tires YAMAHA YFZ450R 2009 Owners Manual

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 1-1
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ..................................................... 3-1
Right view................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ........................... 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ............................................... 4-1
Indicator light and warning lights ............... 4-2
Handlebar switches ................................... 4-3
Throttle lever ............................................. 4-4
Speed limiter ............................................. 4-5
Clutch lever ............................................... 4-6
Brake lever ................................................ 4-6
Brake pedal ............................................... 4-7
Parking brake lever ................................... 4-7
Shift pedal ................................................. 4-8
Fuel tank cap ............................................. 4-8
Fuel ........................................................... 4-9
Seat ......................................................... 4-10Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ............................................. 4-11
Adjusting the rear shock absorber
assembly ................................................4-16
Handlebar position ................................... 4-24
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Pre-operation check list ............................. 5-1
Fuel ............................................................ 5-4
Engine oil ................................................... 5-4
Coolant ...................................................... 5-4
Front and rear brakes ................................ 5-4
Throttle lever .............................................. 5-5
Drive chain ................................................. 5-5
Tires ........................................................... 5-5
Measuring the tire pressure ....................... 5-6
Tire wear limit ............................................ 5-7
Chassis fasteners ...................................... 5-8
Instruments, lights and switches ................ 5-8
OPERATION...................................................6-1
Starting the engine ..................................... 6-1
Shifting ....................................................... 6-2
Engine break-in .......................................... 6-4
Parking ....................................................... 6-4
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-5

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backwards when climbing a hill. To avoid stall-
ing, use the proper gear and maintain a steady
speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight up-
hill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in this manual.

Always check for obstacles before operating in a
new area.

Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles as described in this manual.

Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such as
ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.

Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in
water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them severaltimes to let friction dry out the linings.

Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.

Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.

Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.

Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.WARNING
EWB02330

Always turn off the engine when refueling.

Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.

Do not spill gasoline on the engine or ex-
haust pipe/muffler when refueling. Never re-
fuel while smoking, or in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of ig-
nition such as the pilot lights of water heat-
ers and clothes dryers. Gasoline can catch
fire and you could be burned.

When transporting the ATV in another vehi-

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GB
D
E
FI
NL
P
S Set with tires cold.
Bei kalten Reifen.
Ajuste con los
neumáticos en frío
Pneus à froid.Impostare a pneumatici
freddi.
Wanneer de banden
koud zijn.
Regular com pneus
frios.
Ställ in med kalla däck. 27.5 kPa
0.275 kgf/cm
2
4.0 psi30 kPa
0.30 kgf/cm
2
4.4 psi5TG-21696-40
For Europe For Oceania
5
5
WARNING
Improper tire pressure or overloading can cause
loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.Recommended :Never set tire pressure below minimum.It could cause the tire to dislodge from the rim.LOADINGMaximum weight capacity : 100 kg (220 lbs.)
Includes weight of operator, cargo and accessories.
5D3-2816M-00
OPERATING TIRE PRESSURE : Set with tires cold
Front : 27.5 kPa (4.0 psi)
Rear : 30.0 kPa (4.4 psi)
MinimumFront : 24.5 kPa (3.6 psi) :
Rear : 27.0 kPa (4.0 psi)

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Front brake

Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed
hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.

Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.

Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-29, 8-30, 8-32
Rear brake

Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed
hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.

Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.

Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-29, 8-30, 8-33
Clutch

Check operation, and correct if necessary.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.8-36
Throttle lever

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.

Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-5, 8-28
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-40
Drive chain

Check chain slack, and adjust if necessary.

Check chain condition. Lubricate if necessary.5-5, 8-37, 8-39
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.5-5, 5-6, 5-7
Shift pedal

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Correct if necessary.8-41
Brake pedal

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-41
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points
if necessary.8-40
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-8
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE

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have a Yamaha dealer check the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See page 8-30.)
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If there is any leak-
age, have a Yamaha dealer check the brake sys-
tem.
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 for wear. (See page 8-29.)
WARNING

EWB00580
Always check the brakes at the start of every
ride. Do not ride the ATV if you find any prob-
lem with the brakes or you could lose braking
ability, which could lead to an accident. If aproblem cannot be corrected by the adjust-
ment procedures provided in this manual, have
a Yamaha dealer check for the cause.
EBU19761
Throttle 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.
EBU19770
Drive chain
Check the condition of the drive chain and check
the drive chain slack. Lubricate and adjust the
drive chain as necessary. (See page 8-37.)
EBU19792
Tires WARNING
EWB00602
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 accident.
Pay attention to the following.

The tires listed below have been approved
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4

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by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. for this model.
Other tire combinations are not recommend-
ed.
Front:
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/KT351 Radial
Size:
AT21 x 7R-10
Type:
Tubeless
Rear:
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/KT356 Radial
Size:
AT20 x 10R-9
Type:
Tubeless

The tires should be set to the recommended
pressure:
Recommended tire pressure:
Front:
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm
2
, 4.0 psi)
Rear:
30.0 kPa (0.300 kgf/cm
2
, 4.4 psi)

Check and adjust tire pressures when the
tires are cold.

Tire pressures must be equal on both
sides.

Tire pressure below the minimum speci-
fied could cause the tire to dislodge from
the rim under severe riding conditions.
Minimum tire pressure:
Front:
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm
2
, 3.6 psi)
Rear:
27.0 kPa (0.270 kgf/cm
2
, 4.0 psi)

Use no more than the following pressures
when seating the tire beads.
Maximum tire seating pressure:
Front:
250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm
2
, 36 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm
2
, 36 psi)
Higher pressures and fast inflation may
cause a tire to burst. Inflate the tires very
slowly and carefully.
EBU19821
Measuring the tire pressure
Use the low-pressure tire gauge.
TIP

The low-pressure tire gauge is included as stan-

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dard equipment. Make two measurements of the
tire pressure and use the second reading. Dust or
dirt in the gauge could cause the first reading to be
incorrect.
Set the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Set
the tire pressures to the following specifications:
EBU19830
Tire wear limit
Replace the tire when the tire groove decreases to
3 mm (0.12 in).
1. Low-pressure tire gauge
1

Recommended pressure:
Front
27.5 kPa (0.275 kgf/cm
2
, 4.0 psi)
Rear
30.0 kPa (0.300 kgf/cm
2
, 4.4 psi)
Minimum:
Front
24.5 kPa (0.245 kgf/cm
2
, 3.6 psi)
Rear
27.0 kPa (0.270 kgf/cm
2
, 4.0 psi)

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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 the
clutch 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
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.

Always use the clutch when changing gears.
The engine, transmission and drive train are

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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 5-5.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual on page 5-6.
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 4-5.)

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these components.
With the engine idling, pull the clutch lever to dis-
engage the clutch and shift into 1st gear, and then
release the parking brake. Open the throttle grad-
ually, and at the same time, release the clutch le-
ver slowly. Once the ATV has attained adequate
speed, release the throttle lever and at the same
time, quickly pull in the clutch lever and shift into
2nd gear. Open the throttle part way and gradually
release the clutch. Use this same procedure as
you move into the higher gears. Be sure to coordi-
nate the use of the throttle and shift pedal properly.
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 control. Avoid higher speeds un-
til you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of
your ATV.
WARNING

EWB01720
Always open the throttle gradually and release
the clutch lever slowly. Otherwise, the ATV
could wheelie which would increase the
chance of an accident.
NOTICE
ECB00230
Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-
cur.
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

EWB01560
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 cause the wheels to stop rotating.
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning technique must be