engine YAMAHA WR 450F 2009 Owners Manual

FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha WR series. This model is
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents
the highest grade of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any
questions about this manual or your
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
For Canada
The design and manufacture of this
Yamaha machine fully comply with
the emissions standards for clean air
applicable at the date of manufacture.
Yamaha has met these standards
without reducing the performance or
economy of operation of the machine.
To maintain these high standards, it
is important that you and your Yama-
ha dealer pay close attention to the
recommended maintenance sched-
ules and operating instructions con-
tained within this manual.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality.
Therefore, while this manual contains
the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between
your machine and this manual. If you
have any questions concerning this
manual, please consult your Yamaha
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE,
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF
THIS MACHINE.
IMPORTANT MANUAL
INFORMATION
Particularly important information is
distinguished in this manual by the
following notations.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is
used to alert you to potential per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safe-
ty messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or
death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious in-
jury.
A NOTICE indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to
avoid damage to the vehicle or oth-
er property.
A TIP provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
SAFETY INFORMATION
For Canada
This machine is designed for off-road
use only. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may be illegal. Please
check local regulations before riding.
Except for Canada
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may also be illegal.
Please check local regulations before
riding.
• THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OPER-
ATED BY AN EXPERIENCED RID-
ER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this ma-
chine at maximum power until you
are totally familiar with its character-
istics.
• THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO
BE RIDDEN BY THE OPERATOR
ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on this
machine.• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
APPAREL.
When operating this machine, al-
ways wear an approved helmet with
goggles or a face shield. Also wear
heavy boots, gloves, and protective
clothing. Always wear proper fitting
clothing that will not be caught in
any of the moving parts or controls
of the machine.
• ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MA-
CHINE IN PROPER WORKING
ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the ma-
chine must be properly maintained.
Always perform the pre-operation
checks indicated in this manual.
Correcting a mechanical problem
before you ride may prevent an ac-
cident.
• GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE.
Always turn off the engine while re-
fueling. Take care to not spill any
gasoline on the engine or exhaust
system. Never refuel in the vicinity
of an open flame, or while smoking.
• GASOLINE CAN CAUSE INJURY.
If you should swallow some gaso-
line, inhale excess gasoline vapors,
or allow any gasoline to get into
your eyes, contact a doctor immedi-
ately. If any gasoline spills onto
your skin or clothing, immediately
wash skin areas with soap and wa-
ter, and change your clothes.
• ONLY OPERATE THE MACHINE
IN AN AREA WITH ADEQUATE
VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it run
for any length of time in an enclosed
area. Exhaust fumes are poison-
ous. These fumes contain carbon
monoxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon monox-
ide is a dangerous gas which can
cause unconsciousness or can be
lethal.
• PARK THE MACHINE CAREFUL-
LY; TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
Always turn off the engine if you are
going to leave the machine. Do not
park the machine on a slope or soft
ground as it may fall over.
• THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE,
MUFFLER, AND OIL TANK WILL
BE VERY HOT AFTER THE EN-
GINE HAS BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them or to
allow any clothing item to contact
them during inspection or repair.

• PROPERLY SECURE THE MA-
CHINE BEFORE TRANSPORTING
IT.
When transporting the machine in
another vehicle, always be sure it is
properly secured and in an upright
position and that the fuel cock is in
the "OFF" position. Otherwise, fuel
may leak out of the carburetor or
fuel tank.
F.I.M. MACHINE WEIGHTS
(Except for Canada)
Weights of machines without fuel
The minimum weights for motocross
machines are:
for the class 125 cc:
minimum 88 kg (194 lb)
for the class 250 cc:
minimum 98 kg (216 lb)
for the class 500 cc:
minimum 102 kg (225 lb)
In modifying your machine (e.g., for
weight reduction), take note of the
above limits of weight.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
FINDING THE REQUIRED PAGE
1. This manual consists of seven
chapters; "General Information",
"Specifications", "Regular inspec-
tion and adjustments", "Tuning",
"Engine", "Chassis" and "Electri-
cal".
2. The table of contents is at the be-
ginning of the manual. Look over
the general layout of the book be-
fore finding then required chapter
and item.
Bend the book at its edge, as
shown, to find the required fore
edge symbol mark and go to a
page for required item and de-
scription.MANUAL FORMAT
All of the procedures in this manual
are organized in a sequential, step-
by-step format. The information has
been complied to provide the me-
chanic with an easy to read, handy
reference that contains comprehen-
sive explanations of all disassembly,
repair, assembly, and inspection op-
erations.
In this revised format, the condition of
a faulty component will precede an
arrow symbol and the course of ac-
tion required will follow the symbol,
e.g.,
•Bearings
Pitting/damage→Replace.

HOW TO READ DESCRIPTIONS
To help identify parts and clarify pro-
cedure steps, there are exploded dia-
grams at the start of each removal
and disassembly section.
1. An easy-to-see exploded diagram
"1" is provided for removal and
disassembly jobs.2. Numbers "2" are given in the or-
der of the jobs in the exploded di-
agram. A number that is enclosed
by a circle indicates a disassem-
bly step.
3. An explanation of jobs and notes
is presented in an easy-to-read
way by the use of symbol marks
"3". The meanings of the symbol
marks are given on the next page.4. A job instruction chart "4" accom-
panies the exploded diagram,
providing the order of jobs, names
of parts, notes in jobs, etc.
5. For jobs requiring more informa-
tion, the step-by-step format sup-
plements "5" are given in addition
to the exploded diagram and job
instruction chart.
ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS (Refer to
the illustration)Illustrated symbols "1" to "7" are used
to identify the specifications appear-
ing in the text.
1. With engine mounted
2. Filling fluid
3. Lubricant
4. Special tool
5. Tightening
6. Specified value, Service limit
7. Resistance (Ω), Voltage (V),
Electric current (A)
Illustrated symbols "8" to "13" in the
exploded diagrams indicate grade of
lubricant and location of lubrication
point.
8. Apply engine oil
9. Apply molybdenum disulfide oil
10. Apply brake fluid
11. Apply lightweight lithium-soap
base grease
12. Apply molybdenum disulfide
grease
13. Apply silicone greaseIllustrated symbols "14" to "15" in the
exploded diagrams indicate where to
apply a locking agent and where to in-
stall new parts.
14. Apply locking agent (LOC-
TITE
®)
15. Use new one
1
23
45

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION1
SPECIFICATIONS2
REGULAR INSPECTION AND
ADJUSTMENTS
3
TUNING4
ENGINE5
CHASSIS6
ELECTRICAL7

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-1
MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ............. 1-2
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-2
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-2
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION .................. 1-3
SPECIAL TOOLS ............. 1-4
CONTROL FUNCTIONS .. 1-8
MULTI-FUNCTION
DISPLAY .......................... 1-9
STARTING AND
BREAK-IN ...................... 1-14
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-16
CLEANING AND
STORAGE ...................... 1-17
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-3
TIGHTENING TORQUES .. 2-12
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-18
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-20
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-
JUSTMENTS
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
CHART FOR THE EMISSION
CONTROL SYSTEM
(For Canada) .................... 3-1
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
AND LUBRICATION CHART
(For Canada) .................... 3-2
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS FOR
COMPETITION USE ......... 3-3
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE................ 3-7
ENGINE ............................ 3-8
CHASSIS ........................ 3-19
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-29
CHAPTER 4
TUNING
ENGINE
(Except for Canada) ........ 4-1
CHASSIS .......................... 4-5
CHAPTER 5
ENGINE
RADIATOR ....................... 5-1
CARBURETOR................. 5-4
AIR INDICTOIN
SYSTEM ......................... 5-13
CAMSHAFTS.................. 5-15
CYLINDER HEAD........... 5-20
VALVES AND VALVE
SPRINGS ........................ 5-23
CYLINDER AND
PISTON ........................... 5-27
CLUTCH ......................... 5-30OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP .......5-34
BALANCER ....................5-38
OIL PUMP .......................5-40
KICK SHAFT AND
SHIFT SHAFT .................5-43
AC MAGNETO AND
STARTER CLUTCH........5-48
ENGINE REMOVAL........5-53
CRANKCASE AND
CRANKSHAFT ...............5-57
TRANSMISSION, SHIFT
CAM AND SHIFT FORK .5-63
CHAPTER 6
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL AND
REAR WHEEL ..................6-1
FRONT BRAKE AND
REAR BRAKE ..................6-6
FRONT FORK .................6-16
HANDLEBAR..................6-23
STEERING ......................6-27
SWINGARM ....................6-31
REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER ....................6-36
CHAPTER 7
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS AND
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........7-2
IGNITION SYSTEM...........7-4
ELECTRIC STARTING
SYSTEM............................7-6
CHARGING SYSTEM .....7-14
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM .........7-16
LIGHTING SYSTEM .......7-19
SIGNALING SYSTEM.....7-21

1-1
DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Hot starter lever
3. Engine stop switch
4. Multi-function display
5. Main switch
6. Start switch
7. Front brake lever
8. Throttle grip
9. Radiator cap
10. Fuel tank cap
11. Taillight
12. Kickstarter crank
13. Fuel tank14. Headlight
15. Radiator
16. Coolant drain bolt
17. Rear brake pedal
18. Valve joint
19. Fuel cock
20. Cold starter knob
21. Air cleaner
22. Catch tank
23. Drive chain
24. Shift pedal
25. Oil dipstick
26. Front fork
1

1-2
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION
There are two significant reasons for
knowing the serial number of your
machine:
1. When ordering parts, you can
give the number to your Yamaha
dealer for positive identification of
the model you own.
2. If your machine is stolen, the au-
thorities will need the number to
search for and identify your ma-
chine.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number "1"
is stamped on the right of the steering
head pipe.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The engine serial number "1" is
stamped into the elevated part of the
right-side of the engine.
MODEL LABEL
The model label "1" is affixed to the
frame under the rider's seat. This in-
formation will be needed to order
spare parts.
INCLUDED PARTS
VALVE JOINT
This valve joint "1" prevents fuel from
flowing out and is installed to the fuel
tank breather hose.
In this installation, make sure the
arrow faces the fuel tank and also
downward.
SPARK PLUG WRENCH
This spark plug wrench "1" is used to
remove and install the spark plug.
NIPPLE WRENCH
This nipple wrench "1" is used to
tighten the spoke.
JET NEEDLE PULL-UP TOOL
(Except for Canada)
The jet needle pull-up tool "1" is used
to pull the jet needle out of the carbu-
retor.
DRIVE CHAIN SPROCKET GUIDE
(For EUROPE)
Use the drive chain sprocket guide
"1" when installing the included drive
sprockt (13T).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL
AND DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove all dirt, mud, dust, and
foreign material before removal
and disassembly.
• When washing the machine with
high pressured water, cover the
parts follows.
Silencer exhaust port
Side cover air intake port
Water pump housing hole at the
bottom
Drain hole on the cylinder head
(right side)
All electrical components
2. Use proper tools and cleaning
equipment. Refer to "SPECIAL
TOOLS" section.
3. When disassembling the ma-
chine, keep mated parts together.
They include gears, cylinders,
pistons, and other mated parts
that have been "mated" through
normal wear. Mated parts must
be reused as an assembly or re-
placed.

1-8
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
MAIN SWITCH
Functions of the respective switch po-
sitions are as follows:
ON:
The engine can be started only at this
position.
OFF:
All electrical circuits are switched off.
Main switch indicator light
The main switch "1" is equipped with
an indicator light "2" to avoid forget-
ting to turn it off. This light functions
as follows.
• It lights up with the main switch
"ON".
• It goes out when the engine in-
creases its speed after being start-
ed.
• It lights up again when the engine is
stopped.
If the indicator light will not light up
with the main switch "ON", it shows a
lack of the battery voltage. Recharge
the battery.
ENGINE STOP SWITCH
The engine stop switch "1" is located
on the left handlebar. Continue push-
ing the engine stop switch till the en-
gine comes to a stop.
START SWITCH
The start switch "1" is located on the
right handlebar. Push this switch to
crank the engine with the starter.CLUTCH LEVER
The clutch lever "1" is located on the
left handlebar; it disengages or en-
gages the clutch. Pull the clutch lever
to the handlebar to disengage the
clutch, and release the lever to en-
gage the clutch. The lever should be
pulled rapidly and released slowly for
smooth starts.
SHIFT PEDAL
The gear ratios of the constant-mesh
5 speed transmission are ideally
spaced. The gears can be shifted by
using the shift pedal "1" on the left
side of the engine.
KICKSTARTER CRANK
Rotate the kickstarter crank "1" away
from the engine. Push the starter
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, then kick smoothly
and forcefully to start the engine. This
model has a primary kickstarter crank
so the engine can be started in any
gear if the clutch is disengaged. In
normal practices, however, shift to
neutral before starting.
THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip "1" is located on the
right handlebar; it accelerates or de-
celerates the engine. For accelera-
tion, turn the grip toward you; for
deceleration, turn it away from you.FRONT BRAKE LEVER
The front brake lever "1" is located on
the right handlebar. Pull it toward the
handlebar to activate the front brake.
REAR BRAKE PEDAL
The rear brake pedal "1" is located on
the right side of the machine. Press
down on the brake pedal to activate
the rear brake.
FUEL COCK
The fuel cock supplies fuel from the
tank to carburetor and also filters the
fuel. The fuel cock has the three posi-
tions:
OFF:
With the lever in this position, fuel will
not flow. Always return the lever to
this position when the engine is not
running.
ON:
With the lever in this position, fuel
flows to the carburetor. Normal riding
is done with the lever in this position.
RES:
With the lever in this position fuel
flows to the carburetor from the re-
serve section of the fuel tank after the
main supply of the fuel has been de-
pleted. Normal riding is possible with
the lever is in this position, but it is
recommended to add fuel as soon as
possible.

1-9
MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY
COLD STARTER KNOB
When cold, the engine requires a
richer air-fuel mixture for starting. A
separate starter circuit, which is con-
trolled by the cold starter knob "1",
supplies this mixture. Pull the cold
starter knob out to open the circuit for
starting. When the engine has
warmed up, push it in to close the cir-
cuit.
HOT STARTER LEVER
The hot starter lever "1" is used when
starting a warm engine. Use the hot
starter lever when starting the engine
again immediately after it was
stopped (the engine is still warm).
Pulling the hot starter lever injects
secondary air to thin the air-fuel mix-
ture temporarily, allowing the engine
to be started more easily.
SIDESTAND
This sidestand "1" is used to support
only the machine when standing or
transporting it.
• Never apply additional force to
the sidestand.
• Hold up the sidestand before
starting out.
MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY
Be sure to stop the machine before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function display.
The multi-function display is
equipped with the following:
BASIC MODE:
• Speedometer
•Clock
• Two tripmeters (which shows the
distance that has been traveled
since it was last set to zero)
RACE MODE:
• Timer (which shows the time that
has been accumulated since the
start of timer measurement)
• Tripmeter (which shows the accu-
mulated travel distance in timer
measurement)
• Change tripmeter digits (capable of
change to any given ones)
DESCRIPTION
Operation buttons:
1. Select button "SLCT 1"
2. Select button "SLCT 2"
3. Reset button "RST"
Screen display:
4. Tripmeter indicator
5. Tripmeter indicator
6. Timer indicator
7. Clock/Timer
8. Speedometer
9. Odometer/Tripmeter
The operation buttons can be pushed
in the following two manners:
Short push: Push the button. ( )
Long push: Push the button for 2 sec-
onds or more. ( )
BASIC MODE
Changing speedometer display
(for U.K.)
1. Push the "SLCT2" button for 2
seconds or more to change the
speedometer units. The speed-
ometer display will change in the
following order:
MPH→km/h→MPH.
Setting the time
1. Push the "SLCT1" button for 2
seconds or more to enter the time
setting mode.
2. Push the "RST" button to change
the display for time indication.
The display will change in the fol-
lowing order:
Hour→Minute→Second→Hour.
The digits capable of setting go on
flashing.
3. Push the "SLCT1" button (plus) or
"SLCT2" button (minus) and
change the time. A long push on
the button will fast-forward the
time.
4. To end the setting, push the
"RST" button for 2 seconds or
more.
• In a 30-second absence of button
operation, the setting will come to
an end with the indicated time.
• To reset the seconds, push the
"SLCT1" button or "SLCT2" button.

1-14
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust
pipe, etc. have cooled off.
Gasohol (For Canada)
There are two types of gasohol: gas-
ohol containing ethanol and that con-
taining methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if the ethanol
content does not exceed 10%. Gaso-
hol containing methanol is not recom-
mended by Yamaha because it can
cause damage to the fuel system or
vehicle performance problems.
HANDLING NOTE
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes
are poisonous; they can cause
loss of consciousness and death
in a very short time. Always oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
• The carburetor on this machine
has a built-in accelerator pump.
Therefore, when starting the en-
gine, do not operate the throttle
or the spark plug will foul.• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this
engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
This model is equipped with an igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. The engine
can be started under the following
conditions.
• When the transmission is in neutral.
• When the clutch is disengaged with
the transmission in any position.
However, it is recommended to shift
into neutral before starting the en-
gine.
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON".
3. Push on the main switch to "ON".
4. Shift the transmission into neutral.
5. Fully open the cold starter knob
"1".
6. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter crank.
If the engine fails to start by pushing
the start switch, release the switch,
wait a few seconds, and then try
again. Each starting attempt should
be as short as possible to preserve
the battery. Do not crank the engine
more than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt. If the engine does not start
with the starter motor, try using the
kickstarter crank.
• If the starter motor will not turn
when pushing the start switch,
stop pushing it immediately and
kick start the engine in order to
avoid the load on the motor.
• Do not open the throttle while
kicking the kickstarter crank.
Otherwise, the kickstarter crank
may kick back.
7. Return the cold starter knob to its
original position and run the en-
gine at 3,000–5,000 r/min for 1 or
2 minutes.
Since this model is equipped with an
accelerator pump, if the engine is
raced (the throttle opened and
closed), the air/fuel mixture will be too
rich and the engine may stall. Also
unlike a two-stroke engine, this model
can idle.
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the cold starter knob
and throttle. Pull the hot starter lever
"1" and start the engine by pushing
the start switch or by kicking the kick-
starter crank forcefully with a firm
stroke. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.
Restarting an engine after a fall
Pull the hot starter lever and start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts,
Release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage. Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.