Yamaha YFM250R-W User manual

33B-F8199-71
YFM250R-W
OWNER’S MANUAL
READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY!
It contains important safety information.
DIC183

EBU28980
Read this manual carefully before operating this vehicle. This manual should stay with this ve-
hicle if it is sold.
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

EBU17170
INTRODUCTION
EBU17322
Congratulations on your purchase of the Yamaha YFM250R-W. This ATV represents the result of many
years of Yamaha experience in the production of fine sporting, touring, and pacesetting racing machines.
With the purchase of this Yamaha, you can now appreciate the high degree of craftsmanship and reliability
that have made Yamaha a leader in these fields.
This manual will provide you with a good basic understanding of the features and operation of this ATV.
This manual includes important safety information. It provides information about special tech-
niques and skills necessary to ride the ATV. It also includes basic maintenance and inspection proce-
dures. If you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your ATV, please consult a
Yamaha dealer.
AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:
●Read this manual completely before operating your ATV. Make sure you understand all instructions.
●Pay close attention to the warning and notice labels on the ATV.
●This ATV should not be ridden by anyone under 16 years of age.
●This ATV is a high-performance ATV for off-road use only, for sport-type recreational and competitive use
by experienced operators.
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

EBU17330
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EBU17342
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARNINGS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS IN-
JURY OR DEATH.
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
* Product and specifications are subject to change without notice.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this sym-
bol to avoid possible injury or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICE
TIP
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

EBU17350
IMPORTANT NOTICE
EBU17372
This ATV is designed and manufactured for use on unpaved surfaces only. It is unsafe to operate this ATV
on any paved surface, paved street, paved road or motorway.
Please check your local riding laws and regulations before operating this ATV.
EBUM0010
YFM250R-W
OWNER’S MANUAL
©2011 by MBK INDUSTRIE
1st edition, July 2011
All rights reserved
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission of
MBK INDUSTRIE
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in France.
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ...................................................... 3-1
Right view.................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ............................ 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ................................................ 4-1
Indicator lights ............................................ 4-2
Speedometer .............................................. 4-2
Handlebar switches .................................... 4-3
Throttle lever .............................................. 4-4
Speed limiter .............................................. 4-5
Clutch lever ................................................ 4-6
Brake lever ................................................. 4-6
Brake pedal ................................................ 4-6
Parking brake lever .................................... 4-7
Shift pedal .................................................. 4-8
Fuel tank cap .............................................. 4-8
Fuel .............................................................4-9
Fuel cock ..................................................4-10
Starter (choke) ..........................................4-12
Steering lock .............................................4-13
Seat ..........................................................4-13
Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ..............................................4-14
Adjusting the rear shock absorber
assembly .................................................4-15
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Fuel .............................................................5-3
Engine oil ....................................................5-3
Front and rear brakes .................................5-3
Throttle lever ...............................................5-3
Drive chain ..................................................5-4
Tires ............................................................5-4
Chassis fasteners .......................................5-6
Instruments, lights and switches .................5-6
OPERATION...................................................6-1
Starting a cold engine .................................6-1
Starting a warm engine ...............................6-2
Shifting ........................................................6-3
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

Engine break-in .......................................... 6-4
Parking ....................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-6
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-6
RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV............... 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD
JUDGMENT .............................................. 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE............. 7-9
TURNING YOUR ATV .............................. 7-12
CLIMBING UPHILL ................................... 7-13
RIDING DOWNHILL.................................. 7-16
CROSSING A SLOPE............................... 7-18
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER ................................................... 7-19
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN ........... 7-20
SLIDING AND SKIDDING......................... 7-21
WHAT TO DO IF... .................................... 7-22
WHAT TO DO... ........................................ 7-22
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ............................................... 8-1
Owner’s manual and tool kit ....................... 8-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system ........................... 8-3
General maintenance and lubrication
chart ..........................................................8-5
Checking the spark plug .............................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter element .................8-11
Cleaning the air filter element ...................8-14
Cleaning the spark arrester ......................8-18
Adjusting the carburetor ............................8-20
Adjusting the engine idling speed .............8-20
Adjusting the throttle lever free play .........8-21
Valve clearance ........................................8-22
Brakes .......................................................8-22
Checking the front and rear brake pads ...8-22
Checking the brake fluid level ...................8-23
Changing the brake fluid ...........................8-25
Checking the front brake lever free play ...8-25
Checking the brake pedal height ..............8-25
Adjusting the parking brake free play .......8-26
Brake light switches ..................................8-27
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ...........8-28
Drive chain slack .......................................8-29
Lubricating the drive chain ........................8-31
Checking and lubricating the cables .........8-32
Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers ............................................8-33
Checking the shift pedal ...........................8-33
Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal .......................................................8-33
U33B71E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

Checking the wheel hub bearings ............ 8-34
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ............... 8-34
Lubricating the upper and lower arm
pivots ...................................................... 8-34
Lubricating the steering shaft ................... 8-35
Battery ...................................................... 8-36
Replacing a fuse ...................................... 8-38
Headlight bulb .......................................... 8-39
Headlight beam ........................................ 8-40
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ............ 8-40
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ............. 8-40
Auxiliary light bulb .................................... 8-41
Removing a wheel .................................... 8-41
Installing a wheel ...................................... 8-42
Troubleshooting ....................................... 8-43
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 8-44
CLEANING AND STORAGE.......................... 9-1
Cleaning ..................................................... 9-1
Storage ....................................................... 9-2
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 10-1
CONSUMER INFORMATION ...................... 11-1
Identification numbers .............................. 11-1
U33B71E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

1-1
1
EBU29680
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND SPECIFICATION LABELS
EBU29981
Read and understand all of the labels on your ATV. These labels contain important information for safe and
proper operation.
Never remove any labels from your ATV. If a label becomes difficult to read or comes off, request a replace-
ment label from your Yamaha dealer.
3
5
6
2
14
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

1-2
1
4D3-2816L-20
43P-2816R-01
43P-2816P-00
12
3
U33B71E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

1-3
1
27.5 kPa
0.275 kgf/cm²
4.0 psi
27.5 kPa
0.275 kgf/cm²
4.0 psi
4D3-2816M-M0
4AA-22259-40
8AC-2817L-00
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
2500 SHINGAI, IWATA, JAPAN
2011
45
6
U33B71E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

1-4
1
Familiarize yourself with the following pictograms and read the explanatory text, then make sure to check
the pictograms that apply to your model.
Read the Owner’s manual.
ALWAYS use an approved helmet and
protective gear.
NEVER permit children under age 6 to
operate this ATV.
Operation of this ATV by children under the
age of 6 increases the risk of severe injury
or death.
Adult supervision required for children under
age 16.
NEVER permit children under age 10 to
operate this ATV.
Operation of this ATV by children under the
age of 10 increases the risk of severe injury
or death.
Adult supervision required for children under
age 16.
NEVER permit children under age 12 to
operate this ATV.
Operation of this ATV by children under the
age of 12 increases the risk of severe injury
or death.
Adult supervision required for children under
age 16.
NEVER operate this ATV if you are under
age 16.
Operating this ATV if you are under the age
of 16 increases your chance of severe injury
or death.
NEVER use on paved roads.
NEVER carry passengers.
U33B71E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

1-5
1
**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi
**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi
NEVER use with drugs or alcohol.
NEVER store fuel or flammable liquids.
This unit contains high-pressure nitrogen
gas.
Mishandling can cause an explosion. Do not
incinerate, puncture or open.
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Measure the tire pressure when the tires are
cold.
Adjust the tire pressure.
Improper tire pressure can cause loss of
control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
Turning the ATV in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”) takes more effort.
Operate at a slow speed and allow extra
time and distance for maneuvers to avoid
loss of control.
This pictogram shows the loading limits
and/or maximum load capacity for this ATV.
Follow all load limits and other loading
guidelines in this manual.
Load may include the driver, passenger,
human protective gear, accessories, goods,
luggage, and all other load related items.
Make sure you do not exceed the load limits.
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
U33B71E0.book Page 5 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

1-6
1
******
*** kW *** kg
1
23
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
2500 SHINGAI, IWATA, JAPAN
****
1
This pictogram shows trailer Hitch Tow
weight limit. (Combined weight of the trailer
and all cargo in the trailer.)
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
This pictogram shows trailer Hitch Tongue
weight limit. (Weight on the trailer tongue.)
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
1
2
3
Model Name
Max. Power
Mass In Running Order
1Year of construction
U33B71E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

2-1
2
EBU17431
SAFETY INFORMATION
EBU17594
AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARD-
OUS TO OPERATE.
An ATV handles differently from other vehicles, in-
cluding motorcycles and cars. A collision or roll-
over can occur quickly, even during routine
maneuvers such as turning and riding on hills or
over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precau-
tions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do
not follow these instructions:
●Read this manual and all labels carefully and fol-
low the operating procedures described.
●Never operate an ATV without proper training or
instruction.
●Always follow the age recommendation:
–A child under 16 years old should never oper-
ate an ATV with engine size greater than 90 cc.
●Never allow a child under age 16 to operate an
ATV without adult supervision, and never allow
continued use of an ATV by a child if he or she
does not have the abilities to operate it safely.
●Never carry a passenger on an ATV.
●Always avoid operating an ATV on any paved
surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, park-
ing lots and paved streets.
●Never operate an ATV on any paved street,
paved road or motorway.
●Watch carefully for other vehicles when operat-
ing on unpaved public streets or roads. Make
sure you know your country’s laws and regula-
tions before you ride on unpaved public streets
or roads.
●Never operate an ATV without wearing an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection (goggles or face
shield), gloves, boots, a long-sleeved shirt or a
jacket, and long pants.
●Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while
operating this ATV.
●Never operate at speeds too fast for your skills
or the riding conditions. Always go at a speed
that is proper for the terrain, visibility, operating
conditions, and your experience.
●Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

2-2
2
●Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to
make sure it is in safe operating condition. Al-
ways follow the inspection and maintenance
procedures and schedules described in this
manual.
●Always keep both hands on the handlebars and
both feet on the footrests of the ATV during op-
eration.
●Always go slowly and be extra careful when op-
erating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to
changing terrain conditions when operating the
ATV.
●Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or
loose terrain until you have learned and prac-
ticed the skills necessary to control the ATV on
such terrain. Always be especially cautious on
these kinds of terrain.
●Always follow proper procedures for turning as
described in this manual. Practice turning at low
speeds before attempting to turn at faster
speeds and never turn at excessive speeds.
●Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the
ATV or for your abilities. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills.
●Always follow proper procedures for climbing
hills as described in this manual. Check the ter-
rain carefully before you start up any hill. Never
climb hills with excessively slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight forward. Never open the
throttle suddenly or make sudden gear changes.
Never go over the top of a hill at high speed.
●Always follow proper procedures for going down
hills and for braking on hills as described in this
manual. Check the terrain carefully before you
start down any hill. Shift your weight backward.
Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going
down a hill at an angle that would cause the ve-
hicle to lean sharply to one side. Go straight
down the hill where possible.
●Always follow proper procedures for crossing
the side of a hill as described in this manual.
Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose sur-
faces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV. Never attempt to turn the ATV around on
any hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique described in this manual on level ground.
Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
●Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll
backwards when climbing a hill. To avoid stall-
ing, use the proper gear and maintain a steady
U33B71E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

2-3
2
speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight up-
hill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in this manual.
●Always check for obstacles before operating in a
new area.
●Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles as described in this manual.
●Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such as
ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.
●Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in
water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.
●Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.
●Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
●Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.
●Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.
WARNING
EWB00072
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nau-
sea, confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas which may be present even if you
do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
and you can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can linger for hours or days in en-
U33B71E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

2-4
2
closed or poorly ventilated areas. If you experi-
ence any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.
●Do not run engine indoors. Even if you try to
ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open
windows and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
●Do not run engine in poorly ventilated or par-
tially enclosed areas such as barns, garages,
or carports.
●Do not run engine outdoors where engine
exhaust can be drawn into a building
through openings such as windows and
doors.
WARNING
EWB02591
When transporting the ATV in another vehicle,
be sure it is kept upright and that the fuel cock
is in the “OFF”position. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out of the carburetor or fuel tank.
U33B71E0.book Page 4 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

3-1
3
EBU17680
DESCRIPTION
EBU17690
Left view
EBU17700
Right view
1. Headlight
2. Fuel cock
3. Starter (choke)
4. Throttle stop screw
5. Fuse
6. Tail/brake light
7. Shift pedal
7
123456
1. Spark arrester
2. Seat
3. Fuel tank cap
4. Steering lock
5. Oil filter element
6. Brake pedal
5
123 4
6
U33B71E0.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM

3-2
3
EBU17712
Controls and instruments TIP
The ATV you have purchased may differ slightly
from the figures shown in this manual.
1. Clutch lever
2. Handlebar switches
3. Speedometer unit
4. Parking brake lever
5. Main switch
6. Engine stop switch
7. Throttle lever
8. Brake lever
1 42 3 5 76 8
U33B71E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 10, 2011 9:01 AM