2008 YAMAHA WR 450F length

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals. If
you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances●●The engine must be cold.
Inspect●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace●
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace●
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●
PISTON PIN
Inspect●
Replace●
CYLINDER HEAD Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Inspect and clean●Change gasket.
CYLINDER
Inspect and clean●Inspect score marks.
Replace●Inspect wear.

3-20
CHASSIS
3. Inspect:
• Brake fluid level
Refer to "CHECKING THE
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL" section.
4. Check:
• Brake pedal operation
A softy or spongy feeling→Bleed
brake system.
Refer to "BLEEDING THE HY-
DRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM" sec-
tion.
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE
PAD INSULATOR
1. Remove:
• Brake pad
Refer to "CHECKING AND RE-
PLACING THE REAR BRAKE
PADS" section.
2. Inspect:
• Rear brake pad insulator "1"
Damage→Replace.
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
1. Place the brake master cylinder
so that its top is in a horizontal po-
sition.
2. Inspect:
• Brake fluid level
Fluid at lower level→Fill up.
• Use only designated quality
brake fluid to avoid poor brake
performance.
• Refill with same type and brand
of brake fluid; mixing fluids
could result in poor brake perfor-
mance.
• Be sure that water or other con-
taminants do not enter master
cylinder when refilling.
• Clean up spilled fluid immediate-
ly to avoid erosion of painted
surfaces or plastic parts.
a. Lower level
A. Front
B. Rear
CHECKING THE SPROCKET
1. Inspect:
• Sprocket teeth "a"
Excessive wear→Replace.
Replace the drive sprocket, rear
wheel sprocket and drive chain as a
set.
CHECKING THE DRIVE CHAIN
1. Measure:
• Drive chain length (15 links) "a"
Out of specification→Replace.
• While measuring the drive chain
length, push down on the drive
chain to increase its tension.
• Measure the length between drive
chain roller "1" and "16" as shown.
• Perform this measurement at two or
three different places.
2. Remove:
• Drive chain "1"
Remove the drive chain using a drive
chain cutter "2".
3. Clean:
• Drive chain
Brush off as much dirt as possi-
ble. Then clean the drive chain
using the chain cleaner.
This machine has a drive chain
with small rubber O-rings "1" be-
tween the side plates. Steam
cleaning, high-pressure washes,
certain solvent and kerosene can
damage these O-rings.
4. Inspect:
• O-ring "1" (drive chain)
Damage→Replace the drive
chain.
•Roller "2"
• Side plate "3"
Damage/wear→Replace the
drive chain.
5. Check:
• Drive chain stiffness "a"
Clean and oil the drive chain and
hold as illustrated.
Stiff→Replace the drive chain.
6. Install:
• Chain joint "1"
• O-ring "2"
• Drive chain "3"
• Link plate "4" Recommended brake flu-
id:
DOT #4
Drive chain length (15
links):
: 239.3 mm
(9.42 in)

3-22
CHASSIS
1. Elevate the front wheel by placing
a suitable stand under the engine.
2. Remove the air bleed screw "1"
and release the internal pressure
from the front fork.
3. Install:
• Air bleed screw
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
REBOUND DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
COMPRESSION DAMPING FORCE
1. Remove:
• Rubber cap
2. Adjust:
• Compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
3. Install:
• Rubber capCHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:
• Swingarm smooth action
Abnormal noise/unsmooth action
→Grease the pivoting points or
repair the pivoting points.
Damage/oil leakage→Replace.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER SPRING PRELOAD
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing
the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Rear frame
3. Loosen:
• Locknut "1"
4. Adjust:
• Spring preload
By turning the adjuster "2".
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud
from around the locknut and adjust-
er before adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed)
changes 1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn
of the adjuster.
Air bleed screw:
1 Nm (0.1 m•kg, 0.7
ft•lb)
Stiffer "a" →Increase the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the re-
bound damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
8 clicks out
Stiffer "a" →Increase the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
9 clicks out
Stiffer →Increase the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2" in.)
Softer→Decrease the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2"
out.)
Spring length (installed)
"a":
Standard
lengthExtent of ad-
justment
252.5 mm (9.94
in)
* 251.5 mm
(9.90 in)238.5–258.5
mm (9.39–10.18
in)
* For EUROPE

4-6
CHASSIS
A. Air spring characteristics in
relation to oil level change
B. Load
C. Stroke
1. Max. oil level
2. Standard oil level
3. Min. oil level
ADJUSTING THE SPRING
PRELOAD
The spring preload is adjusted by in-
stalling the adjustment washer "1" be-
tween the fork spring "2" and damper
rod "3".
Do not install three or more adjust-
ment washers for each front fork.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
A. Load
B. Fork stroke
1. Without adjustment washer
(standard)
2. 1 adjustment washer
3. 2 adjustment washers
SETTING OF SPRING AFTER
REPLACEMENT
As the front fork setting can be easily
affected by rear suspension, take
care so that the machine front and
rear are balanced (in position, etc.)
when setting the front fork.
1. Use of soft spring
• Change the rebound damping.
Turn out one or two clicks.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
Turn in one or two clicks.
Generally a soft spring gives a soft
riding feeling. Rebound damping
tends to become stronger and the
front fork may sink deeply over a se-
ries of gaps.
2. Use of stiff spring
• Change the rebound damping.
Turn in one or two clicks.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
Turn out one or two clicks.
Generally a stiff spring gives a stiff
riding feeling. Rebound damping
tends to become weaker, resulting in
lack of a sense of contact with the
road surface or in a vibrating handle-
bar.
FRONT FORK SETTING PARTS
• Adjustment washer "1"
• Front fork spring "2"
The I.D. mark (slits) "a" is proved on
the end of the spring.
When using a spring with a spring
rate of 0.469 kg/mm, do not install
two or more adjustment washers
for each front fork.
REAR SUSPENSION SETTING
The rear suspension setting should
be made depending on the rider's
feeling of an actual run and the circuit
conditions.
The rear suspension setting includes
the following two factors:
1. Setting of spring preload
• Change the set length of the
spring.
• Change the spring. Standard oil level:
132 mm (5.20 in)
*125 mm (4.92 in)
Extent of adjustment:
95–150 mm (3.74–5.91
in)
From top of outer tube
with inner tube and
damper rod fully com-
pressed without
spring.
* For AUS, NZ , ZA and EUROPE
Standard washer quanti-
ty:
Zero adjustment wash-
ers
Extent of adjustment:
Zero–2 adjustment
washers
TYPE (thick-
ness)PART NUMBER
T = 2.3 mm (0.09
in)5XE-23364-00
TYPESPRI
NG
RATESPRING
PART
NUMBER
(-23141-)I.D.
MARK
(slits)
SOFT0.408 5TJ-00 |
0.418 5TJ-10 ||
0.428 5TJ-20 |||
0.438 5TJ-30 ||||
0.449 5TJ-40 |||||
STD 0.459 5TJ-L0 —
STIFF 0.469 5TJ-60 |-||

4-7
CHASSIS
2. Setting of damping force
• Change the rebound damping.
• Change the compression damp-
ing.
CHOOSING SET LENGTH
1. Place a stand or block under the
engine to put the rear wheel
above the floor, and measure the
length "a" between the rear wheel
axle center and the rear fender
holding bolt.
2. Remove the stand or block from
the engine and with a rider astride
the seat, measure the sunken
length "b" between the rear wheel
axle center and the rear fender
holding bolt.
3. Loosen the locknut "1" and make
adjustment by turning the spring
adjuster "2" to achieve the stan-
dard figure from the subtraction of
the length "b" from the length "a".
• If the machine is new and after it is
broken in, the same set length of
the spring may change because of
the initial fatigue, etc. of the spring.
Therefore, be sure to make reeval-
uation.
• If the standard figure cannot be
achieved by adjusting the spring
adjuster and changing the spring
set length, replace the spring with
an optional one and make re-ad-
justment.
SETTING OF SPRING AFTER
REPLACEMENT
After replacement, be sure to adjust
the spring to the set length [sunken
length 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)] and
set it.
1. Use of soft spring
• Set the soft spring for less re-
bound damping to compensate
for its less spring load. Run with
the rebound damping adjuster
one or two clicks on the softer
side and readjust it to suit your
preference.
2. Use of stiff spring
• Set the soft spring for more re-
bound damping to compensate
for its greater spring load. Run
with the rebound damping adjust-
er one or two clicks on the stiffer
side and readjust it to suit your
preference.
Adjusting the rebound damping will
be followed more or less by a change
in the compression damping. For cor-
rection, turn the low compression
damping adjuster on the softer side.
When using a rear shock absorber
other than currently installed, use
the one whose overall length "a"
does not exceed the standard as it
may result in faulty performance.
Never use one whose overall
length is greater than standard.
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
SETTING PARTS
• Rear shock spring "1"
The I.D. color "a" is marked at the end
of the spring.
• Extent of adjustment (spring length) Standard figure:
90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)
Length "a" of standard
shock:
488.5 mm (19.23 in)
TY
PESPR
ING
RAT
ESPRIN
G
PART
NUM-
BER (-
22212-)I.D.
COLOR/
POINTSPRI
NG
FRE
E
LEN
GTH
SO
FT4.3 5UN-00 Brown/1 260
4.5 5UN-10 Green/1 260
4.7 5UN-20 Red/1 260
4.9 5UN-30 Black/1 260
5.1 5UN-40 Blue/1 260
5.3 5UN-50Yellow/
1260
ST
D5.5 5UN-60 Pink/1 260
STI
FF5.7 5UN-70 White/1 260
SPRING FREE
LENGTHEXTENT OF AD-
JUSTMENT "b"
260 mm (10.24
in)238.5–258.5
mm (9.39–10.18
in)

4-8
CHASSIS
SUSPENSION SETTING (FRONT FORK)
• If any of the following symptoms is experienced with the standard position as the base, make resetting by reference to
the adjustment procedure given in the same chart.
• Before any change, set the rear shock absorber sunken length to the standard figure 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in).
SymptomSection
Check Adjust
JumpLarge
gapMedi-
um
gapSmall
gap
Stiff over entire
range○○○Compression damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Oil level (oil amount) Decrease oil level by about 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in).
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Unsmooth move-
ment over entire
range○○○○Outer tube Check for any bends, dents, and other noticeable
scars, etc. If any, replace affected parts.
Inner tube
Under bracket tighten-
ing torqueRetighten to specified torque.
Poor initial move-
ment○Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Oil seal Apply grease in oil seal wall.
Soft over entire
range, bottoming
out○○Compression damping Turn adjuster clockwise (about 2 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
Oil level (oil amount) Increase oil level by about 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in).
Spring Replace with stiff spring.
Stiff toward stroke
end○Oil level (oil amount) Decrease oil level by about 5 mm (0.2 in).
Soft toward stroke
end, bottoming out○Oil level (oil amount) Increase oil level by about 5 mm (0.2 in).
Stiff initial move-
ment○○○○Compression dampingTurn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Low front, tending to
lower front posture○○Compression damping Turn adjuster clockwise (about 2 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Balance with rear end Set sunken length for 95–100 mm (3.7–3.9 in)
when one passenger is astride seat (lower rear
posture).
Oil level (oil amount) Increase oil level by about 5 mm (0.2 in).
"Obtrusive" front,
tending to upper
front posture○○Compression damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Balance with rear end Set sunken length for 90–95 mm (3.5–3.7 in)
when one passenger is astride seat (upper rear
posture).
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Oil level (oil amount) Decrease oil level by about 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in).

4-9
CHASSIS
SUSPENSION SETTING (REAR SHOCK ABSORBER)
• If any of the following symptoms is experienced with the standard position as the base, make resetting by reference to
the adjustment procedure given in the same chart.
• Adjust the rebound damping in 2-click increments or decrements.
• Adjust the low compression damping in 1-click increments or decrements.
• Adjust the high compression damping in 1/6 turn increments or decrements.
SymptomSection
Check Adjust
JumpLarge
gapMedi-
um
gapSmall
gap
Stiff, tending to sink○○Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Spring set length Set sunken length for 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)
when one passenger is astride seat.
Spongy and unsta-
ble○○Rebound damping Turn adjuster clockwise (about 2 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
Low compression
dampingTurn adjuster clockwise (about 1 click) to increase
damping.
Spring Replace with stiff spring.
Heavy and dragging○○Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Poor road gripping○Rebound damping Turn adjuster counterclockwise (about 2 clicks) to
decrease damping.
Low compression
dampingTurn adjuster clockwise (about 1 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
High compression
dampingTurn adjuster clockwise (about 1/6 turn) to in-
crease damping.
Spring set length Set sunken length for 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)
when one passenger is astride seat.
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Bottoming out○○High compression
dampingTurn adjuster clockwise (about 1/6 turn) to in-
crease damping.
Spring set length Set sunken length for 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)
when one passenger in astride seat.
Spring Replace with stiff spring.
Bouncing○○Rebound damping Turn adjuster clockwise (about 2 clicks) to in-
crease damping.
Spring Replace with soft spring.
Stiff travel○○High compression
dampingTurn adjuster counterclockwise (about 1/6 turn) to
decrease damping.
Spring set length Set sunken length for 90–100 mm (3.5–3.9 in)
when one passenger is astride seat.
Spring Replace with soft spring.

5-17
CAMSHAFTS
REMOVING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw
"2"
2. Align:
• T.D.C. mark
With align mark.
Checking steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
b. Align the T.D.C. mark "a" on the
rotor with the align mark "b" on the
crankcase cover when piston is at
T.D.C. on compression stroke.
In order to be sure that the piston is at
Top Dead Center, the punch mark "c"
on the exhaust camshaft and the
punch mark "d" on the intake cam-
shaft must align with the cylinder
head surface, as shown in the illustra-
tion.
3. Remove:
• Timing chain tensioner cap bolt
"1"
• Timing chain tensioner "2"
• Gasket4. Remove:
• Bolt (camshaft cap) "1"
• Camshaft cap "2"
• Clip
Remove the bolts (camshaft cap) in a
crisscross pattern, working from the
outside in.
The bolts (camshaft cap) must be
removed evenly to prevent dam-
age to the cylinder head, cam-
shafts or camshaft caps.
5. Remove:
• Exhaust camshaft "1"
• Intake camshaft "2"
Attach a wire "3" to the timing chain to
prevent it from falling into the crank-
case.
CHECKING THE CAMSHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Cam lobe
Pitting/scratches/blue discolora-
tion→Replace.
2. Measure:
• Cam lobe length "a" and "b"
Out of specification→Replace.3. Measure:
• Runout (camshaft)
Out of specification→Replace.
4. Measure:
• Camshaft-to-cap clearance
Out of specification→Measure
camshaft outside diameter.
Cam lobes length:
Intake "a":
30.100–30.200 mm
(1.1850–1.1890 in)
:
30.000 mm (1.1811 in)
Intake "b":
22.450–22.550 mm
(0.8839–0.8878 in)
:
22.350 mm (0.8799 in)
Exhaust "a":
30.200–30.300 mm
(1.1890–1.1929 in)
:
30.100 mm (1.1850 in)
Exhaust "b":
22.450–22.550 mm
(0.8839–0.8878 in)
:
22.350 mm (0.8799 in)
Runout (camshaft):
Less than 0.03 mm
(0.0012 in)