warning YAMAHA WR 250R 2008 Owner's Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings
The 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.
EAU23390
Battery
The battery is located behind panel D.
(See page 6-6.)
This model is equipped with a
sealed-type (MF) battery, which does
not require any maintenance. There is
no need to check the electrolyte or to
add distilled water.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quicklyif the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
WARNING

EWA10760

Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.

EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.

INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.

EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.

Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.

KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
1. Negative battery terminal
2. Positive battery terminal
3. Battery
3
2
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-34
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3. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the defective
bulb.
WARNING

EWA10790
Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooled
down.
4. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with the
bulb holder.
CAUTION:

ECA10660
Do not touch the glass part of the
headlight bulb to keep it free from
oil, otherwise the transparency of
the glass, the luminosity of the bulb,
and the bulb life will be adversely af-fected. Thoroughly clean off any dirt
and fingerprints on the headlight
bulb using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.
5. Install the headlight bulb cover,
and then connect the coupler.
6. Install the headlight cowling (to-
gether with the headlight unit) by
placing it in the original position,
and then installing the bolts.
7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
1. Headlight coupler
2. Bulb cover
1
2

1. Headlight bulb holder
1

1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
a jack either under each side of theframe in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.

EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU45160
To remove the front wheel
WARNING

EWA10820

It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.

Securely support the motorcy-
cle so that there is no danger of
it falling over.
1. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolts and axle nut.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Axle nut
2
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
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2. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-37.
3. Remove the axle nut.
4. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
CAUTION:

ECA11070
Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise the
brake pads will be forced shut.
EAU45170
To install the front wheel
1. Lift the wheel up between the forklegs.
NOTE:

Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before install-
ing the brake caliper onto the brake
disc.
2. Insert the wheel axle.
3. Install the wheel axle pinch bolts
and axle nut.
4. Lower the front wheel so that it is
on the ground.
5. Tighten the axle nut and the wheel
axle pinch bolts to their specified
torques.
6. Push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU45180
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING

EWA10820

It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.

Securely support the motorcy-
cle so that there is no danger of
it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-37.
3. Remove the axle nut and washer.
4. Loosen the locknut and drive chain
adjusting bolt on each side of the
swingarm.
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Wheel axle
1
2

Tightening torques:
Axle nut:
63 Nm (6.3 m·kgf, 45.6 ft·lbf)
Wheel axle pinch bolt:
23 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 16.6 ft·lbf)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
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EAU42130
Troubleshooting charts
Starting problems or poor engine performance
WARNING

EWA10840
Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system.
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plug
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gap, or replace the spark plug.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-42
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9Engine overheating
WARNING

EWA10400

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.

After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing
sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
NOTE:

If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING

EWA11130

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.

If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
CAUTION:

ECA10800

Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.

Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable careproduct.

Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
NOTE:

Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on
what products to use.
EAU43200
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
CAUTION:

ECA10810

Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.

To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinder, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap
and spark plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into the spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto
the spark plug, and then place
the spark plug on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder wall with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap
from the spark plug, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.
WARNING

EWA10950
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turning
the engine over.
4. Lubricate all control cables and thepivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the sidestand/
centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place
[less than 0 °C (30 °F) or more
than 30 °C (90 °F)]. For more in-
formation on storing the battery,
see page 6-31.
NOTE:

Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.

SPECIFICATIONS
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89 Battery:

Model:
YTZ7S
Voltage, capacity:
12 V, 6.0 Ah
Headlight:
Bulb type:
Halogen bulb
Bulb voltage, wattage
×
quantity:
Headlight:
12 V, 60 W/55.0 W
Tail/brake light:
LED
Front turn signal light:
12 V, 10.0 W
×
2
Rear turn signal light:
12 V, 10.0 W
×
2
Auxiliary light:
12 V, 5.0 W
×
1
License plate light:
12 V, 5.0 W
Meter lighting:
EL (Electroluminescent)
Neutral indicator light:
LED
High beam indicator light:
LED
Turn signal indicator light:
LED
Fuel level warning light:
LED
Coolant temperature warning light:
LEDEngine trouble warning light:
LED

Fuses:
Main fuse:
30.0 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Signaling system fuse:
10.0 A
Ignition fuse:
7.5 A
Radiator fan fuse:
7.5 A
Fuel injection system fuse:
7.5 A
Backup fuse:
7.5 A

INDEX
A
Air filter element and check hose,
cleaning ................................................ 6-15
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing .................. 6-36
B
Battery..................................................... 6-31
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-28
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-27
Brake fluid, changing .............................. 6-24
Brake fluid level, checking ...................... 6-23
Brake lever .............................................. 3-10
Brake lever free play, adjusting............... 6-22
Brake pedal ............................................. 3-10
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ............ 6-27
Care .......................................................... 7-1
Catalytic converter .................................. 3-12
Clutch lever ............................................... 3-9
Clutch lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-21
Coolant.................................................... 6-12
Coolant temperature warning light ............ 3-2
D
Dimmer switch .......................................... 3-9
Drive chain, cleaning and lubricating ...... 6-26
Drive chain slack ..................................... 6-25
E
Engine break-in ......................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed................................. 6-17
Engine oil and oil filter element ................. 6-9
Engine stop switch .................................... 3-9
Engine trouble warning light...................... 3-3
EXUP system .......................................... 3-17
F
Front and rear brake pads, checking .......6-23
Front fork, adjusting .................................3-13
Front fork, bleeding ..................................3-15
Front fork, checking .................................6-29
Fuel ..........................................................3-11
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ...........5-3
Fuel level warning light ..............................3-2
Fuel tank cap ...........................................3-11
Fuses, replacing ......................................6-32
H
Handlebar switches ...................................3-8
Headlight bulb, replacing .........................6-33
Helmet holder ..........................................3-13
High beam indicator light ...........................3-2
Horn switch ................................................3-9
I
Identification numbers................................9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ...................3-18
Indicator and warning lights .......................3-2
K
Key identification number ..........................9-1
L
License plate light bulb, replacing ...........6-36
M
Main switch/steering lock ...........................3-1
Matte color, caution ...................................7-1
Model label ................................................9-2
Multi-function display .................................3-3
N
Neutral indicator light .................................3-2
P
Panels, removing and installing .................6-6Parking ...................................................... 5-4
Part locations............................................. 2-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ........................................................ 6-2
Pre-operation check list ............................. 4-2
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting............ 6-22
Rear suspension, lubricating ................... 6-29
S
Safety information ..................................... 1-1
Seat ......................................................... 3-12
Shifting ...................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................... 3-10
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting....... 3-15
Sidestand ................................................ 3-18
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ........ 6-29
Spark plug, checking ................................. 6-8
Specifications ............................................ 8-1
Starting the engine .................................... 5-1
Start switch ................................................ 3-9
Steering, checking ................................... 6-30
Storage ...................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle....................... 6-37
T
Tail/brake light ......................................... 6-35
Throttle cable free play, checking............ 6-18
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-27
Tires ........................................................ 6-18
Tool kit ....................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting....................................... 6-40
Troubleshooting charts ............................ 6-41
Turn signal indicator light .......................... 3-2
Turn signal light bulb, replacing............... 6-35