light YAMAHA YZ450F 2015 Owners Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1-11
EAS1SL5025GASKETS, OIL SEALS AND O-RINGS
1. When overhauling the engine, replace all
gaskets and O-rings. All gasket surfaces, oil
seal lips, and O-rings must be cleaned so
that there may be no dust on them.
2. During assembly, always apply proper oil to
bearings and proper grease to oil seal lips
before installation.
EAS1SL5026LOCK WASHERS/PLATES AND COTTER
PINS
After removal, replace lock washers/plates “1”
and cotter pins with new ones. After the bolt or
nut has been tightened to specification, firmly
bend the lock tabs along a flat of the bolt or nut.
EAS1SL5027BEARINGS AND OIL SEALS
Install bearings “1” and oil seals “2” with their
manufacturer’s marks or size symbols facing
outward. During installation of an oil seal, make
sure that its main lip faces the oil chamber (the
target to be sealed). Before installation, always
apply a light coat of grease to the oil seal lip.
ECA13300
NOTICE
Do not spin the bearing with compressed air
because this will damage the bearing sur-
faces.
EAS1SL5028CIRCLIPS
When assembling parts, always use new cir-
clips. During installation of a circlip, make sure
that the edge “2” of the circlip “1” is positioned
opposite to the force “3” that the circlip re-
ceives. Install the circlip with its end aligned
with the center of the spline, without opening
the circlip more than necessary.
1. Oil
2. Lip
3. Spring
4. Grease

SPECIAL TOOLS
1-17
Pocket tester
90890-03112
Analog pocket tester
YU-03112-CThis tool is used to measure
the voltage, current, and re-
sistance of electrical compo-
nents.
Timing light
90890-03141
YU-03141This tool is used to measure
the ignition timing.
Pressure gauge
90890-03153
YU-03153This tool is used to measure
the fuel pressure.
Fuel pressure adapter
90890-03186
YM-03186This tool is used to mount the
pressure gauge.
Test harness S-pressure
sensor (3P)
90890-03207
YU-03207This tool is used to check the
throttle position sensor input
voltage.
FI diagnostic tool sub-lead
90890-03212
YU-03212This tool is used to connect
the Yamaha diagnostic tool
to a battery.
Yamaha diagnostic tool
90890-03231
Yamaha diagnostic tool (US)
90890-03234This tool is used to check er-
ror codes or carry out self-di-
agnosis.
Valve guide remover & in-
staller set (ø5.5)
90890-04016This tool is used to replace
the valve guide.
Valve guide remover (5.5
mm)
YM-01122
Valve guide installer (5.5
mm)
YM-04015
Valve guide reamer (5.5 mm)
YM-01196Tool name/Part number How to use Illustration

STARTING AND BREAK-IN
1-22
EAS1SL5042
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
EAS1SL5043FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as stated
below. Also, be sure to use new gasoline the
day of a race.
JCA
NOTICE
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use of
leaded gasoline will cause severe damage
to the engine internal parts such as valves,
piston rings, and exhaust system, etc.
TIP
Your Yamaha engine has been designed to use
premium unleaded gasoline with a pump oc-
tane number [(R+M)/2] of 91 or higher, or a re-
search octane number of 95 or higher. If
knocking (or pinging) occurs, use a gasoline of
a different brand.
JWA
WARNING
• 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: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if the
ethanol content does not exceed 10%. Gasohol
containing methanol is not recommended by
Yamaha because it can cause damage to the
fuel system or vehicle performance problems.
EAS1SL5044STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Press the shift pedal to neutral.
2. Pull the starter knob/idle screw “1” to its full
length.
TIP
When the ambient temperature is 15°C (59°F)
or below, use the starter knob/idle screw.3. Push down the kickstarter lever lightly until
resistance is felt.
4. Fully close the throttle, and push down the
kickstarter lever in a stroke.
5. Immediately release the kickstarter lever.
EWA
WARNING
Do not open the throttle at the moment
when you kick the kickstarter lever, be-
cause this may kick back
TIP
If it fails to start, fully open the throttle grip and
give 10 to 20 slow kicks to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
6. When the engine starts running, warm this
up one or two minutes at a steady speed (of
3000 to 5000 r/min), and then return the
starter knob/idle screw to its original posi-
tion.
EWA
WARNING
Since exhaust gas contains harmful ingre-
dients, do not start or warm it up at an ill-
ventilated place or a closed narrow place. Recommended fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel tank capacity
7.5 L (1.98 US gal, 1.65 lmp.gal)
1

CLEANING AND STORAGE
1-27
EAS1SL5050
CLEANING AND STORAGE
EAS1SL5051CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your vehicle will enhance
its appearance, maintain performance, and ex-
tend the life of parts.
1. Before cleaning, block the silencer outlet to
prevent water from entering. A plastic bag
secured with a rubber band may be used for
this purpose.
2. If the engine is contaminated with oil, apply
some degreaser to it with a brush. Do not
apply degreaser to the drive chain, the
sprockets, or the wheel axles.
3. Hose off dirt. Use only enough water pres-
sure to do the job.
ECA
NOTICE
Do not use high-pressure washers or steam
cleaners. Otherwise, these may cause a fail-
ure because of the entry of water.
4. After hosing off the dirt, wash all surfaces
with a mild detergent and warm water. Use
a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the detergent with clean water, and
dry the surfaces with a soft towel or a cloth.
6. Immediately after cleaning, remove any wa-
ter from the drive chain with a paper towel,
and lubricate it to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl upholstery clean-
er to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied to all paint-
ed or chromed surfaces. Avoid using such
wax as contains abrasives, because it may
scratch surfaces.
9. After completing the above, start the engine
and allow it to warm up for several minutes.
EAS1SL5052STORAGE
If your vehicle is to be stored for 60 days or
more, some preventive measures must be tak-
en to avoid deterioration. After cleaning the ve-
hicle thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a spoonful of
engine oil (SAE 10W-40) into the spark plug
hole, and reinstall the plug. With the engine
stop switch pushed in, by pushing down the
kickstarter lever, crank the engine to coat
the cylinder walls with oil.3. Remove the drive chain, clean it thoroughly
with solvent, and lubricate it Reinstall the
drive chain or store it in a plastic bag tied to
the frame.
4. Lubricate all cables.
5. Lift up the frame of the vehicle to keep the
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the muffler outlet to
prevent moisture from entering.
7. If the vehicle is to be stored in a place that is
humid or exposed to the sea breeze, apply a
light coat of oil to metal surfaces. Do not ap-
ply oil to the seat or rubber parts.
TIP
Make any necessary repairs before the vehicle
is stored.

ENGINE
3-16
7. Pour the specified amount of engine oil into
the oil filler cap hole.
8. Install:
• Oil filler cap
9. Check:
• Oil level
Refer to “CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL” on page 3-14.
10.Check:
• Engine oil pressure
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a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure check bolt
“1”.
EWA
WARNING
When the engine is started with the check
bolt removed, oil will spout; therefore, al-
ways loosen it before the checkup.
Start the engine and keep it idling until oil
starts to seep from the oil pressure check
bolt.
EWA
WARNING
Always keep the engine idling speed during
the checkup without increasing the engine
speed.
ECA
NOTICE
If no engine oil seeps out after one minute,
immediately turn the engine off so it will not
seize.
b. If no engine oil seeps out, check the engine
oil for leaks, and the engine oil passage and
the oil pump for damage.
c. Check the oil pressure again.
d. Tighten the oil pressure check bolt.
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EAS1SL5088ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED
TIP
• Because the air pressure is lower at high alti-
tudes, the air-fuel mixture will become richer.
If the idling speed is low, turn the starter knob/
idle screw a few clicks counterclockwise to in-
crease the speed before the adjustment.
• Before adjusting the engine idling speed,
make sure that the air filter element is not
clogged, the engine compression is proper,
and the throttle grip free play is proper.
• Adjust the engine idling speed with the starter
knob/idle screw pushed in completely.
1. Start the engine, and warm this up until the
oil has reached the specified temperature.
2. Attach the pocket tester with temperature
probe “1” to the oil drain bolt.
3. Install:
• Digital tachometer Engine oil quantity
With oil filter element replace-
ment
0.69 L (0.73 US qt, 0.61 Imp.qt)
Quantity (disassembled)
0.95 L (1.00 US qt, 0.84 Imp.qt)
1
Oil pressure check bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Oil temperature
55–65 °C (131–149 °F)
Digital tachometer
90890-06760
YU-39951-B
T R..
1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3-35
EAS1SL5115
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EAS1SL5116CHECKING THE SPARK PLUG
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Air scoop (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
• Fuel tank “1”
Refer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
ECA1DX1001
NOTICE
Do not use too much force to pull the hose.
TIP
Remove the fuel tank, turn this 180 ° clockwise,
and put it in the frame “2” as shown.
2. Remove:
• Spark plug cap
• Spark plug
Refer to “CAMSHAFT” on page 5-11.
ECA13330
NOTICE
In order not to allow the dirt accumulated
around the spark plug to drop from the
spark plug hole into the cylinder, clean it be-
fore removing the spark plug.
3. Check:
• Spark plug type
Wrong type  Replace.
4. Check:
• Electrode
Damage/wear  Replace the spark plug.
• Insulator
Abnormal color  Replace the spark plug.
Normal color is medium-to-light tan.5. Clean:
• Spark plug
(with a spark plug cleaner or a wire brush)
6. Measure:
• Spark plug gap “a”
Out of specification  Adjust the spark plug
gap.
7. Install:
• Spark plug
TIP
Before installing the spark plug, clean the spark
plug and gasket surface.
8. Install:
• Spark plug cap
• Fuel tank
• Air scoop (left/right)
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
EAS1SL5117CHECKING THE IGNITION TIMING
1. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw “1”
Manufacturer/model
NGK/CR8E
1
1
2
Spark plug gap
0.7–0.8 mm (0.028–0.031 in)
Spark plug
13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
T R..
1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3-36
2. Attach:
• Timing light “1”
• Digital tachometer “2”
To the high tension code “3”.
3. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Refer to “ADJUSTING THE ENGINE
IDLING SPEED” on page 3-16.
4. Check:
• Ignition timing
Check whether the alignment mark “a” on
the left crankcase cover is within the firing
range “b” on the rotor.
Incorrect firing range  Check rotor and
Crankshaft position sensor.
5. Install:
• Timing mark accessing screwTiming light
90890-03141
YU-03141
Digital tachometer
90890-06760
YU-39951-B
Timing mark accessing screw
6 Nm (0.6 m·kgf, 4.3 ft·lbf)
2
1
3
a
b
T R..

HANDLEBAR
4-34
3. Tighten:
• Lower handlebar holder nut4. Install:
• Handlebar grip “1”
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a. Slightly coat the handlebar left end with a
rubber adhesive.
b. Install the handlebar grip on the handlebar
by pressing the grip from the left side.
c. Wipe off any excess adhesive with a clean
cloth.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
TIP
Install the handlebar grip to the handlebar so
that the line “a” between the two arrow marks
faces straight upward.
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5. Install:
• Engine stop switch “1”
• Clutch lever “2”
• Clutch lever holder “3”
•Clamp “4”
TIP
• The engine stop switch, the clutch lever, and
the clutch lever holder should be installed ac-
cording to the dimensions shown.
• Pass the engine stop switch lead through the
middle of the clutch lever holder. Lower handlebar holder nut
40 Nm (4.0 m·kgf, 29 ft·lbf)
3
4
T R..
Engine stop switch screw
0.5 Nm (0.05 m·kgf, 0.36 ft·lbf)
Clutch lever holder bolt
5 Nm (0.5 m·kgf, 3.6 ft·lbf)
T R..

HANDLEBAR
4-35
6. Install:
• Right grip “1”
• Collar “2”
Apply adhesive to the tube guide “3”.
TIP
• Before applying the adhesive, wipe off grease
or oil on the tube guide surface “a” with a lac-
quer thinner.
• Install the grip to the tube guide so that the
grip match mark “b” and tube guide slot “c”
form the angle as shown.
7. Install:
• Collar “1”
• Rubber cover “2”
• Throttle grip “3”
TIP
Apply the lithium soap base grease on the
throttle grip sliding surface.8. Install:
• Throttle cables “1”
TIP
Slightly coat the end of throttle cable and inside
of throttle grip with lithium-soap-based grease.
Then, mount the throttle grip onto the handle-
bar.
9. Install:
• Throttle cable housings “1”
• Screw (throttle cable housings) “2”
EWA1DX5001
WARNING
After tightening the throttle cable housing
screws, check that the throttle grip “3”
moves smoothly. If it does not, retighten the
screws for adjustment.
1b
c
3
Screw (throttle cable housings)
3.8 Nm (0.38 m·kgf, 2.8 ft·lbf)
T R..

CAMSHAFT
5-15
c. Install the dowel pins and the camshaft
caps.
TIP
• Tighten the camshaft cap bolts in a crisscross
pattern from innermost to outer caps.
• Do not turn the camshaft when measuring the
camshaft journal-to-camshaft cap clearance.
d. Remove the camshaft caps and then mea-
sure the width of the Plastigauge® “1”.
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5. Measure:
• Camshaft journal diameter “a”
Out of specification  Replace the cam-
shaft.
Within specification  Replace the cylinder
head and the camshaft caps as a set.
EAS1SL5211CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAM-
SHAFT SPROCKET
1. Check:
• Timing chain “1”
Damage/stiffness  Replace the timing
chain and camshaft as a set.2. Check:
• Camshaft sprocket
More than 1/4 tooth wear “a”  Replace the
camshaft and the timing chain as a set.
EAS1SL5212CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN TENSION-
ERS
1. Check:
• Timing chain tensioner
Crack/damage  Replace.
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a. While pressing the tensioner rod lightly with
your fingers, use a thin screwdriver “1” to
wind the tensioner rod up fully clockwise.
b. When releasing the screwdriver by pressing
lightly with your fingers, make sure that the
tensioner rod will come out smoothly.
c. If not, replace the tensioner assembly.
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Camshaft cap bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Camshaft journal diameter
21.959–21.972 mm (0.8645–
0.8650 in)
T R..
1
a. 1/4 tooth
b. Correct
1. Timing chain roller
2. Camshaft sprocket
a
b1
2