2008 YAMAHA WR 450F engine

FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha WR series. This model is
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents
the highest grade of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any
questions about this manual or your
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality.
Therefore, while this manual contains
the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between
your machine and this manual. If you
have any questions concerning this
manual, please consult your Yamaha
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE,
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF
THIS MACHINE.
PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
The Safety Alert Symbol means AT-
TENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED!Failure to follow WARNING instruc-
tions could result in severe injury or
death to the machine operator, a by-
stander, or a person inspecting or re-
pairing the machine.
A CAUTION indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the machine.
A NOTE provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may be illegal. Please
check local regulations before riding.
1. THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OP-
ERATED BY AN EXPERI-
ENCED RIDER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this
machine at maximum power
until you are totally familiar
with its characteristics.
2. THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
TO BE RIDDEN BY THE OP-
ERATOR ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on
this machine.
3. ALWAYS WEAR PROTEC-
TIVE APPAREL.
When operating this ma-
chine, always wear an ap-
proved helmet with goggles
or a face shield. Also wear
heavy boots, gloves, and pro-
tective clothing. Always wear
proper fitting clothing that
will not be caught in any of
the moving parts or controls
of the machine.
4. ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR
MACHINE IN PROPER
WORKING ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the
machine must be properly
maintained. Always perform
the pre-operation checks in-
dicated in this manual. Cor-
recting a mechanical problem
before you ride may prevent
an accident.
5. GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAM-
MABLE.
Always turn off the engine
while refueling. Take care to
not spill any gasoline on the
engine or exhaust system.
Never refuel in the vicinity of
an open flame, or while
smoking.
6. GASOLINE CAN CAUSE IN-
JURY.
If you should swallow some
gasoline, inhale excess gaso-
line vapors, or allow any gas-
oline to get into your eyes,
contact a doctor immediately.
If any gasoline spills onto
your skin or clothing, imme-
diately wash skin areas with
soap and water, and change
your clothes.
7. ONLY OPERATE THE MA-
CHINE IN AN AREA WITH AD-
EQUATE VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it
run for any length of time in
an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes are poisonous. These
fumes contain carbon mon-
oxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon
monoxide is a dangerous gas
which can cause uncon-
sciousness or can be lethal.
8. PARK THE MACHINE CARE-
FULLY; TURN OFF THE EN-
GINE.
Always turn off the engine if
you are going to leave the
machine. Do not park the ma-
chine on a slope or soft
ground as it may fall over.

TO THE NEW OWNER
This manual will provide you with a
good basic understanding of fea-
tures, operation, and basic mainte-
nance and inspection items of this
machine. Please read this manual
carefully and completely before oper-
ating your new machine. If you have
any questions regarding the opera-
tion or maintenance of your machine,
please consult your Yamaha dealer.
This manual should be considered a
permanent part of this machine and
should remain with it even if the ma-
chine is subsequently sold.
NOTICE
Some data in this manual may be-
come outdated due to improve-
ments made to this model in the
future. If there is any question you
have regarding this manual or your
machine, please consult your
Yamaha dealer.
F.I.M. MACHINE WEIGHTS
Weights of machines without fuel
The minimum weights for motocross
machines are:
for the class 125 cc:
minimum 88 kg (194 lb)
for the class 250 cc:
minimum 98 kg (216 lb)
for the class 500 cc:
minimum 102 kg (225 lb)
In modifying your machine (e.g., for
weight reduction), take note of the
above limits of weight.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
FINDING THE REQUIRED PAGE
1. This manual consists of seven
chapters; "General Information",
"Specifications", "Regular inspec-
tion and adjustments", "Tuning",
"Engine", "Chassis" and "Electri-
cal".
2. The table of contents is at the be-
ginning of the manual. Look over
the general layout of the book be-
fore finding then required chapter
and item.
Bend the book at its edge, as
shown, to find the required fore
edge symbol mark and go to a
page for required item and de-
scription.
MANUAL FORMAT
All of the procedures in this manual
are organized in a sequential, step-
by-step format. The information has
been complied to provide the me-
chanic with an easy to read, handy
reference that contains comprehen-
sive explanations of all disassembly,
repair, assembly, and inspection op-
erations.
In this revised format, the condition of
a faulty component will precede an
arrow symbol and the course of ac-
tion required will follow the symbol,
e.g.,
•Bearings
Pitting/damage→Replace. 9. THE ENGINE, EXHAUST
PIPE, MUFFLER, AND OIL
TANK WILL BE VERY HOT
AFTER THE ENGINE HAS
BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them
or to allow any clothing item
to contact them during in-
spection or repair.
10. PROPERLY SECURE THE
MACHINE BEFORE TRANS-
PORTING IT.
When transporting the ma-
chine in another vehicle, al-
ways be sure it is properly
secured and in an upright po-
sition and that the fuel cock is
in the "OFF" position. Other-
wise, fuel may leak out of the
carburetor or fuel tank.

HOW TO READ DESCRIPTIONS
To help identify parts and clarify pro-
cedure steps, there are exploded dia-
grams at the start of each removal
and disassembly section.
1. An easy-to-see exploded diagram
"1" is provided for removal and
disassembly jobs.
2. Numbers "2" are given in the or-der of the jobs in the exploded di-
agram. A number that is enclosed
by a circle indicates a disassem-
bly step.
3. An explanation of jobs and notes
is presented in an easy-to-read
way by the use of symbol marks
"3". The meanings of the symbol
marks are given on the next page.4. A job instruction chart "4" accom-
panies the exploded diagram,
providing the order of jobs, names
of parts, notes in jobs, etc.
5. For jobs requiring more informa-
tion, the step-by-step format sup-
plements "5" are given in addition
to the exploded diagram and job
instruction chart.
ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS (Refer to
the illustration)Illustrated symbols "1" to "7" are used
to identify the specifications appear-
ing in the text.
1. With engine mounted
2. Filling fluid
3. Lubricant
4. Special tool
5. Tightening
6. Specified value, Service limit
7. Resistance (Ω), Voltage (V),
Electric current (A)
Illustrated symbols "8" to "13" in the
exploded diagrams indicate grade of
lubricant and location of lubrication
point.
8. Apply engine oil
9. Apply molybdenum disulfide oil
10. Apply brake fluid
11. Apply lightweight lithium-soap
base grease
12. Apply molybdenum disulfide
grease
13. Apply silicone grease
Illustrated symbols "14" to "15" in the
exploded diagrams indicate where to
apply a locking agent and where to in-
stall new parts.14. Apply locking agent (LOC-
TITE
®)
15. Use new one
1
23
45

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION1
SPECIFICATIONS2
REGULAR INSPECTION AND
ADJUSTMENTS
3
TUNING4
ENGINE5
CHASSIS6
ELECTRICAL7

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-1
MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION ............. 1-2
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-2
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-2
CHECKING OF CONNEC-
TION ................................. 1-3
SPECIAL TOOLS ............. 1-4
CONTROL FUNCTIONS .. 1-8
MULTI-FUNCTION
DISPLAY .......................... 1-9
STARTING AND
BREAK-IN ...................... 1-14
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-16
CLEANING AND
STORAGE ...................... 1-17
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICA-
TIONS ............................... 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-4
TIGHTENING
TORQUES ...................... 2-13
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-19
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-21
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-
JUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE................ 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS ........................ 3-17
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-27
CHAPTER 4
TUNING
ENGINE ............................ 4-1
CHASSIS .......................... 4-5
CHAPTER 5
ENGINE
RADIATOR ....................... 5-1
CARBURETOR................. 5-4
AIR INDICTOIN
SYSTEM ......................... 5-13
CAMSHAFTS.................. 5-15
CYLINDER HEAD........... 5-20
VALVES AND VALVE
SPRINGS ........................ 5-23
CYLINDER AND
PISTON ........................... 5-27
CLUTCH ......................... 5-30
OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP ....... 5-34
BALANCER .................... 5-38
OIL PUMP ....................... 5-40
KICK SHAFT AND SHIFT
SHAFT ............................ 5-43
AC MAGNETO AND
STARTER CLUTCH ....... 5-48
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 5-53CRANKCASE AND
CRANKSHAFT ...............5-57
TRANSMISSION, SHIFT
CAM AND SHIFT
FORK ..............................5-63
CHAPTER 6
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL AND
REAR WHEEL ..................6-1
FRONT BRAKE AND
REAR BRAKE ..................6-6
FRONT FORK .................6-16
HANDLEBAR..................6-23
STEERING ......................6-27
SWINGARM ....................6-31
REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER ....................6-36
CHAPTER 7
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL COMPO-
NENTS AND WIRING DIA-
GRAM ...............................7-1
IGNITION SYSTEM...........7-3
ELECTRIC STARTING
SYSTEM............................7-5
CHARGING SYSTEM .....7-13
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM .........7-15
LIGHTING SYSTEM .......7-18
SIGNALING SYSTEM.....7-20

1-1
DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Hot starter lever
3. Engine stop switch
4. Multi-function display
5. Main switch
6. Start switch
7. Front brake lever
8. Throttle grip
9. Radiator cap
10. Fuel tank cap
11. Taillight
12. Kickstarter crank
13. Fuel tank14. Headlight
15. Radiator
16. Coolant drain bolt
17. Rear brake pedal
18. Valve joint
19. Fuel cock
20. Cold starter knob
21. Air cleaner
22. Catch tank
23. Drive chain
24. Shift pedal
25. Oil dipstick
26. Front fork
1

1-2
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION
MACHINE IDENTIFICATION
There are two significant reasons for
knowing the serial number of your
machine:
1. When ordering parts, you can
give the number to your Yamaha
dealer for positive identification of
the model you own.
2. If your machine is stolen, the au-
thorities will need the number to
search for and identify your ma-
chine.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
The vehicle identification number "1"
is stamped on the right of the steering
head pipe.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The engine serial number "1" is
stamped into the elevated part of the
right-side of the engine.
MODEL LABEL
The model label "1" is affixed to the
frame under the rider's seat. This in-
formation will be needed to order
spare parts.
INCLUDED PARTS
VALVE JOINT
This valve joint "1" prevents fuel from
flowing out and is installed to the fuel
tank breather hose.
In this installation, make sure the
arrow faces the fuel tank and also
downward.
SPARK PLUG WRENCH
This spark plug wrench "1" is used to
remove and install the spark plug.
NIPPLE WRENCH
This nipple wrench "1" is used to
tighten the spoke.
JET NEEDLE PULL-UP TOOL
The jet needle pull-up tool "1" is used
to pull the jet needle out of the carbu-
retor.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL
AND DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove all dirt, mud, dust, and
foreign material before removal
and disassembly.
• When washing the machine with
high pressured water, cover the
parts follows.
Silencer exhaust port
Side cover air intake port
Water pump housing hole at the
bottom
Drain hole on the cylinder head
(right side)
All electrical components2. Use proper tools and cleaning
equipment. Refer to "SPECIAL
TOOLS" section.
3. When disassembling the ma-
chine, keep mated parts together.
They include gears, cylinders,
pistons, and other mated parts
that have been "mated" through
normal wear. Mated parts must
be reused as an assembly or re-
placed.
4. During the machine disassembly,
clean all parts and place them in
trays in the order of disassembly.
This will speed up assembly time
and help assure that all parts are
correctly reinstalled.
5. Keep away from fire.

1-8
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
MAIN SWITCH
Functions of the respective switch po-
sitions are as follows:
ON:
The engine can be started only at this
position.
OFF:
All electrical circuits are switched off.
Main switch indicator light
The main switch "1" is equipped with
an indicator light "2" to avoid forget-
ting to turn it off. This light functions
as follows.
• It lights up with the main switch
"ON".
• It goes out when the engine in-
creases its speed after being start-
ed.
• It lights up again when the engine is
stopped.
If the indicator light will not light up
with the main switch "ON", it shows a
lack of the battery voltage. Recharge
the battery.
ENGINE STOP SWITCH
The engine stop switch "1" is located
on the left handlebar. Continue push-
ing the engine stop switch till the en-
gine comes to a stop.
START SWITCH
The start switch "1" is located on the
right handlebar. Push this switch to
crank the engine with the starter.CLUTCH LEVER
The clutch lever "1" is located on the
left handlebar; it disengages or en-
gages the clutch. Pull the clutch lever
to the handlebar to disengage the
clutch, and release the lever to en-
gage the clutch. The lever should be
pulled rapidly and released slowly for
smooth starts.
SHIFT PEDAL
The gear ratios of the constant-mesh
5 speed transmission are ideally
spaced. The gears can be shifted by
using the shift pedal "1" on the left
side of the engine.
KICKSTARTER CRANK
Rotate the kickstarter crank "1" away
from the engine. Push the starter
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, then kick smoothly
and forcefully to start the engine. This
model has a primary kickstarter crank
so the engine can be started in any
gear if the clutch is disengaged. In
normal practices, however, shift to
neutral before starting.
THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip "1" is located on the
right handlebar; it accelerates or de-
celerates the engine. For accelera-
tion, turn the grip toward you; for
deceleration, turn it away from you.FRONT BRAKE LEVER
The front brake lever "1" is located on
the right handlebar. Pull it toward the
handlebar to activate the front brake.
REAR BRAKE PEDAL
The rear brake pedal "1" is located on
the right side of the machine. Press
down on the brake pedal to activate
the rear brake.
FUEL COCK
The fuel cock supplies fuel from the
tank to carburetor and also filters the
fuel. The fuel cock has the three posi-
tions:
OFF:
With the lever in this position, fuel will
not flow. Always return the lever to
this position when the engine is not
running.
ON:
With the lever in this position, fuel
flows to the carburetor. Normal riding
is done with the lever in this position.
RES:
With the lever in this position fuel
flows to the carburetor from the re-
serve section of the fuel tank after the
main supply of the fuel has been de-
pleted. Normal riding is possible with
the lever is in this position, but it is
recommended to add fuel as soon as
possible.