ABS YAMAHA YZ85 2008 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .................. 1-1
Safe riding ....................................... 1-1
Location of important labels ........... 1-4
DESCRIPTION .................................. 2-1
Left view .......................................... 2-1
Right view ........................................ 2-2
Controls and instruments ................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS....................................... 3-1
Handlebar switch ............................ 3-1
Clutch lever .................................... 3-1
Shift pedal ......................................3-1
Brake lever ..................................... 3-2
Brake pedal .................................... 3-2
Fuel tank cap .................................. 3-3
Fuel ................................................ 3-3
Fuel tank breather hose ................. 3-5
Fuel cock ........................................ 3-5
Starter (choke) knob ....................... 3-6
Kickstarter ......................................3-6
Seat ................................................ 3-6
Adjusting the front fork ................... 3-7
Front fork bleeding ......................... 3-8
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ..................................... 3-9
Removable sidestand ................... 3-12
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS.............. 4-1
Pre-operation check list .................. 4-2OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................ 5-1
Starting and warming up a cold
engine ......................................... 5-1
Starting a warm engine .................. 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR................................. 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-2
Checking the spark plug ................ 6-8
Transmission oil ............................. 6-9
Coolant ........................................ 6-10
Cleaning the air filter element ...... 6-12
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 6-14
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-14
Adjusting the throttle cable free
play ........................................... 6-15
Tires ............................................. 6-15
Spoke wheels .............................. 6-17
Accessories and replacement
parts ......................................... 6-17
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ........................................... 6-18
Checking the front brake lever
free play .................................... 6-18Checking the front and rear
brake pads ................................ 6-19
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-20
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-21
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-21
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain ................................ 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals ............... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............. 6-24
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ... 6-25
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-25
Checking the front fork ................. 6-25
Checking the steering .................. 6-26
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-27
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 6-27
Front wheel .................................. 6-28
Rear wheel ................................... 6-28
Troubleshooting ........................... 6-30
Troubleshooting charts ................. 6-31
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE.......................................... 7-1
Matte color caution ......................... 7-1
Care ............................................... 7-1
Storage ........................................... 7-3
U5PA86E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-1
2
EAU10410
Left view1. Radiator cap (page 6-10)
2. Fuel cock (page 3-5)
3. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting nut (page 3-9)
4. Air filter element (page 6-12)
5. Seat (page 3-6)
6. Shift pedal (page 3-1)
7. Throttle stop screw (page 6-14)
8. Starter (choke) knob (page 3-6)
U5PA86E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
EAU10420
Right view1. Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting screw
(page 3-9)
2. Kickstarter (page 3-6)
3. Front fork rebound damping force adjusting screw (page 3-7)
4. Bleed screw (page 3-8)
5. Front fork compression damping force adjusting screw (page 3-7)
6. Spark plug cap (page 6-8)
7. Transmission oil filler cap (page 6-9)
8. Coolant drain bolt (page 6-11)9. Brake pedal (page 3-2)
10.Transmission oil drain bolt (page 6-9)
11.Shock absorber assembly rebound damping force adjusting screw
(page 3-9)U5PA86E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-9
3
WARNING
EWA10200
Always bleed both fork legs, other-
wise poor handling and loss of sta-bility may result.
3. Install the bleed screws.
EAU41330
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing nut, a rebound damping force ad-
justing screw and a compression
damping force adjusting screw.CAUTION:
ECA10100
Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum orminimum settings.
Spring preload
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut.2. To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
(a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the sus-
pension, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
NOTE:

A special wrench can be obtained
at a Yamaha dealer to make this
adjustment.


The spring preload setting is deter-
mined by measuring distance A,
shown in the illustration. The long-
er distance A is, the lower the
spring preload; the shorter dis-
tance A is, the higher the spring
preload. With each complete turn
of the adjusting nut, distance A ischanged by 1.5 mm (0.06 in).
1. Locknut
2. Spring preload adjusting nut
U5PA86E0.book Page 9 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
NOTE:Although the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.
WARNING
EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.

Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinder.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.


Always have a Yamaha dealerservice the shock absorber.
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(X)
9 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(X)
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
U5PA86E0.book Page 11 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
6
√ √
21*BrakesAdjust lever position and pedal height.
Lubricate pivot points.
Check brake disk surface.
Check fluid level and for leakage.
Tighten brake disk bolts, caliper bolts, master cylinder
bolts and union bolts.√
Replace brake pads.√
Replace brake fluid. Every year√
22*Front fork
Replace oil seals. Replace fork oil. 
Clean dust seal and lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.
Adjust if necessary. Check operation and for oil leakage.
√
√√
√ NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-inEvery
raceEvery
third raceEvery
fifth raceAs
required
√ √
√
23*Shock absorber assem-
blyCheck operation and adjust.
Tighten if necessary.
Lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease
.√(After
washing
the
motorcycle
or riding in
the rain)
U5PA86E0.book Page 5 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.


Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.


For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield isscratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain or near the seaSince sea salt is extremely corrosive,
carry out the following steps after each
ride in the rain or near the sea.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.CAUTION:
ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of thesalt.
2. Apply a corrosion protection spray
on all metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent
corrosion.After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
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.
U5PA86E0.book Page 2 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-3
8
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4Front suspension:Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
275.0 mm (10.83 in)Rear suspension:Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
YZ85 282.0 mm (11.10 in)
YZ85LW 287.0 mm (11.30 in)
YZ85LWX 287.0 mm (11.30 in)
YZ85X 282.0 mm (11.10 in)Electrical system:Ignition system:
CDI
U5PA86E0.book Page 3 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM

INDEX
AAccessories and replacement parts ..... 6-17
Air filter element, cleaning .................... 6-12BBrake and clutch levers, checking
and lubricating .................................... 6-24
Brake and shift pedals, checking
and lubricating .................................... 6-24
Brake fluid, changing ............................ 6-21
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-20
Brake lever ............................................. 3-2
Brake pedal ............................................ 3-2CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-23
Carburetor, adjusting ............................ 6-14
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Clutch lever............................................. 3-1
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ........... 6-18
Coolant ................................................. 6-10DDrive chain, cleaning and lubricating .... 6-22
Drive chain slack .................................. 6-21EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed .............................. 6-14
Engine, starting a warm .......................... 5-1
Engine stop button.................................. 3-1FFront and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-19
Front brake lever free play, checking ... 6-18
Front fork, adjusting ................................ 3-7
Front fork, bleeding................................. 3-8
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-25
Fuel......................................................... 3-3Fuel cock ................................................. 3-5
Fuel tank breather hose .......................... 3-5
Fuel tank cap........................................... 3-3
HHandlebar switch..................................... 3-1IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1KKickstarter ............................................... 3-6LLabels, location of ...................................1-4MMatte color, caution .................................7-1
Model label .............................................. 9-1PParking ....................................................5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.....................................6-2
Pre-operation check list........................... 4-2RRear suspension, lubricating ................. 6-25SSafety information ...................................1-1
Seat ......................................................... 3-6
Shifting ....................................................5-2
Shift pedal ............................................... 3-1
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ...... 3-9
Sidestand .............................................. 3-12
Spark plug, checking ...............................6-8
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Starter (choke) knob................................ 3-6
Starting and warming up a cold
engine ................................................... 5-1Steering, checking ................................ 6-26
Storage ................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-27
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-25
TThrottle cable free play, adjusting ......... 6-15
Throttle grip and cable, checking
and lubricating .................................... 6-23
Tires ...................................................... 6-15
Transmission oil ...................................... 6-9
Troubleshooting .................................... 6-30
Troubleshooting charts ......................... 6-31VVehicle identification number .................. 9-1WWheel bearings, checking..................... 6-27
Wheel (front) ......................................... 6-28
Wheel (rear) .......................................... 6-28
Wheels .................................................. 6-17
U5PA86E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 9, 2007 3:16 PM