warning YAMAHA YFZ450 2008 Owner's Manual

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Fuel
Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank.
(See page 4-8.)
WARNING

EWB00520

Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fuel expands
when it heats up. If the fuel tank is overfilled,
fuel could spill out due to heat from the en-
gine or the sun.

Be careful not to spill fuel, especially on the
engine or exhaust pipe which can cause a
fire and severe injury. Wipe up any spilled
fuel immediately.

Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.

Be sure the fuel tank cap is closed securely.
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Engine oil
Make sure that the engine oil is at the specified lev-
el. Add oil as necessary.
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Coolant
Make sure that the coolant is at the specified level.
Add coolant as necessary. (See page 8-20.)
NOTE:

The coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.
WARNING

EWB00510
Wait for the engine and radiator to cool before
removing the radiator cap. You could be
burned by hot fluid and steam blown out under
pressure. Always put a thick rag over the cap
when opening. Allow any remaining pressure
to escape before completely removing the cap.
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Front and rear brakes
Brake lever and brake pedal

Check that there is no free play in the brake le-
ver. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer
check the brake system.

Check for correct brake pedal height. (See
page 8-36.) If the pedal height is incorrect, have
a Yamaha dealer adjust it.

Check the operation of the lever and pedal. They
should move smoothly and there should be a
firm feeling when the brakes are applied. If not,

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have a Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See page 8-32.)
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If there is any leak-
age, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake sys-
tem.
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance, check
the brake pads for wear. (See page 8-31.)
WARNING

EWB00580
Always check the brakes at the start of every
ride. Do not ride the ATV if you find any prob-
lem with the brakes or you could lose braking
ability, which could lead to an accident. If aproblem cannot be corrected by the adjust-
ment procedures provided in this manual, have
a Yamaha dealer check for the cause.
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Throttle lever
Check the operation of the throttle lever. It must
open smoothly and spring back to the idle position
when released. Have a Yamaha dealer correct if
necessary.
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Drive chain
Check the condition of the drive chain and check
the drive chain slack. Lubricate and adjust the
drive chain as necessary.
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Tires
WARNING

EWB00601
Use of improper tires on this ATV, or operation
of this ATV with improper or uneven tire pres-
sure, may cause loss of control, increasing
your risk of accident.
Pay attention to the following.

The tires listed below have been approved
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4

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OPERATION
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Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING

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Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. If there is a control or func-
tion you do not understand, ask your Yamaha
dealer.
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Starting a cold engine
WARNING

EWB00640
Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision.
CAUTION:

ECB00150
See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-5
prior to operating the engine for the first time.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the fuel cock to “ON”.
3. Turn the main switch to “ON” and the engine
stop switch to “RUN”.
4. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral
indicator light should come on. If the indicator
light does not come on, have a Yamaha deal-
er check the electrical circuit.
NOTE:

This model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions.

The transmission is in neutral.

The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift into
neutral before starting the engine.
5. Use the starter (choke) in reference to the fig-
ure:

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CAUTION:

ECB00200
Always close the throttle before shifting gears,
otherwise damage to the engine and drive train
may result.
2. Pull the clutch lever to disengage the clutch.
3. Shift into first gear.
4. Open the throttle gradually and at the same
time, release the clutch lever slowly.
5. Once the ATV has attained adequate speed,
release the throttle, and at the same time,
quickly pull in the clutch lever.
6. Shift the transmission into second gear.
(Make sure not to shift the transmission into
neutral)
7. Open the throttle part way and gradually re-
lease the clutch lever.
8. Follow the same procedure when shifting to
the next higher gear.
WARNING

EWB00730
Opening the throttle abruptly or releasing the
clutch lever too quickly could make the ATV
wheelie, which would increase the chance of
an accident, including an overturn.
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To decelerate
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.WARNING
EWB00710
Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could make the wheels stop rotating and lose
traction. This could cause loss of control, an
accident and injury. It could also cause engine
or drive train damage.
CAUTION:

ECB00180

Even with the transmission in the neutral po-
sition, do not coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not tow the ATV
for long distances. The transmission is prop-
erly lubricated only when the engine is run-
ning. Inadequate lubrication may damage

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Parking on a slope
WARNING

EWB00850
Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, shift into first gear, stop the engine, ap-
ply the parking brake, and then block the front
and rear wheels with rocks or other objects.
Do not park the ATV at all on hills that are so
steep you could not walk up them easily.
1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the brakes
in first gear.
2. Stop the engine and release the clutch lever.
3. With the rear brake applied, apply the parking
brake and slowly release the brake pedal.
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Accessories and loading
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Accessories
Accessories can affect the handling and control of
your ATV. Keep the following in mind when consid-
ering an accessory or operating an ATV which has
accessories.
1. Locked position
1

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Make sure the load does not interfere with con-
trols or your ability to see where you are going.

Ride more slowly than you would without a load.
The more weight you carry, the slower you
should go. Although conditions vary, it is good
practice not to exceed 2nd gear whenever you
are carrying heavier loads or when towing a trail-
er.

Allow more braking distance. A heavier ATV
takes longer to stop.

Avoid making sharp turns unless at very slow
speeds.

Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose terrain
carefully. Added weight affects the stability and
handling of the ATV.
WARNING

EWB00820
Never exceed the stated load capacity for this
ATV. Overloading this ATV or carrying or tow-
ing cargo improperly could cause changes in
ATV handling which could lead to an accident.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached. Reduce speed when carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow greater dis-
tance for braking.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV
This ATV is intended for recreational use by expe-
rienced operators only. Even if you are an experi-
enced operator of all other all terrain ATVs or
motorcycles, riding the ATV requires special skills
acquired through practice. Take your time to fully
learn techniques before attempting more difficult
maneuvers.
Riding your new ATV can be a very enjoyable ac-
tivity, providing you with hours of pleasure. But it is
essential to familiarize yourself with the operation
of the ATV to achieve the skill necessary to enjoy
riding safely. Before you begin to ride, be sure you
have read this Owner’s Manual completely and un-
derstand the operation of the controls. Pay partic-
ular attention to the safety information on pages
1-1–1-4. Please also read all caution and warning
labels on your ATV.
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD JUDGEMENT
Get training if you are inexperienced.
Beginners should get training from a certified in-
structor.Become familiar with this ATV at slow speeds first,
even if you are an experienced operator. Do not at-
tempt to operate at maximum performance until
you are totally familiar with the ATV’s handling and
performance characteristics.
WARNING

EWB01380
Never operate this ATV without proper instruc-
tion. Beginning and inexperienced operators
should regularly practice the skills and the op-
erating techniques described in this Owner’s
Manual. The risk of an accident is greatly in-
creased if the operator does not know how to
operate the ATV properly in different situations
and on different types of terrain.
Riding your ATV requires skills acquired
through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques well
before attempting more difficult maneuvers.
Not recommended for children under 16 years
of age.WARNING
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A child under 16 should never operate an ATV

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with engine size greater than 90 cc. Use by chil-
dren of ATVs that are not recommended for
their age can lead to severe injury or death of
the child.
This ATV is designed to carry operator only –
passengers prohibited.
WARNING

EWB01400
Never carry a passenger. The long seat is to al-
low the operator to shift position as needed
during operation. It is not for carrying passen-
gers. Carrying a passenger on this ATV greatly
reduces your ability to balance and control this
ATV. It could cause an accident, resulting in
harm to you and/or your passenger.
Apparel
Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet that
fits properly.
You should also wear:

eye protection (goggles or face shield)

gloves

boots

long-sleeved shirt or jacket

long pants

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WARNING

EWB01410
Never operate this ATV without wearing an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet, eye protection and
protective clothing. Operating without an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet increases your
chances of a severe head injury or death in the
event of an accident. Operating without eye
protection can result in an accident and in-
creases your chances of a severe injury in theevent of an accident. Operating without protec-
tive clothing increases your chances of severe
injury in the event of an accident.
Do not operate after consuming alcohol or
drugs.
The operator’s performance capability is reduced
by the influence of alcohol or drugs.
WARNING
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Never consume alcohol or drugs before or
while driving this ATV.
Pre-operation checks
Always perform the pre-operation checks listed on
1. Protective clothing
2. Goggles
3. Gloves
4. Boots
5. Helmet

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page 5-1 before riding for proper care of the ATV
and to ensure safety.
WARNING

EWB01430
Always inspect your ATV each time you use it
to make sure the ATV is in safe operating con-
dition. Always follow the inspection and main-
tenance procedures and schedules described
in the Owner’s Manual. Failure to inspect the
ATV before operating or failure to properly
maintain the ATV increases the possibility of
an accident or equipment damage.
WARNING

EWB01440
Always use the size and type tires specified in
the Owner’s Manual for this ATV on page 5-5.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual on page 5-6.
Use of improper tires on this ATV, or operation
of this ATV with improper or uneven tire pres-
sure, may cause loss of control, increasing
your risk of an accident.Do not operate at speeds too fast for your
skills or the conditions.WARNING
EWB01450
Always go at a speed that is proper for the ter-
rain, visibility and operating conditions, and
your experience. Operating this ATV at speeds
too fast for your skills or the conditions in-
creases your chances of losing control of the
ATV, which can result in an accident.
Speed limiter
For riders less experienced with this model, the
throttle lever housing is equipped with a speed lim-
iter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from fully
opening, even when the throttle lever is pushed to
the maximum. Turning in the adjusting screw limits
the maximum engine power available and de-
creases the maximum speed of the ATV. Turning
in the adjusting screw decreases top speed, and
turning it out increases top speed. (See page 4-4.)