light YAMAHA YFM250R-W 2009 User Guide

5-2
5
Rear brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-3, 8-21, 8-22, 8-25
ClutchCheck operation, and correct if necessary.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.8-28
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-4, 8-20
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-32
Drive chainCheck chain slack, and adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition. Lubricate if necessary.5-4, 8-29, 8-31
Wheels and tiresCheck wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-4, 5-5, 5-6
Shift pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary.8-34
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-34
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-33
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-6
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-6 ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU33B70E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

5-6
5
Set the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Set
the tire pressures to the following specifications:
EBU19830Tire wear limit Replace the tire when the tire groove decreases to
3 mm (0.12 in).EBU19840Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are prop-
erly tightened.EBU19850Instruments, lights and switches Check that all instruments, lights and switches are
working properly. Correct if necessary.
1. Low-pressure tire gaugeRecommended pressure:
Fro nt
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Rear
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Minimum:
Fro nt
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm², 3.6 psi)
Rear
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm², 3.6 psi)
1. Tire wear limit
U33B70E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

6-1
6
EBU19880
OPERATION
EBU19900Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING
EWB00630Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. If there is a control or func-
tion you do not understand, ask your Yamahadealer.EBU20181Starting a cold engine
WARNING
EWB00640Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-dent or collision.
NOTICEECB00150See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-5prior to operating the engine for the first time.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the main switch to “ON” and the engine
stop switch to“”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral
indicator light should come on. If the indicator
light does not come on, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the electrical circuit.TIPThis model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions.
The transmission is in neutral.
The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift intoneutral before starting the engine.
5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:
U33B70E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

6-3
6
TIPThe engine is warm when it responds normally tothe throttle with the starter (choke) turned off.EBU20291Starting 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.EBU20520Shifting 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.
EBU28111To start out and accelerate
1. Release the throttle lever, and then release
the parking brake.NOTICEECB00200Always close the throttle before shifting gears,
otherwise damage to the engine and drive trainmay result.
2. Pull the clutch lever to disengage the clutch.
3. Shift into first gear.
4. Open the throttle gradually and at the same
time, release the clutch lever slowly.1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3 4 5N1
U33B70E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

7-13
7
WARNING
EWB01720Always open the throttle gradually and release
the clutch lever slowly. Otherwise, the ATV
could wheelie which would increase thechance of an accident.NOTICEECB00230Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-cur.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.
WARNING
EWB01560Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too highcould cause the wheels to stop rotating.TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning technique must be
used to allow the ATV to make turns quickly and
easily. It is essential that this skill be learned first at
low speed.
WARNING
EWB01570Always 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 fastfor 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.
U33B70E0.book Page 13 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

7-19
7 As you travel across a slope, lean your body in the
uphill direction. It may be necessary to correct the
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
EWB01631Never 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 theATV.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.
U33B70E0.book Page 19 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

7-24
7BRAKES AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
(turn signals, horn, headlight, etc.) FOR PROP-
ER OPERATION when you come out of the wa-
ter. Do not continue to ride your ATV until you
have regained adequate braking ability. (See
page 7-19.)
U33B70E0.book Page 24 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

8-7
8
EBU28130TIP
The air filter needs more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
Hydraulic brake service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and
change the brake fluid.
Every two years replace the piston seals and O-ring of the brake equalizer.Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.21*Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√
22*Throttle lever hous-
ing and cableCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Check throttle cable free play and adjust if neces-
sary.
Lubricate throttle lever housing and cable.√√√√√
23*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.√√√√√
24*Lights and switchesCheck operation and correct if necessary.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√ NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U33B70E0.book Page 7 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

8-8
8
EBU23211Checking 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 the
spark 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).
TIPIf 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.
2. Check the spark plug for electrode erosion
and excessive carbon or other deposits, and
replace it if necessary.
1. Spark plug cap
1
1. Spark plug wrench
1
U33B70E0.book Page 8 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM

8-17
8
EBU28900Cleaning 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
U33B70E0.book Page 17 Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:38 PM