clutch YAMAHA YFZ450 2012 User Guide

6-4
6
3. Shift into first gear, and then release the
brake.
4. Open the throttle gradually and at the same time, release the clutch lever slowly.
WARNING! Opening the throttle abruptly or releasing the clutch lever too quickly
could make the ATV wheelie, which would
increase the chance of an accident, includ-
ing an overturn.
[EWB00731]
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.EBU20650To 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
EWB00710Make 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.NOTICEECB00180
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
the transmission.
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6-5
6

Always use the clutch when changing gears.
The engine, transmission and drive train are
not designed to withstand the shock of
forced shifting and can be damaged by shift-
ing without using the clutch.EBU20672Engine break-in TIP
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour
meter, follow the figures given in km (mi) or the
figures given in hours.
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or
hour meter, follow the figures given in hours.There is never a more important period in the life of
your engine than the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours of riding. For this reason, you should read
the following material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 320 km (200 mi) or 20
hours. The various parts in the engine wear and
polish themselves to the correct operating clear-
ances. During this period, prolonged full-throttle
operation or any condition that might result in en-
gine overheating must be avoided.0
–160 km (0 –100 mi) or 0 –10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Vary
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
160 –320 km (100 –200 mi) or 10 –20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine through the gears freely, but do not use
full throttle at any time.
320 km (200 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICEECB00220If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV.EBU20722Parking When parking the ATV, shift into first gear, stop the
engine, apply the parking brake, and then turn the
fuel cock to “OFF ”.
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7-11
7Do not ride in areas posted “no trespassing ”.
Do not ride on private property without getting per-
mission. 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.
Set the parking brake 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. As you
get on the ATV, be sure not to accidentally move
the shift pedal. With the engine idling, pull the
clutch lever to disengage the clutch and shift into
1st gear, and then release the parking brake. Open
the throttle gradually, and at the same time, re-
lease the clutch lever slowly. Once the ATV has at-
tained adequate speed, release the throttle lever
and at the same time, quickly pull in the clutch le-
ver and shift into 2nd gear. Open the throttle part
way and gradually release the clutch.
WARNING!
If the throttle is applied too abruptly or if the
throttle is not released during shifting, or if the
shift pedal is not released before applying the
throttle, the front wheels may lift off the
ground, resulting in a loss of directional con-
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8-5
8
EBU21865General maintenance and lubrication chart TIP
For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the month maintenance intervals.
For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the km (mi) or hours maintenance inter-
vals. However, keep in mind that if the ATV isn’t used for a long period of time, the month maintenance
intervals should be followed.
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools,
data and technical skills.NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOB INITIAL
EVERY
Whichev- er comes first month136612
km
(mi) 320
(200) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320
1 Air filter element Clean and replace if necessary. Every 20
–40 hours (more often in wet or
dusty areas)
2 *Clutch Check operation and adjust if necessary. √ √√√
3 *Front brake 
Check operation and correct if necessary.
 Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary. √√√√√
 Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake 
Check operation and correct if necessary.
 Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary. √√√√√
 Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
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8-19
8
12. Install the crankcase engine oil drain bolt, the
engine oil tank drain bolt and their new gasket,
and then tighten the bolts to the specified
torques.
13. Refill with the specified amount of the recom- mended engine oil through the engine oil tank
filler hole, and then install and tighten the en-
gine oil tank filler cap.
14. Refill with the specified amount of the recom- mended engine oil through the crankcase en-
gine oil filler hole, and then install and tighten
the crankcase engine oil filler cap.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any parts after the
engine and exhaust system have cooled down.NOTICEECB00300
In order to prevent clutch slippage (since the
engine oil also lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do not use oils
with a diesel specification of “CD ” or oils of
Tightening torques:
Crankcase engine oil drain bolt:20 Nm (2.0 m ·kgf, 14 ft ·lbf)
Engine oil tank drain bolt: 19 Nm (1.9 m ·kgf, 14 ft ·lbf)Recommended oil:
See page 10-1.
Oil quantity: Without oil filter element replacement:Quantity in oil tank: 1.55 L (1.64 US qt, 1.36 Imp.qt)
Quantity in crankcase: 0.20 L (0.21 US qt, 0.18 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement: Quantity in oil tank: 1.55 L (1.64 US qt, 1.36 Imp.qt)
Quantity in crankcase: 0.30 L (0.32 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
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8-39
8
The brake light switch for the brake pedal can be
adjusted as follows, but the front brake light switch
should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To make the
brake light come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut
in direction (a). To make the brake light come on
later, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
EBU30600Adjusting the clutch lever free play The clutch lever free play must be checked and, if
necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication chart. The clutch lever free play should measure 8.0
–
13.0 mm (0.31 –0.51 in) as shown. If the free play
is incorrect, adjust it as follows. 1. Slide the rubber cover back at the clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the adjusting bolt at the clutch lever in direction
(a), and to decrease it, turn the bolt in direction
(b).1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
(a) (b)1
2
1. Clutch lever free play
2. Locknut
3. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
4. Rubber cover1 3
4
(a)
(b)
2
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8-40
8
TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play could be ob-
tained as described above, skip steps 4–8.4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the clutch lever
in direction (a) to loosen the clutch cable.
5. Slide the rubber cover back at the clutch ca- ble.
6. Loosen the locknut.
7. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the adjusting nut at the clutch cable in direction
(a), and to decrease it, turn the nut in direction
(b).
8. Tighten the locknut at the clutch cable, andthen slide the rubber cover to its original posi-
tion.
9. Tighten the locknut at the clutch lever, and then slide the rubber cover to its original posi-
tion.
TIPIf the specified free play cannot be obtained as de-
scribed above or if the clutch does not operate cor-
rectly, have a Yamaha dealer check the internal
clutch mechanism.1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
3. Rubber cover
(a)
(b)
1
2
3
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8-44
8essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
WARNING
EWB02581
Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could
restrict the operation of controls and lead to
an accident or injury.
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.
EBU24922Checking and lubricating the brake and
clutch levers The operation of the brake and clutch levers
should be checked before each ride, and the lever
pivots should be lubricated if necessary.
Brake lever
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or engine oilRecommended lubricants: Brake lever:Silicone grease
Clutch lever: Lithium-soap-based grease
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8-45
8
Clutch lever
EBUM0170Checking the shift pedal The operation of the shift pedal should be checked
before each ride. If operation is not smooth, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.EBU28871Checking and lubricating the brake
pedal The operation of the brake pedal should be
checked before each ride, and the pedal pivot
should be lubricated if necessary.
EBU24963Checking the wheel hub bearings The front and rear wheel hub bearings must be
checked at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. If there is play
in a wheel hub or if a wheel does not turn smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check the wheel hub bear-
ings.Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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10-2
10
Type:SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-40 or 20W-
50
Recommended engine oil grade: API service SG type or higher, JASO standard MA
Engine oil quantity:
Without oil filter element replacement:1.75 L (1.85 US qt, 1.54 Imp.qt)
Quantity in oil tank:
1.55 L (1.64 US qt, 1.36 Imp.qt)
Quantity in crankcase: 0.20 L (0.21 US qt, 0.18 Imp.qt)
With oil filter element replacement: 1.85 L (1.96 US qt, 1.63 Imp.qt)
Quantity in oil tank:
1.55 L (1.64 US qt, 1.36 Imp.qt)
Quantity in crankcase: 0.30 L (0.32 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
Cooling system:Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maximum level mark):0.29 L (0.31 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
Radiator capacity (including all routes):
1.30 L (1.37 US qt, 1.14 Imp.qt)Air filter:Air filter element:Wet elementFuel:Recommended fuel:Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity: 10.0 L (2.64 US gal, 2.20 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
1.9 L (0.50 US gal, 0.42 Imp.gal)Carburetor:Type × quantity:
BSR42 x 1Spark plug (s):Manufacturer/model: NGK/CR8E
Spark plug gap: 0.7 –0.8 mm (0.028 –0.031 in)Clutch:Clutch type:
Wet, multiple-discTransmission:Primary reduction system:
Spur gear
Primary reduction ratio: 62/22 (2.818)
0 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 ˚F
–20 –10 0 10 20 30 40 50 ˚CSAE 5W-30
SAE 10W-30
SAE 10W-40
SAE 15W-40
SAE 20W-40SAE 20W-50
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