2. Locknut
2 2
12
1
1. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
(b) (b)
(a) (a)
1(b)
(a)
1
UB4B83E0.book Page 21 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-25
7
EAU23273
Checkin g the front forkThe condition and operation of the
front fork must be checked as follows
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
To check the con dition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoi d injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no dan ger of it fallin g
over.
[EWA10752]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handle-
bars several times to check if the
front fork compresses and re-
bounds smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10591
If any d amage is foun d or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23285
Checkin g the steerin gWorn 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 7-26.)
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.
UB4B83E0.book Page 25 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-26
7
EAU23292
Checkin g the wheel bearin gsThe 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.
EAU75190
Supportin g the motorcycleSince 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.TIPIf 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 7-26.)
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 11 2
2
UB4B83E0.book Page 26 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-27
7 5. Remove the wheel.
NOTICE: Do
not apply the b rake after the
wheel an d b rake disc have b een
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 7-26.)
1. Wheel axle
1 11
Tightenin g torque:
Axle nut:
70 N·m (7.0 kgf·m, 52 lb·ft)
1. Washer
2. Axle nut
2 2
12
1
UB4B83E0.book Page 27 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-28
7
3. Loosen the locknut, and then turn
the drive chain slack adjusting bolt
in direction (a). Repeat for the oth-
er side.
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.
TIPA 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 b rake after the
wheel an d b rake disc have been
remove d, otherwise the brake
pa ds will be forced shut.
[ECA11073]
TIPIf 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.TIPMake sure the slot in the brake caliper
bracket is fit over the retainer on the
swingarm.3. Install the drive chain onto the rearsprocket.
1. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
2. Locknut
3. Drive chain puller
2 2
3 (a) (a)
12
3
(a)
1
1. Wheel axle
1 11
1. Retainer
2. Slot
2 1
UB4B83E0.book Page 28 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
8-1
8
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some mo dels are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
a d vice on what prod ucts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical pro ducts 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.
EAU86440
CareFrequent, thorough cleaning of the ve-
hicle will not only enhance its appear-
ance but also will improve its general
performance and extend the useful life
of many components. Washing, clean-
ing, and polishing will also give you a
chance to inspect the condition of the
vehicle more frequently. Be sure to
wash the vehicle after riding in the rain
or near the sea, because salt is corro-
sive to metals.TIP The roads of heavy snowfall areas
may be sprayed with salt as a de-
icing method. This salt can stay on
the roads well into spring, so be
sure to wash the underside and
chassis parts after riding in such
areas.
Genuine Yamaha care and main-
tenance products are sold under
the YAMALUBE brand in many
markets worldwide.
NOTICE
ECA26280
Improper cleanin g can cause cos-
metic an d mechanical damag e. Do
not use: high-pressure washers or
steam-jet cleaners. Excessive
water pressure may cause wa-
ter seepag e and d eterioration of
wheel bearin gs, brakes, trans-
mission seals an d electrical de-
vices. Avoi d hi gh-pressure
d eter gent applications such as
those availab le in coin-operate d
car washers.
harsh chemicals, inclu din g
stron g aci dic wheel cleaners,
especially on spoke or ma gne-
sium wheels.
harsh chemicals, a brasive
cleanin g compoun ds, or wax on
matte-finishe d parts. Brushes
can scratch an d damag e the
matte-finish, use soft spon ge or
towel only.
towels, spon ges, or brushes
contaminate d with a brasive
cleanin g prod ucts or stron g
UB4B83E0.book Page 1 Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:47 AM