YAMAHA YZ85 2011 Owner's Guide

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-6
4 ON
With the lever in this position, fuel flows
to the carburetor. Normal riding is done
with the lever in this position.
EAU13640
Starter (choke) knob Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the knob in direction (a) to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the knob in direction (b) to turn off
the starter (choke).
EAU13650
Kickstarter To start the engine, fold out the kick-
starter lever, move it down lightly with
your foot until the gears engage, and
then push it down smoothly but force-
fully. This model is equipped with a pri-
mary kickstarter, allowing the engine to
be started in any gear if the clutch is
disengaged. However, shifting the
transmission into the neutral position
before starting is recommended.
1. Arrow mark positioned over “ON”
1. Starter (choke) knob
1. Kickstarter lever
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-7
4
EAU46280
Seat To remove the seat
Remove the bolts, and then pull the
seat off.
To install the seat
1. Fit the slot in the seat onto the pro-
jection on the fuel tank, and insert
the projection on the seat into the
seat holder as shown.2. Place the seat in the original posi-
tion, and then tighten the bolts.
TIPMake sure that the seat is properly se-
cured before riding.
EAU41472
Adjusting the front fork
WARNING
EWA10180
Always adjust both fork legs equal-
ly, otherwise poor handling and loss
of stability may result.This front fork is equipped with rebound
damping force adjusting screws and
compression damping force adjusting
screws.NOTICE
ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting screw on each
fork leg in direction (a). To decrease the
rebound damping force and thereby
soften the rebound damping, turn the
adjusting screw on each fork leg in di-
rection (b).
1. Bolt
1. Slot
2. Projection
3. Seat holder
12
2
3
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-8
4
Compression damping force
1. Remove the rubber cap by pulling
it out of the front fork leg.
2. To increase the compression
damping force and thereby harden
the compression damping, turn the
adjusting screw on each fork leg in
direction (a). To decrease the
compression damping force andthereby soften the compression
damping, turn the adjusting screw
on each fork leg in direction (b).
3. Install the rubber cap.
TIPAlthough 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.
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screwRebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
7 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
1. Rubber cap
2. Compression damping force adjusting screw
Compression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
YZ85(A): 10 click(s) in direction
(b)*
YZ85LW(A): 9 click(s) in direction
(b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-9
4
EAU14792
Front fork bleeding
WARNING
EWA10200
Always bleed both fork legs, other-
wise poor handling and loss of sta-
bility may result.When riding in extremely rough condi-
tions, the air temperature and pressure
in the front fork will rise. This will in-
crease the spring preload and harden
the front suspension. If this occurs,
bleed the front fork as follows.
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing
a suitable stand under the engine.TIPWhen bleeding the front fork, there
should be no weight on the front end of
the vehicle.2. Remove the bleed screws and al-
low all of the air to escape from
each fork leg.3. Install the bleed screws.
EAU41333
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.NOTICE
ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum 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).
1. Bleed screw
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-10
4


A special wrench can be ob-
tained at a Yamaha dealer to
make this adjustment.


The spring preload setting is
determined by measuring dis-
tance A, shown in the illustra-
tion. The longer distance A is,
the lower the spring preload;
the shorter distance A is, the
higher the spring preload.
With each complete turn of
the adjusting nut, distance A
is changed by 1.5 mm (0.06
in).3. Tighten the locknut to the specified
torque. NOTICE: Always tighten
the locknut against the adjust-
ing nut, and then tighten the
locknut to the specified torque.
[ECA10121]
Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting screw in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting screw in di-
rection (b).
1. Locknut
2. Spring preload adjusting nut
1. Distance A
Spring preload:
Minimum (soft):
Distance A = 218.5 mm (8.60 in)
Standard:YZ85(A)
Distance A = 215.0 mm (8.46 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Standard:YZ85LW(A)
Distance A = 207.0 mm (8.15 in)
For Europe only: Distance A =
212.0 mm (8.35 in)
Maximum (hard):
Distance A = 202.5 mm (7.97 in)
Tightening torque:
Locknut:
35 Nm (3.5 m·kgf, 25 ft·lbf)
1. Rebound damping force adjusting screw
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-11
4
Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (b).
TIPTo obtain a precise adjustment, it is ad-
visable to check the actual total number
of clicks or turns of each damping forceadjusting mechanism. This adjustment
range may not exactly match the spec-
ifications listed due to small differences
in production.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.

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


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.


Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(A)
6 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(A)
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)
1. Compression damping force adjusting screwCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:YZ85(A)
9 click(s) in direction (b)*
For Europe only: 12 click(s) in di-
rection (b)*
Standard:YZ85LW(A)
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)
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
4-12
4
EAU41381
Removable sidestand This motorcycle is equipped with a re-
movable sidestand.TIPMake sure that the sidestand is proper-
ly secured when the motorcycle is be-
ing supported or is being transported.
WARNING
EWA14601


Never apply force on the motor-
cycle while it is on the side-
stand.


Always remove the sidestand
before starting out.
1. Sidestand
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-1
5
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Always use a fresh mixture of gasoline and oil.
Check fuel line for leakage.
Check fuel tank breather hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and check
hose connection.4-3, 4-5
Transmission oilCheck oil level in transmission case.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.7-9
CoolantCheck coolant level.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.7-10
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.7-19, 7-20
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-2
5
Rear brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.7-19, 7-20
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.7-17
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check throttle grip free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.7-15, 7-23
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.7-21, 7-23
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.
Check for loose spokes and tighten if necessary.7-15, 7-17
Shift pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary.7-19
Brake pedalMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary.7-24
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.7-24
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and has no excessive play. 7-26 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
5-3
5
Front fork and rear shock ab-
sorber assemblyCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage. 4-7, 4-9, 4-9, 7-25
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Moving parts and cablesCheck that the control cables move smoothly.
Check that the control cables are not caught when the handlebars are turned or
when the front forks travel up and down.
Lubricate moving parts and cables if necessary.7-23, 7-24, 7-25, 7-25
Exhaust systemCheck that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks.
Check for leakage.—
Ignition systemCheck that all leads and cables are properly connected. 7-8 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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