2004 YAMAHA KODIAK 450 brakes

EBU00015
1-CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ...................... 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION ......................... 2-1
DESCRIPTION AND MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ................................... 3-1
Identification number records ............... 3-3
Key identification number ..................... 3-5
Vehicle identification number ............... 3-7
Model label ........................................... 3-9
CONTROL FUNCTIONS ........................ 4-1
Main switch........................................... 4-1
Indicator lights ...................................... 4-3
Speedometer unit ................................. 4-9
Fuel gauge ......................................... 4-15
Handlebar switches ............................ 4-17
Throttle lever ...................................... 4-29
Speed limiter ...................................... 4-31
Front brake lever ................................ 4-33
Rear brake pedal and lever ................ 4-35
Drive select lever ................................ 4-37
Recoil starter ...................................... 4-37
1234
Fuel tank cap ..................................... 4-39
Fuel cock............................................ 4-41
Starter (choke) ................................... 4-43
Seat.................................................... 4-45
Storage compartment ........................ 4-47
Front carrier ....................................... 4-49
Rear carrier ........................................ 4-49
Front shock absorber adjustment ...... 4-51
Rear shock absorber adjustment ....... 4-55
Auxiliary DC jack ................................ 4-59
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS .................. 5-1
Front and rear brakes .......................... 5-5
Fuel ...................................................... 5-9
Engine oil ........................................... 5-13
Final gear oil ...................................... 5-17
Differential gear oil ............................. 5-19
Throttle lever ...................................... 5-19
Fittings and fasteners......................... 5-19
Lights ................................................. 5-21
Switches............................................. 5-21
Tires ................................................... 5-23
How to measure tire pressure ............ 5-27
Tire wear limit..................................... 5-29
5
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2-11

Always check for obstacles before operating in
a new area.


Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always fol-
low proper procedures when operating over
obstacles as described in this manual.


Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such
as ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order
to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out
of control.


Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.
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5-1
EBU00113
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
Before using this machine, check the following points:
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
BrakesCheck operation, free play, fluid level and fluid leakage.
Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.5-5–5-7,
8-89–8-103
FuelCheck fuel level.
Fill with fuel if necessary.5-9–5-11
Engine oilCheck oil level.
Fill with oil if necessary.5-13–5-15,
8-31–8-41
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
Fill with coolant if necessary.8-53–8-63
Final gear oil and
differential gear oilCheck for leakage. 5-17–5-19, 8-41–8-51
ThrottleCheck for proper throttle cable operation. 5-19, 8-87
Wheels and tiresCheck tire pressure, wear and damage.5-23–5-29,
8-109–8-111
Fittings and fastenersCheck all fittings and fasteners. 5-19
LightsCheck for proper operation. 5-21, 8-123–8-127
Axle bootsCheck for damage. 8-63
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5-5
EBU01167
Front and rear brakes
Brake lever and brake pedal

Check that there is no free play in the brake le-
ver. If there is free play, have a Yamaha dealer
inspect the brake system.


Check for correct brake pedal height. (See
pages 8-99–8-101.) If the pedal height is incor-
rect, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.


Check the operation of the brake lever and
brake pedal. They should move smoothly and
there should be a firm feeling when the brakes
are applied. If not, have a Yamaha dealer in-
spect the brake system.
Brake fluid level
Check the brake fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.
(See pages 8-91–8-95.)
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
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5-7
Brake fluid leakage
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
pipe joints or brake fluid reservoirs. Apply the
brakes firmly for one minute. If there is any leak-
age, have a Yamaha dealer inspect the brake sys-
tem.
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance, in-
spect the brake pads for wear. (See page 8-89.)
WARNING
_ Always check the brakes at the start of every
ride. Do not ride the ATV if you find any prob-
lem with the brakes or you could lose braking
ability, which could lead to an accident. If a
problem cannot be corrected by the adjust-
ment procedures provided in this manual,
have a Yamaha dealer check for the cause. _
U5ND60.book Page 7 Friday, May 10, 2002 12:10 PM

6-11 1. Drive select lever
a. L (Low)
b. H (High)
c. N (Neutral)
d. R (Reverse)
e. P (Park)
1. Levier de présélection
a. L (Rapport inférieur)
b. H (Rapport supérieur)
c. N (Point mort)
d. R (Marche arrière)
e. P (Stationnement)
1. Palanca de selección de marcha
a. L (Baja)
b. H (Alta)
c. N (Punto muerto)
d. R (Marcha atrás)
e. P (Estacionamiento)
EBU00973
Drive select lever operation and reverse driv-
ingCAUTION:_ Before shifting, you must stop the machine
and return the throttle lever to the closed posi-
tion. Otherwise, the transmission may be dam-
aged. _Shifting: Neutral to High and High to Low
1. Bring the machine to a complete stop and re-
turn the throttle lever to the closed position.
2. Apply the brakes, then shift by moving the
drive select lever along the shift guide.NOTE:_ Make sure that the drive select lever is completely
shifted into position. _3. Open the throttle lever gradually.
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6-21
EBU00676
Parking on a slope
WARNING
Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the machine transversely across
the incline, apply the parking brake, and block
the front and rear wheels with rocks or other
objects. Do not park the ATV at all on hills that
are so steep you could not walk up them easi-
ly.1. Bring the machine to a stop by applying the
brakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the rear brake applied, shift the drive
select lever to the park position.
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7-35
Select a large, flat area off-road to become familiar
with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free of
obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, shifting procedures,
and turning techniques in this area before trying
more difficult terrain. Always avoid riding on paved
surfaces: the ATV is designed for off-road use
only, and handling maneuvers are more difficult to
perform on pavement.
Shift to the parking position “P” and follow the in-
struction on page 6-3 to start the engine. Once it
has warmed up you are ready to begin riding your
ATV. Remember that the engine and exhaust pipe
will be hot when riding and afterwards; do not al-
low skin or clothing to come in contact with these
components.
U5ND60.book Page 35 Friday, May 10, 2002 12:10 PM