warning YAMAHA YFZ450 2009 Owner's Manual

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To start out and accelerate
1. Release the throttle lever, and then release
the parking brake.
NOTICE

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 theclutch lever too quickly could make the ATV
wheelie, which would increase the chance of
an accident, including an overturn.
EBU20650
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.
NOTICE

ECB00180

Even with the transmission in the neutral po-
sition, do not coast for long periods of time

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first gear, apply the parking brake, and then turn
the fuel cock to “OFF”.
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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 frontand 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
EBU20920
Accessories
Accessories can affect the handling and control of
your ATV. Keep the following in mind when consid-
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 notice 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

EWB01390
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
EWB01420
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 5-4.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual on page 5-5.
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.)

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Loading and accessories
As originally equipped, this ATV is not designed to
carry cargo or tow a trailer. If you choose to add ac-
cessories so that you can carry cargo or tow a trail-
er, you must use common sense and good
judgment.
Use extra caution when riding the ATV with addi-
tional loads, such as accessories or cargo. The
ATV’s handling may be adversely affected. Re-
duce your speed when adding additional loads.WARNING
EWB01460

Never exceed the stated load capacity for
this ATV.

Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached.

Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.

Always follow the instructions in your Own-
er’s Manual for carrying cargo or pulling a
trailer.
During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during op-
eration, otherwise they may contact the rear
wheels.
1. Adjusting screw
2. Locknut
2
1

MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rider,
accessories, and tongue):
100.0 kg (220 lb)

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WARNING

EWB01470
Always keep both hands on the handlebars
and both feet on the footboards of your ATV
during operation. 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.
Avoid wheelies and jumping. You may lose control
of the ATV or overturn.WARNING
EWB01480
Never attempt stunts, such as wheelies or
jumps. Don’t try to show off.
ModificationsWARNING

EWB01490
Never modify this ATV through improper in-
stallation or use of accessories. All parts and
accessories added to this ATV should be gen-
uine Yamaha or equivalent components de-

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signed for use on this ATV and should be
installed and used according to instructions.
Improper installation of accessories or modifi-
cation of this ATV may cause changes in han-
dling which in some situations could lead to an
accident. If you have questions, consult an au-
thorized ATV dealer.
Exhaust system
The exhaust system on the ATV is very hot during
and following operation. To prevent burns, avoid
touching the exhaust system. Park the ATV in a
place where pedestrians or children are not likely
to touch it. Also, avoid parking in or around dry
grass, brush or other combustible materials to pre-
vent causing a fire hazard.
WARNING

EWB01500

Do not touch the hot exhaust system.

Do not park the ATV during or after operation
in a place where others might be likely to
touch it.

Do not operate, idle, or park the ATV in dry
grass, dry ground cover, or combustible ma-
terials.BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE
This ATV is designed for use on unpaved surfaces
only. Riding on paved surfaces can cause loss of
control.
WARNING

EWB01510
Always avoid paved surfaces, including side-
walks, driveways, parking lots and streets.
ATVs are designed for use on unpaved surfac-
es only. Paved surfaces may seriously affect
handling and control of the ATV, and may
cause the ATV to go out of control.