2008 YAMAHA YZ450F brakes

1-12
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
CLEANING
Frequent cleaning of your machine
will enhance its appearance, maintain
good overall performance, and ex-
tend the life of many components.
1. Before washing the machine,
block off the end of the exhaust
pipe to prevent water from enter-
ing. A plastic bag secured with a
rubber band may be used for this
purpose.
2. If the engine is excessively
greasy, apply some degreaser to
it with a paint brush. Do not apply
degreaser to the chain, sprockets,
or wheel axles.
3. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off
with a garden hose; use only
enough pressure to do the job.
Excessive hose pressure may
cause water seepage and contami-
nation of wheel bearings, front
forks, brakes and transmission
seals. Many expensive repair bills
have resulted from improper high
pressure detergent applications
such as those available in coin-op-
erated car washers.
4. After the majority of the dirt has
been hosed off, wash all surfaces
with warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Use an old toothbrush to
clean hard-to-reach places.
5. Rinse the machine off immediate-
ly with clean water, and dry all
surfaces with a soft towel or cloth.
6. Immediately after washing, re-
move excess water from the
chain with a paper towel and lubri-
cate the chain to prevent rust.
7. Clean the seat with a vinyl uphol-
stery cleaner to keep the cover
pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive wax may be applied
to all painted or chromed surfac-
es. Avoid combination cleaner-
waxes, as they may contain abra-
sives.
9. After completing the above, start
the engine and allow it to idle for
several minutes.
STORAGE
If your machine is to be stored for 60
days or more, some preventive mea-
sures must be taken to avoid deterio-
ration. After cleaning the machine
thoroughly, prepare it for storage as
follows:
1. Drain the fuel tank, fuel lines, and the carburetor float bowl.
2. Remove the spark plug, pour a ta-
blespoon of SAE 10W-30 motor
oil in the spark plug hole, and re-
install the plug. With the engine
stop switch pushed in, kick the en-
gine over several times to coat the
cylinder walls with oil.
3. Remove the drive chain, clean it
thoroughly with solvent, and lubri-
cate it. Reinstall the chain or store
it in a plastic bag tied to the frame.
4. Lubricate all control cables.
5. Block the frame up to raise the
wheels off the ground.
6. Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust
pipe outlet to prevent moisture
from entering.
7. If the machine is to be stored in a
humid or salt-air environment,
coat all exposed metal surfaces
with a film of light oil. Do not apply
oil to rubber parts or the seat cov-
er.
Make any necessary repairs before
the machine is stored.

3-2
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
Replace●
TRANSMISSION
Inspect
●
Replace bearing●
SHIFT FORK, SHIFT CAM,
GUIDE BAR
Inspect
●Inspect wear.
ROTOR NUT
Retighten
●●
EXHAUST PIPE, SILENCER,
PROTECTOR
Inspect and retighten
●●
Clean●
Replace●* Whichever comes first
CRANK
Inspect and clean
●●
CARBURETOR
Inspect, adjust and clean
●●
SPARK PLUG
Inspect and clean
●●
Replace●
DRIVE CHAIN Use chain lube.
Lubricate, slack, alignment
●●Chain slack: 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in)
Replace
●
COOLING SYSTEM
Check coolant level and leakage
●●
Check radiator cap operation●
Replace coolant●Every two years
Inspect hoses
●
OUTSIDE NUTS AND BOLTS
Retighten
●●Refer to "STARTING AND BREAK-
IN" section in the CHAPTER 1.
AIR FILTER
Clean and lubricate
●●Use foam air-filter oil or equivalent oil.
Replace
●
OIL FILTER
Replace
●●
FRAME
Clean and inspect
●●
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect
●●
BRAKES
Adjust lever position and pedal
height
●●
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks

3-4
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCETHROTTLE, CONTROL CABLE
Check routing and connection
●●Yamaha cable lube or SAE 10W-30
motor oil
Lubricate
●●
HOT STARTER, CLUTCH LEVER
Inspect free play
●
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-5 – 6
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank. Check the fuel
line for leakage.P.1-8
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crankcase and oil line
for leakage.P.3-8 – 9
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-6
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-6 – 7
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-13 – 15
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-16
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-19
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-19 – 20
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-17 – 19
Cables (wires)Check that the clutch and throttle cables move smoothly. Check
that they are not caught when the handlebars are turned or when
the front forks travel up and down.—
Exhaust pipe Check that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and has no cracks. P.4-3 – 4
Rear wheel sprocket Check that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is not loose. P.3-15 – 16
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-21
Bolts and nuts Check the chassis and engine for loose bolts and nuts. P.1-11
Lead connectorsCheck that the CDI magneto, CDI unit, and ignition coil are con-
nected tightly.P.1-3
SettingsIs the machine set suitably for the condition of the racing course
and weather or by taking into account the results of test runs be-
fore racing? Are inspection and maintenance completely done?P.7-1 – 10