2005 YAMAHA YFZ450 brakes

EBU00150
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 ............... 3-5
Model label ........................................... 3-7
CONTROL FUNCTIONS ......................... 4-1
Main switch........................................... 4-1
Indicator and warning lights.................. 4-3
Handlebar switches .............................. 4-7
Throttle lever ...................................... 4-11
Speed limiter ...................................... 4-13
Clutch lever ........................................ 4-15
Brake lever ......................................... 4-17
Brake pedal ........................................ 4-17
Parking brake lever ............................ 4-19
Shift pedal .......................................... 4-21
Fuel tank cap ...................................... 4-21
1234
Fuel cock............................................ 4-23
Starter (choke) .................................. 4-25
Seat.................................................... 4-27
Front shock absorber adjustment ...... 4-29
Rear shock absorber adjustment ....... 4-39
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ................... 5-1
Front and rear brakes .......................... 5-5
Fuel ...................................................... 5-9
Engine oil ........................................... 5-13
Coolant............................................... 5-15
Chain.................................................. 5-17
Throttle lever ...................................... 5-17
Fittings and fasteners......................... 5-19
Lights ................................................. 5-19
Switches............................................. 5-19
Tires ................................................... 5-21
How to measure tire pressure ............ 5-25
Tire wear limit..................................... 5-27
5
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2-13

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.


Always use the size and type of tires specified
in this manual.


Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
U5TG61.book Page 13 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

4-19 1. Parking brake lever (Locked position)
1. Levier de frein de stationnement (frein serré)
1. Palanca del freno de estacionamiento (posición de bloqueo)
1. Parking brake lever (Unlocked position)
1. Levier de frein de stationnement (frein relâché)
1. Palanca del freno de estacionamiento
(posición de desbloqueo)
EBU14072
Parking brake lever
Use the parking brake when you have to start the
engine or park the machine, especially on a slope.
To apply the parking brake, move the parking
brake lever in direction
a. To release the parking
brake, move the parking brake lever in
direction
b.
WARNING
_

Always set the parking brake before start-
ing the engine. The ATV could start mov-
ing unexpectedly if the parking brake is not
applied. This could cause loss of control or
a collision.


Always be sure you have released the
parking brake before you begin to ride. The
brake could overheat if you ride the ATV
without releasing the parking brake. You
could lose braking performance which
could cause an accident. You could also
wear out the brakes prematurely.
_
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5-5
EBU11670
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
page 8-91.) If the pedal height is incorrect,
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 8-83–8-87.)
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4
U5TG61.book Page 5 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

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 pages 8-79–
8-81.)
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. _
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6-17
EBU02080
To decelerate:
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. As
you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure that
the engine has sufficiently slowed before engaging
a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or shift-
ing can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing
control and increasing the possibility of an acci-
dent.
WARNING
_ Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could make the wheels stop rotating. This
could cause loss of control, an accident and
injury. It could also cause engine or drive train
damage. _
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6-27
4. With the front and rear brakes applied, pull
the clutch lever, shift into 1st gear, and then
slowly release the clutch lever, brake lever
and brake pedal.NOTE:_ Make sure that the neutral indicator light goes off. _5. Turn the key to “OFF”.
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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.
Set the parking brake and follow the instruction on
page 6-3 to start the engine. Once it has warmed
up you are ready to begin riding your ATV. As you
get on the ATV, be sure not to accidentally move
the shift pedal. Remember that the engine and ex-
haust pipe will be hot when riding and afterwards;
do not allow skin or clothing to come in contact
with these components.
U5TG61.book Page 35 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM