warning YAMAHA GRIZZLY 450 2012 User Guide

4-8
4
switch to override the differential gear lock speed
limiting function. (See page 4-9.) Releasing the
switch restores the speed limiting function.
While the override switch is pushed, the segments
of the speedometer digits will appear as shown in
the figure.
TIPIf the digits of the speedometer appear as shown
when the switch is NOT being pushed, this could
indicate a malfunction in the electrical system. In
this case, take the ATV to a Yamaha dealer at the
first opportunity.
WARNING
EWB00150Always ride at a slow speed when the ATV is in
four-wheel-drive differential gear lock, and al-
low extra time and distance for maneuvers.
All wheels turn at the same speed when the dif-
ferential is locked, so it takes more effort to
turn the ATV. The effort needed to turn increas-
es with the riding speed. You may lose control
and have an accident if you cannot make a
sharp enough turn for the speed you are trav-
eling.EBU26606On-Command four-wheel-drive switch
“
2WD ”/“ 4WD ”
WARNING
EWB00163Always stop the ATV before changing from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice
versa. The ATV handles differently in two-
wheel drive than in four-wheel drive in some
circumstances. Changing from two-wheel
drive to four-wheel drive or vice versa while
moving may cause the ATV to unexpectedly
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4-9
4handle differently. This could distract the oper-
ator and increase the risk of losing control and
of causing an accident.
This ATV is equipped with a switch to change from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice versa.
Select the appropriate drive according to the ter-
rain and the conditions.
“
2WD ” (two-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear wheels.
“ 4WD ” (four-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear and front wheels.
To change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“ 4WD ” position. Then, the four-wheel-drive
indicator “” comes on in the multi-function dis-
play.
To change from four-wheel drive to two-wheel
drive, stop the ATV and push the switch in to the
“ 2WD ” position.
EBU18255On-Command differential gear lock switch
“ 4WD ”/“ LOCK ”
WARNING
EWB00131Always stop the ATV before changing from
four-wheel drive to four-wheel-drive differen-
tial gear lock or vice versa.
The ATV handles differently in four-wheel drive
than in differential gear lock in some circum-
stances. Changing from four-wheel drive to dif-
ferential gear lock or vice versa while moving
may cause the ATV to handle differently unex-1. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch “2WD”/“4WD ”
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4-10
4
pectedly. This could distract the operator and
increase the risk of losing control and causing
an accident.
WARNING
EWB00140Always ride at a slow speed when the ATV is in
differential gear lock, and allow extra time and
distance for maneuvers.
All wheels turn at the same speed when the dif-
ferential gear is locked, so it takes more effort
to turn the ATV. The effort needed to turn in-
creases with the riding speed. You may lose
control and have an accident if you cannot
make a sharp enough turn for the speed you
are traveling.This ATV is equipped with a switch allowing you to
lock the differential gear when in four-wheel drive.
Select the appropriate switch position according to
the terrain and the conditions.
“
4WD ” (four-wheel drive): Power is supplied to
the rear and front wheels.

“ LOCK ” (four-wheel drive with the differential
gear locked): Power is supplied to the rear and
front wheels and the differential gear is locked.
Unlike in four-wheel drive, all wheels turn at the
same speed.
To lock the differential gear in four-wheel drive,
make sure the On-Command four-wheel-drive
switch is pushed in to the “4WD ” position.1. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch “2WD ”/“4WD ”
2. On-Command differential gear lock switch “4WD”/“LOCK ”
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4-13
4crease the maximum engine power available
and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn the
adjusting screw in direction (b). Do not turn
the adjusting screw out more than 12 mm
(0.47 in) or the throttle cable could be dam-
aged. Always make sure the throttle lever free
play is adjusted to 3.0–
5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in).
(See page 8-37.) WARNING! Improper ad-
justment of the speed limiter and throttle
could cause throttle cable damage or im-
proper throttle operation. You could lose
control, resulting in an accident.
[EWB00241]
3. Tighten the locknut.EBU18391Front brake lever The front brake lever is located on the right handle-
bar. To apply the front brake, pull the brake lever
toward the handlebar grip.EBU18442Brake pedal and rear brake lever The brake pedal is located on the right side of the
ATV and the rear brake lever is located on the left
handlebar. To apply the rear brake, push down on
the brake pedal or pull the brake lever toward the
handlebar grip.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting screw
3. No more than 12 mm (0.47 in)
1. Front brake lever
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4-15
4
EBU18754Fuel Make sure there is sufficient gasoline in the tank.
WARNING
EWB02521Gasoline and gasoline vapors are extremely
flammable. To avoid fires and explosions and
to reduce the risk of injury when refueling, fol-
low these instructions.1. Before refueling, turn off the engine and besure that no one is sitting on the vehicle. Nev-
er refuel while smoking, or while in the vicinity of sparks, open flames, or other sources of ig-
nition such as the pilot lights of water heaters
and clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. When refueling, be sure to insert the pump nozzle into the fuel
tank filler hole. Stop filling when the fuel reach-
es the bottom of the filler tube. Because fuel
expands when it heats up, heat from the en-
gine or the sun can cause fuel to spill out of
the fuel tank.1. Fuel tank cap
1. Maximum fuel level
2. Fuel tank filler tube
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4-16
4
3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately. NOTICE: Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since fuel may
deteriorate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.
[ECB00981]
4. Turn the fuel tank cap fully clockwise to make sure it is securely closed.
WARNING
EWB02531Gasoline is poisonous and can cause injury or
death. Handle gasoline with care. Never siphon
gasoline by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gasoline vapor,
or get some gasoline in your eyes, see your doctor immediately. If gasoline spills on your
skin, wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your clothes.
NOTICEECB00070Use only unleaded gasoline. The use of leaded
gasoline will cause severe damage to internal
engine parts, such as the valves and piston
rings, as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been designed to use
regular unleaded gasoline with a research octane
number of 91 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brand. Use of un-
leaded fuel will extend spark plug life and reduce
maintenance costs.EBU18820Fuel cock The fuel cock supplies fuel from the tank to the car-
buretor while also filtering it.
The fuel cock lever positions are explained as fol-
lows and shown in the illustrations.
Recommended fuel:
UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY
For Europe: Regular unleaded gasoline only
with a research octane number of 91 or
higher
Fuel tank capacity: 15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount: 4.5 L (1.19 US gal, 0.99 Imp.gal)
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4-22
4
EBU18962Front carrier
Do not exceed the load limit of 40.0 kg (88 lb) for
the front carrier.
Do not exceed the maximum load of 210.0 kg
(463 lb) for the ATV.EBU18972Rear carrier
Do not exceed the load limit of 80.0 kg (176 lb)
for the rear carrier.
Do not exceed the maximum load of 210.0 kg
(463 lb) for the ATV.EBU19146Adjusting the front and rear shock ab-
sorber assemblies The spring preload can be adjusted to suit the rid-
er’s weight and the riding conditions.
WARNING
EWB00400Always adjust the shock absorber assemblies
on the left and right side to the same setting.
Uneven adjustment can cause poor handling
and loss of stability, which could lead to an ac-
cident.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
Turn the spring preload adjusting ring in direction
(a) to increase the spring preload and thereby
harden the suspension, and in direction (b) to de-
crease the spring preload and thereby soften the
suspension.
Align the appropriate notch in the adjusting ring
with the position indicator on the shock absorber.TIPA special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment.1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Position indicator
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5-1
5
EBU19201
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EBU19224Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always
follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWB00481Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equip-
ment damage. Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected
by the procedures provided in this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
Fuel 
Check fuel level in fuel tank, and add recommended fuel if neces-
sary.
 Check fuel line for leakage. Correct if necessary. 4-15, 5-3
Engine oil 
Check oil level in engine, and add recommended oil to specified lev-
el if necessary.
 Check ATV for oil leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-17
Final gear oil Check ATV for oil leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-21
Differential gear oil Check ATV for oil leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-24
Coolant 
Check coolant level in reservoir, and add recommended coolant to
specified level if necessary.
 Check cooling system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-26
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5-4
5
Brake fluid leakage (front brake)
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
hose, joint or brake fluid reservoir of the front
brake. Apply the brake firmly for one minute. If the
lever moves slowly inward, there may be a leak in
the brake system. If there is any leakage, the brake
system should be checked by a Yamaha dealer.
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 and friction plates for wear. (See
page 8-39.)
EBU19761Throttle 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.EBU19814Tires Check tire pressure regularly to make sure it is at
the recommended specifications. Also check for
wear and damage. Tire pressure
Use the low-pressure tire gauge to check and ad-
just tire pressures when the tires are cold. Tire
pressures must be equal on both sides.
WARNING! Operation of this vehicle with im- proper tire pressure may cause severe injury
or death from loss of control or rollover. Tire
pressure below the minimum specified could
also cause the tire to dislodge from the rim un-
der severe riding conditions.
[EWB02541]
Set tire
pressures to the following specifications:
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5
Tire information
This ATV is equipped with tubeless tires with
valves.
WARNING
EWB02551Use of improper tires on this ATV may cause
loss of control, increasing your risk of an acci-
dent.After extensive tests, only the tires listed below
have been approved for this model by Yamaha
Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America. Aftermarket tires and rims
The tires and rims that came with your ATV were
designed to match the performance capabilities
and to provide the best combination of handling,
braking, and comfort. Other tires, rims, sizes, and
combinations may not be appropriate.1. Tire wear limit
Fro nt:
Manufacturer/model:YFM450FAPB CHENG SHIN/C-828
YFM45FGPB MAXXIS/MU13
YFM45FGPHB MAXXIS/MU13
Size: AT25 x 8-12
Type: Tu b e l e s s
Rear: Manufacturer/model:YFM450FAPB CHENG SHIN/C-828
YFM45FGPB MAXXIS/MU14
YFM45FGPHB MAXXIS/MU14
Size: AT25 x 10-12
Type: Tu b e l e s s
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