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come outdated due to improve-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", "Engine",
"Chassis", "Electrical" and "Tun-
ing"
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. 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
1-3
CHECKING OF CONNECTION
and help assure that all parts are
correctly reinstalled.
5. Keep away from fire.
ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS
1. We recommend to use Yamaha
genuine parts for all replace-
ments. Use oil and/or grease rec-
ommended by Yamaha for
assembly and adjustment.
GASKETS, OIL SEALS AND O-
RINGS
1. All gaskets, oil seals, and O-rings
should be replaced when an en-
gine is overhauled. All gasket sur-
faces, oil seal lips, and O-rings
must be cleaned.
2. Properly oil all mating parts and
bearings during reassembly. Ap-
ply grease to the oil seal lips.
LOCK WASHERS/PLATES AND
COTTER PINS
1. All lock washers/plates "1" and
cotter pins must be replaced
when they are removed. Lock
tab(s) should be bent along the
bolt or nut flat(s) after the bolt or
nut has been properly tightened.
BEARINGS AND OIL SEALS
1. Install the bearing(s) "1" and oil
seal(s) "2" with their manufactur-
er's marks or numbers facing out-
ward. (In other words, the
stamped letters must be on the
side exposed to view.) When in-
stalling oil seal(s), apply a light
coating of lightweight lithium base
grease to the seal lip(s). Oil the
bearings liberally when installing.
Do not use compressed air to spin
the bearings dry. This causes dam-
age to the bearing surfaces.
CIRCLIPS
1. All circlips should be inspected
carefully before reassembly. Al-
ways replace piston pin clips after
one use. Replace distorted cir-
clips. When installing a circlip "1",
make sure that the sharp-edged
corner "2" is positioned opposite
to the thrust "3" it receives. See
the sectional view.
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION
Dealing with stains, rust, moisture,
etc. on the connector.
1. Disconnect:
• Connector
2. Dry each terminal with an air
blower.
3. Connect and disconnect the con-
nector two or three times.
4. Pull the lead to check that it will
not come off.
5. If the terminal comes off, bend up
the pin "1" and reinsert the termi-
nal into the connector.6. Connect:
• Connector
The two connectors "click" together.
7. Check for continuity with a tester.
• If there in no continuity, clean the
terminals.
• Be sure to perform the steps 1 to 7
listed above when checking the
wire harness.
• For a field remedy, use a contact re-
vitalizer available on the market.
• Use the tester on the connector as
shown.
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
2-11
TIGHTENING TORQUES
Throttle cable (return) M12 × 1.0 1 11 1.1 8.0
Throttle cable cover M5 × 0.8 2 4 0.4 2.9
Hot starter plunger M12 × 1.0 1 2 0.2 1.4
Hot starter cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
Air filter element M6 × 1.0 1 2 0.2 1.4
Radiator stay M6 × 1.0 6 7 0.7 5.1
Radiator M6 × 1.0 4 10 1.0 7.2
Radiator hose clamp M6 × 1.0 8 2 0.2 1.4
Radiator pipe 1, 2 M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Impeller M8 × 1.25 1 14 1.4 10
Water pump housing cover M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Coolant drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil pump cover M4 × 0.7 1 2 0.2 1.4
Oil pump M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil pump drive gear shaft M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil filter element drain bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil filter element cover M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil pressure check bolt M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
△Oil hose clamp — 2 2 0.2 1.4
Crankshaft end accessing screw M27 × 1.5 1 10 1.0 7.2
Timing mark accessing screw M14 × 1.5 1 6 0.6 4.3
Clutch cover M6 × 1.0 7 10 1.0 7.2
Right crankcase cover M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Right crankcase cover M6 × 1.0 2 12 1.2 8.7
Left crankcase cover M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase M6 × 1.0 12 12 1.2 8.7
Clutch cable holder M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil drain bolt (right crankcase) M10 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Oil drain bolt (left crankcase) M8 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Oil check bolt (crankcase) M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Oil strainer M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase bearing stopper M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase bearing stopper (crankshaft) M6 × 1.0 4 14 1.4 10
Drive axle oil seal stopper M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Kick shaft ratchet wheel guide M6 × 1.0 2 12 1.2 8.7
Kickstarter crank M8 × 1.25 1 33 3.3 24
Screw (kickstarter crank) M6 × 1.0 1 7 0.7 5.1
Primary drive gear M20 × 1.0 1 110 11.0 80
Clutch boss M20 × 1.0 1 75 7.5 54
Clutch cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
Clutch spring M6 × 1.0 6 10 1.0 7.2
Balancer M10 × 1.0 1 45 4.5 32
Balancer shaft driven gear M14 × 1.0 1 50 5.0 36
Balancer weight M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
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
3-21
CHASSIS
LUBRICATION
To ensure smooth operation of all
components, lubricate your machine
during setup, after break-in, and after
every race.
1. All control cable
2. Clutch lever pivot
3. Shift pedal pivot
4. Footrest pivot
5. Throttle-to-handlebar contact
6. Drive chain
7. Tube guide cable winding por-
tion
8. Throttle cable end
9. Clutch cable end
10. Hot starter cable end
A. Use Yamaha cable lube or
equivalent on these areas.B. Use SAE 10W-30 motor oil or
suitable chain lubricants.
C. Lubricate the following areas
with high quality, lightweight lith-
ium-soap base grease.
Wipe off any excess grease, and
avoid getting grease on the brake
discs.
4-10
CARBURETOR
HANDLING NOTE
Do not loosen the screw (throttle
position sensor) "1" except when
changing the throttle position sen-
sor due to failure because it will
cause a drop in engine perfor-
mance.
REMOVING THE PILOT SCREW
1. Remove:
• Pilot screw "1"
To optimize the fuel flow at a small
throttle opening, each machine's pilot
screw has been individually set at the
factory. Before removing the pilot
screw, turn it in fully and count the
number of turns. Record this number
as the factory-set number of turns
out.
CHECKING THE CARBURETOR
1. Inspect:
• Carburetor body
Contamination
→Clean.
• Use a petroleum based solvent for
cleaning. Blow out all passages and
jets with compressed air.
• Never use a wire.
2. Inspect:
•Main jet "1"
• Pilot jet "2"
• Needle jet "3"
• Starter jet "4"
• Pilot air jet "5"
• Leak jet "6"Damage
→Replace.
Contamination
→Clean.
• Use a petroleum based solvent for
cleaning. Blow out all passages and
jets with compressed air.
• Never use a wire.
CHECKING THE NEEDLE VALVE
1. Inspect:
• Needle valve "1"
• Valve seat "2"
Grooved wear "a"
→Replace.
Dust "b"
→Clean.
• Filter "c"
Clogged
→Clean.
CHECKING THE THROTTLE
VALVE
1. Check:
• Free movement
Stick
→Repair or replace.
Insert the throttle valve "1" into the
carburetor body, and check for free
movement.
CHECKING THE JET NEEDLE
1. Inspect:
• Jet needle "1"
Bends/wear
→Replace.
• Clip groove
Free play exists/wear
→Replace.
• Clip positionMEASURING AND ADJUSTING
THE FLOAT HEIGHT
1. Measure:
• Float height "a"
Out of specification
→Adjust.
Measurement and adjustment
steps:
a. Hold the carburetor in an upside
down position.
• Slowly tilt the carburetor in the op-
posite direction, then take the mea-
surement when the needle valve
aligns with the float arm.
• If the carburetor is level, the weight
of the float will push in the needle
valve, resulting in an incorrect mea-
surement.
b. Measure the distance between
the mating surface of the float
chamber and top of the float using
a vernier calipers.
The float arm should be resting on the
needle valve, but not compressing
the needle valve.
c. If the float height is not within
specification, inspect the valve
seat and needle valve.
d. If either is worn, replace them
both.
e. If both are fine, adjust the float
height by bending the float tab "b"
on the float.
Standard clip position:
No.3 Groove
Float height:
8.0 mm (0.31 in)