Yamaha Star 250 Xv250y C Owners Manual

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-16
7
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU32521
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).


The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approvedfor this model.
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle couldcause an accident.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold 
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Fr o nt :
175 kPa (1.75 kgf/cm², 25 psi)
Rear:
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm², 29 psi)
XV250Y 90–196 kg (198–432 lb)
XV250YC 90–195 kg (198–430 lb):
Fr o nt :
200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm², 29 psi)
Rear:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Maximum load*:
XV250Y 196 kg (432 lb)
XV250YC 195 kg (430 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories 
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							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-17
7Tire inspection
Always check the tires before operating
the motorcycle. If a tire tread shows
crosswise lines (minimum tread depth),
if the tire has a nail or glass fragments
in it, or if the sidewall is cracked, con-
tact a Yamaha dealer immediately and
have the tire replaced.
WARNING
EWA10560


It is dangerous to ride with a
worn-out tire. When a tire tread
begins to show crosswise lines,
have a Yamaha dealer replace
the tire immediately.


The replacement of all wheel-
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.


It is not recommended to patch
a punctured tube. If unavoid-
able, however, patch the tube
very carefully and replace it as
soon as possible with a high-quality product.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with spoke
wheels and tube tires.
WARNING
EWA10461
The front and rear tires should be of
the same make and design, other-
wise the handling characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, whichcould lead to an accident.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire wear indicator
3. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and 
rear):
1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Front tire:
Size:
3.00-18 47P
Manufacturer/model:
CHENG SHIN/C-916
Rear tire:
Size:
130/90-15M/C 66P
Manufacturer/model:
CHENG SHIN/C-915
U46B10E0.book  Page 17  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-18
7
EAU21940
Spoke wheels 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 or warpage, and
the spokes for looseness or dam-
age before each ride. If any dam-
age is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace 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.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU22041
Adjusting the clutch lever free 
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch le-
ver.
2. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction (b).
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play
could be obtained as described above,
tighten the locknut and skip the rest of
the procedure, otherwise proceed asfollows.
3. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
4. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Clutch lever free play
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut (crank-
case)
U46B10E0.book  Page 18  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-19
75. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To decrease the clutch le-
ver free play, turn the adjusting nut
in direction (b).
6. Tighten the locknut at the clutch le-
ver and the crankcase.
EAU22093
Adjusting the brake lever free 
play The brake lever free play should mea-
sure 2.0–5.0 mm (0.08–0.20 in) as
shown. Periodically check the brake le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the brake le-
ver.
2. To increase the brake lever free
play, turn the brake lever free play
adjusting screw in direction (a). To
decrease the brake lever free play,
turn the adjusting screw in direc-
tion (b).3. Tighten the locknut.
WARNING
EWA10630


After adjusting the brake lever
free play, check the free play
and make sure that the brake is
working properly.


A soft or spongy feeling in the
brake lever can indicate the
presence of air in the hydraulic
system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha
dealer bleed the system before
operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will dimin-
ish the braking performance,
which may result in loss of con-trol and an accident.
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting screw
3. Brake lever free play
U46B10E0.book  Page 19  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-20
7
EAU22201
Adjusting the brake pedal po-
sition and free play 
WARNING
EWA10670
It is advisable to have a Yamahadealer make these adjustments.
Brake pedal position
The top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 60.0 mm
(2.36 in) above the top of the footrest as
shown. Periodically check the brake
pedal position and, if necessary, adjust
it as follows.1. Loosen the locknut at the brake
pedal.
2. To raise the brake pedal, turn the
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To
lower the brake pedal, turn the ad-
justing bolt in direction (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.
WARNING
EWA11230
After adjusting the brake pedal posi-
tion, the brake pedal free play mustbe adjusted.Brake pedal free play
The brake pedal free play should mea-
sure 20.0–30.0 mm (0.79–1.18 in) at
the brake pedal end. Periodically check
the brake pedal free play and, if neces-
sary, adjust it as follows.
To increase the brake pedal free play,
turn the adjusting nut at the brake rod in
direction (a). To decrease the brake
pedal free play, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
WARNING
EWA10680


After adjusting the drive chain
slack or removing and installing
the rear wheel, always check the
brake pedal free play.
1. Footrest
2. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
3. Brake pedal free play
1. Locknut
2. Brake pedal position adjusting bolt
1. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
U46B10E0.book  Page 20  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-21
7


If proper adjustment cannot be
obtained as described, have a
Yamaha dealer make this ad-
justment.


After adjusting the brake pedal
free play, check the operation ofthe brake light.
EAU22271
Adjusting the rear brake light 
switch The rear brake light switch, which is ac-
tivated by the brake pedal, is properly
adjusted when the brake light comes
on just before braking takes effect. If
necessary, adjust the brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing nut while holding the rear brake light
switch in place. To make the brake light
come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut
in direction (a). To make the brake light
come on later, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
EAU22380
Checking the front brake pads 
and rear brake shoes The front brake pads and the rear brake
shoes must be checked for wear at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
EAU22420
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator groove, which allows
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator groove. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
U46B10E0.book  Page 21  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-22
7 indicator groove has almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
EAU22540
Rear brake shoes
The rear brake is provided with a wear
indicator, which allows you to check the
brake shoe wear without having to dis-
assemble the brake. To check the
brake shoe wear, check the position of
the wear indicator while applying the
brake. If a brake shoe has worn to the
point that the wear indicator reaches
the wear limit line, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake shoes as a
set.
EAU32344
Checking the brake fluid level Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.
Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the mas-
ter cylinder is level by turning the
handlebars.


Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.


Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.


Be careful that water does not en-
ter the master cylinder when refill-
ing. Water will significantly lower
the boiling point of the fluid and
may result in vapor lock.


Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.


As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Brake shoe wear indicator
2. Brake shoe wear limit line
2
1
1. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
U46B10E0.book  Page 22  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-23
7
EAU22721
Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the TIP after the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. In addition, have
the oil seals of the brake master cylin-
der and caliper as well as the brake
hose replaced at the intervals listed be-
low or whenever they are damaged or
leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.


Brake hose: Replace every four
years.
EAU22760
Drive chain slack The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22773
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on the side-
stand.TIPWhen checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, there should be no weighton the motorcycle.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain slack
as shown.4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU22861
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the brake pedal free play
adjusting nut.
Drive chain slack:
30.0–40.0 mm (1.18–1.57 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
U46B10E0.book  Page 23  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-24
7 2. Remove the cotter pin from the
axle nut, and then loosen the axle
nut.
3. Loosen the chain puller locknut at
each end of the swingarm.
4. To tighten the drive chain, turn the
drive chain slack adjusting nut at
each end of the swingarm in direc-
tion (a). To loosen the drive chain,
turn the adjusting nut at each end
of the swingarm in direction (b),
and then push the rear wheel for-
ward. NOTICE: Improper drive
chain slack will overload the en-
gine as well as other vital parts
of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage.
To prevent this from occurring,
keep the drive chain slack with-
in the specified limits.
 [ECA10571]
TIPUsing the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both chain pullers are in the same posi-tion for proper wheel alignment.5. Tighten the locknuts, and then
tighten the axle nut to the specified
torque.
6. Insert a new cotter pin into the axle
nut, and then bend its ends as
shown. WARNING! Always use a
new cotter pin for the axle nut.
[EWA10701]
TIPMake sure that two notches in the axle
nut are aligned with the hole through
the wheel axle, otherwise further tight-en the axle nut until they are.
7. Adjust the brake pedal free play.
(See page 7-20.)
WARNING
EWA10660
After adjusting the brake pedal free
play, check the operation of thebrake light.
1. Axle nut
2. Axle nut cotter pin
3. Chain puller locknut
4. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
5. Alignment marks
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
104 Nm (10.4 m·kgf, 75 ft·lbf)
1. Cotter pin
U46B10E0.book  Page 24  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM 
						

							PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
7-25
7
EAU23013
Cleaning and lubricating the 
drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.NOTICE
ECA10581
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle andriding in the rain.
1. Remove all dirt and mud from the
drive chain with a brush or cloth.TIPFor a thorough cleaning, have a
Yamaha dealer remove the drive chainand soak it in solvent.
2. Spray Yamaha Chain and Cable
Lube or a high-quality spray-type
drive chain lubricant on both sides
and on the middle of the chain,making sure that all side plates
and rollers have been sufficiently
oiled.
EAU23093
Checking and lubricating the 
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711]Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or 
engine oil
U46B10E0.book  Page 25  Tuesday, May 20, 2008  7:32 PM