2022 YAMAHA YZ85 Level

Introduction
EAU41545
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YZ85 / YZ85N / YZ85LW / YZ85LWN. This model is the result of
Yamaha’s vast experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines. It represents the high degree of craftsmanship and reliability that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will give you an understanding of the operation, inspection, and basic maintenance of this motorcycle. If you
have any questions concerning the operation or maintenance of your motorcycle, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur- rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and
this manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10032
Please rea d this manual carefully an d completely before operatin g this motorcycle.
WARNING
EWA14352
This motorcycle is d esigne d an d manufactured for off-road use only. It is ille gal to operate this motorcycle on any
pu blic street, road or highway. Such use is prohi bite d b y law. This motorcycle complies with almost all state off-
hi ghway noise level an d spark arrester laws an d re gulations. Please check your local ri din g laws an d re gulations
b efore operatin g this motorcycle.AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:
 Read this manual completely before operating your motorcycle. Make sure you understand all instructions.
 Pay close attention to the warning and notice labels on the motorcycle.
 Never operate a motorcycle without proper training or instruction.
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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 ..................................................4-3
Fuel tank breather hose...................4-6
Fuel cock .........................................4-6
Starter (choke) knob ........................4-7
Kickstarter .......................................4-7
Seat .................................................4-7
Adjusting the front fork ....................4-8
Front fork bleeding ........................4-10
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ....................................4-11
Removable sidestand ....................4-14
YPVS system .................................4-14 For your safety – pre-operation
checks
............................................... 5-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points ................................................. 6-1
Engine break-in............................... 6-1
Starting and warming up a cold engine .......................................... 6-2
Starting a warm engine................... 6-3
Shifting............................................ 6-3
Parking ............................................ 6-4
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 7-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 7-2
Checking the spark plug................. 7-7
Transmission oil .............................. 7-8
Coolant ........................................... 7-9
Cleaning the air filter element ....... 7-11
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 7-13
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 ............................................ 7-16
Checking the brake lever free play ............................................ 7-17 Checking the shift pedal ............... 7-18
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 7-18
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 7-19
Changing the brake fluid ............... 7-20
Drive chain slack ........................... 7-20
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain .......................................... 7-22
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 7-22
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 7-23
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 7-23
Checking and lubricating the brake pedal ................................ 7-24
Lubricating the rear suspension.... 7-24
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ... 7-24
Checking the front fork ................. 7-25
Checking the steering ................... 7-25
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 7-26
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 7-26
Front wheel ................................... 7-26
Rear wheel .................................... 7-27
Troubleshooting ............................ 7-29
Troubleshooting chart ................... 7-30
Motorcycle care an d stora ge .......... 8-1
Matte color caution ......................... 8-1
Care................................................. 8-1
Storage............................................ 8-3
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Safety information
2-2
2
Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators.
• Make sure that you are qualified and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified oper-
ators.
• Know your skills and limits. Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
• We recommend that you prac- tice riding your motorcycle until
you have become thoroughly
familiar with the motorcycle and
all of its controls.
 Many accidents have been
caused by error of the motorcycle
operator. A typical error made by
the operator is veering wide on a
turn due to excessive speed or un-
dercornering (insufficient lean an-
gle for the speed). Never travel
faster than warranted by condi-
tions.
 Ride cautiously in unfamiliar ar-
eas. You may encounter hidden
obstacles that could cause an ac-
cident. 
The posture of the operator is im-
portant for proper control. The op-
erator should keep both hands on
the handlebar and both feet on the
operator footrests during opera-
tion to maintain control of the mo-
torcycle.
 Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
 Be sure the transmission is in neu-
tral before starting the engine.
Protective Apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the pre-
vention or reduction of head injuries.  Always wear an approved helmet.
 Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.
 The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective
in preventing or reducing abra-
sions or lacerations. 
Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.
 Always wear protective clothing
that covers your legs, ankles, and
feet. The engine or exhaust sys-
tem become very hot during or af-
ter operation and can cause
burns.
Avoi d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
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Safety information
2-3
2
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.
 Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.
 Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loa din g
Adding accessories to your motorcycle
can adversely affect stability and han-
dling if the weight distribution of the
motorcycle is changed. To avoid the
possibility of an accident, use extreme
caution when adding accessories to
your motorcycle. Use extra care when
riding a motorcycle that has added ac-
cessories. Here are some general
guidelines to follow if adding accesso-
ries to your motorcycle: Operation of an overload
ed vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent.
 The weight of the operator must
not exceed 62.0 kg (137 lb).
 Accessory weight should be kept
as low and close to the motorcy-
cle as possible. Securely pack
your heaviest items as close to the
center of the vehicle as possible
and make sure to distribute the
weight as evenly as possible on
both sides of the motorcycle to
minimize imbalance or instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories are securely attached
to the motorcycle before riding.
Check accessory mounts fre-
quently.
• Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
• Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection
to Yamaha manufacture parts and ac-
cessories or offer other modifications
for Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in
a position to test the products that
these aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, an
d
Mo difications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accesso-
ries or modifications are not suitable
because of potential safety hazards to
you or others. Installing aftermarket
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Instrument and control functions
4-5
4
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gaso-
hol containing ethanol and that con-
taining methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if the ethanol con-
tent does not exceed 10% (E10). Gas-
ohol containing methanol should not
be used as it can cause engine or fuel
system problems.
Fillin
g the fuel tank
WARNING
EWA10882
Gasoline an d gasoline vapors are
extremely flammab le. To avoid fires
an d explosions an d to re duce the
risk of injury when refueling , follow
these instructions.1. Before refueling, turn off the en- gine and be sure that no one is sit-
ting on the vehicle. Never refuel
while smoking, or while in the vi-
cinity of sparks, open flames, or
other sources of ignition such as
the pilot lights of water heaters
and clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Stop filling when the fuel reaches the
bottom of the filler tube. Because
fuel expands when it heats up,
heat from the engine or the sun
can cause fuel to spill out of the
fuel tank.
3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi- ately. NOTICE: Immediately
wipe off spille d fuel with a clean,
d ry, soft cloth, since fuel may
d eteriorate painte d surfaces or
plastic parts.
[ECA10072]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15152
Gasoline is poisonous an d can
cause injury or death. Han dle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gasoline
b y mouth. If you shoul d swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of g as-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline in
your eyes, see your doctor imme di-
ately. If g asoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap an d water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothin g, chan ge
your clothes.
1. Maximum fuel level
2. Fuel tank filler tube
1
2
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For your safety – pre-operation checks
5-1
5
EAU1559B
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11152
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment d amage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you fin d any pro blem. If a pro blem cannot b e corrected b y the proce dures provi ded in
this manual, have the vehicle inspecte d b y a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel • Check fuel level in fuel tank.
• Always use a fresh mixture of gasoline and oil.
• Check fuel line for leakage.
• Check fuel tank breather hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and check
hose connection. 4-3, 4-6
Transmission oil • Check for leakage. 7-8
Coolant • Check coolant level.
• If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
• Check cooling system for leakage. 7-9
Front brake • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 7-18, 7-19
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For your safety – pre-operation checks
5-2
5
Rear brake • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. 7-18, 7-19
Clutch • Check operation.
• Lubricate cable if necessary.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.
7-16
Throttle g rip • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check throttle grip free play.
• If necessary, adjust throttle grip free play. 7-13, 7-23
Drive chain • Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary. 7-20, 7-22
Drive sprocket • Check the drive sprocket nut torque.
• Tighten if necessary.
—
Wheels an d tires •Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.
• Check for loose spokes and tighten if necessary. 7-14, 7-16
Shift ped al • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check the shift pedal bolt torque.
• Correct if necessary. 7-18
Brake ped al • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary.
7-24
Brake an d clutch levers • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.
7-23
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-4
7
15 Spark plu g• Check condition.
• Clean and regap.
√√
•Replace. √
16 *Drive chain • Check chain slack, alignment and condi-
tion.
• Adjust and thoroughly lubricate chain with Yamaha chain and cable lube or equiva-
lent. √√
•Replace. √
17 *Coolin g system • Check coolant level and for leakage.
√√
• Check hoses for cracks or damage. √
• Check radiator cap spring operation. √
• Change coolant. Every 2 years √
18 *Chassis fasteners • Check all chassis fitting and fasteners.
• Correct or tighten if necessary. √√
19 Air filter element • Clean.
√√
•Replace. √
20 *Frame • Clean and check for damage. √√
21 *Fuel line • Clean and check for leakage. √√
22 *Brakes • Adjust lever position and pedal height.
• Lubricate pivot points.
• Check brake disk surface.
• Check fluid level and for leakage.
• Tighten brake disk bolts, caliper bolts,
master cylinder bolts and union bolts. √√
• Replace brake pads. √
• Replace brake fluid. Every year √
NO. ITEM ROUTINE
After
break-
in Every race Every thir
d
race Every fifth
race As require
d
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