light YAMAHA YFZ450R 2018 User Guide

4-3
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If the warning light does not come on initially when
the key is turned to “ ” (on), or if the warning
light remains on, have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.
EBU18067Handlebar switchesEBU18081Engine stop switch “ / ”
Set this switch to “ ” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch to stop the engine in an emergency situa-
tion. The engine will not start or run when this
switch is set to “ ”.
EBU18102Start switch “ ”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er. See the starting instructions on page 6-1 prior
to starting the engine.EBU18157Light switch “ / /OFF”
Set this switch to “ ” to turn on the low beams
and the taillight. Set the switch to “ ” to turn on
the high beams and the taillight. Set the switch to
“OFF” to turn off all the lights.NOTICEECB00046Do not use the headlights with the engine
turned off for an extended period of time. The
battery may discharge to the point that the
starter will not have enough power to crank the
engine. If this should happen, remove the bat-
tery and recharge it. (See page 8-42.)
1. Light switch “ / /OFF”
2. Engine stop switch “ / ”
3. Start switch “ ”
1
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EBU18722Fuel tank capRemove the fuel tank cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.EBU37251FuelMake sure there is sufficient gasoline in the tank
before starting off. This model has been designed
to use premium unleaded gasoline of RON 97. If
knocking or pinging occurs, use a gasoline of a
higher octane (research octane number) or a dif-
ferent brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance costs.
WARNING
EWB02522Gasoline and gasoline vapors are extremely
flammable. To avoid fires and explosions and
to reduce the risk of injury when refueling, fol-
low these instructions. 1. Before refueling, turn off the engine and besure that no one is sitting on the vehicle. Nev-
er refuel while smoking, or while in the vicinity
of sparks, open flames, or other sources of
ignition such as the pilot lights of water heat-
ers and clothes dryers.
2. When refueling, be sure to select the recom- mended fuel as specified. Do not overfill the
fuel tank. Since fuel expands when heated,
stop filling when the fuel reaches the bottom
of the filler tube. Otherwise heat from the en-
gine or sun can cause the fuel to expand and
spill out of the fuel tank.
1. Fuel tank cap
1
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5-3
5
Brake and clutch levers• Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points
if necessary. 8-39
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 PAGE
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Aftermarket tires and rims
The tires and rims that came with your ATV were
designed to match the performance capabilities
and to provide the best combination of handling,
braking, and comfort. Other tires, rims, sizes, and
combinations may not be appropriate.
EBU19841Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are
properly tightened.
EBU19851Instruments, lights and switchesCheck that all instruments, lights and switches are
working properly. Correct if necessary.
Front:
Manufacturer/model:MAXXIS/MS21
Size: AT21 x 7R10
Ty p e : Tu b e l e s s
Rear: Manufacturer/model:MAXXIS/MS22
Size: AT20 x 10R9
Ty p e : Tu b e l e s s
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6-1
6
EBU19882
OPERATION
EBU19902Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV. If there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB00632Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. EBU29954Starting the engineNOTICEECB00151See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time. 1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the key to “ ” (on) and the engine stopswitch to “ ”.
The following warning lights should come on
for a few seconds, then go off. 
Coolant temperature warning light
 Fuel level warning light
 Engine trouble warning light
NOTICEECB00826To avoid possible damage, do not operate the
ATV if a warning light does not work as de-
scribed above. 3. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral
indicator light should come on, if it does not
come on, have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.TIPThis model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the
following conditions.
The transmission is in neutral.
 The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift
into neutral before starting the engine. 4. Completely close the throttle lever and start
the engine by pushing the start switch.
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6-2
6
TIPIf the engine fails to start, release the start switch,
then push it again. Pause a few seconds before
the next attempt. Each cranking should be as
short as possible to preserve battery energy. Do
not crank the engine more than 10 seconds on
each attempt. NOTICEECB00164For maximum engine life, never accelerate
hard when the engine is cold! EBU20525ShiftingThis ATV has a 5-speed forward transmission. The
transmission allows you to control the amount of
power you have available at a given speed or for
starting, accelerating, climbing hills, etc.
To shift into neutral, release the throttle lever, ap-
ply the clutch, and then repeatedly depress the
shift pedal until it stops.
When it stops, it will be in first gear. Raise the ped-
al slightly to reach the neutral position, and then
release the clutch.
EBU20595To start out and accelerate1. Release the throttle lever, apply the front or rear brake, and then release the parking
brake.
2. Pull the clutch lever to disengage the clutch.
3. Shift into first gear, and then release the brake. NOTICE: Always close the throttle
before shifting gears, otherwise damage
to the engine and drive train may result.
[ECB01220]
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
1
N
2 3
4
5
2
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7-12
7To 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.
As 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 footrest 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.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footrest.
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7-18
7As you travel across a slope, lean your body in the
uphill direction. It may be necessary to correct the
steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointing
the front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes, be sure not to make sharp turns either up
or down hill.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles
in your path. As you regain proper balance, grad-
ually steer again in the direction you wish to travel.
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
WARNING
EWB01642Operating this vehicle through deep or fast-
flowing water can lead to loss of control or an
overturn. To reduce your risk of drowning or
other injuries, use care when crossing through
water. Never operate this ATV water deeper
than the depth specified in your Owner’s Man-
ual, as tires may float, increasing the risk of an
overturn. The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm (14 in) in
depth. Before entering the water, choose your
path carefully. Enter where there is no sharp drop
off, and avoid rocks or other obstacles which may
be slippery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and
carefully.
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EBU29431TIPSome maintenance items need more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet, dusty, sandy or
muddy areas, or at full-throttle.
 Replace the fuel hose every five years and if cracked or damaged.
 Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and
change the brake fluid.23 *Moving parts and
cables • Lubricate.
√√√√
24 *Throttle lever • Check operation.
• Check throttle lever free play, and adjust if neces-
sary.
• Lubricate cable and lever housing. √√√√√
25 *Front and rear
brake switches • Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√√
26 *Lights and switches • Check operation and correct if necessary.
• Adjust headlight beams. √√√√√
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 320UBW261E0.book Page 8 Friday, May 26, 2017 9:38 AM

8-13
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To install the cowling
1. Place the cowling in the original position, and
then tighten the quick fasteners.
2. Install panels C, B and A.EBU29442Checking the spark plugThe spark plug is an important engine component,
which should be checked periodically, preferably
by a Yamaha dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plug should be removed and checked in accor-
dance with the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, the condition of the spark
plug can reveal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the center elec-
trode of the spark plug should be a medium-to-
light tan (the ideal color when the vehicle is ridden
normally). If the spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose such
problems yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
If the spark plug shows signs of electrode erosion
and excessive carbon or other deposits, it should
be replaced.
1. Quick fastener
1. Quick fastener
1
1
1
1
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