Target Audience:
Recreational riders, hunters, ranchers, and property owners needing a compact utility ATV
Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range utility quad
Advantage:
Lightweight chassis, electric start, and simple air-cooled 250cc four-stroke design make it easy to maintain and operate
Class Competitors:
Honda Recon 250, Suzuki Ozark 250, Polaris Trail Boss 250
Engine:
230cc-class air-cooled SOHC four-stroke single
Starting:
Electric start with backup recoil starter
Suspension:
Independent double wishbone front, swingarm rear
Engine:
Air-cooled four-stroke single, top-end and bottom-end layouts
Fuel System:
Carburetor, fuel tank, and fuel valve operation
Lubrication:
Wet sump oil system, oil and filter change procedures
Cooling:
Air-cooling fin inspection and cleaning
Electrical:
Battery, ignition system, starter, lighting, and charging system
Transmission and Drive:
CVT clutch, transmission, and shaft drive final drive
Brakes:
Front drum and rear brake adjustment and inspection
Suspension:
Front A-arm and rear swingarm inspection and service
Steering:
Tie-rod inspection and toe-in adjustment
Wheels and Tires:
Wheel removal, tire pressure, and tread inspection
Frame and Body:
Bolt torque checks, skid plate, and rack service
Periodic Maintenance:
Interval charts with checks, adjustments, and lubrication points
Adjustments:
Carburetor, throttle, valve clearance, chain-free shaft drive checks, brake adjustment
Fluid Service:
Engine oil change, gear oil change, coolant-free system checks
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based charts for starting, running, and drive issues
Pre-Ride Inspection:
Owner safety checks before each ride
Storage:
Long-term storage and preparation after storage procedures
Depth:
Owner-level: routine maintenance, adjustments, specifications, and troubleshooting; major engine teardown is beyond this manual's scope
Torque Specifications:
Included for routine service fasteners
Specifications Tables:
Engine, chassis, electrical, and tire specifications
Diagrams:
Illustrated component locations and adjustment procedures
Part Numbers:
Referenced for service consumables such as oil type, spark plug, and air filter
Parts Sourcing:
Manual directs owners to authorized Yamaha dealers for replacement parts
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine Type:
Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single cylinder
Displacement:
230cc (231cc class, YFM250 designation)
Bore x Stroke:
71.0 mm x 58.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.2 : 1
Carburetor:
Mikuni constant-velocity type
Starting System:
Electric and recoil backup
Power Rating:
N/A - factory ratings not published for this model
Top Speed:
N/A - not factory specified
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 2.4 gallons (9 liters)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 45.3 in (1,150 mm)
Length:
Approximately 71.3 in (1,810 mm)
Width:
Approximately 40.6 in (1,030 mm)
Height:
Approximately 40.9 in (1,040 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 434 lb (197 kg)
Maximum Load Capacity:
Refer to manual for rider and cargo limits
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 5.9 in (150 mm)
Front Rack Capacity:
Refer to manual specifications
Towing Capacity:
Refer to manual specifications
Crash Test Information:
N/A - ATVs are not crash tested by consumer rating agencies
Braking:
Dual front drum brakes and sealed rear drum brake
Lighting:
Headlight and taillight/brake light for visibility
Speed Limiter:
Adjustable throttle limiter screw for beginner riders
Parking Brake:
Lockable parking brake mechanism
Foot Protection:
Footboards with replaceable foot pegs to keep feet on the machine
Fenders:
Full-coverage fenders for mud and debris protection
Engine Stop Switch:
Handlebar-mounted engine kill switch
Neutral/Reverse Interlock:
Reverse engagement requires specified procedure to prevent accidental engagement
Audio System:
N/A - not equipped on this ATV model
Instrumentation:
Digital/analog gauge with speedometer, odometer, and indicator lights
Rider Aids:
None - conventional mechanical controls only
Starting Aids:
Choke lever and throttle limiter
Initial Break-in Service:
First oil change and inspections after initial operating period per manual schedule
Oil Change Interval:
Regularly per schedule; more frequently under severe duty (mud, dust, heavy loads)
Air Filter Service:
Inspect and clean frequently, especially in dusty conditions
Valve Clearance Check:
Periodic per maintenance interval chart
Engine Oil:
Yamalube 4-stroke oil or equivalent SAE-rated API SE/SF-class oil; viscosity per temperature chart
Gear Oil:
SAE 80 API GL-4 hypoid gear oil or equivalent
Fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Air Filter:
Foam element requires frequent oiling; common wear item in dusty use
CVT Belt:
Inspect for wear and cracking; replace per interval or as needed
Brake Shoes:
Drum brake shoes wear over time; inspect regularly
Carburetor:
May require cleaning after storage or stale fuel
Battery:
Check electrolyte level and charge on stored machines
Manufacturer:
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Japan - established 1955, a leading producer of motorcycles, ATVs, and powersports products
ATV Heritage:
Yamaha introduced its first ATV in 1980 (the YT125 Tri-Moto) and has been a dominant utility ATV maker since
Bear Tracker Introduction:
Introduced in the late 1990s as a value-oriented 250-class utility ATV
2003 Model Year:
Final-era Bear Tracker; succeeded by the Yamaha Bruin 250 line
Assembly:
Yamaha production facilities; units for the North American market distributed through Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.