wheel YAMAHA GRIZZLY 450 2015 User Guide

4-12
4To release the differential gear lock, stop the ATV
and push the switch to the “4WD” position.
TIPWhen the switch is set to “LOCK”, the differen-
tial gear lock indicator and indicator light will
flash until the differential gear is locked.
 When the indicator and indicator light are flash-
ing, turning the handlebar back and forth will
help the differential gear lock to engage. 
Riding before the differential gear lock is prop-
erly engaged (e.g., when the indicator and indi-
cator light are flashing) will cause the vehicle
speed to be limited until engagement is com-
plete.
 When the ATV is in four-wheel-drive differential
gear lock, the maximum traveling speed is limit-
ed to 35 km/h (22 mi/h). However, if conditions
require full engine power to be available, push
and hold the override switch to disable the dif-
ferential gear lock speed limiter. (See page 4-8
for a detailed explanation of this switch.)
EBU18283Throttle leverOnce the engine is running, pushing the throttle le-
ver will increase the engine speed.
Regulate the speed of the ATV by varying the
throttle position. Because the throttle is spring-
loaded, the ATV will decelerate, and the engine
will return to an idle any time the throttle lever is re-
leased.
1. On-Command differential gear lock switch
“4WD”/“LOCK”U2LC61E0.book Page 12 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 3:56 PM

5-2
5
Front brake• Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add specified brake fluid to specified level if necessary.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-3, 8-38, 8-39, 8-40
Rear brake • Check operation, and correct if necessary.
• Lubricate cables if necessary.
• Check lever and pedal free play, and adjust if necessary. 5-3, 8-38, 8-41
Throttle lever • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever
housing if necessary.
• Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary. 5-4, 8-37
Control cables • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-48
Wheels and tires • Check wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
• Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure. Correct if necessary. 5-4
Brake pedal • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point
if necessary. 8-49
Brake levers • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points
if necessary. 8-48
Axle boots • Check for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-46
Chassis fasteners • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switches • Check operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7
ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU2LC61E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 3:56 PM

6-6
6
EBU20822Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00861Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Parking
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, stop
the engine, shift the drive select lever to the
park position, 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 thebrakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the brake pedal applied, shift the drive select lever to the park position.
4. Turn the fuel cock to “OFF”.
EBU20911Accessories and loadingEBU20922Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your ATV is an impor-
tant decision. Genuine Yamaha Accessories,
which are available only from a Yamaha dealer,
have been designed, tested, and approved by
Yamaha for use on your ATV. Many companies with no connection to Yamaha manufacture parts
and accessories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a position to test the products that these aftermarket compa-
nies produce. Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of accessories not
U2LC61E0.book Page 6 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 3:56 PM

7-7
7Drive 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 to
drive slowly (shift into first gear or low drive if avail-
able on this model) whenever you are carrying
heavier loads or when towing a trailer. During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during
operation; otherwise, they may contact the rear
wheels.
WARNING! Removing even one hand or
foot can reduce your ability to control the ATV
or could cause you to lose your balance and
fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot from a
footboard, your foot or leg may come into con-
tact with the rear wheels, which could injure
you or cause an accident.
[EWB01472]
Avoid wheelies and jumping. WARNING! At-
tempting wheelies, jumps, and other stunts in-
creases the chance of an accident, including
MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rid-
er, accessories, and tongue):210.0 kg (463 lb)
Front carrier: 40.0 kg (88 lb)
Rear carrier: 80.0 kg (176 lb)
Front storage compartment: 0.5 kg (1 lb)
Rear storage compartment: 2.0 kg (4 lb)
Trailer hitch: Pulling load (total weight of trailer and
cargo):5880 N (600 kgf, 1322 lbf)
Tongue weight (vertical weight on trailer
hitch point): 147 N (15 kgf, 33 lbf)
U2LC61E0.book Page 7 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 3:56 PM

7-8
7
an overturn. Never attempt stunts, such as
wheelies or jumps. Don’t try to show off.
[EWB01482]Modifications and accessories
Never modify this ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories or other modification. All
parts and accessories added to this ATV should
be genuine Yamaha or equivalent components
designed for use on this ATV and should be in-
stalled and used according to instructions. If you
have questions, consult an authorized ATV dealer.
WARNING! Operating this ATV with improper modifications may cause changes in handling
which in some situations could lead to an acci-
dent.
[EWB01492]
Exhaust system
WARNING
EWB01502 Dry grass or brush or other combustible ma-
terial accumulated around the engine area
could catch fire. Do not operate, idle, or park
the ATV in dry grass or other dry ground cov-
er. Keep the engine area free of dry grass,
brush, or other combustible material.
 Someone touching the exhaust system dur-
ing or after operation could be burned. Do
not touch the hot exhaust system. Do not
park the ATV in a place where others might
be likely to touch it. The muffler and other engine parts become ex-
tremely hot during operation and remain hot after
the engine has stopped. To reduce the risk of fire
during operation or after leaving the ATV, do not
let brush, grass and other materials collect under
the vehicle, near the muffler or exhaust pipe, or
next to other hot parts. Check under the vehicle
after operating in areas where combustible mate-
rials may have collected. Do not idle or park the
vehicle in long dry grass or other dry ground cov-
er.
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7-12
7
Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, shifting procedures,
and turning techniques in this area before trying
more difficult terrain.
Shift to the park position and follow the instruction
on page 6-1 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your
ATV. With the engine idling, shift the drive select
lever into the low-range position or the high-range
position. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.
The centrifugal clutch will engage and you will
start to accelerate. If the throttle is applied too
abruptly, the front wheels may lift off the ground,
resulting in a loss of directional control. Avoid
higher speeds until you are thoroughly familiar
with the operation of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the
throttle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly.
Improper use of the brakes can cause the tires to
lose traction, reducing control and increasing the
possibility of an accident.
NOTICEECB00252Do not shift from low-range to high-range or
vice versa without coming to a complete stop.
Damage to the engine or drive train may occur. TURNING YOUR ATV
WARNING
EWB01772Always follow proper procedures for turning as
described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions. ATV could go
out of control, causing a collision or overturn. To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels turn together at the same
speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside
of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction,
the ATV will resist turning. A special turning tech-
nique must be used to allow the ATV to make
turns quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill
be learned first at low speed.
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7-13
7As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As
you do so, put your weight on the footboard to the
outside of the turn (opposite your desired direc-
tion) and lean your upper body into the turn. Use
the throttle to maintain an even speed through the
turn. This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside
of the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make
the turn properly.
This procedure should be practiced at slow speed
many times in a large unpaved area with no obsta-
cles. If an incorrect technique is used, your ATV may continue to go straight. If the ATV doesn’t
turn, come to a stop and then practice the proce-
dure again. If the riding surface is slippery or
loose, it may help to position more of your weight
over the front wheels by moving forward on the
seat.
Once you have learned this technique, you should
be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter
curves.
Improper riding procedures such as abrupt throt-
tle changes, excessive braking, incorrect body
movements, or too much speed for the sharpness
of the turn may cause the ATV to tip. If the ATV be-
gins to tip over to the outside while negotiating a
turn, lean more to the inside. It may also be nec-
essary to gradually let off on the throttle and steer
to the outside of the turn to avoid tipping over.
Remember: Avoid higher speeds until you are
thoroughly familiar with the operation of your ATV.
CLIMBING UPHILL
WARNING
EWB01672Climbing hills improperly can cause overturns
or loss of control. Use proper riding techniques
described in this Owner’s Manual.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.U2LC61E0.book Page 13 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 3:56 PM

7-15
7Do not attempt to climb hills until you have mas-
tered basic maneuvers on flat ground. Always
check the terrain carefully before attempting any
hill. In all cases avoid inclines with slippery or
loose surfaces, or obstacles that might cause you
to lose control.
To climb a hill, you need traction, momentum, and
steady throttle. For more traction and control for
climbing steeper and/or rougher slopes, select the
“4WD” or 4WD-LOCK (“DIFF. LOCK”). Travel fast
enough to maintain momentum, but not so fast
that you cannot react to changes in the terrain as
you climb.
It is important when climbing a hill to make sure
that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV.
This can be accomplished by leaning forward and,
on steeper inclines, standing on the footboards
and leaning forward over the handlebars. When-
ever possible, ride straight up hills.
Slow down when you reach the crest of the hill if
you cannot see clearly what is on the other side –
there could be another person, an obstacle, or a
sharp drop-off. Use common sense and remem-
ber that some hills are too steep for you to climb
or descend. If you are climbing a hill and you find that you have
not properly judged your ability to make it to the
top, you should turn the ATV around while you still
have forward motion (provided you have the room
to do so) and go down the hill.
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to
make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the
uphill side. Physically turn the ATV around and
then descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply either
brake abruptly. If you are in “2WD”, apply only the
front brake. When fully stopped, apply the rear
brake as well, and then shift to the park position. If
you are in “4WD”, because all wheels are inter-
connected by the drive train, applying either brake
will brake all wheels, therefore, avoid sudden ap-
plication of either the front or rear brake as the
wheels on the uphill side could come off the
ground. The ATV could easily tip over backwards.
Apply both the front and rear brakes gradually.
When fully stopped, shift to the park position and
dismount the ATV immediately on the uphill side,
or to a side if pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV
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7-16
7
around and remount, following the procedure de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING! Stall-
ing, rolling backwards or improperly
dismounting while climbing a hill could result in
ATV overturning. If you cannot control the ATV,
dismount immediately on the uphill side.
[EWB01803]RIDING DOWNHILL
WARNING
EWB01622Going down a hill improperly could cause over-
turns or loss of control. Always follow proper
procedures for going down hills as described
in this Owner’s Manual. 
Always check the terrain carefully before you
start down any hill.
 Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for
the ATV or for your abilities. The ATV can
overturn more easily on extremely steep hills
than on level surfaces or small hills.
 Shift your weight backward and to the up
side of the hill.
 Never go down a hill at high speed.
 Avoid going down a hill at an angle that
would cause the ATV to lean sharply to one
side. Go straight down the hill where possi-
ble.
 Improper braking can cause the wheels on
the uphill side to come off the ground or
cause loss of traction. Apply brakes gradual-
ly. If in “2WD”, apply only the rear brake.
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your
arms straight. Engine compression will do most of
the braking for you. For maximum engine com-
pression braking effect, select the low-range posi-
tion and change to “4WD” before beginning to
descend the hill.
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7-17
7Use caution while descending a hill with loose or
slippery surfaces. Braking ability and traction may
be adversely affected by these surfaces. Improper
braking may also cause a loss of traction.
When this ATV is in “4WD”, all wheels (front and
rear) are interconnected by the drive train. This
means that applying either the front brake or the
rear brake will brake all wheels. When descending
hills, using either brake lever or the brake pedal
will brake the wheels on the downhill side. Avoid
sudden application of either the front or rear brake
because the wheels on the uphill side could come
off the ground. Apply both the front and rear
brakes gradually.
Whenever possible, ride your ATV straight down-
hill. Avoid sharp angles which could allow the ATV
to tip or roll over. Carefully choose your path and
ride no faster than you will be able to react to ob-
stacles which may appear.
CROSSING A SLOPE
WARNING
EWB01633Improperly crossing hills or turning on hills
could cause loss of control or cause the ATV to
overturn.

Always follow proper procedures as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.
 Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces.
 Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill.
U2LC61E0.book Page 17 Wednesday, February 26, 2014 3:56 PM