ABS YAMAHA YZ450F 2012 Owners Manual

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
LOCATION OF
IMPORTANT LABELS ..... 1-1
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-5
CONSUMER
INFORMATION................. 1-6
FEATURES....................... 1-7
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-9
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-9
HANDLING THE
ELECTRONIC PARTS ... 1-10
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION ................ 1-10
SPECIAL TOOLS ........... 1-12
CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ................... 1-17
STARTING
AND BREAK-IN.............. 1-17
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-19
CLEANING
AND STORAGE ............. 1-20
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-3
TIGHTENING
TORQUES ...................... 2-11
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-17
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-18
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-
JUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE ....... 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS ........................ 3-14
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-24
CHAPTER 4
ENGINE
SEAT
AND SIDE COVERS ......... 4-1
EXHAUST PIPE
AND SILENCER ............... 4-3
RADIATOR ....................... 4-5
CAMSHAFTS.................... 4-8
CYLINDER HEAD........... 4-13
VALVES AND
VALVE SPRINGS ........... 4-17
CYLINDER
AND PISTON .................. 4-21
CLUTCH ......................... 4-25
OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP ....... 4-29
BALANCER .................... 4-33
OIL PUMP ....................... 4-35
KICK SHAFT
AND SHIFT SHAFT ........ 4-38
AC MAGNETO................ 4-43
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 4-45
CRANKCASE
AND CRANKSHAFT ...... 4-50
TRANSMISSION,
SHIFT CAM
AND SHIFT FORK .......... 4-56
CHAPTER 5
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL
AND REAR WHEEL .........5-1
FRONT BRAKE
AND REAR BRAKE..........5-6
FRONT FORK .................5-16
HANDLEBAR..................5-24
STEERING ......................5-28
SWINGARM ....................5-32
REAR
SHOCK ABSORBER ......5-37
CHAPTER 6
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL TANK ......................6-1
THROTTLE BODY ............6-4
CHAPTER 7
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS AND
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........7-1
IGNITION SYSTEM...........7-3
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM ...........7-6
FUEL INJECTION
SYSTEM............................7-9
FUEL PUMP SYSTEM ....7-35
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS...............7-36
CHAPTER 8
TUNING
CHASSIS ..........................8-1

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

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

2-9
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSIS
Item Standard Limit
Steering system:
Steering bearing typeTaper roller bearing ----
Front suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Front fork travel 310 mm (12.2 in)←----
Fork spring free length 470 mm (18.5 in)←465 mm (18.3
in)
Spring rate, STD K = 4.6 N/mm (0.469 kg/
mm, 26.3 lb/in)←----
Optional spring Yes←----
Oil capacity 551 cm
3 (19.4 lmp oz,
18.63 US oz)←----
Oil grade Suspension oil "S1"←----
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.89 in)←----
Front fork top end Zero mm (Zero in)←----
Rear suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Shock absorber travel 132.0 mm (5.20 in)←----
Spring free length 260 mm (10.24 in)←254.8 mm
(10.03 in)
Fitting length 250 mm (9.84 in) 246 mm (9.69 in) ----
Preload length
1.5–18 mm (0.06–0.71
in)←
Spring rate, STD K = 56.0 N/mm (5.7 kg/
mm, 319.2 lb/in)K = 54.0 N/mm (5.5 kg/
mm, 308.0 lb/in)----
Optional spring Yes←----
Enclosed gas pressure 1,000 kPa (10 kg/cm
2,
142 psi)←----
Swingarm:
Swingarm free play limit
End ---- 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Wheel:
Front wheel type Spoke wheel ----
Rear wheel typeSpoke wheel ----
Front rim size/material 21 × 1.60/Aluminum ----
Rear rim size/material 19 × 2.15/Aluminum ----
Rim runout limit:
Radial ---- 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Lateral ---- 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Drive chain:
Type/manufacturer DID520DMA2 SDH/DAIDO ----
Number of links 113 links + joint ----
Chain slack 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 in) ----
Chain length (15 links) ---- 242.9 mm
(9.563 in)

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

2-25
CABLE ROUTING DIAGRAM
1. Brake master cylinder
2. Brake hose holder
3. Brake hoseA. Install the brake hose so that its
pipe portion directs as shown
and lightly touches the projec-
tion on the brake caliper.
B. Pass the brake hose into the
brake hose holders.C. If the brake hose contacts the
spring (rear shock absorber),
correct its twist.
D. Install the brake hose so that its
pipe portion directs as shown
and lightly touches the projec-
tion on the brake master cylin-
der.

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate●●Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace●
OIL FILTER
Replace●●
ENGINE GUARD
Replace●Breakage
FRAME
Clean and inspect●●
FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP
inspect●●
FUEL HOSE
Inspect●
Replace●Every four years
BRAKES
Adjust lever position and pedal
height●●
Lubricate pivot point●●
Check brake disc surface●●
Check fluid level and leakage●●
Retighten brake disc bolts, cali-
per bolts, master cylinder bolts
and union bolts●●
Replace pads●
Replace brake fluid●Every one year
FRONT FORKS
Inspect and adjust●●
Replace oil●●Suspension oil "S1"
Replace oil seal●
FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND
DUST SEAL
Clean and lube●●Lithium base grease
PROTECTOR GUIDE
Replace●
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
Inspect and adjust●●
Lube●(After
rain
ride)●Molybdenum disulfide grease
Retighten●●
DRIVE CHAIN GUIDE AND
ROLLERS
Inspect●● ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks

3-5
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 MAINTENANCE
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-6 – 7
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.P.1-17
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.P.3-9 – 10
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-7
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-14 – 17
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-17 –18
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-21
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-21 – 22
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-18 – 20
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.3-17
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-23
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-19
Lead connectorsCheck that the AC magneto, ECU and ignition coil are connected
tightly.P.1-10 – 11
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.8-1 – 5

3-19
CHASSIS
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
COMPRESSION DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:
• Swingarm smooth action
Abnormal noise/unsmooth action
→Grease the pivoting points or
repair the pivoting points.
Damage/oil leakage→Replace.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER SPRING PRELOAD
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing
the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Measure:
• Spring fitting length
• The I.D. mark "a" is marked at the
end of the spring.
• Spring specification varies accord-
ing to the difference in the produc-
tion lot.
3. Adjust:
• Spring preload
Adjustment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Loosen the adjuster "2" until there
is some clearance between the
spring and adjuster.
c. Measure the spring free length
"a".
d. Turn the adjuster "2".
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud
from around the locknut and adjust-
er before adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed)
changes 1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn
of the adjuster.
Never attempt to turn the adjuster
beyond the maximum or minimum
setting.
e. Tighten the locknut.
Stiffer "a" →Increase the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
9 clicks out
* 11 clicks out
* Except for USA and CDN
Standard fitting length:
I.D. MARK/
Q'TYLength
White/1 250 mm
(9.84 in)
*246 mm
(9.69 in)
* Except for USA and CDN
Stiffer →Increase the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2" in.)
Softer→Decrease the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2"
out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Position in
which the
spring is turned
in 18 mm (0.71
in) from its free
length.Position in
which the
spring is turned
in 1.5 mm (0.06
in) from its free
length.
Locknut:
30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22
ft•lb)

3-20
CHASSIS
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER REBOUND DAMPING
FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the bracket.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER LOW COMPRESSION
DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Low compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the high compression
damping adjuster.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER HIGH COMPRESSION
DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• High compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of turns
from the fully turned-in position.
(Which align the punch mark "a"
on the adjuster with the punch
mark "b" on the adjuster body.)
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Stiffer "a" →Increase the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position30 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
16–19 clicks out
* 15–18 clicks out
* Except for USA and CDNStiffer "a" →Increase the low
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the low
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
7–10 clicks out
* 11–14 clicks out
* Except for USA and CDNStiffer "a" →Increase the high
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the high
compression damping force.
(Turn the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position2 turns out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
1-1/8±1/6 turns out
* 1-1/2±1/6 turns out
* Except for USA and CDN