2008 YAMAHA YZ450F length

FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha YZ 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
Yamaha 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
Yamaha 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.
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.

2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ450FX (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ450F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 2S2B (USA,CDN)
2S2C (EUROPE)
2S2E (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, CDN, AUS, NZ, ZA EUROPE
Overall length 2,194 mm (86.38 in) 2,195 mm (86.42 in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.48 in)
←
Overall height 1,306 mm (51.42 in)←
Seat height 990 mm (38.98 in) 1,001 mm (39.41 in)
Wheelbase 1,495 mm (58.86 in)
←
Minimum ground clearance 374 mm (14.72 in) 375 mm (14.76 in)
Dry weight:
Without oil and fuel 99.5 kg (219 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder, forward inclined
Displacement 449 cm
3 (15.8 Imp oz, 15.2 US oz)
Bore × stroke 95.0 × 63.4 mm (3.74 × 2.50 in)
Compression ratio 12.3 : 1
Starting system Kickstarter
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Oil type or grade:
Engine oil (For USA and CDN)
Yamalube 4, SAE10W30 or SAE20W40
Yamalube 4-R, SAE10W50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
(Except for USA and CDN)
SAE10W30, SAE10W40, SAE15W40,
SAE20W40 or SAE20W50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
Oil capacity:
Engine oil
Periodic oil change 0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt, 1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replacement 1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06 US qt)
Total amount 1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 0.99 L (0.87 Imp qt, 1.05 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
2

2-5
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Stem-to-guide clearance (IN) 0.010–0.037 mm (0.0004–0.0015 in) 0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Stem-to-guide clearance (EX) 0.020–0.047 mm (0.0008–0.0019 in) 0.10 mm (0.004
in)
Stem runout limit ---- 0.01 mm
(0.0004 in)
Valve seat width (IN) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve spring:
Free length (IN) 37.03 mm (1.46 in) 36.03 mm (1.42
in)
Free length (EX) 37.68 mm (1.48 in) 36.68 mm (1.44
in)
Set length (valve closed) (IN) 27.87 mm (1.10 in) ----
Set length (valve closed) (EX) 27.38 mm (1.08 in) ----
Compressed force (installed) (IN) 111.3–127.9 N at 27.87 mm (11.3–13.0 kg
at 27.87 mm, 24.91–28.66 lb at 1.10 in)----
Compressed force (installed) (EX) 127.4–146.4 N at 27.38 mm (13.0–14.9 kg
at 27.38 mm, 28.66–32.85 lb at 1.08 in)----
Tilt limit* (IN) ---- 2.5°/1.61 mm
(2.5°/0.063 in)
Tilt limit* (EX) ---- 2.5°/1.65 mm
(2.5°/0.065 in)
Direction of winding (top view) (IN) Clockwise ----
Direction of winding (top view) (EX) Clockwise ----
Piston:
Piston to cylinder clearance 0.020–0.045 mm (0.0008–0.0018 in) 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Piston size "D" 94.965–94.980 mm (3.7388–3.7394 in) ----
Measuring point "H" 8 mm (0.315 in) ---- Item Standard Limit

2-7
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Air filter oil grade: Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil ----
Clutch:
Friction plate thickness 2.92–3.08 mm (0.115–0.121 in) 2.8 mm (0.110
in)
Quantity 8 ----
Clutch plate thickness 1.5–1.7 mm (0.059–0.067 in) ----
Quantity 7 ----
Warp limit ---- 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Clutch spring free length 50.0 mm (1.97 in) 49.0 mm (1.93
in)
Quantity 6 ----
Clutch housing thrust clearance 0.10–0.35 mm (0.0039–0.0138 in) ----
Clutch housing radial clearance 0.010–0.044 mm (0.0004–0.0017 in) ----
Clutch release method Inner push, cam push ----
Shifter:
Shifter type Cam drum and guide bar ----
Guide bar bending limit ---- 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Kickstarter:
Type Kick and ratchet type ----
Carburetor:
Type/manufacturer FCR-MX39/KEIHIN ----
I. D. mark 2S2B B0 ----
Main jet (M.J) #160 ----
Main air jet (M.A.J) ø2.0 ----
Jet needle - clip position (J.N) NFLR-3 ----
Cutaway (C.A) 1.5 ----
Pilot jet (P.J) #45 ----
Pilot air jet (P.A.J) #100 ----
Pilot outlet (P.O) ø0.9 ----
Pilot screw (example) (P.S) 1-1/2 ----
Bypass (B.P) ø1.0 ----
Valve seat size (V.S) ø3.8 ----
Starter jet (G.S) #72 ----
Leak jet (Acc.P) #55 ----
Float height (F.H) 8 mm (0.31 in) ----
Engine idle speed 1,900–2,100 r/min ----
Intake vacuum 28.0–33.3 kPa (210–250 mmHg, 8.27–
9.84 inHg)----
Hot starter lever free play 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in) ----
Lubrication system:
Oil filter type Paper type ----
Oil pump type Trochoid type ----
Tip clearance 0.12 mm or less (0.0047 in or less) 0.20 mm (0.008
in) Item Standard Limit

2-8
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSISSide clearance 0.09–0.17 mm (0.0035–0.0067 in) 0.24 mm (0.009
in)
Housing and rotor clearance 0.03–0.10 mm (0.0012–0.0039 in) 0.17 mm (0.007
in)
Bypass valve setting pressure 40–80 kPa (0.4–0.8 kg/cm
2, 5.69–11.38
psi)----
Cooling:
Radiator core size
Width 120.2 mm (4.73 in) ----
Height 240 mm (9.45 in) ----
Thickness 22 mm (0.87 in) ----
Radiator cap opening pressure 110 kPa (1.1 kg/cm
2, 15.6 psi) ----
Radiator capacity (total) 0.56 L (0.49 Imp qt, 0.59 US qt) ----
Water pump
Type Single-suction centrifugal pump ----Item Standard Limit
Item Standard Limit
Steering system:
Steering bearing typeTaper roller bearing ----
Front suspension:
Front fork travel 300 mm (11.8 in) ----
Fork spring free length 454 mm (17.9 in) 449 mm (17.7
in)
Spring rate, STD K = 4.6 N/mm (0.469 kg/mm, 26.3 lb/in) ----
Optional spring Yes ----
Oil capacity 541 cm
3 (19.0 lmp oz, 18.3 US oz) ----
Oil grade Suspension oil "S1" ----
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.89 in) ----
Front fork top end 5 mm (0.20 in) ----
Rear suspension: USA, CDN, AUS, NZ,
ZAEUROPE
Shock absorber travel 131.5 mm (5.18 in)
←----
Spring free length Approx.275 mm (10.83
in)
←----
Fitting length
One I.D. mark 267 mm (10.51 in) 262 mm (10.31 in) ----
Two I.D. marks 273 mm (10.75 in) 268 mm (10.55 in) ----
Three I.D. marks 264.5 mm (10.41 in) 259.5 mm (10.22 in) ----

One I.D. mark 255.5–273.5 mm
(10.06–10.77 in)
←----
Two I.D. marks 261.5–279.5 mm
(10.30–11.00 in)
←----
Three I.D. marks 253.0–271.0 mm (9.96–
10.67 in)
←----
Spring rate, STD K = 54.0 N/mm (5.50 kg/
mm, 308.0 lb/in)
←----

2-9
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Optional spring Yes←----
Enclosed gas pressure 1,000 kPa (10 kg/cm
2,
142 psi)←----
Swingarm:
Swingarm free play limit
End ---- 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Wheel:
Front wheel type Spoke wheel ----
Rear wheel typeSpoke wheel ----
Front rim size/material 21 × 1.60/Aluminum ----
Rear rim size/material 19 × 2.15/Aluminum ----
Rim runout limit:
Radial ---- 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Lateral ---- 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Drive chain:
Type/manufacturer DID520DMA2 SDH/DAIDO ----
Number of links 113 links + joint ----
Chain slack 48–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in) ----
Chain length (15 links) ---- 242.9 mm
(9.563 in)
Front disc brake:
Disc outside dia.×Thickness 250 × 3.0 mm (9.84 × 0.12 in) 250 × 2.5 mm
(9.84 × 0.10 in)
Pad thickness 4.4 mm (0.17 in) 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Master cylinder inside dia. 9.52 mm (0.375 in) ----
Caliper cylinder inside dia. 22.65 mm (0.892 in) × 2 ----
Brake fluid type DOT #4 ----
Rear disc brake:
Disc outside dia.×Thickness 245 × 4.0 mm (9.65 × 0.16 in) 245 × 3.5 mm
(9.65 × 0.14 in)
Deflection limit ---- 0.15 mm
(0.006 in)
Pad thickness 6.4 mm (0.25 in) 1.0 mm (0.04
in)
Master cylinder inside dia. 11.0 mm (0.433 in) ----
Caliper cylinder inside dia. 25.4 mm (1.000 in) × 1 ----
Brake fluid type DOT #4 ----
Brake lever and brake pedal:
Brake lever position 95 mm (3.74 in) ----
Brake pedal height (vertical height above footrest
top)5 mm (0.20 in) ----
Clutch lever free play (lever end) 8–13 mm (0.31–0.51 in) ----
Throttle grip free play3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) ---- Item Standard Limit

2-15
TIGHTENING TORQUES
GENERAL TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
This chart specifies torque for stan-
dard fasteners with standard I.S.O.
pitch threads. Torque specifications
for special components or assem-
blies are included in the applicable
sections of this book. To avoid
warpage, tighten multi-fastener as-
semblies in a crisscross fashion, in
progressive stages, until full torque is
reached. Unless otherwise specified,
torque specifications call for clean,
dry threads. Components should be
at room temperature.A. Distance between flats
B. Outside thread diameter
DEFINITION OF UNITS
A
(Nut)B
(Bolt
)TORQUE SPECIFI-
CATION
Nm m•kg ft•lb
10
mm6 mm 6 0.6 4.3
12
mm8 mm 15 1.5 11
14
mm10
mm30 3.0 22
17
mm12
mm55 5.5 40
19
mm14
mm85 8.5 61
22
mm16
mm130 13 94
Unit Read Definition Measure
mm
millimeter 10-3 meter Length
cmcentimeter 10-2 meter Length
kgkilogram 103 gram Weight
NNewton 1 kg × m/sec2Force
NmNewton meter N × m Torque
m•kgMeter kilogram m × kg Torque
PaPascal N/m2Pressure
N/mmNewton per millimeter N/mm Spring rate
LLiter — Volume or capacity
cm3Cubic centimeter — Volume or capacity
r/minRevolution per minute — Engine speed

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.
CLUTCH
Inspect and adjust
●●Inspect housing, friction plate, clutch
plate and spring.
3