Ratio YAMAHA YZ85 2012 Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
EAU41544
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YZ85(B)/YZ85LW(B). 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
EWA10031
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this motorcycle.
WARNING
EWA14351
This motorcycle is designed and manufactured for off-road use only. It is illegal to operate this motorcycle on any
public street, road or highway. Such use is prohibited by law. This motorcycle complies with almost all state off-
highway noise level and spark arrester laws and regulations. Please check your local riding laws and regulations
before operating 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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INTRODUCTIONAN IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS:
This motorcycle is not a toy. Before you let your child ride this motorcycle, you should understand the instructions and warn-
ings in this Owner’s Manual. Then be sure your child understands and will follow them. Children differ in skills, physical abil-
ities, and judgment. Some children may not be able to operate a motorcycle safely. Parents should supervise their child ’s
use of the motorcycle at all times. Parents should permit continued use only if they determine that the child has the ability t o
operate the motorcycle safely.
Motorcycles are single track vehicles. Their safe use and operation are dependent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of the operator. Every operator should know the following requirements before
riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:

Obtain thorough instructions from a competent source on all aspects of motorcycle operation.


Observe the warnings and maintenance requirements in this Owner ’s Manual.


Obtain qualified training in safe and proper riding techniques.


Obtain professional technical service as indicated in this Owner ’s Manual and/or when made necessary by mechanical
conditions.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF IMPORTANT
LABELS ............................................1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION .................. 2-1
DESCRIPTION .................................. 3-1
Left view .......................................... 3-1
Right view ........................................ 3-2
Controls and instruments ................3-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ....................................... 4-1
Handlebar switch ............................ 4-1
Clutch lever .................................... 4-1
Shift pedal ......................................4-1
Brake lever ..................................... 4-2
Brake pedal .................................... 4-2
Fuel tank cap .................................. 4-3
Fuel ................................................ 4-3
Fuel tank breather hose ................. 4-5
Fuel cock ........................................ 4-5
Starter (choke) knob ....................... 4-6
Kickstarter ......................................4-6
Seat ................................................ 4-7
Adjusting the front fork ................... 4-7
Front fork bleeding ......................... 4-9
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ..................................... 4-9
Removable sidestand ................... 4-12 FOR YOUR SAFETY
–
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 5-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................ 6-1
Starting and warming up a cold engine .............................. 6-1
Starting a warm engine .................. 6-1
Shifting ........................................... 6-2
Engine break-in .............................. 6-3
Parking ........................................... 6-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 7-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 7-2
Checking the spark plug ................ 7-8
Transmission oil ............................. 7-9
Coolant ........................................ 7-10
Cleaning the air filter element ...... 7-12
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 7-14
Adjusting the engine idling speed ........................................ 7-14
Adjusting the throttle grip free play ........................................... 7-15
Tires ............................................. 7-15
Spoke wheels .............................. 7-17
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ........................................... 7-17
Checking the brake lever free play ........................................... 7-18 Checking the shift pedal ............... 7-19
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 .......................... 7-22
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 swingarm pivots ... 7-25
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 7-25
Checking the front fork ................. 7-26
Checking the steering .................. 7-26
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 7-27
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 7-27
Front wheel .................................. 7-28
Rear wheel ................................... 7-29
Troubleshooting ........................... 7-30
Troubleshooting charts ................. 7-32
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE .......................................... 8-1
Matte color caution ......................... 8-1
Care ............................................... 8-1
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LOCATION OF IMPORTANT LABELS1-1
1
EAU50480
Read and understand all of the labels on your vehicle. They contain important information for safe and proper operation of
your vehicle. Never remove any labels from your vehicle. If a label becomes difficult to read or comes off, a replacement label
is available from your Yamaha dealer.
For Canada
1,2,3
4
5
6,7
8
9
10
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2-1
2
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU41467
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements before
riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:

Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.


Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er ’s Manual.


Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.


Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner ’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions. Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks each
time you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 5-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.


This motorcycle is designed for off-
road use only, therefore, it is illegal
to operate it on public streets,
roads, or highways, even a dirt or
gravel one. Off-road use on public
lands may be illegal. Please check
local regulations before riding.


This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator only. No passen-
gers.


The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
 Wear a brightly colored jacket.
 Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.
 Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist ’s blind spot.


Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators.
 Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified opera-
tors.
 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 fa-
miliar with the motorcycle and all
of its controls.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
2-2
2


Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
due to excessive speed or under-
cornering (insufficient lean angle
for the speed). Never travel faster
than warranted by conditions.


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 operation
to maintain control of the motorcy-
cle.


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 preven-
tion 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 abrasions
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.Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car-
bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu-
sion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be
present even if you do not see or smell
any engine exhaust. Deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
and you can quickly be overcome and
unable to save yourself. Also, deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can linger
for hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poison-
ing, 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.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
2-3
2


Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
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 acces- sories 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, and
Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’
s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing ” when mounting accessories.


Never install accessories that
would impair the performance of
your motorcycle. Carefully inspect
the accessory before using it to
make sure that it does not in any
way reduce ground clearance or cornering clearance, limit suspen-
sion travel, steering travel or con-
trol operation.
 Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution. If accesso-
ries are added to the handlebar
or front fork area, they must be
as lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
 Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds.
 Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.


Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle ’s electrical system, an
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-1
4
EAU40660
Handlebar switch
EAU12671
Engine stop button “ENGINE STOP ”
Hold this button pushed until the engine
stops in case of an emergency, such as
when the vehicle overturns or when the
throttle cable is stuck.
EAU12850
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
EAU12871
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the motorcycle and is used in
combination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 6-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
1. Engine stop button “ENGINE STOP ”
1. Clutch lever
1. Shift pedal
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-3
4
EAU13182
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap, turn it
counterclockwise, and then pull it off.
To install the fuel tank cap, insert it into
the tank opening, and then turn it clock-
wise.
WARNING
EWA11091
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly closed after filling fuel.
Leaking fuel is a fire hazard.
EAU41833
Fuel This motorcycle has been designed to
use a premixed fuel of gasoline and 2-
stroke engine oil. Always mix the gaso-
line and oil in a clean container before
filling the fuel tank.NOTICE
ECA15601
Always use fresh gasoline, and fill
the fuel tank with a fresh mix just be-
fore riding. Do not use premixed fuel
that is more than a few hours old.Mixing gasoline and 2-stroke engine
oil
Pour 2-stroke engine oil into a clean
container, and then add gasoline. To
mix the fuel thoroughly, shake the con-
tainer from side to side.
NOTICE
ECA15590
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the piston rings as well as to
the exhaust system.
1. Fuel tank cap
1. 2-stroke engine oil
2. Gasoline
3. ContainerRecommended fuel:Premium unleaded gasoline only
Recommended 2-stroke engine oil: See page 9-1.
Fuel tank capacity:
5.0 L (1.32 US gal, 1.10 Imp.gal)
Mixing ratios (gasoline to oil): Break-in period: 15:1
After break-in: 30:1
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-1
5
EAU15596
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
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by 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, 4-5
Transmission oil 
Check oil level in transmission case.
 If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level. 7-9
Coolant 
Check coolant level.
 If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
 Check cooling system for leakage. 7-10
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. 7-19, 7-20
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