oil level YAMAHA YZ250F 2016 Owners Manual

DESCRIPTION
1-4
EAS1SM9009
DESCRIPTION
TIP
Designs and specifications of the vehicle are subject to change without notice. Therefore, please
note that the descriptions in this manual may be different from those for the vehicle you have pur-
chased.1. Clutch lever 10. Coolant drain bolt
2. Front brake lever 11. Rear brake pedal
3. Throttle grip 12. Air filter
4. Radiator cap 13. Drive chain
5. Fuel tank cap 14. Shift pedal
6. Engine stop switch 15. Oil level check window
7. Fuel tank 16. Starter knob/idle screw
8. Kickstarter lever 17. Front fork
9. Radiator
2 1
6
78 954 3
11 10 17 16 15 14 1312

3
PERIODIC CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS.......................................................................... 3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS .................................................................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE................................. 3-7
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE........................................ 3-7
ENGINE............................................................................................................ 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL .......................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLING SYSTEM ....................................................... 3-8
CHANGING THE COOLANT...................................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP ............................................................ 3-9
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP VALVE OPENING PRESSURE ......... 3-9
CHECKING THE COOLANT CIRCULATORY SYSTEM FOR LEAKS .... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER POSITION ...................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER FREE PLAY .................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP FREE PLAY .................................. 3-11
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE CABLE ................................................ 3-12
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT................................................. 3-12
CHECKING THE THROTTLE BODY JOINT ............................................ 3-13
CHECKING THE BREATHER HOSES .................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM..................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE FUEL LINE ................................................................... 3-14
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL..................................................... 3-14
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL ................................................................ 3-15
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED ............................................ 3-16
ADJUSTING THE VALVE CLEARANCE ................................................. 3-17
CHASSIS........................................................................................................ 3-22
BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM .......................................................... 3-22
CHECKING THE BRAKE HOSE .............................................................. 3-23
ADJUSTING THE FRONT BRAKE .......................................................... 3-23
ADJUSTING THE REAR BRAKE ............................................................. 3-24
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ................................................. 3-24
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PADS ................................................... 3-26
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PAD INSULATOR ................................ 3-27
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.................................................. 3-27
ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN SLACK ................................................ 3-28
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................... 3-29
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTECTOR GUIDE .......................... 3-29
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND DUST SEAL ................ 3-29
AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK .................................................... 3-29
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK LEGS .................................................. 3-30
CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION ........................................... 3-31
CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION ................................................... 3-31
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY ................... 3-31
CHECKING THE TIRES ........................................................................... 3-33
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE SPOKES ....................................... 3-33
CHECKING THE WHEELS ...................................................................... 3-34

MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
3-4
FUEL TANK, FUEL
PUMP
Inspect
FUEL HOSE
Inspect
Replace Every four years
FRONT FORK LEG
(S)
Clean Dust seal
Inspect and adjust
Replace oil
Replace oil seal
Clean and grease
oil seals and dust
sealsLithium-soap-based grease
PROTECTOR
GUIDE
Replace
REAR SHOCK AB-
SORBER
Inspect and adjust
Lubricate(After
rain
ride)Grease pillow balls and bear-
ings.
Retighten Check for tightening torques.
BRAKE(S)
Adjust lever posi-
tion and pedal
height
Lubricate pivot
point
Check brake disc
surface
Check fluid level
and leakage
Retighten brake
disc bolts, caliper
bolts, master cylin-
der bolts and union
boltsCheck for tightening torques.
Replace padsITEMAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)As re-
quiredRemarks

PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
3-7
EAS1SM9065PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating
condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
EAS1SM9066GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
TIP
Perform usual maintenance enough so that, in the race course, a confirmation of that and simple set-
ting adjustments may only be left, in order to get enough time to use effectively.ITEM inspect Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap.
Check the cooling system for leakage.3-8 – 10
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank.
Check the fuel line for leakage.1-20
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crank-
case and oil line for leakage.3-14 – 16
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and
that the clutch operates smoothly.3-10 – 11
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play
are correctly adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and
housing, if necessary.3-11 – 12
BrakesCheck the play of front brake and effect of front and
rear brake.3-22 – 28
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that
the drive chain is lubricated properly.3-28
4-64 – 65
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check
for loose spokes and have no excessive play.3-33 – 34
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and
have no excessive play.3-34 – 35
Front forks and rear
shock absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil
leakage.3-29 – 33
Cables (wires)Check that the clutch and throttle cables move
smoothly. Check that they are not caught when the
handlebars are turned or when the front forks travel
up and down.—
Exhaust pipeCheck that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and
has no cracks.3-13 – 14
Rear wheel sprocketCheck that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is
not loose.4-8 – 9
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. 3-12, 3-35
Bolts and nutsCheck the chassis and engine for loose bolts and
nuts.1-23 – 24
Lead connectorsCheck that the AC magneto, ECU and ignition coil are
connected tightly.1-10 – 12
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the rac-
ing course and weather or by taking into account the
results of test runs before racing? Are inspection and
maintenance completely done?10-1 – 8

ENGINE
3-14
4. Install:
• Exhaust pipe protector
EAS1SM9082CHECKING THE FUEL LINE
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
• Air scoop (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
2. Check:
• Fuel hose “1”
Crack/damage  Replace.
Loose connection  Connect properly.3. Install:
• Fuel tank
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
• Air scoop (left/right)
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
EAS1SM9083CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
2. Start the engine, warm this up for 2–3 min-
utes, and then stop the engine and wait
about 5 minute.
3. Check:
• Oil level
The engine oil level should be between the
minimum level mark “a” and maximum level
mark “b”.
Below the minimum level mark  Add the
recommended engine oil to the proper level.
ECA33DD018
NOTICE
• Since engine oil also lubricates the clutch,
the wrong oil types or additives could
cause clutch slippage. Therefore, do not
add any chemical additives.
• Do not allow foreign material to enter the
crankcase. Exhaust pipe protector screw
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
LOCTITE®
2
1
4
3
T R..
1
Recommended brand
YAMALUBE
Type
SAE10W-40, SAE10W-50,
SAE15W-40, SAE20W-40 or
SAE20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
a b

ENGINE
3-15
EAS1SM9084CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
1. Start the engine, warm this up for several
minutes, and then stop the engine and wait
about 5 minutes.
2. Place an oil pan under the drain bolt.
3. Remove:
• Oil filler cap “1”
• Drain bolt (with gasket) “2”
4. If the oil filter element is also to be replaced,
perform the following procedure.
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the oil filter element cover “1” and
oil filter element “2”.
b. Replace the O-rings “3”.c. Install the new oil filter element and the oil fil-
ter element cover.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
5. To check the oil strainer, perform the follow-
ing procedure.
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the oil strainer “1”.
b. Check the oil strainer.
Damage  Replace.
Clogging due to dirt  Wash with kerosene.
c. Replace the O-rings “2”.
d. Install the oil strainer.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
6. Install:
• Engine oil drain bolt
• Drain bolt
1
2
Oil filter element cover bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Oil strainer bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Drain bolt
20 Nm (2.0 m·kgf, 14 ft·lbf)
1
3
2
New
T R..
1
2New
T R..
New
T R..

ENGINE
3-16
7. Pour the specified amount of engine oil into
the oil filler cap hole.
8. Install:
• Oil filler cap
9. Check:
• Oil level
Refer to “CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL” on page 3-14.
10.Check:
• Engine oil pressure
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt
“1”.
EWA
WARNING
When the engine is started with the check
bolt removed, oil will spout; therefore, al-
ways loosen it before the checkup.
Start the engine and keep it idling until oil
starts to seep from the oil pressure check
bolt.
EWA
WARNING
Always keep the engine idling speed during
the checkup without increasing the engine
speed.
ECA
NOTICE
If no engine oil seeps out after one minute,
immediately turn the engine off so it will not
seize.
b. If no engine oil seeps out, check the engine
oil for leaks, and the engine oil passage and
the oil pump for damage.
c. Check the oil pressure again.
d. Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
EAS1SM9085ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED
TIP
• Because the air pressure is lower at high alti-
tudes, the air-fuel mixture will become richer.
If the idling speed is low, turn the starter knob/
idle screw a few clicks counterclockwise to in-
crease the speed before the adjustment.
• Before adjusting the engine idling speed,
make sure that the air filter element is not
clogged, the engine compression is proper,
and the throttle grip free play is proper.
• Adjust the engine idling speed with the starter
knob/idle screw pushed in completely.
1. Start the engine, and warm this up until the
oil has reached the specified temperature.
2. Attach the pocket tester with temperature
probe “1” to the oil drain bolt. Engine oil quantity
Without oil filter element replace-
ment
0.71 L (0.75 US qt, 0.62 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replace-
ment
0.73 L (0.77 US qt, 0.64 Imp.qt)
Quantity (disassembled)
0.90 L (0.95 US qt, 0.79 Imp.qt)
1
Oil pressure check bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Oil temperature
55–65 °C (131–149 °F)
T R..
1

CHASSIS
3-29
EAS1SM9097CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Inner tube
Damage/scratches  Replace.
• Front fork leg (s)
Oil leaks between inner tube and outer tube
 Replace the oil seal.
3. Hold the vehicle upright and apply the front
brake.
4. Check:
• Front fork operation
Push down hard on the handlebar several
times and check if the front fork rebounds
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “FRONT FORK” on page 4-37.
EAS1SM9098CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTEC-
TOR GUIDE
1. Check:
• Protector guide “1”
Out of specification  Replace.
TIP
The protector guide reaches the limit of its use
when it is worn down to the same height “a” as
of the outer tube circumference.
EAS1SM9099CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL
AND DUST SEAL
1. Remove:
•Protector
• Dust seal “1”
ECA
NOTICE
Be careful not to damage the dust seal and
the inner tube by a driver.
2. Clean:
• Dust seal “a”
• Oil seal “b”
TIP
• Clean the dust seal and oil seal after every
run.
• Apply lithium-soap-based grease on the inner
tube.
EAS1SM9100AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK
TIP
If the front fork initial movement feels stiff dur-
ing a run, relieve the front fork internal pres-
sure.
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Remove the air bleed screw “1” and release
the internal pressure from the front fork.
1
a
1
LS
a
b

CHASSIS
3-31
EAS1SM9102CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION
1. Check:
• Swingarm smooth action
• Swingarm free play
Refer to “SWINGARM” on page 4-60.
EAS1SM9103CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
EWA
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly
Gas leaks/oil leaks  Replace the rear
shock absorber assembly.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
3. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly smooth ac-
tion
• Rear suspension link smooth action
Sit astride the seat and shake your body up
and down several times to check whether
the rear shock absorber assembly operates
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
EAS1SM9104ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORB-
ER ASSEMBLY
Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel off
the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
Spring preload
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.1. Remove:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
2. Adjust:
• Spring preload
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Loosen the locknut “1”.
b. Loosen the adjuster “2” until there is some
clearance between the spring and the ad-
juster.
c. Measure the spring free length “a”.
d. Turn the adjuster in the direction of “b” or “c”
to make an adjustment.
TIP
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud from
around the locknut and adjusting ring before
adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed) changes
1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjusting ring.
Direction “b”
Spring preload is increased (suspen-
sion is harder).
Direction “c”
Spring preload is decreased (suspen-
sion is softer).
Spring preload adjusting positions
Minimum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 1.5 mm (0.06 in) from
its free length.
Standard
Position in which the spring is
turned in 10 mm (0.39 in) from its
free length.
Maximum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 18 mm (0.71 in) from its
free length.

FRONT BRAKE
4-17
3. Install:
• Brake caliper piston “1”
TIP
Apply the brake fluid on the piston outer sur-
face.
ECANOTICE
• Install the piston with its side “a” facing
the brake caliper.
• Never force to insert.
EAS1SM9141INSTALLING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER
1. Install:
• Front brake caliper bracket
• Front brake caliper
(temporarily)
• Copper washers
• Brake hose
• Union bolt
EWAWARNING
Proper brake hose routing is essential to in-
sure safe vehicle operation.
ECANOTICE
Make sure that the pipe portion “a” of the
brake hose touches the projection “b” on
the brake caliper.2. Install:
• Front brake caliper
• Brake pad spring
• Brake pad
• Brake pad pin
• Brake hose holder
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE
PADS” on page 3-24.
3. Tighten:
• Brake hose holder mounting bolt “1”
TIP
Make sure that the brake hose holder “2” is in-
stalled with its upper end “a” aligned with the
paint “b” on the brake hose.
4. Pour brake fluid to the brake master cylinder
reservoir up to the specified level.
EWA
WARNING
• Use only the designated brake fluid. Other
brake fluids may cause the rubber seals to
deteriorate, causing leakage and poor
brake performance.
• Refill with the same type of brake fluid that
is already in the system. Mixing brake flu-
ids may result in a harmful chemical reac-
tion, leading to poor brake performance.
• When refilling, be careful that water does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir. Water
will significantly lower the boiling point of
the brake fluid and could cause vapor
lock.
ECA
Front brake caliper bracket
28 Nm (2.8 m·kgf, 20 ft·lbf)
Brake hose union bolt
30 Nm (3.0 m·kgf, 22 ft·lbf)
1
a
1
New
T R..
a
b
Brake pad pin
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Brake hose holder mounting bolt
9 Nm (0.9 m·kgf, 6.5 ft·lbf)
Specified brake fluid
DOT 4
T R..
T R..
2
1 b
a