2005 YAMAHA YFZ450 brakes

7-39
CAUTION:_ Do not shift gears without releasing the throt-
tle. Damage to the engine or drive train may oc-
cur. _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 cause the wheels to stop rotating. _
U5TG61.book Page 39 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

7-55
WARNING
_ Use proper gear and maintain steady speed
when climbing a hill.
If you lose all forward speed:

Keep weight uphill.


Apply the brakes.


Lock the parking brake, after you are
stopped.
If you begin rolling backwards:


Keep weight uphill.


Never apply the rear brake while rolling
backwards. Apply the front brake.
When fully stopped, apply the rear brake
as well, and then lock the parking brake.
Dismount on uphill side or to a side if pointed
straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described in
the Owner’s Manual.
_
U5TG61.book Page 55 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

7-65
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm in depth.
Before entering the water, choose your path care-
fully. Enter where there is no sharp drop off, and
avoid rocks or other obstacles which may be slip-
pery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and carefully.
WARNING
_ Never operate this ATV in fast flowing water or
in water deeper than that specified in your
Owner’s 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 lin-
ings. If the ATV is operated through deep or
fast flowing water, the tires may float, causing
loss of traction and loss of control, which
could lead to an accident. _
U5TG61.book Page 65 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

7-67
1. Air filter case check hose
1. Flexible de contrôle du boîtier de filtre à air
1. Manguera de comprobación de la caja del filtro de aire
Test your brakes after leaving the water. Do not
continue to ride your ATV without verifying that
you have regained proper braking ability.CAUTION:_ After riding your ATV in water, be sure to drain
the trapped water by removing the check hose
at the bottom of the air filter case. Wash the
ATV in fresh water if it has been operated in
salt water or muddy conditions. _
U5TG61.book Page 67 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM

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

7-79

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

8-83 1. Minimum level mark
1. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Marca de nivel mínimo
Front
Avant
Delantero1. Minimum level mark
1. Repère de niveau minimum
1. Marca de nivel mínimoRear
Arrière
Trasero
EBU12140
Brake fluid level inspection
Insufficient brake fluid may let air enter the brake
system, possibly causing the brakes to become in-
effective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid is above
the minimum level mark and replenish if neces-
sary. A low brake fluid level may indicate worn
brake pads and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check the brake
pads for wear and the brake system for leakage. NOTE:_ To access the rear brake fluid reservoir, remove
the reservoir cover by removing the bolts. _
U5TG61.book Page 83 Friday, April 2, 2004 11:28 AM