wheel YAMAHA YZ85 2021 Owners Manual

Table of contents
Location of important la bels ........... 1-1
Safety information ............................ 2-1
Description ....................................... 3-1
Left view ......................................... 3-1
Right view ....................................... 3-2
Controls and instruments ............... 3-3
Instrument an d control functions ... 4-1
Handlebar switch............................ 4-1
Clutch lever .................................... 4-1
Shift pedal ...................................... 4-2
Brake lever...................................... 4-2
Brake pedal .................................... 4-3
Fuel tank cap .................................. 4-3
Fuel ................................................. 4-4
Fuel tank breather hose.................. 4-6
Fuel cock ........................................ 4-7
Starter (choke) knob ....................... 4-7
Kickstarter ...................................... 4-8
Seat ................................................ 4-8
Adjusting the front fork ................... 4-9
Front fork bleeding ....................... 4-11
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ................................... 4-12
Removable sidestand ................... 4-15
YPVS system ................................ 4-16
For your safety – pre-operation
checks ............................................... 5-1
Operation an d important ri din g
points ................................................ 6-1
Engine break-in .............................. 6-1
Starting and warming up a cold
engine ......................................... 6-3
Starting a warm engine .................. 6-3
Shifting ........................................... 6-4
Parking ........................................... 6-5
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 7-1
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 7-2
Checking the spark plug ................ 7-6 Transmission oil .............................. 7-7
Coolant ............................................ 7-8
Cleaning the air filter element ....... 7-10
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 7-12
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ......................................... 7-13
Adjusting the throttle grip free play ............................................ 7-13
Tires .............................................. 7-14
Spoke wheels ................................ 7-16
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 7-17
Checking the brake lever free play ............................................ 7-18
Checking the shift pedal ............... 7-18
Checking the front and rear brake pads ................................. 7-19
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 7-20
Changing the brake fluid ............... 7-21
Drive chain slack ........................... 7-21
Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain ................................. 7-23
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 7-23
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ............... 7-24
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 7-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal ................................ 7-25
Lubricating the rear suspension.... 7-25
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ... 7-26
Checking the front fork ................. 7-26
Checking the steering ................... 7-27
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 7-27
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 7-28
Front wheel ................................... 7-28
Rear wheel .................................... 7-29
Troubleshooting ............................ 7-31
Troubleshooting chart ................... 7-32
Motorcycle care an d stora ge .......... 8-1
Matte color caution ......................... 8-1
Care................................................. 8-1
Storage............................................ 8-4
UB4B82E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Safety information
2-2
2sic motorcycle maintenance.
Certain maintenance can only
be carried out by certified staff.
 Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators.
• Make sure that you are qualified and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified oper-
ators.
• Know your skills and limits. Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
• We recommend that you prac- tice riding your motorcycle until
you have become thoroughly
familiar with the motorcycle and
all of its controls.
 Many accidents have been
caused by error of the motorcycle
operator. A typical error made by
the operator is veering wide on a
turn due to excessive speed or un-
dercornering (insufficient lean an-
gle for the speed). Never travel
faster than warranted by condi-
tions.
 Ride cautiously in unfamiliar ar-
eas. You may encounter hidden
obstacles that could cause an ac-
cident.
 The posture of the operator is im-
portant for proper control. The op-
erator should keep both hands on
the handlebar and both feet on the
operator footrests during opera-
tion to maintain control of the mo-
torcycle.
 Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
 Be sure the transmission is in neu-
tral before starting the engine. Protective Apparel
The majority of fatalities from motorcy-
cle accidents are the result of head in-
juries. The use of a safety helmet is the
single most critical factor in the pre-
vention or reduction of head injuries.
 Always wear an approved helmet.
 Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision that could delay seeing a
hazard.
 The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective
in preventing or reducing abra-
sions or lacerations.
 Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.
 Always wear protective clothing
that covers your legs, ankles, and
feet. The engine or exhaust sys-
tem become very hot during or af-
ter operation and can cause
burns.
Avoi d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
UB4B82E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Safety information
2-4
2tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become
unstable in cross winds.
• Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the
freedom of movement of the
operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
7-14 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
 Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks. 
Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.
 Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
UB4B82E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Instrument and control functions
4-11
4
EAU84390
Front fork blee din g
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 air from each front fork leg.
WARNING
EWA10201
Always blee d b oth fork le gs, other-
wise poor han dlin g an d loss of sta-
b ility may result.
To bleed the front fork legs
1. Remove the protector.
2. Place the motorcycle on a suitable
stand. (See page 7-28.)
3. Make sure the front wheel is off the ground and the area near the
bleed screws is clean.
4. Remove the bleed screws. 5. Wait a few seconds, and then in-
stall the bleed screws.
6. Install the protector.
1. Protector
1
1. Bleed screw
1 1
UB4B82E0.book Page 11 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

For your safety – pre-operation checks
5-2
5
Drive chain• Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary. 7-21,
7-23
Drive sprocket • Check the drive sprocket nut torque.
• Tighten if necessary.
—
Wheels an d tires •Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.
• Check for loose spokes and tighten if necessary. 7-14,
7-16
Shift ped al • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check the shift pedal bolt torque.
• Correct if necessary. 7-18
Brake ped al • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary. 7-25
Brake an d clutch le-
vers • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.
7-24
Steerin g • Check that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and
has no excessive play. 7-27
Front fork and rear
shock a bsor ber as-
sem bly • Check that they operate smoothly and there is no oil
leakage. 4-9,
4-11,
4-12, 7-26
Chassis fasteners • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly
tightened.
• Check all cotter pins for damage and correct install- ment.
• Tighten or replace if necessary. —
Movin g parts an d ca-
b les • Check the control cables for damage.
• Check 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,
7-26, 7-25
Exhaust system • Check that the exhaust pipe and muffler are tightly
mounted and have no cracks.
• Check for leakage. —
En gine stop switch • Check operation. 4-1
I g nition system • Check that all leads and cables are properly connected. 7-6
ITEM
CHECKSPAGE
UB4B82E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-3
7
10 *Rotor nut
(flywheel magneto) Tighten.
11 *
Kickstarter system Check idle gear for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check exhaust pipe and muffler for
carbon deposits.

12 *Exhaust system
Clean.
 Check crankshaft for carbon depositsand damage.13 *Crankshaft
Clean.
 


14 *
Carburetor Check carburetor settings and for
obstructions.
Adjust and clean. Check condition.
15Spark plug Clean and regap.
Replace.
 Check chain slack, alignment and
condition.
16 *Drive chain Adjust and thoroughly lubricate chain
with Yamaha chain and cable lube or
equivalent.
Replace.
NO. ITEM ROUTINE
After
break-in
Everyrace
Every
third race
Every
fifth race
As
required
7 *Clutch Check clutch housing, friction plates,
clutch plates and clutch springs for
wear or damage.
Adjust.
Replace.

8 *
Transmission Change the transmission oil. Check transmission for damage. Replace bearings.
9 *Shift forks, guide
bars, shift cam Check all parts for wear and damage. Replace if necessary.
UB4B82E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-5
7
EAU42012
TIP
 Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid levels.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cyl- inders and calipers, and change the brake fluid.
• Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
NO. ITEM ROUTINEAfter
break-in
Everyrace
Every
third race
Every
fifth race
As
required
*Shock absorber
assembly Check operation and adjust. Tighten if necessary.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

*Drive chain roller
and support guide Check for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
*Rear suspension Check operation and tighten if
necessary.
Lubricate with molybdenum disulfidegrease.
Check operation, free play, andtighten if necessary.
*
Steering head Clean and lubricate with
lithium-soap-based grease.
Replace bearings. Check tire air pressure, wheel runout,spokes for looseness, and tires for
wear.

Tighten sprocket bolts if necessary.
*Tires and wheels
Check wheel bearings for looseness. Lubricate wheel bearings with
lithium-soap-based grease.
Replace wheel bearings.
*Moving parts and ca-
bles Lubricate.
*
Throttle grip Check operation. Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
27 *Swingarm pivot
bearings 
Lubricate cable and grip housing.
After washing the motorcycle or riding in the rain.
Lubricate with molybdenum
disulfide grease. Check bearing assemblies for
looseness.
24
25
26
28
29
30
31
UB4B82E0.book Page 5 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-16
7 
The replacement of all wheel-
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience.
 It is not recommen ded to patch
a punctured tube. If unavoi d-
a b le, however, patch the tu be
very carefully an d replace it as
soon as possi ble with a hi gh-
quality pro duct.
EAU48322
Spoke wheels
WARNING
EWA10611
The wheels on this mod el are not
d esi gne d for use with tu beless tires.
Do not attempt to use tu beless tires
on this mod el.
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.
 The wheel rims should be
checked for cracks, bends, warp-
age or other damage and the
spokes for looseness or damage
before each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
 The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
UB4B82E0.book Page 16 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-21
7
EAU51721
Chan gin g the brake flui d
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the master cylinders and calipers as
well as the brake hoses replaced at the
intervals listed below or whenever they
are damaged or leaking.
 Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
 Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU22762
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU84400To check the d rive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on a suitable stand. (See page 7-28.)
2. Confirm the rear wheel is off the ground and the rear shock ab-
sorber is fully extended.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral.
4. Pull up the drive chain until the chain is taut, and then measure
distance A between the top of the
swingarm and the bottom of the
chain as shown.
5. If the drive chain slack is incorrect, adjust it as follows. NOTICE: Im-
proper drive chain slack will
overload the engine as well as
other vital parts of the motorcy-
cle an d can lead to chain slip-
pa ge or breakag e. To prevent
1. Distance A
Distance A:
58.0–68.0 mm (2.28–2.68 in) (YZ85,
YZ85M)
65.0–75.0 mm (2.56–2.95 in)
(YZ85LW, YZ85LWM)
1
UB4B82E0.book Page 21 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
7-22
7 this from occurrin
g, keep the
d rive chain slack within the
specifie d limits.
[ECA10572]
EAU84060
To adjust the drive chain slack
Consult a Yamaha dealer before ad-
justing the drive chain slack. 1. Loosen the axle nut and the lock- nut on each side of the swingarm.
2. To tighten the drive chain, turn the drive chain slack adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in di-
rection (a). To loosen the drive
chain, turn the adjusting bolt on
each side of the swingarm in di-
rection (b), and then push the rear
wheel forward.
TIP
Using the alignment marks on the drive
chain pullers and the notch on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both drive chain pullers are in the same
position for proper wheel alignment.
3. Tighten both locknuts and the axlenut to the specified torques.
4. Make sure that the drive chain pullers are in the same position,
the drive chain slack is correct,
and the drive chain moves
smoothly.1. Axle nut
2. Locknut
1. Drive chain slack adjusting bolt
1
2
(b)
(a) 1
1. Notch
2. Alignment mark
3. Drive chain puller
Ti
ghtening torques:
Locknut: 21 N·m (2.1 kgf·m, 15 lb·ft)
Axle nut:
80 N·m (8.0 kgf·m, 59 lb·ft)
12
3
UB4B82E0.book Page 22 Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:10 PM