YAMAHA YZ85 2008 Owner's Guide

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-10
3
3. Tighten the locknut to the specified
torque.
CAUTION:
ECA10120
Always tighten the locknut against
the adjusting nut, and then tightenthe locknut to the specified torque.
Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting screw in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting screw in di-
rection (b).
Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (b).
1. Distance ASpring preload:
Minimum (soft):
Distance A = 218.5 mm (8.60 in)
Standard:YZ85(X)
Distance A = 215.0 mm (8.46 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Standard:YZ85LW(X)
Distance A = 207.0 mm (8.15 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Maximum (hard):
Distance A = 202.5 mm (7.97 in)
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
35 Nm (3.5 m·kgf, 25 ft·lbf)
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(X)
6 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(X)
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
NOTE:Although the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.
WARNING
EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.

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


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.


Always have a Yamaha dealerservice the shock absorber.
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(X)
9 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(X)
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
U5PA86E0.book Page 11 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
3
EAU41381
Removable sidestand This motorcycle is equipped with a re-
movable sidestand.NOTE:Make sure that the sidestand is proper-
ly secured when the motorcycle is be-ing supported or is being transported.
WARNING
EWA14601


Never apply force on the motor-
cycle while it is on the side-
stand.


Always remove the sidestandbefore starting out.
1. Sidestand
U5PA86E0.book Page 12 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15593
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.NOTE:Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very shorttime; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING
EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operatingthe vehicle.U5PA86E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
EAU15605
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Always use a fresh mixture of gasoline and oil.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-3
Transmission oilCheck oil level in transmission case.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.6-9
CoolantCheck coolant level.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-10
Front brakeCheck 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 recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-19, 6-20
Rear brakeCheck 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 recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-19, 6-20
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-18
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check cable free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable and
grip housing.6-15, 6-23
U5PA86E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-21, 6-22
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.
Check for loose spokes and tighten if necessary.6-15, 6-17
Shift pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary.6-24
Brake pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary.6-24
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and has no excessive play. 6-26
Front fork and rear shock ab-
sorber assemblyCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage. 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 6-25
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Moving parts and cablesCheck that the control cables move smoothly.
Check that the control cables are not caught when the handlebars are turned or
when the front forks travel up and down.
Lubricate moving parts and cables if necessary.6-23, 6-24, 6-25, 6-25
Exhaust systemCheck that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks.
Check for leakage.—
Ignition systemCheck that all leads and cables are properly connected. 6-8 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U5PA86E0.book Page 3 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU41400
WARNING
EWA14610


This model is designed for off-
road use only. Become thor-
oughly familiar with all operat-
ing controls and their functions
before riding. Consult a Yamaha
dealer regarding any control or
function that you do not thor-
oughly understand.


Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.


Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is removed. If
the sidestand is not removed, it
will contact the ground, which
could distract the operator or af-
fect the balance of the motor-
cycle, resulting in a possibleloss of control.
EAU41301
Starting and warming up a
cold engine 1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-6.)
4. Start the engine by pushing the
kickstarter lever down.CAUTION:
ECA11130
For maximum engine life, always
warm the engine up before starting
off. Never accelerate hard when theengine is cold!
5. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter(choke) turned off.
EAU16660
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm. Instead, start
the engine with the throttle slightly
open.NOTE:If the engine does not start after several
kicks, try again with the throttle 1/4 to1/2 open.
U5PA86E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.NOTE:To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel, and then slightly raise it.
CAUTION:
ECA10260


Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.


Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand theshock of forced shifting.
EAU16690
To start out and accelerate
1. Pull the clutch lever to disengage
the clutch.
2. Shift the transmission into first
gear.
3. Open the throttle gradually and si-
multaneously release the clutch le-
ver slowly.4. Once the motorcycle has reached
a speed high enough to change
gears, close the throttle, and at the
same time, quickly pull the clutch
lever in.
5. Shift the transmission into second
gear. (Make sure not to shift the
transmission into the neutral posi-
tion.)
6. Open the throttle halfway and
gradually release the clutch lever.
7. Follow the same procedure when
shifting to the next gear.
EAU16710
To decelerate
1. Close the throttle and apply both
the front and the rear brakes to
slow the motorcycle.
2. Downshift through the gears and
shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position when the motorcycle
is almost completely stopped.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral positionU5PA86E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU41502
Engine break-in 1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with a break-in oil-fuel
mixture as follows.
2. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the operation of the controls
and the engine stop button. (See
page 3-1.)
3. Operate the motorcycle in the low-
er gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes. Stop
the engine and check the spark
plug condition (see page 6-8); it
will show a rich condition during
break-in.
4. Allow the engine to cool. Restart
the engine and operate the motor-
cycle as in the step above for five
minutes. Then, very briefly shift to
the higher gears and check the
full-throttle response. Stop the en-
gine and check the spark plug.5. After again allowing the engine to
cool, restart and run the motor-
cycle for five more minutes. Full
throttle and the higher gears may
be used, but sustained full-throttle
operation should be avoided. Stop
the engine and check the spark
plug again.
6. Allow the engine to cool, remove
the cylinder head and cylinder, and
inspect the piston and cylinder.
Remove any high spots on the pis-
ton with #600-grit wet sandpaper.
Clean all components and careful-
ly reassemble the cylinder head
and cylinder.
WARNING
EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealerdo it for you.
7. Drain the break-in oil-fuel mixture
from the fuel tank and refill with the
specified mix. (See page 3-3.)
8. Start the engine and check the op-
eration of the motorcycle through-
out its entire operating range. Stop
the engine and check the sparkplug condition. Restart the motor-
cycle and ride it for about 10 to 15
more minutes. The motorcycle will
now be ready to ride normally.
After the engine break-in period, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-
justments thoroughly, especially cable
and drive chain slack and loose
spokes. In addition, check all fittings
and fasteners for looseness, and tight-
en if necessary.
CAUTION:
ECA15560


When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
Cylinder or crankshaft:
About one hour of break-in op-
eration is necessary.
Piston, rings or transmission
gears:
These parts require about 30
minutes of break-in operation at
half-throttle or less. Observe the
condition of the engine carefully
during operation.
Recommended 2-stroke engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Mixing ratio (gasoline to oil):
15:1
U5PA86E0.book Page 3 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5


If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-cle.
EAU17190
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then turn the fuel cock lever to “OFF”.
WARNING
EWA10310


Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.


Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehiclemay overturn.
U5PA86E0.book Page 4 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM