2008 YAMAHA YFZ450 parking brake

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WARNING

EWB01550
Always mount a caution flag on the ATV to
make you more visible when operating in areas
where you might not be seen by other vehicles.
Watch carefully for other vehicles.
Do not ride in areas posted “no trespassing”.
Do not ride on private property without getting per-
mission.Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar 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 use on unpaved
surfaces only, and handling maneuvers are more
difficult to perform on pavement.
Set the parking brake and follow the instruction on
page 6-1 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

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these components.
With the engine idling, pull the clutch lever to dis-
engage the clutch and shift into 1st gear, and then
release the parking brake. Open the throttle grad-
ually, and at the same time, release the clutch le-
ver slowly. Once the ATV has attained adequate
speed, release the throttle lever and at the same
time, quickly pull in the clutch lever and shift into
2nd gear. Open the throttle part way and gradually
release the clutch. Use this same procedure as
you move into the higher gears. Be sure to coordi-
nate the use of the throttle and shift pedal properly.
If the throttle is applied too abruptly or if the throttle
is not released during shifting, or if the shift pedal
is not released before applying the throttle, the
front wheels may lift off the ground, resulting in a
loss of directional control. Avoid higher speeds un-
til you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of
your ATV.
WARNING

EWB01720
Always open the throttle gradually and release
the clutch lever slowly. Otherwise, the ATV
could wheelie which would increase the
chance of an accident.CAUTION:

ECB00230
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 shifting
can cause the tires to lose traction, reducing con-
trol and increasing the possibility of an accident.WARNING
EWB01560
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.
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one
axle and turn together at the same speed. There-
fore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is al-
lowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will
resist turning. A special turning technique must be

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make sure you do not lift the front wheels which
could cause you to lose control. If you are unable
to continue up the hill, dismount the ATV on the up-
hill side. Physically turn the ATV around and then
descend the hill.
If you start to roll backwards, DO NOT apply the
rear brake to stop or try to put the ATV in gear. The
ATV could easily tip over backwards. Instead, ap-
ply the front brake gradually, or dismount the ATV
immediately on the uphill side.
WARNING

EWB01731
Use the proper gear and maintain a 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 pointedstraight uphill. Turn the ATV around and re-
mount, following the procedure described in
the Owner’s Manual.
RIDING DOWNHILL
When riding your ATV downhill, shift your weight
as far to the rear and uphill side of the ATV as pos-
sible. Move back on the seat and sit with your arms
straight. Choose a low gear which will allow the en-
gine compression to do most of the braking for
you. Improper braking may cause a loss of trac-

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EBU21864
General maintenance and lubrication chart
NO. ITEMCHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOBINITIAL EVERY
Whichev-
er comes
firstmonth 1 3 6 6 12
km
(mi)320
(200)1300
(800)2500
(1600)2500
(1600)5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 3201 Air filter element


Clean and replace if necessary.Every 20–40 hours (more often in wet or
dusty areas)
2
*
Clutch

Check operation and adjust if necessary.
√ √√√
3
*
Front brake


Check operation and correct if necessary.

Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.
√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4
*
Rear brake

Check operation and correct if necessary.

Check fluid level and ATV for fluid leakage, and
correct if necessary.
√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5
*
Brake hoses

Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary.
√√√√

Replace. Every 4 years
6
*
Parking brake

Check operation and adjust if necessary.
√√√√√
7
*
Wheels


Check runout and for damage, and replace if nec-
essary.
√ √√√
8
*
Tires


Check tread depth and for damage, and replace if
necessary.

Check air pressure and balance, and correct if
necessary.
√ √√√
9
*
Wheel hub bearings


Check for looseness or damage, and replace if
necessary.
√ √√√

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WARNING

EWB02110
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause loss of braking ability,
which could lead to an accident.
After servicing:

Make sure the brakes operate smoothly and
that the brake pedal position is correct.

Make sure the brakes do not drag.

Make sure the brakes are not spongy. All air
must be bled from the brake system.
Replacement of brake components requires
professional knowledge. These procedures
should be performed by a Yamaha dealer.
EBU24710
Adjusting the parking brake free play
The parking brake free play must be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Cable length “A” should measure 47–51 mm (1.9–
2.0 in). Adjust the parking brake free play as fol-
lows.
1. Release the parking brake by moving the
1. Brake pedal position
1

1. Adjusting bolt
2. Cable length “A”
3. Locknut
2
3
1

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parking brake lever to the right.
2. Fully loosen the locknut and the adjusting bolt
at the rear brake caliper.
3. Loosen the locknut on the brake cable.
4. Turn the adjusting nut on the brake cable in di-
rection (a) to increase the cable length, and in
direction (b) to decrease it.
NOTE:

If the cable length cannot be adjusted to specifica-
tion, consult a Yamaha dealer.
5. Tighten the locknut on the brake cable.6. Turn in the adjusting bolt at the rear brake cal-
iper until it feels tight, then turn it out 1/8 turn
and tighten its locknut to the specified torque.CAUTION:
ECB00520
When tightening the locknut, hold the adjust-
ing bolt with a wrench so that it does not turn
together with the locknut.WARNING
EWB02090
Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the brakes to malfunc-
tion, resulting in reduced braking
performance. This could increase the chance
of a collision or accident. After adjusting the
parking brake free play, block the rear of the
ATV off the ground and spin the rear wheels.
Check to make sure there is no brake drag. If
brake drag is noticed, perform the adjustment
again.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting nut
(a)
(b)
12

Tightening torque:
Locknut (rear brake caliper):
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)

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increasing the chance of an accident. Test the
brakes after washing. Apply the brakes several
times at slow speeds to let friction dry out the
linings.
EBU25932
Storage
Short-term
Always store your ATV in a cool, dry place and, if
necessary, protect it against dust with a porous
cover.
CAUTION:

ECB00720

Storing the ATV in a poorly ventilated room
or covering it with a tarp while it is still wet,
will allow water and humidity to seep in and
cause rust.

To prevent corrosion, avoid damp cellars,
stables (because of the presence of ammo-
nia) and areas where strong chemicals are
stored.
Long-term
Before storing your ATV for several months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the “Cleaning”section of this chapter.
2. Turn the fuel cock lever to “OFF”.
3. Drain the carburetor float chamber by loosen-
ing the drain bolt; this will prevent fuel deposits
from building up. Pour the drained fuel into the
fuel tank.
4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer (if
available) to prevent the fuel from deteriorat-
ing.
5. Perform the following steps to protect the cyl-
inder, piston rings, etc. from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug cap and spark
plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the
spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the spark
plug, and then place the spark plug on the
cylinder head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit sparking during
the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with
the starter. (This will coat the cylinder wall Specified amount:
7.5 ml of stabilizer to each liter of fuel (or 1 oz
of stabilizer to each gallon of fuel)

L
Label locations ................................................................2-1
Light switch .....................................................................4-3
M
Main switch .....................................................................4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ..................................8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ..................8-3
Model label....................................................................11-2
N
Neutral indicator light ......................................................4-1
O
Owner’s manual and tool kit............................................8-1
P
Panel, removing and installing ........................................8-9
Parking ............................................................................6-5
Parking brake free play, adjusting.................................8-37
Parking brake lever .........................................................4-6
Parking on a slope ..........................................................6-6
Part locations ..................................................................3-1
Pre-operation check list ..................................................5-1
R
Riding your ATV ..............................................................7-1
S
Safety information ...........................................................1-1
Seat...............................................................................4-11
Shifting ............................................................................6-3
Shift pedal .......................................................................4-7
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front ...........4-12
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting the rear ...............4-17
Spark arrester, cleaning ................................................8-28
Spark plug, checking.....................................................8-10Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter .................................................................. 4-4
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-10
Start switch .................................................................... 4-3
Storage .......................................................................... 9-2
Suspension, lubricating the upper and lower arm
pivots ......................................................................... 8-44
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ........................................ 8-43
T
Tail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-50
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ................................ 8-30
Throttle lever ...........................................................4-3
,
5-5
Tire pressure, measuring ............................................... 5-6
Tires ............................................................................... 5-5
Tire wear limit................................................................. 5-7
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-51
Troubleshooting charts ................................................ 8-52
V
Valve clearance ........................................................... 8-31
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1
W
Wheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-43
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-50
Wheel, removing .......................................................... 8-50