2003 YAMAHA YZ450F warning

5 - 50
CHASSWINGARM
EC570000
SWINGARM
Extent of removal:1 Swingarm removal
Extent of removal Order Part name Q’ty Remarks
SWINGARM REMOVAL
WARNING
Support the machine securely so there is no
danger of it falling over.
Preparation for removal Hold the machine by placing the
suitable stand under the engine.
Brake hose holder
Rear caliper
Bolt (brake pedal)
Drive chainRefer to “FRONT BRAKE AND REAR
BRAKE” section.
Shift the brake pedal backward.
1 Chain support 1
2 Chain tensioner (lower) 1
3 Bolt (rear shock absorber-relay
arm)1 Hold the swingarm.
4 Bolt (connecting rod) 1
5 Pivot shaft 1
6 Swingarm 1
1

5 - 58
CHASREAR SHOCK ABSORBER
EC580000
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
Extent of removal:1 Rear shock absorber removal2 Rear shock absorber disassembly
Extent of removal Order Part name Q’ty Remarks
Preparation for removalREAR SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
Hold the machine by placing the
suitable stand under the engine.
WARNING
Support the machine securely so there is nodanger of it falling over.
Seat and fitting band Refer to “SEAT, FUEL TANK AND SIDE
COVERS” section in the CHAPTER 4.
Silencer Refer to “EXHAUST PIPE AND
SILENCER” section in the CHAPTER 4.
1 Clamp (air filter joint) 1 Only loosening.
2 Rear frame 1
3 Bolt (rear shock absorber-relay
arm)1 Hold the swingarm.
4 Bolt (rear shock absorber-frame) 1
5 Rear shock absorber 1
6 Locknut 1 Only loosening.
7 Adjuster 1 Only loosening.
8 Spring guide (lower) 1
1
2

5 - 60
CHAS
EC586000
HANDLING NOTE
WARNING
This shock absorber is provided with a
separate type tank filled with high-pressure
nitrogen gas. To prevent the danger of
explosion, read and understand the follow-
ing information before handling the shock
absorber.
The manufacturer can not be held respon-
sible for property damage or personal
injury that may result from improper han-
dling.
1. Never tamper or attempt to disassem-
ble the cylinder or the tank.
2. Never throw the shock absorber into
an open flame or other high heat. The
shock absorber may explode as a
result of nitrogen gas expansion and/
or damage to the hose.
3. Be careful not to damage any part of
the gas tank. A damaged gas tank will
impair the damping performance or
cause a malfunction.
4. Take care not to scratch the contact
surface of the piston rod with the cylin-
der; or oil could leak out.
5. Never attempt to remove the plug at
the bottom of the nitrogen gas tank. It
is very dangerous to remove the plug.
6. When scrapping the shock absorber,
follow the instructions on disposal.
EC587000
NOTES ON DISPOSAL (YAMAHA DEALERS
ONLY)
Before disposing the shock absorber, be sure
to extract the nitrogen gas from valve 1. Wear
eye protection to prevent eye damage from
escaping gas and/or metal chips.
WARNING
To dispose of a damaged or worn-out
shock absorber, take the unit to your
Yamaha dealer for this disposal procedure.
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER

7 - 1
TUN

EC700000
TUNING
EC710000
ENGINE
Carburetor setting

The air/fuel mixture will vary depending on
atmospheric conditions. Therefore, it is nec-
essary to take into consideration the air pres-
sure, ambient temperature, humidity, etc.,
when adjusting the carburetor.

Perform a test run to check for proper engine
performance (e.g., throttle response) and
spark plug(-s) discoloration or fouling. Use
these readings to determine the best possi-
ble carburetor setting.
NOTE:

It is recommended to keep a record of all car-
buretor settings and external conditions (e.g.,
atmospheric conditions, track/surface condi-
tions, lap times) to make future carburetor set-
ting easier.
WARNING


The carburetor is a part of the fuel line.
Therefore, be sure to install it in a well-
ventilated area, away from flammable
objects and any sources of fire.

Never look into the carburetor intake.
Flames may shoot out from the pipe if the
engine backfires while it is being started.
Gasoline may be discharged from the
accelerator pump nozzle when the carbu-
retor has been removed.
SETTING

7 - 13
TUNSETTING
EC727020
Spring preload adjustment
The spring preload is adjusted by installing the
adjustment washer 1 between the fork spring
2 and damper rod 3.
CAUTION:
Do not install three or more adjustment
washers for each front fork.
WARNING
Always adjust each front fork to the same
setting. Uneven adjustment can cause poor
handling and loss of stability.
ÅLoad
ıFork stroke
1Without adjustment washer (standard)
21 adjustment washer
32 adjustment washers
Standard washer quantity:
Zero adjustment washers
Extent of adjustment:
Zero ~ 2 adjustment washers
EC72A001
Setting of spring after replacement
As the front fork setting can be easily affected
by rear suspension, take care so that the
machine front and rear are balanced (in posi-
tion, etc.) when setting the front fork.
1. Use of soft spring
Generally a soft spring gives a soft riding
feeling. Rebound damping tends to
become stronger and the front fork may
sink deeply over a series of gaps.
To set a soft spring:
Change the rebound damping.
Turn out one or two clicks.
Change the compression damping.
Turn in one or two clicks.