lock YAMAHA YFM250R 2009 User Guide

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make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply the
rear brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, ap-
ply the front brake gradually, or dismount the ATV
immediately on the uphill side.
WARNING

EWB01731
Use the proper gear and maintain a steady
speed when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:

Keep weight uphill.

Apply the brakes.

Lock the parking brake after you are
stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:

Keep weight uphill.

Never apply the rear brake while rolling
backwards. Apply the front brake.

When fully stopped, apply the rear brake as
well, and then lock the parking brake.
Dismount on uphill side or to a side if pointedstraight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described in
the Owner’s Manual.
RIDING DOWNHILL
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your arms
straight. Choose a low gear which will allow the en-
gine compression to do most of the braking for
you. Improper braking may cause a loss of trac-

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chart.
The throttle cable free play should measure 2.0–
4.0 mm (0.08–0.16 in) at the throttle lever. Period-
ically check the throttle cable free play and, if nec-
essary, adjust it as follows.
TIP

The engine idling speed must be checked, and ad-
justed if necessary, before adjusting the throttle ca-
ble free play.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the throttle cable free play, turn
the throttle cable free play adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the throttle cable free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.
EBU24060
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use, resulting in
improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To
prevent this from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
1. Locknut
2. Throttle cable free play adjusting bolt
3. Throttle lever free play
3 2
1
(a)(b)

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3. Refill with brake fluid.
4. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
5. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap cover by
installing the bolt.
Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level, make sure that
the top of the brake fluid reservoir is level.

Use only the recommended quality brake fluid,
otherwise the rubber seals may deteriorate,
causing leakage and poor braking performance.

Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Mixing
fluids may result in a harmful chemical reaction
and lead to poor braking performance.

Be careful that water does not enter the brake
fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the fluid and may
result in vapor lock.

Brake fluid may deteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid imme-
diately.

As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause.
EBU24291
Changing the brake fluid
Have a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake hoses replaced at the in-
tervals listed below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two years.

Brake hoses: Replace every four years.
1. Brake fluid reservoir cap
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
1

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WARNING

EWB02110
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that the brake pedal position is correct.

Make sure the brakes do not drag.

Make sure the brakes are not spongy. All air
must be bled from the brake system.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24710
Adjusting the parking brake free play
The parking brake free play must be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Cable length “A” should measure 64–68 mm
(2.52–2.68 in). Adjust the parking brake free play
as follows.
1. Release the parking brake by moving the
1. Brake pedal position
1

1. Adjusting bolt
2. Cable length “A”
3. Locknut
2
1 3

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parking brake lever to the right.
2. Fully loosen the locknut and the adjusting bolt
at the rear brake caliper.
3. Loosen the locknut on the brake cable.
4. Turn the adjusting nut on the brake cable in di-
rection (a) to increase the cable length, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.
TIP

If the cable length cannot be adjusted to specifica-
tion, consult a Yamaha dealer.
5. Tighten the locknut on the brake cable.6. Turn in the adjusting bolt at the rear brake cal-
iper until it feels tight, then turn it out 1/8 turn
and tighten its locknut to the specified torque.NOTICE

ECB00520
When tightening the locknut, hold the adjust-
ing bolt with a wrench so that it does not turn
together with the locknut.WARNING
EWB02090
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the brakes to malfunc-
tion, resulting in reduced braking
performance. This could increase the chance
of a collision or accident. After adjusting the
parking brake free play, block the rear of the
ATV off the ground and spin the rear wheels.
Check to make sure there is no brake drag. If
brake drag is noticed, perform the adjustment
again.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting nut
2
1
(a)(b)

Tightening torque:
Locknut (rear brake caliper):
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11.6 ft·lbf)

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1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch lever.
2. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the
adjusting bolt in direction (a), and to decrease
it, turn the bolt in direction (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.
TIP

If the specified free play cannot be obtained as de-
scribed above or if the clutch does not operate cor-
rectly, have a Yamaha dealer check the internal
clutch mechanism.
EBU26863
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be checked before
each ride and adjusted if necessary.
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
TIP

When checking and adjusting the drive chain
slack, there should be no weight on the ATV and
all tires must be touching the ground.
2. Move the ATV back and forth to locate the
tightest portion of the drive chain, and then
measure the drive chain slack as shown.
1. Clutch lever free play
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
1
2
(a) (b) 3

Drive chain slack:
45.0–55.0 mm (1.77–2.17 in)

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2. Disconnect the headlight coupler.
3. Remove the headlight bulb holder cover.4. Remove the headlight bulb holder by pushing
it in and turning it counterclockwise, and then
remove the defective bulb.
1. Headlight assembly
2. Bolt
1 2

1. Headlight bulb holder cover
2. Headlight coupler
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2

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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.NOTICE

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.
1. Headlight bulb holder
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1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
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EBU25860
CLEANING AND STORAGE
EBU25900
Cleaning
Frequent, thorough cleaning of your ATV will not
only enhance its appearance but will improve its
general performance and extend the useful life of
many components.
1. Before cleaning the ATV:
a. Block off the end of the exhaust pipe to
prevent water entry. A plastic bag and
strong rubber band may be used.
b. Make sure the spark plug and all filler caps
are properly installed.
2. If the engine case is excessively greasy, apply
degreaser with a paint brush. Do not apply de-
greaser to the chain, sprockets or wheel ax-
les.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a garden
hose. Use only enough pressure to do the job.
NOTICE

ECB00710
Excessive water pressure may cause water
seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings,
brakes, transmission seals and electrical de-
vices. Many expensive repair bills have result-ed from improper high-pressure detergent
applications such as those available in coin-
operated car washers.
4. Once most of the dirt has been hosed off,
wash all surfaces with warm water and mild,
detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush or bot-
tle brush is handy for hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the ATV off immediately with clean wa-
ter and dry all surfaces with a chamois, clean
towel or soft absorbing cloth.
6. Dry the chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery cleaner
to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive type wax may be applied to all
painted and chrome plated surfaces. Avoid
combination cleaner-waxes. Many contain
abrasives which may mar the paint or protec-
tive finish. When finished cleaning, start the
engine and let it idle for several minutes.

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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.
6. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting
points of all levers and pedals.
7. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air
pressure, and then block up the ATV so that
all of its wheels are off the ground. Alternative-
ly, turn the wheels a little every month in order
to prevent the tires from becoming degraded
in one spot.
8. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag to
prevent moisture from entering it.
9. 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 exces-
sively 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
8-36.
TIP

Make any necessary repairs before storing the
ATV.