2005 YAMAHA YFZ450 brake

7-71
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
Care should be used when riding on loose or slip-
pery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If unex-
pected and uncorrected, sliding could lead to an
accident.
To reduce the tendency for the front wheels to
slide in loose or slippery conditions, positioning
your weight over the front wheels will sometimes
help.
If the rear wheels of your ATV start to slide side-
ways, control can usually be regained (if there is
room to do so) by steering in the direction of the
slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the slide.
U5TG61.book Page 71 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

7-75
WHAT TO DO IF ...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT TO DO ...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See pages 7-41–7-45.)


If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If
necessary, gradually let off the throttle and/or
steer to the outside of the turn. (See pages
7-41–7-45.)


If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is
not recommended until you have corrected the
slide. (See pages 7-71–7-73.)
U5TG61.book Page 75 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

7-77

If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side
of the ATV and physically turn the ATV around.
If the ATV starts to slip backwards DO NOT
USE THE REAR BRAKE - the ATV may tip
over on top of you. Dismount the ATV on the
uphill side. (See pages 7-47–7-55.)


If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See pages 7-61–7-63.)
U5TG61.book Page 77 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

7-79

If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let
water drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained ade-
quate braking ability. (See pages 7-65–7-67.)
U5TG61.book Page 79 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

8-8 * Since these items require special tools, data and technical skills, have a Yamaha dealer perform the service.
Engine oil filter element
Replace.Drive chain
Check and adjust slack/alignment/clean/lube.Front brake*Check free play/operation/fluid leakage/
See NOTE Page 8-9.
Correct if necessary.Rear brake*Check operation/fluid leakage/See NOTE Page 8-9.
Correct if necessary.Clutch*Check operation.
Adjust if necessary.Wheels*Check balance/damage/runout.
Replace if necessary.Wheel bearings*Check bearing assemblies for looseness/damage.
Replace if damaged.Steering system*Check operation.
Repair if damaged.
Check toe-in.
Adjust if necessary.Front and rear
suspension*Check operation.
Correct if necessary.Upper and lower arm
pivot and steering shaft*Lubricate every 6 months with lithium-soap-based grease.Rear arm pivot*
Lubricate every 6 months with lithium-soap-based grease.Fittings and fasteners*Check all chassis fittings and fasteners.
Correct if necessary.Lights and switches*Check operation.
Adjust headlight beams.
ITEM ROUTINEWhichever
comes firstINITIAL EVERY
month136612
km
(mi)320
(200)1,200
(750)2,400
(1,500)2,400
(1,500)4,800
(3,000)
hours 20 75 150 150 300
U5TG61.book Page 8 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

8-9
NOTE:

Recommended brake fluid: DOT4


Brake fluid replacement:
When disassembling the master cylinders or calipers, replace the brake fluid. Normally check the
brake fluid level and add fluid as required.
On the inner parts of the master cylinders and calipers, replace the oil seals every two years.
Replace the brake hoses every four years, or if cracked or damaged.
U5TG61.book Page 9 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

8-79 1. Wear indicator groove
1. Rainure d’indicateur d’usure
1. Ranura indicador de desgaste
EBU13981
Front brake pad inspection
Each brake pad is provided with a wear indicator
groove. The indicator grooves allow checking of
brake pad wear without disassembling the brake.
Apply the brake and inspect the wear indicator
grooves. If a brake pad is worn to the point that the
wear indicator groove is almost in contact with the
disc plate, ask a Yamaha dealer to replace the
brake pads as a set.NOTE:_ The wheels need to be removed to inspect the
brake pads. (See page 8-121 for wheel removal
and installation procedures.) _
U5TG61.book Page 79 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

8-81 1. Wear indicator groove
1. Rainure d’indicateur d’usure
1. Ranura indicador de desgaste
EBU13990
Rear brake pad inspection
Each brake pad is provided with a wear indicator
groove. The indicator grooves allow checking of
brake pad wear without disassembling the brake.
Apply the brake and inspect the wear indicator
grooves. If a brake pad is worn to the point that the
wear indicator groove is almost in contact with the
disc plate, ask a Yamaha dealer to replace the
brake pads as a set.
U5TG61.book Page 81 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM