YAMAHA YFM250R 2009 Owner's Guide

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RES
This indicates reserve. With the fuel cock lever in
this position, the fuel reserve is made available.
Turn the fuel cock lever to this position if you run
out of fuel while riding. When this occurs, refuel as
soon as possible and be sure to turn the fuel cock
lever back to “ON”!
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Starter (choke)
Starting a cold engine requires a richer air-fuel mix-
ture, which is supplied by the starter (choke).
Move the starter (choke) in direction (a) to turn onthe starter (choke).
Move the starter (choke) in direction (b) to turn off
the starter (choke).
See the “Starting a cold engine” section on page
6-1 for proper operation.
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Seat
To remove the seat
Insert your hand between the rear of the seat and
the rear fender, pull the seat lock lever upward and
pull up the seat at the rear.
1. Arrow mark positioned over “RES”
RES
1

1. Starter (choke)
(a)(b)1

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To install the seat
Insert the projections on the front of the seat into
the seat holders and push down on the seat at the
rear.
TIP

Make sure that the seat is securely fitted.
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Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies
The spring preload can be adjusted to suit the rid-
er’s weight and the riding conditions.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
Turn the adjusting ring in direction (a) to increase
the spring preload and thereby harden the suspen-
sion, and in direction (b) to decrease the spring
preload and thereby soften the suspension.
1. Seat lock lever
1

1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2

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TIP

A special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment.
WARNING
EWB00400
Always adjust the shock absorber assemblies
on the left and right side to the same setting.
Uneven adjustment can cause poor handling
and loss of stability, which could lead to an ac-
cident.
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Adjusting the rear shock absorber
assembly
The spring preload can be adjusted to suit the rid-
er’s weight and the riding conditions.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. Turn the adjusting nut in direction (a) to in-
crease the spring preload and thereby harden
the suspension, and in direction (b) to de-
crease the spring preload and thereby soften
the suspension.
1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Special wrench
3. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
A
Standard:
B
Maximum (hard):
E
(a)
(b)1
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A
B
C
D
E
3

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TIP


A special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment.

The spring preload setting is determined by
measuring distance A, shown in the illustration.
The shorter distance A is, the higher the spring
preload; the longer distance A is, the lower the
spring preload. With each complete turn of the
adjusting nut, distance A is changed by 1.0 mm
(0.04 in).NOTICE

ECB00090
Never turn an adjusting mechanism beyond
the minimum and maximum settings.
3. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.
NOTICE

ECB00080
Always tighten the locknut against the adjust-
ing nut, and then tighten it to the specified
torque.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting nut
3. Distance A
2
1
(b) 3(a)

Spring preload setting:
Minimum (hard):
Distance A = 222 mm (8.74 in)
Standard:
Distance A = 230 mm (9.06 in)
Maximum (soft):
Distance A = 234 mm (9.21 in)
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
42 Nm (4.2 m·kgf, 31.0 ft·lbf)

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WARNING

EWB00450
This shock absorber assembly contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. If the shock absorb-
er assembly is damaged, it could explode
causing injury or property damage. Shock ab-
sorber cylinder damage could also result in
poor handling which could cause an accident.

Do not tamper with or attempt to open the
cylinder assembly.

Do not subject the shock absorber assembly
to an open flame or other high heat.

Do not deform or damage the cylinder in any
way.

Do not dispose of a damaged or worn out
shock absorber assembly yourself. Take the
shock absorber assembly to a Yamaha deal-
er for any service.

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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EBU19223
Pre-operation check list
Before operating this ATV, be sure to check the items listed in the following table.
WARNING

EWB00480
Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s
Manual. Failure to inspect increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
TIP

The maintenance of some items in the table has to be performed by a Yamaha dealer. Refer to the periodic
maintenance charts on page 8-3 to determine which service should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Fuel


Check fuel level in fuel tank, and add recommended fuel if neces-
sary.

Check fuel line for leakage. Correct if necessary.4-7, 5-3
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine, and add recommended oil to specified
level if necessary.

Check ATV for oil leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-10
Front brake

Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed
hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.

Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.

Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-22, 8-23, 8-26

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Rear brake

Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed
hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.

Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.

Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-22, 8-23, 8-26
Clutch

Check operation, and correct if necessary.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.8-29
Throttle lever

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.

Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-4, 8-20
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-33
Drive chain

Check chain slack, and adjust if necessary.

Check chain condition. Lubricate if necessary.5-4, 8-30, 8-32
Wheels and tires

Check wheel condition, and replace if damaged.

Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.

Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-4, 5-5, 5-6
Shift pedal

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Correct if necessary.8-34
Brake pedal

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-34
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points
if necessary.8-33
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switches

Check operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE

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Fuel
Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank.
(See page 4-7.)
WARNING

EWB00520

Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fuel expands
when it heats up. If the fuel tank is overfilled,
fuel could spill out due to heat from the en-
gine or the sun.

Be careful not to spill fuel, especially on the
engine or exhaust pipe which can cause a
fire and severe injury. Wipe up any spilled
fuel immediately.

Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.

Be sure the fuel tank cap is closed securely.
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Engine oil
Make sure that the engine oil is at the specified lev-
el. Add oil as necessary. (See page 8-10.)
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Front and rear brakes
Brake lever and brake pedal

Check that there is no free play in the brake le-
ver. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer
check the brake system.

Check for correct brake pedal height. (See
page 8-26.) If the pedal height is incorrect, have
a Yamaha dealer adjust it.

Check the operation of the lever and pedal. They
should move smoothly and there should be a
firm feeling when the brakes are applied. If not,
have a Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See page 8-23.)
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If there is any leak-
age, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake sys-Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4

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tem.
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance, check
the brake pads for wear. (See page 8-22.)
WARNING

EWB00580
Always check the brakes at the start of every
ride. Do not ride the ATV if you find any prob-
lem with the brakes or you could lose braking
ability, which could lead to an accident. If a
problem cannot be corrected by the adjust-
ment procedures provided in this manual, have
a Yamaha dealer check for the cause.
EBU19761
Throttle lever
Check the operation of the throttle lever. It must
open smoothly and spring back to the idle position
when released. Have a Yamaha dealer correct if
necessary.
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Drive chain
Check the condition of the drive chain and checkthe drive chain slack. Lubricate and adjust the
drive chain as necessary. (See page 8-30.)
EBU19792
Tires WARNING

EWB00602
Use of improper tires on this ATV, or operation
of this ATV with improper or uneven tire pres-
sure, may cause loss of control, increasing
your risk of accident.
Pay attention to the following.

The tires listed below have been approved
by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. for this model.
Other tire combinations are not recommend-
ed.
Front:
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/KT201
Size:
AT20 x 7-10
Type:
Tubeless
Rear:
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/KT205A

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Size:
AT19 x 10-9
Type:
Tubeless

The tires should be set to the recommended
pressure:
Recommended tire pressure:
Front:
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm
2
, 4.0 psi)
Rear:
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm
2
, 4.0 psi)

Check and adjust tire pressures when the
tires are cold.

Tire pressures must be equal on both
sides.

Tire pressure below the minimum speci-
fied could cause the tire to dislodge from
the rim under severe riding conditions.
Minimum tire pressure:
Front:
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm
2
, 3.6 psi)
Rear:
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm
2
, 3.6 psi)

Use no more than the following pressures
when seating the tire beads.Maximum tire seating pressure:
Front:
250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm
2
, 36 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm
2
, 36 psi)
Higher pressures and fast inflation may
cause a tire to burst. Inflate the tires very
slowly and carefully.
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Measuring the tire pressure
Use the low-pressure tire gauge.
TIP

The low-pressure tire gauge is included as stan-
dard equipment. Make two measurements of the
tire pressure and use the second reading. Dust or
dirt in the gauge could cause the first reading to be
incorrect.