light YAMAHA YFM250R 2008 User Guide

6-3
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
10
11

attempt.
7. If the engine is started with the starter (choke)
in position (1), the starter (choke) should be
returned to position (2) to warm up the engine.
If the engine is started with the starter (choke)
in position (2), keep the starter (choke) in this
position to warm up the engine.
CAUTION:

ECB00160
For maximum engine life, always warm the en-
gine up before starting off. Never accelerate
hard when the engine is cold!
8. Continue warming up the engine until it idles
smoothly, then return the starter (choke) to
position (3) before riding.
NOTE:

The engine is warm when it responds normally to
the throttle with the starter (choke) turned off.
EBU20291
Starting a warm engine
Follow the same procedure as for starting 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.
EBU20520
Shifting
This ATV has a 5-speed forward transmission. The
transmission allows you to control the amount of
power you have available at a given speed or for
starting, accelerating, climbing hills, etc.
To shift into neutral, return the throttle lever to the
closed position, apply the clutch, and then repeat-
edly depress the shift pedal until it stops.
When it stops, it will be in first gear. Raise the pedal
slightly to reach the neutral position.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3 4 5N1

7-13
1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
10
11

used to allow the ATV to make turns quickly and
easily. It is essential that this skill be learned first at
low speed.
WARNING

EWB01570
Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions.
As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As you
do so, put your weight on the footboard to the out-
side of the turn (opposite your desired direction)
and lean your upper body into the turn. Use the
throttle to maintain an even speed through the
turn. This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside
of the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make
the turn properly.This procedure should be practiced at slow speed
many times in a large unpaved area with no obsta-
cles. If an incorrect technique is used, your ATV
may continue to go straight. If the ATV doesn’t
turn, come to a stop and then practice the proce-
dure again. If the riding surface is slippery or loose,
it may help to position more of your weight over the
front wheels by moving forward on the seat.
Once you have learned this technique, you should
be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footrest.
1
2

7-18
1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
10
11

steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointing
the front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes, be sure not to make sharp turns either up
or down hill.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles in
your path. As you regain proper balance, gradually
steer again in the direction you wish to travel.
WARNING

EWB01631
Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning on
any hill. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill
if possible.
When crossing the side of a hill:

Always follow proper procedures as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.

Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces.

Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV.CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm (14 in) in
depth. Before entering the water, choose your path
carefully. Enter where there is no sharp drop off,
and avoid rocks or other obstacles which may be
slippery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and care-
fully.WARNING

EWB01640
Never operate this ATV in fast flowing water or

8-7
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

20 Engine oil

Change.

Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary.
√ √√√
21Engine oil filter ele-
ment

Clean or replace if necessary.
√√√
22
*
Moving parts and
cables


Lubricate.
√√√√
23
*
Throttle lever hous-
ing and cable


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.

Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.
√√√√√
24
*
Front and rear brake
switches


Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√√
25
*
Lights and switches


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Adjust headlight beams.
√√√√√
NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth 1 3 6 6 12
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320

8-9
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

EBU23211
Checking the spark plug
The spark plug is an important engine component,
which is easy to check. Since heat and deposits
will cause any spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plug should be removed and checked in accor-
dance with the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, the condition of the spark
plug can reveal the condition of the engine.
To remove the spark plug
1. Remove the spark plug cap.
2. Remove the spark plug as shown, with thespark plug wrench included in the owner’s tool
kit.
To check the spark plug
1. Check that the porcelain insulator around the
center electrode of the spark plug is a medi-
um-to-light tan (the ideal color when the ATV
is ridden normally).NOTE:

If the spark plug shows a distinctly different color,
the engine could be operating improperly. Do not
attempt to diagnose such problems yourself. In-
stead, have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV.
1. Spark plug cap
1

1. Spark plug wrench
1

8-18
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

EBU28900
Cleaning the spark arrester
Be sure the exhaust pipe and muffler are cool be-
fore cleaning the spark arrester.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the tailpipe by pulling it out of the
muffler.
3. Tap the tailpipe lightly, and then use a wire
brush to remove any carbon deposits from the
spark arrester portion of the tailpipe and inside
of the tailpipe housing.4. Make sure the gasket is properly positioned,
then insert the tailpipe into the muffler and
align the bolt holes.
1. Bolt
2. Tailpipe
2
11

1. Tailpipe
2. Spark arrester
2 1

8-29
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

EBU24740
Brake light switches
The operation of the brake light switches must be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
The brake light switch for the brake pedal can be
adjusted as follows, but the other brake light
switches should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
NOTE:

The brake light switch is properly adjusted when
the brake light comes on just before braking takes
effect.
Turn the adjusting nut while holding the brake light
switch in place. To make the brake light come on
earlier, turn the adjusting nut in direction (a). To
make the brake light come on later, turn the adjust-
ing nut in direction (b).
EBU24810
Adjusting the clutch lever free play
The clutch lever free play must be checked and, if
necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
The clutch lever free play should measure 5.0–
10.0 mm (0.20–0.39 in) as shown. If the free play
is incorrect, adjust it as follows.
1. Brake light switch
2. Brake light switch adjusting nut
12
(b)
(a)

8-39
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
WARNING

EWB02171
Always use a fuse of the specified rating, and
never use a substitute object in place of the
proper fuse. An improper fuse or a substitute
object can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem, which could lead to a fire.
3. Turn the key to “ON” and turn on the electrical
circuits to check if the devices operate.
4. If the fuse immediately blows again, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical system.
5. Install the battery cover by installing the bat-
tery cover bracket bolts.
6. Place the owner’s tool kit and the low-pres-
sure tire gauge onto the battery cover, and
then hook the band.
7. Install the seat.
EBU25440
Replacing a headlight bulb
If a headlight bulb burns out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit by removing thebolts.
2. Disconnect the headlight coupler.
3. Remove the headlight bulb holder cover. Specified fuse:
15.0 A
1. Headlight assembly
2. Bolt
1 2

8-40
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11

4. Remove the headlight bulb holder by pushing
it in and turning it counterclockwise, and then
remove the defective bulb.
WARNING

EWB02230
Do not touch a headlight bulb when it is on or
immediately after it is turned off. You can be
burned or a fire could start if the bulb touches
something flammable. Wait for the bulb to cool
before touching or removing it.
5. Place a new headlight bulb into position.
1. Headlight bulb holder cover
2. Headlight coupler
1
2

1. Headlight bulb holder
1

8-41
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
CAUTION:

ECB00650
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 affect-
ed. Thoroughly clean off any dirt and finger-
prints on the headlight bulb using a cloth
moistened with alcohol or thinner.
6. Install the headlight bulb holder by pushing it
in and turning it clockwise.
7. Install the headlight bulb holder cover.8. Connect the headlight coupler.
9. Install the headlight unit by installing the bolts.
10. Adjust the headlight beam if necessary.
EBU25550
Adjusting a headlight beam
CAUTION:

ECB00690
It is advisable to have a Yamaha dealer make
this adjustment.
To raise a headlight beam, turn the adjusting
screw in direction (a).
To lower a headlight beam, turn the adjusting
screw in direction (b).
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
1

1. Headlight beam adjusting screw
1(a)
(b)