fuel YAMAHA YZ450F 2008 User Guide

2-2
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Fuel:
Type Premium unleaded gasoline only with a research octane
number of 95 or higher.
Tank capacity 7.0 L (1.54 Imp gal, 1.85 US gal)
Carburetor:
Type FCR-MX39
Manufacturer KEIHIN
Spark plug:
Type/manufacturer CR8E/NGK (resistance type)
Gap 0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc
Transmission:
Primary reduction system Gear
Primary reduction ratio 61/23 (2.652)
Secondary reduction system Chain drive
Secondary reduction ratio 49/13 (3.769)
Transmission type Constant mesh, 5-speed
Operation Left foot operation
Gear ratio:
1st 27/14 (1.929)
2nd 23/15 (1.533)
3rd 23/18 (1.278)
4th 24/22 (1.091)
5th 20/21 (0.952)
Chassis: USA, CDN, AUS, NZ, ZA EUROPE
Frame type Semi double cradle
←
Caster angle 26.9° 26.7°
Trail 115.2 mm (4.54 in) 113.8 mm (4.48 in)
Tire:
Type With tube
Size (front) 80/100-21 51M
Size (rear) 120/80-19 63M (For USA, CDN, ZA, AUS, NZ)
110/90-19 62M (For EUROPE)
Tire pressure (front and rear) 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm
2, 15 psi)
Brake:
Front brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right hand operation
Rear brake type Single disc brake
Operation Right foot operation
Suspension:
Front suspension Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm (link type monocross suspension)
Shock absorber:
Front shock absorber Coil spring/oil damper
Rear shock absorber Coil spring/gas, oil damper

2-13
TIGHTENING TORQUES
△Front wheel axle and axle nut M16 × 1.5 1 105 10.5 75
△Front wheel axle holder M8 × 1.25 4 21 2.1 15
△Front brake disc and wheel hub M6 × 1.0 6 12 1.2 8.7
△Rear brake disc and wheel hub M6 × 1.0 6 14 1.4 10
△Footrest bracket and frame M10 × 1.25 4 55 5.5 40
△Brake pedal mounting M8 × 1.25 1 26 2.6 19
△Rear brake master cylinder and frame M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Rear brake master cylinder cap M4 × 0.7 2 2 0.2 1.4
△Rear brake hose union bolt (brake caliper) M10 × 1.25 1 30 3.0 22
△Rear brake hose union bolt (brake master cylinder) M10 × 1.25 1 30 3.0 22
△Rear wheel axle and axle nut M20 × 1.5 1 125 12.5 90
△Driven sprocket and wheel hub M8 × 1.25 6 42 4.2 30
△Nipple (spoke) — 72 3 0.3 2.2
△Disc cover and rear brake caliper M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
△Protector and rear brake caliper M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Drive chain puller adjust bolt and locknut M8 × 1.25 2 19 1.9 13
Engine mounting:
△Upper engine bracket and frame M10 × 1.25 4 55 5.5 40
△Lower engine bracket and frame M8 × 1.25 4 34 3.4 24
△Engine and engine bracket (front) M10 × 1.25 1 53 5.3 38
△Engine and engine bracket (upper) M10 × 1.25 1 55 5.5 40
△Engine and frame (lower) M10 × 1.25 1 53 5.3 38
△Engine guard M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Lower engine guard M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
CDI unit bracket M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Cable guide and CDI unit bracket M5 × 0.8 2 4 0.4 2.9
Cable guide and frame M5 × 0.8 1 5 0.5 3.6
△Pivot shaft and nut M16 × 1.5 1 85 8.5 61
△Relay arm and swingarm M14 × 1.5 1 70 7.0 50
△Relay arm and connecting rod M14 × 1.5 1 80 8.0 58
△Connecting rod and frame M14 × 1.5 1 80 8.0 58
△Rear shock absorber and frame M10 × 1.25 1 56 5.6 40
△Rear shock absorber and relay arm M10 × 1.25 1 53 5.3 38
△Rear frame and frame (upper) M8 × 1.25 1 38 3.8 27
△Rear frame and frame (lower) M8 × 1.25 2 32 3.2 23
△Swingarm and brake hose holder M5 × 0.8 4 2 0.2 1.4
Swingarm and patch M4 × 0.7 4 2 0.2 1.4
Upper drive chain tensioner M8 × 1.25 1 16 1.6 11
Lower drive chain tensioner M8 × 1.25 1 16 1.6 11
Drive chain support and swingarm M6 × 1.0 3 7 0.7 5.1
△Seal guard and swingarm M5 × 0.8 4 6 0.6 4.3
△Fuel tank mounting boss and frame M10 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
△Fuel tank mounting M6 × 1.0 2 9 0.9 6.5
△Fuel tank and fuel cock M6 × 1.0 2 4 0.4 2.9Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb

2-14
TIGHTENING TORQUES
1. First, tighten the steering ring nut approximately 38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27 ft•lb) by using the steering nut wrench, then loosen
the steering ring nut one turn.
2. Retighten the steering ring nut 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb).
ELECTRICALFuel tank and seat set bracket M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Fuel tank and fuel tank bracket M6 × 1.0 4 7 0.7 5.1
Seat M8 × 1.25 2 23 2.3 17
△Side cover M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
△Air scoop and fuel tank M6 × 1.0 6 7 0.7 5.1
△Air scoop and radiator guard (lower) M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
△Front fender M6 × 1.0 4 7 0.7 5.1
△Rear fender (front) M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
△Rear fender (rear) M6 × 1.0 2 16 1.6 11
△Number plate M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
Stator M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Rotor M12 × 1.25 1 56 5.6 40
Neutral switch M5 × 0.8 2 4 0.4 2.9

2-18
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Fuel tank breather hose
2. Radiator hose 1
3. Cylinder head breather hose
4. Hose holder
5. Radiator hose 4
6. Clutch cable
7. Connector cover
8. Fuel hose
9. Throttle position sensor lead10. Hot starter cable
11. Carburetor breather hose
12. Carburetor overflow hose
A. Insert the end of the fuel tank
breather hose into the hole in
the steering stem.B. Pass the cylinder head breather
hose on the outside of the radia-
tor hose 1 and between the radi-
ator hose 4 and frame.
C. Align the paint on the cylinder
head breather hose with the
front edge of the hose holder.
D. Pass the clutch cable through
the cable guide.

2-19
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
E. Pass the clutch cable in front of
the radiator mounting boss.
F. Install the connector cover so
that it does not come in between
the radiator hose 1 and radiator.
G. Pass the fuel hose between the
hot starter cable and throttle po-
sition sensor lead.
H. Pass the carburetor breather
hoses and overflow hose so that
all there hoses do not contact
the rear shock absorber.

3-2
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
Replace●
TRANSMISSION
Inspect
●
Replace bearing●
SHIFT FORK, SHIFT CAM,
GUIDE BAR
Inspect
●Inspect wear.
ROTOR NUT
Retighten
●●
EXHAUST PIPE, SILENCER,
PROTECTOR
Inspect and retighten
●●
Clean●
Replace●* Whichever comes first
CRANK
Inspect and clean
●●
CARBURETOR
Inspect, adjust and clean
●●
SPARK PLUG
Inspect and clean
●●
Replace●
DRIVE CHAIN Use chain lube.
Lubricate, slack, alignment
●●Chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in)
Replace
●
COOLING SYSTEM
Check coolant level and leakage
●●
Check radiator cap operation●
Replace coolant●Every two years
Inspect hoses
●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS
Retighten
●●Refer to "STARTING AND BREAK-
IN" section in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate
●●Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace
●
OIL FILTER
Replace
●●
FRAME
Clean and inspect
●●
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect
●●
BRAKES
Adjust lever position and pedal
height
●●
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks

3-4
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCETHROTTLE, CONTROL CABLE
Check routing and connection
●●Yamaha cable lube or SAE 10W-30
motor oil
Lubricate
●●
HOT STARTER, CLUTCH LEVER
Inspect free play
●
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-5 – 6
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.P.1-8
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.P.3-8 – 9
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-6
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-6 – 7
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-13 – 15
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-16
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-19
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-19 – 20
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-17 – 19
Cables (wires)Check that the clutch and throttle cables move smoothly. Check
that they are not caught when the handlebars are turned or when
the front forks travel up and down.—
Exhaust pipe Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks. P.4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-15 – 16
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-21
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-11
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-3
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done?P.7-1 – 10

3-9
ENGINE
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-
er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked
or damaged, replace them with a
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil
filter element cover.
5. Install:
• Gaskets
• Oil filter drain bolt
• Drain bolt (right crankcase)
• Drain bolt (left crankcase)
6. Fill:
• Engine oil7. Install:
• Oil filler cap
8. Inspect:
• Engine (for oil leaks)
• Oil level
Refer to "ENGINE OIL LEVEL IN-
SPECTION".
CHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check:
• Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure
check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling
until oil starts to seep from the oil
pressure check bolt. If no oil
comes out after one minute, turn
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump
for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the
problem(s) and recheck the oil
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check
bolt.
ADJUSTING THE PILOT SCREW
1. Adjust:
• Pilot screw "1"
Adjustment steps:
To optimize the fuel flow at a smaller
throttle opening, each machine's pilot
screw has been individually set at the
factory. Before adjusting the pilot
screw, turn it in fully and count the
number of turns. Record this number
as the factory-set number of turns
out.
a. Turn in the pilot screw until it is
lightly seated.
b. Turn out the pilot screw by the
factory-set number of turns.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING
SPEED
1. Start the engine and thoroughly
warm it up.
2. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Adjust the pilot screw.
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE PI-
LOT SCREW" section.
b. Turn the throttle stop screw "1"
until the specified engine idling
speed.
Using a digital engine tachometer for
idle speed adjustment, detect the en-
gine idling speed by bringing the
sensing element "c" of the engine ta-
chometer close to the ignition coil "2".
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil filter drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Drain bolt (right crank-
case):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Drain bolt (left crank-
case):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil quantity:
Periodic oil change:
0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt,
1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27
US qt)
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Pilot screw (example):
1-1/2 turns out
Digital tachometer:
YU-39951-B/90890-
06760
To increase idle speed
→Turn the
throttle stop screw "1" in "a".
To decrease idle speed
→Turn
the throttle stop screw "1" out
"b".
Engine idling speed:
1,900–2,100 r/min

3-10
ENGINE
ADJUSTING THE VALVE
CLEARANCE
• The valve clearance should be ad-
justed when the engine is cool to
the touch.
• The piston must be at Top Dead
Center (T.D.C.) on compression
stroke to check or adjust the valve
clearance.
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Fuel tank
Refer to "SEAT, FUEL TANK
AND SIDE COVERS" section in
the CHAPTER 4.
2. Remove:
• Spark plug
• Engine upper bracket
• Hot starter plunger
Refer to "CARBURETOR" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
• Cylinder head cover
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
3. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw
"2"
• O-ring
4. Check:
• Valve clearance
Out of specification
→Adjust.
Checking steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
b. Align the T.D.C. mark "a" on the
rotor with the align mark "b" on the
crankcase cover when piston is at
T.D.C. on compression stroke.
In order to be sure that the piston is at
Top Dead Center, the punch mark "c"
on the exhaust camshaft and the
punch mark "d" on the intake cam-
shaft must align with the cylinder
head surface, as shown in the illustra-
tion.
c. Measure the valve clearance "e"
using a feeler gauge "1".
Record the measured reading if the
clearance is incorrect.
5. Adjust:
• Valve clearance
Adjustment steps:
a. Remove the camshaft (intake and
exhaust).
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
b. Remove the valve lifters "1" and
the pads "2".
• Place a rag in the timing chain
space to prevent pads from falling
into the crankcase.• Identity each valve lifter and pad
position very carefully so that they
can be reinstalled in their original
place.
c. Select the proper pad using the
pad selecting table.
The thickness "a" of each pad is indi-
cated in hundredths of millimeters on
the pad upper surface.
d. Round off the last digit of the in-
stalled pad number to the nearest
increment.
EXAMPLE:
Installed pad number = 148
Rounded off value = 150
Pads can only be selected in 0.05
mm increments.
e. Locate the rounded-off value and
the measured valve clearance in
the chart "PAD SELECTION TA- Valve clearance (cold):
Intake valve:
0.10–0.15 mm
(0.0039–0.0059 in)
Exhaust valve:
0.20–0.25 mm
(0.0079–0.0098 in)
Pad rangePad Availability:
25 increments
No.
120–
No.
2401.20
mm–
2.40
mmPads are avail-
able in 0.05 mm
increments
Last digit of pad
numberRounded valve
0, 1 or 2 0
4, 5 or 6 5
8 or 9 10

3-20
CHASSIS
3. Check:
• Steering smooth action
Turn the handlebar lock to lock.
Unsmooth action
→Adjust steer-
ing ring nut.
4. Adjust:
• Steering ring nut
Steering ring nut adjustment
steps:
a. Remove the number plate.
b. Remove the handlebar and upper
bracket.
c. Loosen the steering ring nut "1"
using the steering nut wrench "2".
d. Tighten the steering ring nut "3"
using steering nut wrench "4".
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the thread of the steering stem.
• Set the torque wrench to the steer-
ing nut wrench so that they form a
right angle.
e. Loosen the steering ring nut one
turn.
f. Retighten the steering ring nut us-
ing the steering nut wrench.
Avoid over-tightening.
g. Check the steering stem by turn-
ing it lock to lock. If there is any
binding, remove the steering stem
assembly and inspect the steer-
ing bearings.
h. Install the washer "5", upper
bracket "6", washer "7", steering
stem nut "8", handlebar "9", han-
dlebar upper holder "10" and
number plate "11".
• The handlebar upper holder should
be installed with the punched mark
"a" forward.
• Install the handlebar so that the
marks "b" are in place on both
sides.
• Install the handlebar so that the pro-
jection "c" of the handlebar upper
holder is positioned at the mark on
the handlebar as shown.
• Insert the end of the fuel breather
hose "12" into the hole in the steer-
ing stem.
First tighten the bolts on the front
side of the handlebar upper holder,
and then tighten the bolts on the
rear side.
Steering nut wrench:
YU-33975/90890-01403
Steering nut wrench:
YU-33975/90890-01403
Steering ring nut (initial
tightening):
38 Nm (3.8 m•kg, 27
ft•lb)
Steering ring nut (final
tightening):
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)
Steering stem nut:
145 Nm (14.5 m•kg, 105
ft•lb)
Handlebar upper holder:
28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20
ft•lb)
Pinch bolt (upper brack-
et):
21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15
ft•lb)
Number plate:
7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1
ft•lb)