fuel YAMAHA YZ450F 2012 User Guide

1-17
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
ENGINE STOP SWITCH
The engine stop switch "1" is located
on the left handlebar. Continue push-
ing the engine stop switch till the en-
gine comes to a stop.
CLUTCH LEVER
The clutch lever "1" is located on the
left handlebar; it disengages or en-
gages the clutch. Pull the clutch lever
to the handlebar to disengage the
clutch, and release the lever to en-
gage the clutch. The lever should be
pulled rapidly and released slowly for
smooth starts.
SHIFT PEDAL
The gear ratios of the constant-mesh
5 speed transmission are ideally
spaced. The gears can be shifted by
using the shift pedal "1" on the left
side of the engine.
KICKSTARTER CRANK
Rotate the kickstarter crank "1" away
from the engine. Push the starter
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, then kick smoothly
and forcefully to start the engine. This
model has a primary kickstarter crank
so the engine can be started in any
gear if the clutch is disengaged. In
normal practices, however, shift to
neutral before starting.THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip "1" is located on the
right handlebar; it accelerates or de-
celerates the engine. For accelera-
tion, turn the grip toward you; for
deceleration, turn it away from you.
FRONT BRAKE LEVER
The front brake lever "1" is located on
the right handlebar. Pull it toward the
handlebar to activate the front brake.
REAR BRAKE PEDAL
The rear brake pedal "1" is located on
the right side of the machine. Press
down on the brake pedal to activate
the rear brake.
STARTER KNOB/IDLE SCREW
The starter knob/idle screw "1" is
used when starting a cold engine.
Pull the starter knob/idle screw out to
open the circuit for starting. When the
engine has warmed up, push it in to
close the circuit.
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline the day of a race.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gas-
oline with a pump octane number
[(R+M)/2] of 91 or higher, or a re-
search octane number of 95 or high-
er. If knocking (or pinging) occurs,
use a gasoline of a different brand.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust
pipe, etc. have cooled off.
Gasohol (For USA and Canada)
There are two types of gasohol: gas-
ohol containing ethanol and that con-
taining methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if the ethanol
content does not exceed 10%. Gaso-
hol containing methanol is not recom-
mended by Yamaha because it can
cause damage to the fuel system or
vehicle performance problems.
HANDLING NOTE
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes
are poisonous; they can cause
loss of consciousness and death
in a very short time. Always oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only

1-18
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this
engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Pull the starter knob/ idle screw
"1" to its full length.
Use the starter knob/ idle screw be-
low an air temperature of 15°C
(59°F).
4. Push the kickstarter down lightly
with your foot until resistance is
felt.
5. With the throttle fully closed, fold
out the kickstarter lever, move it
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, and then push it
down smoothly but forcefully.
Do not open the throttle while kick-
ing the kickstarter crank. Other-
wise, the kickstarter crank may
kick back.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
6. When the engine starts running,
warm it up one or two minutes at
a steady speed (of 3,000 to 5,000
r/min), and then return the starter
knob/ idle screw to its original po-
sition.
7. Push the engine stop switch "1".
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
To start a warm engine, make sure
that the starter (choke) knob/idling
screw is pushed in and the throttle is
closed, and then start the engine by
pushing the kickstarter.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with the fuel.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks
on the machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the idle speed, and check
the operation of the controls and
the engine stop switch. Then, re-
start the engine and check its op-
eration within no more than 5
minutes after it is restarted.
4. Operate the machine in the lower
gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes.
5. Check how the engine runs when
the machine is ridden with the
throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (low to me-
dium speed) for about one hour.6. Restart the engine and check the
operation of the machine through-
out its entire operating range. Re-
start the machine and operate it
for about 10 to 15 more minutes.
The machine will now be ready to
race.
• After the break-in or before each
race, you must check the entire
machine for loose fittings and
fasteners as per "TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS". Tighten all
such fasteners as required.
• When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in oper-
ation is necessary.
PISTON, RING, VALVES, CAM-
SHAFTS AND GEARS:
These parts require about 30
minutes of break-in operation at
half-throttle or less. Observe the
condition of the engine carefully
during operation.

1-19
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
TORQUE-CHECK POINTS
Concerning the tightening torque, refer to "TIGHTENING TORQUES" section in the CHAPTER 2.
Frame construction Frame to rear frame
Combined seat and fuel tank Fuel tank to frame
Exhaust system Silencer to rear frame
Engine mounting Frame to engine
Engine bracket to engine
Engine bracket to frame
Steering Steering stem to handlebar Steering stem to frame
Steering stem to upper bracket
Upper bracket to handlebar
Suspension Front Steering stem to front fork Front fork to upper bracket
Front fork to lower bracket
Rear For link type Assembly of links
Link to frame
Link to rear shock absorber
Link to swingarm
Installation of rear shock absorber Rear shock absorber to frame
Installation of swingarm Tightening of pivot shaft
Wheel Installation of wheel Front Tightening of wheel axle
Tightening of axle holder
Rear Tightening of wheel axle
Wheel to rear wheel sprocket
Brake Front Brake caliper to front fork
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to handlebar
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Rear Brake pedal to frame
Brake disc to wheel
Tightening of union bolt
Brake master cylinder to frame
Tightening of bleed screw
Tightening of brake hose holder
Fuel system Fuel pump to fuel tank

1-20
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine
will enhance its appearance, maintain
good overall performance, and ex-
tend the life of many components.
1. Before washing the machine,
block off the end of the exhaust
pipe to prevent water from enter-
ing. A plastic bag secured with a
rubber band may be used for this
purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively
greasy, apply some degreaser to
it with a paint brush. Do not apply
degreaser to the chain, sprockets,
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off
with a garden hose; use only
enough pressure to do the job.
Do not use high-pressure washers
or steam-jet cleaners since they
cause water seepage and deterio-
ration seals.
4. After the majority of the dirt has
been hosed off, wash all surfaces
with warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Use an old toothbrush to
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediate-
ly with clean water, and dry all
surfaces with a soft towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, re-
move excess water from the
chain with a paper towel and lubri-
cate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl uphol-
stery cleaner to keep the cover
pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied
to all painted or chromed surfac-
es. Avoid combination cleaner-
waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start
the engine and allow it to idle for
several minutes.STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60
days or more, some preventive mea-
sures must be taken to avoid deterio-
ration. After cleaning the machine
thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a ta-
blespoon of SAE 10W-40 motor
oil in the spark plug hole, and re-
install the plug. With the engine
stop switch pushed in, kick the en-
gine over several times to coat the
cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it
thoroughly with solvent, and lubri-
cate it. Reinstall the chain or store
it in a plastic bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust
pipe outlet to prevent moisture
from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a
humid or salt-air environment,
coat all exposed metal surfaces
with a film of light oil. Do not apply
oil to rubber parts or the seat cov-
er.
Make any necessary repairs before
the machine is stored.

2-2
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Fuel:Type Premium unleaded gasoline only
Tank capacity 6.2 L (1.40 Imp gal, 1.64 US gal)
Throttle body: Type 30RA
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 2.652 (61/23)
Final drive Chain
Secondary reduction ratio 3.6 92 (48/13) (For USA, CDN)
3.769 (49/13) (For EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA)
Transmission type Constant mesh, 5-speed
Operation Left foot operation
Gear ratio: 1st 1.929 (27/14)
2nd 1.533 (23/15)
3rd 1.278 (23/18)
4th 1.091 (24/22)
5th 0.952 (20/21)
Chassis: USA, CDN EUROPE AUS, NZ, ZA
Frame type Semi double cra-
dle ←←
Caster angle 26.95°26.80°27.00°
Trail 119 mm (4.69 in) 117 mm (4.61 in) 120 mm (4.72 in)
Tire: Type With tube
Size (front) 80/100-21 51M
Size (rear) 120/80-19 63M (For USA, CDN, AUS, NZ, ZA)
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

2-7
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Crankshaft:
Crank width "A" 61.95–62.00 mm (2.439–2.441 in) ----
Runout limit "C" 0.03 mm (0.0012 in) 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Big end side clearance "D" 0.15–0.45 mm (0.0059–0.0177 in) 0.50 mm (0.02
in)
Small end free play "F" 0.4–1.0 mm (0.02–0.04 in) 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Balancer:
Balancer drive method Gear ----
Air filter oil grade: Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil ----
Clutch:
Friction plate thickness 2.92–3.08 mm (0.115–0.121 in) 2.8 mm (0.110
in)
Quantity 8 ----
Clutch plate thickness 1.5–1.7 mm (0.059–0.067 in) ----
Quantity 7 ----
Warp limit ---- 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Clutch spring free length 50.0 mm (1.97 in) 49.0 mm (1.93
in)
Quantity 6 ----
Clutch housing thrust clearance 0.10–0.35 mm (0.0039–0.0138 in) ----
Clutch housing radial clearance 0.010–0.044 mm (0.0004–0.0017 in) ----
Clutch release method Inner push, cam push ----
Shifter:
Shifter type Cam drum and guide bar ----
Guide bar bending limit ---- 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Kickstarter:
Type Kick and ratchet type ----
Fuel pump:
Fuel pressure 324 kPa (3.24 kg/cm
2, 46.1 psi) ----
Fuel injector:----
Model/manufacturer 1010/DENSO ----
Throttle body:----
I. D. mark 33D1 00 ----
Manufacturer KEIHIN ----Item Standard Limit

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

2-14
TIGHTENING TORQUES
△Brake pedal mounting M8 1 26 Nm (2.6 m•kg, 19 ft•lb)
Brake pedal position locknut M6 1 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
△Rear brake master cylinder and frame M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Rear brake master cylinder cap M4 2 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
△Rear brake hose union bolt (brake cali-
per)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Rear brake hose union bolt (brake master
cylinder)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Rear wheel axle and axle nut M22 1 135 Nm (13.5 m•kg, 98 ft•lb)
△Driven sprocket and wheel hub M8 6 42 Nm (4.2 m•kg, 30 ft•lb)
△Nipple (spoke) — 72 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2 ft•lb)
△Disc cover and rear brake caliper M6 2 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
△Protector and rear brake caliper M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Drive chain puller adjust bolt and locknut M8 2 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
Engine mounting:
△Upper engine bracket and frame M8 4 45 Nm (4.5 m•kg, 32 ft•lb)
△Front engine bracket and frame M8 4 34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 ft•lb)
△Engine and engine bracket (front) M10 1 53 Nm (5.3 m•kg, 38 ft•lb)
△Engine and engine bracket (upper) M10 2 45 Nm (4.5 m•kg, 32 ft•lb)
△Engine and frame (lower) M10 1 53 Nm (5.3 m•kg, 38 ft•lb)
△Engine guard M6 1 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
Lower engine guard M6 3 10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2 ft•lb)
△Pivot shaft and nut M16 1 85 Nm (8.5 m•kg, 61 ft•lb)
△Relay arm and swingarm M14 1 70 Nm (7 m•kg, 50 ft•lb)
△Relay arm and connecting rod M14 1 80 Nm (8.0 m•kg, 58 ft•lb)
△Connecting rod and frame M14 1 80 Nm (8.0 m•kg, 58 ft•lb)
△Rear shock absorber and frame M10 1 56 Nm (5.6 m•kg, 40 ft•lb)
△Rear shock absorber and relay arm M10 1 53 Nm (5.3 m•kg, 38 ft•lb)
△Rear shock absorber locknut M60 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)
△Rear frame and frame (upper) M8 1 32 Nm (3.2 m•kg, 23 ft•lb)
△Rear frame and frame (lower) M8 2 32 Nm (3.2 m•kg, 23 ft•lb)
△Swingarm and brake hose holder M5 4 3 Nm (0.3 m•kg, 2.2 ft•lb)
Upper drive chain tensioner M8 1 16 Nm (1.6 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Lower drive chain tensioner M8 1 16 Nm (1.6 m•kg, 11 ft•lb)
Drive chain support and swingarm M6 3 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Seal guard and swingarm M5 3 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
△Fuel tank (front) M6 2 9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5 ft•lb)
Fuel tank bracket (front) M6 4 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Fuel tank (rear) M6 2 9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5 ft•lb)
Fuel tank bracket (rear) M6 2 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
△Fuel pump M5 6 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Protector and fuel pump bracket M5 2 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Fuel tank side cover M6 4 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)
Fuel tank and seat set bracket M6 1 7 Nm (0.7 m•kg, 5.1 ft•lb)Item
Thread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks

2-19
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Fuel tank breather hose
2. Coupler for connecting optional
part
3. Cylinder head breather hose
4. Hose holder
5. Radiator hose 3A. Insert the end of the fuel tank
breather hose into the hole in
the steering stem.
B. Fit the accessory coupler into
the connector to fasten it to the
bracket.
C. Point the end of the cylinder
head breather hose downward.
D. Pass the cylinder head breather
hose through the hose holder,
making sure that the stopper on
the hose contacts the holder.
E. Route the cylinder head breath-
er hose between the frame and
radiator hose 3, and to the out-
side of the AC magneto lead.

2-23
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Tension pipe
2. Coolant temperature sensor
coupler
3. Front engine bracket
4. Fuel pump coupler
5. Fuel pump
6. Intake air temperature sensor
coupler
7. Radiator hose 2
8. Radiator breather hose
9. Radiator hose 1
10. Radiator hose 4
11. Radiator pipe 2
12. Radiator hose 3
13. Cylinder head breather hose
14. Frame
15. ECU (electronic control unit)
16. ECU bracket
17. Main harness
18. AC magneto lead
19. Throttle position sensor lead
20. Condenser lead
21. Coolant temperature sensor
lead
22. Ignition coil lead
23. CondenserA. Fasten the wire harness at the
positioning tape to the ECU
bracket with a plastic locking tie.
Face the buckle of the plastic
locking tie downward, and then
cut off the excess end of the tie.
B. Install the cover onto the wire
harness coupler.
C. Route the condenser lead, throt-
tle position sensor lead, coolant
temperature sensor lead, igni-
tion coil lead, and AC magneto
lead under radiator hose 2.
D. Connect the vacuum hose to the
atmospheric pressure sensor,
and then fasten the hose with
the clamp. Make sure to face the
moving part of the sensor rear-
ward.
E. After connecting the condenser
coupler, install the coupler cover
onto the coupler.
F. After connecting the throttle po-
sition sensor coupler, install the
coupler cover onto the coupler.
G. Fasten the AC magneto lead,
condenser lead, throttle position
sensor lead, coolant tempera-
ture sensor lead, and ignition
coil lead to the frame with the
plastic band, making sure to po-
sition the band between the igni-
tion coil bracket and the tension
pipe. Face the buckle of the
plastic band to the right with the
end pointing rearward.
H. Point the end of the vacuum
hose rearward.
I. Fit the bracket into the hole in
the rubber portion of the con-
denser.
J. Fasten the radiator breather
hose to the frame with the plas-
tic band, making sure to position
the band above the front engine
bracket. Face the buckle of the
plastic band outward with the
end pointing rearward.
K. After connecting the coolant
temperature sensor coupler, in-
stall the coupler cover onto the
coupler.L. Route the radiator breather hose
between the down tubes.
M. Fasten the fuel hose and fuel
pump lead with the plastic band,
making sure to position the band
between the bend in the fuel
hose protector and the end of
the protector. Point the end of
the plastic band upward.
N. Insert the projection on the joint
coupler into the hole in the
bracket, and then install the cou-
pler cover onto the coupler.
O. Route the atmospheric pressure
sensor lead, intake air pressure
sensor lead, intake air tempera-
ture sensor lead, fuel injector
lead, and fuel pump lead above
radiator hose 2. Position the
joint coupler above radiator
hose 2.
P. Route the radiator breather hose
to the inside of radiator hose 1
and the front engine bracket.
Q. Hose installation position
(1.3–3.3 mm, 0.05–0.13 in)
R. Clip installation position (0–2.0
mm, 0–0.08 in)
S. Install the washer so that it con-
tacts the bolt head.
T. Install the collar so that the
flange on the collar contacts the
ECU bracket.
U. 6 mm (0.24 in) or less