2008 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 tire pressure

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 1-1
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1
Left view ...................................................... 3-1
Right view.................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ............................ 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1
Main switch ................................................ 4-1
Indicator lights and warning light ................ 4-2
Speedometer unit ....................................... 4-3
Handlebar switches .................................... 4-4
Throttle lever .............................................. 4-6
Speed limiter .............................................. 4-7
Front brake lever ........................................ 4-8
Brake pedal and rear brake lever ............... 4-8
Drive select lever ........................................ 4-9
Fuel tank cap .............................................. 4-9
Fuel ............................................................ 4-9
Fuel cock .................................................. 4-10Starter (choke) ..........................................4-12
Seat ..........................................................4-12
Storage compartment ...............................4-13
Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ..............................................4-14
Adjusting the rear shock absorber
assembly .................................................4-16
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1
Pre-operation check list ..............................5-1
Fuel .............................................................5-3
Engine oil ....................................................5-3
Final gear oil ...............................................5-3
Differential gear oil ......................................5-3
Coolant .......................................................5-3
Front and rear brakes .................................5-4
Throttle lever ...............................................5-5
Tires ............................................................5-5
Measuring the tire pressure ........................5-6
Tire wear limit .............................................5-7
Chassis fasteners .......................................5-7
Instruments, lights and switches .................5-7U3C262E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

1-3
1 hill. If you stall or roll backwards, follow the spe-
cial procedure for braking described in this man-
ual. Dismount on the uphill side or to a side if
pointed straight uphill. Turn the ATV around and
remount, following the procedure described in
this manual.

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 follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles 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 re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.
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 be sure there are no obstacles or people
behind you when you operate in reverse. When
it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.
Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo. Al-
low greater distance for braking.
WARNING
EWB00061
Always turn off the engine when refueling.
Do not refuel right after the engine has been
running and is still very hot.
Do not spill gasoline on the engine or ex-
haust pipe/muffler when refueling. Never re-
fuel while smoking, or in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of ig-
nition such as the pilot lights of water heat-
ers and clothes dryers. Gasoline can catch
fire and you could be burned.
U3C262E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

5-2
5
Front brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-38, 8-39, 8-41
Rear brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-38, 8-39, 8-42
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-5, 8-37
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-45
Wheels and tiresCheck wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-5, 5-6, 5-7
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-46
Brake leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-45
Axle bootsCheck for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-44
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7 ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU3C262E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

5-5
5
EBU19761Throttle lever Check the operation of the throttle lever. It must
open smoothly and spring back to the idle position
when released. Have a Yamaha dealer correct if
necessary.EBU19811Tires
WARNING
EWB00591Use of improper tires on this ATV, or operation
of this ATV with improper or uneven tire pres-
sure, may cause loss of control, increasing
your risk of accident.
Pay attention to the following.
The tires listed below have been approved
by Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corpora-
tion of America for this model. Other tire
combinations are not recommended.
Front:
Manufacturer/model:
MAXXIS/M937
Size:
AT23 x 8R12
Type:
TubelessRear:
Manufacturer/model:
MAXXIS/M938
Size:
AT23 x 10R12
Type:
Tubeless

The tires should be set to the recommended
pressure:
Recommended tire pressure:
Front:
40.0 kPa (5.8 psi) (0.400 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
40.0 kPa (5.8 psi) (0.400 kgf/cm²)
Check and adjust tire pressures when the
tires are cold.
Tire pressures must be equal on both
sides.
Tire pressure below the minimum speci-
fied could cause the tire to dislodge from
the rim under severe riding conditions.
Minimum tire pressure:
Front:
37.0 kPa (5.3 psi) (0.370 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
37.0 kPa (5.3 psi) (0.370 kgf/cm²)
U3C262E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

5-6
5Use no more than the following pressures
when seating the tire beads.
Maximum tire seating pressure:
Front:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.5 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
250 kPa (36 psi) (2.5 kgf/cm²)
Higher pressures and fast inflation may
cause a tire to burst. Inflate the tires very
slowly and carefully.EBU19820Measuring the tire pressure Use the low-pressure tire gauge.NOTE:The low-pressure tire gauge is included as stan-
dard equipment. Make two measurements of the
tire pressure and use the second reading. Dust or
dirt in the gauge could cause the first reading to beincorrect.Set the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Set
the tire pressures to the following specifications:
1. Low-pressure tire gauge
U3C262E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

5-7
5
EBU19830Tire wear limit Replace the tire when the tire groove decreases to
3 mm (0.12 in).
EBU19840Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are prop-
erly tightened.EBU19850Instruments, lights and switches Check that all instruments, lights and switches are
working properly. Correct if necessary. Recommended pressure:
Fron t
40.0 kPa (5.8 psi) (0.400 kgf/cm²)
Rear
40.0 kPa (5.8 psi) (0.400 kgf/cm²)
Minimum:
Fron t
37.0 kPa (5.3 psi) (0.370 kgf/cm²)
Rear
37.0 kPa (5.3 psi) (0.370 kgf/cm²)
Maximum:
Fron t
43.0 kPa (6.2 psi) (0.430 kgf/cm²)
Rear
43.0 kPa (6.2 psi) (0.430 kgf/cm²)1. Tire wear limit
U3C262E0.book Page 7 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

7-6
7 in the Owner’s Manual. Failure to inspect the
ATV before operating or failure to properly
maintain the ATV increases the possibility of
an accident or equipment damage.
WARNING
EWB01440Always use the size and type tires specified in
the Owner’s Manual for this ATV on page 5-5.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual on page 5-6.
Use of improper tires on this ATV, or operation
of this ATV with improper or uneven tire pres-
sure, may cause loss of control, increasingyour risk of an accident.
Do not operate at speeds too fast for your skills
or the conditions.
WARNING
EWB01450Always go at a speed that is proper for the ter-
rain, visibility and operating conditions, and
your experience. Operating this ATV at speeds
too fast for your skills or the conditions in-
creases your chances of losing control of theATV, which can result in an accident.Speed limiter
For riders less experienced with this model, the
throttle lever housing is equipped with a speed lim-
iter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from fully
opening, even when the throttle lever is pushed to
the maximum. Turning in the adjusting screw limits
the maximum engine power available and de-
creases the maximum speed of the ATV. Turning
in the adjusting screw decreases top speed, and
turning it out increases top speed. (See page 4-7.)
1. Adjusting screw
U3C262E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM

8-1
8
EBU28781
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
EBU21670Safety is an obligation of the owner. Periodic in-
spection, adjustment and lubrication will keep your
ATV in the safest and best operating condition
possible. The most important points of inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are explained on the
following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart should be considered as a
general guide under normal riding conditions.
However, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER,
TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, AND
INDIVIDUAL USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORTENED.
WARNING
EWB01840Never service an engine while it is running.
Moving parts can catch clothing or parts of the
body, causing injury. Electrical components
can cause shocks or start fires. Turn off the en-
gine when performing maintenance unlessotherwise specified. Have a Yamaha dealer
perform the service if you are not familiar with
maintenance work.EBU21730Owner’s manual and tool kit Be sure to put this owner’s manual in the plastic
bag and always carry it on the bottom of the seat
as shown. Put the owner’s tool kit and low-pres-
sure tire gauge under the seat.1. Owner’s manual
2. Owner’s tool kit
3. Low-pressure tire gauge
U3C262E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 3:36 PM