2009 YAMAHA YFZ450R stop start

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Indicator light and warning lights
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Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.
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Coolant temperature warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs during operation, stop theengine as soon as it is safe to do so and allow it to
cool down for about 10 minutes.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “ON”. If the warning
light does not come on, and then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical circuit.
NOTICE
ECB00010

The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.

Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage to
the engine.
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Fuel level warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the fuel level
drops below approximately 3.4 L (0.90 US gal,
0.75 Imp.gal). When this occurs, refuel as soon as
possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by setting the engine stop switch to “ ”
and turning the key to “ON”. If the warning light
does not come on, and then go off, have a Yamaha
dealer check the electrical circuit.
1. Fuel level warning light “ ”
2. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
3. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
4. Neutral indicator light “N”
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Engine trouble warning light “”
This warning light comes on or flashes when an
electrical circuit monitoring the engine is defective.
When this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer check
the self-diagnosis system.
The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked by turning the key to “ON”. If the warning
light does not come on, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical circuit.
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Handlebar switches
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Engine stop switch “/”
Set this switch to “ ” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch
to stop the engine in an emergency situation. The
engine will not start or run when this switch is set
to “ ”.
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Start switch “”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er.NOTICE
ECB00050
See the starting instructions on page 6-1 prior
to starting the engine.
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Light switch “/ /OFF”
Set this switch to “ ” to turn on the low beams
and the taillight. Set the switch to “ ” to turn on
the high beams and the taillight. Set the switch to
“OFF” to turn off all the lights.NOTICE

ECB00040
Do not use the headlights with the engine
1. Light switch “ / /OFF”
2. Engine stop switch “ / ”
3. Start switch “ ”
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OPERATION
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Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV.
WARNING

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Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. If there is a control or func-
tion you do not understand, ask your Yamaha
dealer.
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Starting the engine
WARNING

EWB00640
Always make sure all control cables work
smoothly before you begin riding in cold
weather. If the control cables are frozen or do
not work smoothly, you could be unable to
control the ATV, which could lead to an acci-
dent or collision.NOTICE
ECB00150
See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and the engine stop
switch to “ ”.
NOTICE

ECB00950
The coolant temperature warning light, fuel
level warning light and engine trouble warning
light should come on, then go off.
If a warning light does not go off, see page 4-2
for the corresponding warning light circuit
check.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral. The neutral
indicator light should come on, if it does not
come on, have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.
TIP

This model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. The engine can be started under the

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following conditions.

The transmission is in neutral.

The clutch is disengaged with the transmission
in gear. However, it is recommended to shift into
neutral before starting the engine.
4. Completely close the throttle lever and start
the engine by pushing the start switch.
TIP

If the engine fails to start, release the start switch,
then push it again. Pause a few seconds before
the next attempt. Each cranking should be as short
as possible to preserve battery energy. Do not
crank the engine more than 10 seconds on each
attempt.
NOTICE

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For maximum engine life, never accelerate
hard when the engine is cold!
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Shifting
This ATV has a 5-speed forward transmission. The
transmission allows you to control the amount of
power you have available at a given speed or for
starting, accelerating, climbing hills, etc.To shift into neutral, return the throttle lever to the
closed position, apply the clutch, and then repeat-
edly depress the shift pedal until it stops.
When it stops, it will be in first gear. Raise the pedal
slightly to reach the neutral position.
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To start out and accelerate
1. Release the throttle lever, and then release
the parking brake.
NOTICE

ECB00200
Always close the throttle before shifting gears,
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
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If you are climbing a hill and you find that you have
not properly judged your ability to make it to the
top, you should turn the ATV around while you still
have forward motion (provided you have the room
to do so) and go down the hill.
WARNING

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Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning onany hill. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill
if possible.
When crossing the side of a hill:

Always follow proper procedures as de-
scribed in the Owner’s Manual.

Avoid hills with excessively slippery or loose
surfaces.

Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
ATV.
If your ATV has stalled or stopped and you believe
you can continue up the hill, restart carefully to

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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

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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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slide. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the slide.
With practice, over a period of time, skill at con-
trolled sliding can be developed. The terrain
should be chosen carefully before attempting such
maneuvers, since both stability and control are re-
duced. Bear in mind that sliding maneuvers should
always be avoided on extremely slippery surfaces
such as ice, since all control may be lost.
WARNING

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Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smoothterrain.
On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice,
go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of
control.
WHAT TO DO IF...
This section is designed to be a reference guide
only. Be sure to read each section on riding tech-
niques completely.
WHAT TO DO...

If your ATV doesn’t turn when you want it to:
Bring the ATV to a stop and practice the turning
maneuvers again. Be sure you are putting your
weight on the footboard to the outside of the
turn. Position your weight over the front wheels
for better control. (See page 7-12.)

If your ATV begins to tip while turning:
Lean more into the turn to regain balance. If nec-
essary, gradually let off the throttle and/or steer
to the outside of the turn. (See page 7-12.)

If your ATV starts to slide sideways:
Steer in the direction of the slide if you have the
room. Applying the brakes or accelerating is not
recommended until you have corrected the

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slide. (See page 7-20.)

If your ATV can’t make it up a hill you are trying
to climb:
Turn the ATV around if you still have forward
speed. If not, stop, dismount on the uphill side of
the ATV and physically turn the ATV around. If
the ATV starts to slip backwards, DO NOT USE
THE REAR BRAKE – the ATV may tip over on
top of you. Dismount the ATV on the uphill side.
(See page 7-14.)

If your ATV is traversing a sloping surface:
Be sure to ride with your weight positioned to-
wards the uphill side of the ATV to maintain
proper balance. If the ATV starts to tip, steer
down the hill (if there are no obstacles in your
way) to regain balance. If you discover that the
ATV is going to tip over, dismount on the uphill
side. (See page 7-17.)

If your ATV encounters shallow water:
Ride slowly and carefully through slow moving
water, watching for obstacles. Be sure to let wa-
ter drain from the ATV and CHECK YOUR
BRAKES FOR PROPER OPERATION when
you come out of the water. Do not continue to
ride your ATV until you have regained adequate
braking ability. (See page 7-18.)