Valve YAMAHA YZ450F 2012 User Guide

2-8
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Throttle position sensor:----
Throttle position sensor maximum resistance 5 kΩ----
Throttle position sensor variable resistance 0–2 kΩ (full closed) ----
Throttle position sensor input voltage 4–6 V ----
Fuel injection sensor:----
Crankshaft position sensor resistance 248–372 Ω----
Intake air pressure sensor output voltage 3.57–3.71 V at 101.3kPa (1.013 kg/cm
2,
14.41 psi)----
Atmospheric pressure sensor output voltage 3.57–3.71 V at 101.3kPa (1.013 kg/cm
2,
14.41 psi)----
Intake air temperature sensor 5.4–6.6 kΩat 0 °C (32 °F)
290–390 Ωat 80 °C (176 °F)----
Idling condition:----
Engine idle speed 1,900–2,100 r/min ----
Oil temperature 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) ----
Lubrication system:
Oil filter type Paper type ----
Oil pump type Trochoid type ----
Tip clearance 0.12 mm or less (0.0047 in or less) 0.20 mm (0.008
in)
Side clearance 0.09–0.17 mm (0.0035–0.0067 in) 0.24 mm (0.009
in)
Housing and rotor clearance 0.03–0.10 mm (0.0012–0.0039 in) 0.17 mm (0.007
in)
Bypass valve setting pressure 40–80 kPa (0.4–0.8 kg/cm
2, 5.69–11.38
psi)----
Cooling:
Radiator core size
Width 121.4 mm (4.78 in) ----
Height 235 mm (9.25 in) ----
Thickness 28 mm (1.10 in) ----
Radiator cap opening pressure 108–137 kPa (1.08–1.37 kg/cm
2,
15.4–19.5 psi)----
Radiator capacity (total) 0.62 L (0.55 Imp qt, 0.66 US qt) ----
Water pump
Type Single-suction centrifugal pump ----Item Standard Limit

2-13
TIGHTENING TORQUES
CHASSIS
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
ItemThread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks
△Upper bracket and outer tube M8 4 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
△Lower bracket and outer tube M8 4 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
△Upper bracket and steering stem M24 1 145 Nm (14.5 m•kg, 105 ft•lb)
△Handlebar upper holder M8 4 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
△Handlebar lower holder M10 2 34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 ft•lb)
△Steering ring nut M28 1 Refer to TIP.
Front fork and damper assembly M51 2 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)
Front fork and adjuster M22 2 55 Nm (5.5 m•kg, 40 ft•lb)Copper
washer
Damper assembly and base valve M42 2 29 Nm (2.9 m•kg, 21 ft•lb)
Adjuster and damper assembly M12 2 29 Nm (2.9 m•kg, 21 ft•lb)
Bleed screw (front fork) and base valve M5 2 1 Nm (0.1 m•kg, 0.7 ft•lb)
△Front fork and front fork protector M6 6 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
△Front fork protector and brake hose hold-
erM6 2 8 Nm (0.8 m•kg, 5.8 ft•lb)
Throttle grip cap M5 2 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Clutch lever holder M6 2 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
Clutch lever mounting nut M6 1 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Clutch lever position lock nut M5 1 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
△Front brake master cylinder and bracket M6 2 9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5 ft•lb)
Front brake master cylinder cap M4 2 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Brake lever mounting bolt M6 1 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
Brake lever mounting nut M6 1 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
Brake lever position locknut M6 1 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
△Cable guide (front brake hose) and under
bracketM6 1 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
△Front brake hose union bolt (brake master
cylinder)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Front brake hose union bolt (brake cali-
per)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Front brake caliper and front fork M8 2 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
Brake caliper (front and rear) and pad pin
plugM10 2 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
△Brake caliper (front and rear) and pad pin M10 2 18 Nm (1.8 m•kg, 13 ft•lb)
△Brake caliper (front and rear) and bleed
screwM8 2 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
△Front wheel axle and axle nut M16 1 105 Nm (10.5 m•kg, 75 ft•lb)
△Front wheel axle holder M8 4 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
△Front brake disc and wheel hub M6 6 12 Nm (1.2 m•kg, 8.7 ft•lb)
△Rear brake disc and wheel hub M6 6 14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10 ft•lb)
△
Footrest bracket and frame M10 4 55 Nm (5.5 m•kg, 40 ft•lb)TORX

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals.
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine performance. The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is
required by reference to the list below..
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances●●The engine must be cold.
Inspect●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace●
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace●
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON PIN
Inspect●
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
3

3-6
ENGINE
ENGINE
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which
could cause serious injury. When
the engine has cooled, place a
thick towel over the radiator cap,
slowly rotate the cap counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual
pressure to escape. When the
hissing sound has stopped, press
down on the cap while turning
counterclockwise and remove it.
Hard water or salt water is harmful
to the engine parts. You may use
distilled water, if you can't get soft
water.
1. Place the machine on a level
place, and hold it in an upright po-
sition.
2. Remove:
• Radiator cap
3. Check:
• Coolant level "a"
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
1. RadiatorCHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
Take care so that coolant does not
splash on painted surfaces. If it
splashes, wash it away with water.
1. Place a container under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Coolant drain bolt "1"
3. Remove:
• Radiator cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install:
• Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Fill:
• Radiator
•Engine
To specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of
ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im-
purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be
handled with special care.
• When coolant splashes to your
eye.
Thoroughly wash your eye with
water and see your doctor.
• When coolant splashes to your
clothes.
Quickly wash it away with water
and then with soap.
• When coolant is swallowed.
Quickly make him vomit and take
him to a doctor.
7. Install:
• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up
for a several minutes.
8. Check:
• Coolant level
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect:
• Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"
Crack/damage→Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or
replace.
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti-corrosion
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio:
50%/50%
Coolant capacity:
1.13 L (0.99 Imp qt, 1.19
US qt)

3-8
ENGINE
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP
FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Throttle grip free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Adjustment steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the
specified free play is obtained.
d. Tighten the locknut.
Prior to adjusting throttle grip free
play, the engine idling speed should
be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle grip
free play, turn the handlebar to the
right and to the left to ensure that
this does not cause the engine
idling speed to change.
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE
1. Remove:
• Cover (throttle cable cap) "1"
• Cover (grip cap) "2"
• Throttle grip cap "3"2. Apply:
• Lithium soap base grease
On the throttle cable end "a".
3. Install:
• Throttle grip cap
• Screw (throttle grip cap)
• Cover (grip cap)
• Cover (throttle cable cap)
CHECKING THE THROTTLE
VALVE PULLY COVER DRAIN
HOSE
Drain the water that stays in the throt-
tle valve pulley cover after a machine
wash or a rainy weather ride.
1. Drain the water by picking up the
flat portion of the lower end "a" of
the drain hose.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT
1. Remove:
•Seat
2. Remove the fuel tank bolt (front)
"1" and lift the fuel tank.
Hold the fuel tank in position by the
use of the fuel tank holding cable "2".
3. Remove:
• Mounting bolt for air filter case
cover4. Loosen and release the binder "1"
and lift the air filter case lid.
Hold the air filter case lid by the use of
the binder.
5. Remove:
• Air filter guide
• Air filter element "1"
Do not remove the thin sheet (air
filter element 2) “2” under the air
filter element unless it is dirty. It is
there to prevent foreign matter
from dropping into the throttle
body. If the thin sheet must be re-
moved for cleaning, lift it carefully
to avoid loosening the dirt, and
then temporarily block the throttle
body opening with a clean, lint-free
cloth.
6. Clean:
• Air filter element
Clean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remove the remaining
solvent by squeezing the element.
• Do not twist the element when
squeezing the element.
• Leaving too much of solvent in
the element may result in poor
starting.
7. Inspect:
• Air filter element
Damage → Replace. Throttle grip free play
"a":
3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)
Screw (throttle grip cap):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)

3-11
ENGINE
3. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Turn the starter knob/idle screw
"1" until the specified engine idling
speed is obtained.
Using the digital tachometer, mea-
sure the engine speed with the detec-
tor "c" pinched in the high tension
cord "2" of the ignition coil.
ADJUSTING THE VALVE
CLEARANCE
• This section is intended for those
who have basic knowledge and skill
concerning the servicing of Yama-
ha motorcycles (e.g., Yamaha deal-
ers, service engineers, etc.) Those
who have little knowledge and skill
concerning servicing are requested
not to undertake inspection, adjust-
ment, disassembly, or reassembly
only by reference to this manual. It
may lead to servicing trouble and
mechanical damage.
• The valve clearance should be ad-
justed when the engine is cool to
the touch.
1. Remove:
•Seat
Refer to "SEAT AND SIDE COV-
ERS" section in the CHAPTER 4.
•Fuel tank
Refer to "FUEL TANK" section in
the CHAPTER 6.
2. Remove:
• Spark plug
• 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 alignment mark "a" on
the rotor with the alignment mark
"b" on the crankcase cover.
Make sure that the alignment mark
"c" on the exhaust camshaft sprocket
and the alignment mark "d" on the in-
take camshaft sprocket are aligned
with the edge of the cylinder head.
c. Measure the valve clearance "e"
using a feeler gauge "1".
Record the measured reading if the
clearance is incorrect.
Digital tachometer:
YU-39951-B/90890-
06760
To increase the engine idling
speed→Turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw
counterclockwise "a".
To decrease the engine idling
speed→Turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw
clockwise "b".
Engine idling speed:
1,900–2,100 r/min
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)

3-12
ENGINE
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 lifter "1" and
the valve pad "2" with a valve lap-
per "3".
• 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-
BLE". The field where these two
coordinates intersect shows the
new pad number to use.
Use the new pad number only as a
guide when verifying the valve clear-
ance adjustment.
f. Install the new pads "4" and the
valve lifters "5".
• Apply the engine oil on the valve lift-
ers.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the valve stem ends.
• Valve lifter must turn smoothly
when rotated with a finger.
• Be careful to reinstall valve lifters
and pads in their original place.
g. Install the camshafts (exhaust
and intake).
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
Pad rangePad Availabili-
ty: 25 incre-
ments
No.
120–N
o. 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

3-21
CHASSIS
CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE
1. Measure:• Tire pressureOut of specification →Adjust.
• Check the tire while it is cold.
• Loose bead stoppers allow the tire
to slip off its position on the rim
when the tire pressure is low.
• A tilted tire valve stem indicates that
the tire slips off its position on the
rim.
• If the tire valve st em is found tilted,
the tire is considered to be slipping
off its position. Correct the tire posi-
tion.
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE
SPOKES
The following procedure applies to all
of the spokes.
1. Check: • SpokesBend/damage →Replace.
Loose spoke →Retighten.
Tap the spokes with a screw-
driver.
A tight spoke will emit a clear, ringing
tone; a loose spoke will sound flat.
2. Tighten: • Spokes(with a spoke nipple wrench "1")
Be sure to retighten these spokes be-
fore and after break-in.
CHECKING THE WHEELS
1. Inspect:
• Wheel runoutElevate the wheel and turn it.
Abnormal runout → Replace.
2. Inspect: • Bearing free playExist play →Replace.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE
STEERING HEAD
1. Place a stand under the engine to raise the front wheel off the
ground. WARNING! Securely
support the vehicle so that
there is no danger of it falling
over.
2. Check: • Steering stem
Grasp the bottom of the forks and
gently rock the fork assembly
back and forth.
Free play →Adjust steering head. 3. Check:
• Steering smooth actionTurn 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.
Standard tire pressure:
100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm2,
15 psi)
Spoke nipple wrench: YM-01521/90890-01521
Spokes: 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2
ft•lb)
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)

3-25
ELECTRICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following guide for troubleshooting does not cover all the possible causes of problems. If the following problems occur,
perform the specified checks or maintenance jobs. If a problem occurs that is not listed in this manual or if the problem
cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, contact your Yamaha dealer.
Engine starting problems, engine idling speed problems, and medium and high-speed performance problems
• Engine does not start even though the kickstarter is pushed.
• Engine starts, but soon stops.
Engine idling speed problems
• Engine idling speed fluctuates.
• Engine idling speed is high.
• Engine idling speed is low.
Medium and high-speed performance problems
• Engine speed does not increase.
• Engine knocks.
• Engine speed increases suddenly.
• Loss of engine power.
INSPECTION STEPS
If the aforementioned problems have occurred, perform the following inspection steps in the order given.
Check that the fuel tank is filled with fresh gaso-
line.No good→
Fill the fuel tank.
OK↓
Check that the fuel tank breather hose is not
clogged. (Refer to "INCLUDED PARTS" section
in the CHAPTER 1.)No good→
Repair or replace.
OK↓
Adjusting the engine idling speed(Refer to "AD-
JUSTING THE ENGINE IDLLING SPEED" sec-
tion in the CHAPTER 3.)No good→
Adjust.
OK↓
Check that the fuel hose is connected properly
and is not kinked or pinched.No good→
Repair.
OK↓
Check the spark plug for dirt, the spark plug gap,
and the spark plug cap. (Refer to "CHECKING
THE SPARK PLUG" section in the CHAPTER 3.)No good→
Clean or adjust.
OK↓
Check that the air filter element is installed cor-
rectly and is not clogged. (Refer to "CLEANING
THE AIR FILTER" section in the CHAPTER 3.)No good→
Clean or repair.
OK↓
Checking the sensors, injector and ignition coil
connection.No good→
Repair or replace.
OK↓
Installed condition of ECU (Refer to "CHECKING
THE ECU" section in the CHAPTER 7.)No good→
Repair.
OK↓
Check the assembled condition of the throttle
body, and check the throttle valve and its sur-
rounding parts for dirt.No good→
Repair or clean.
OK↓
Consult a Yamaha dealer.

4-11
CAMSHAFTS
4. Measure:
• Camshaft-to-cap clearance
Out of specification → Measure
camshaft outside diameter.
Measurement steps:
a. Install the camshaft onto the cylin-
der head.
b. Position a strip of Plastigauge
®
"1" onto the camshaft.
c. Install the clip, dowel pins and
camshaft caps.
• Tighten the bolts (camshaft cap) in
a crisscross pattern from innermost
to outer caps.
• Do not turn the camshaft when
measuring clearance with the
Plastigauge
®.
d. Remove the camshaft caps and
measure the width of the Plasti-
gauge
® "1".
5. Measure:
• Camshaft outside diameter "a"
Out of specification → Replace
the camshaft.
Within specification → Replace
camshaft case and camshaft
caps as a set.CHECKING THE CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Camshaft sprocket "1"
Wear/damage→Replace the
camshaft assembly and timing
chain as a set.
CHECKING THE
DECOMPRESSION SYSTEM
1. Check:
• Decompression system
Checking steps:
a. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam "1" moves
smoothly.
b. Check that the decompression
mechanism cam lever pin "2" proj-
ects from the camshaft.
CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN
TENSIONER
1. Check:
• While pressing the tensioner rod
lightly with fingers, use a thin
screwdriver "1" and wind the ten-
sioner rod up fully clockwise.
• When releasing the screwdriver
by pressing lightly with fingers,
make sure that the tensioner rod
will come out smoothly.
• If not, replace the tensioner as-
sembly.INSTALLING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Install:
• Exhaust camshaft "1"
• Intake camshaft "2"
Installation steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
• Apply the molybdenum disulfide oil
on the camshafts.
• Apply the engine oil on the decom-
pression system.
• Fill the cylinder head with engine oil
up to the tops "a" of the valve lifters.
b. Align the alignment mark "a" on
the rotor with the alignment mark
"b" on the crankcase cover.
The alignment mark "a" on the ro-
tor is there for camshaft installa-
tion. This alignment mark is
stamped 23° ATDC.
Camshaft-to-cap clear-
ance:
0.028–0.062 mm
(0.0011–0.0024 in)
:0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Bolt (camshaft cap):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Camshaft outside diame-
ter:
21.959–21.972 mm
(0.8645–0.8650 in)