2009 YAMAHA YZ450F Owners Manual

3-3
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
FUEL TANK, COCK
Clean and inspect●●
BRAKES
Adjust lever position and pedal
height●●
Lubricate pivot point●●
Check brake disc surface●●
Check fluid level and leakage●●
Retighten brake disc bolts, cali-
per bolts, master cylinder bolts
and union bolts●●
Replace pads●
Replace brake fluid●Every one year
FRONT FORKS
Inspect and adjust●●
Replace oil●●Suspension oil "S1"
Replace oil seal●
FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND
DUST SEAL
Clean and lube●●Lithium base grease
PROTECTOR GUIDE
Replace●
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
Inspect and adjust●●
Lube●(After
rain
ride)●Molybdenum disulfide grease
Replace spring seat●Every one year
Retighten●●
DRIVE CHAIN GUIDE AND
ROLLERS
Inspect●●
SWINGARM
Inspect, lube and retighten●●Molybdenum disulfide grease
RELAY ARM, CONNECTING
ROD
Inspect, lube and retighten●●Molybdenum disulfide grease
STEERING HEAD
Inspect free play and retighten●●
Clean and lube●Lithium base grease
Replace bearing● ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks

3-4
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
TIRE, WHEELS
Inspect air pressure, wheel run-
out, tire wear and spoke loose-
ness●●
Retighten sprocket bolt●●
Inspect bearings●
Replace bearings●
Lubricate●Lithium base grease
THROTTLE, 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

3-5
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 MAINTENANCE
Item Routine Page
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap. Check the cool-
ing system for leakage.P.3-6 – 7
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.3-9 – 10
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and that the
clutch operates smoothly.P.3-7
Throttle grip/HousingCheck that the throttle grip operation and free play are correctly
adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and housing, if necessary.P.3-7 – 8
Brakes Check the play of front brake and effect of front and rear brake. P.3-14 – 16
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that the drive chain
is lubricated properly.P.3-17 – 18
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check for loose
spokes and have no excessive play.P.3-20 – 21
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and have no ex-
cessive play.P.3-21 – 22
Front forks and rear shock
absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil leakage.
P.3-18 – 20
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.3-17
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. P.3-23
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

3-6
ENGINE
ENGINE
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which
could cause serious injury. When
the engine has cooled, place a
thick towel over the radiator cap,
slowly rotate the cap counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual
pressure to escape. When the
hissing sound has stopped, press
down on the cap while turning
counterclockwise and remove it.
Hard water or salt water is harmful
to the engine parts. You may use
distilled water, if you can't get soft
water.
1. Place the machine on a level
place, and hold it in an upright po-
sition.
2. Remove:
• Radiator cap
3. Check:
• Coolant level "a"
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
1. Radiator
CHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
Take care so that coolant does not
splash on painted surfaces. If it
splashes, wash it away with water.
1. Place a container under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Engine guard "1"
• Coolant drain bolt "2"
3. Remove:
•Radiator cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install:
• Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
• Engine guard
• Bolt (engine guard)
6. Fill:
•Radiator
•Engine
To specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of
ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im-
purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be
handled with special care.
• When coolant splashes to your
eye.
Thoroughly wash your eye with
water and see your doctor.
• When coolant splashes to your
clothes.
Quickly wash it away with water
and then with soap.
• When coolant is swallowed.
Quickly make him vomit and take
him to a doctor.
7. Install:
•Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up
for a several minutes.
8. Check:
• Coolant level
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect:
• Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"
Crack/damage→Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or
replace.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
OPENING PRESSURE
1. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Bolt (engine guard):
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti-corrosion
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio:
50%/50%
Coolant capacity:
0.99 L (0.87 Imp qt, 1.05
US qt)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352

3-7
ENGINE
Apply water on the radiator cap seal.
3. Radiator cap
2. Apply the specified pressure.
3. Inspect:
•Pressure
Impossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds→
Replace.
CHECKING THE COOLING
SYSTEM
1. Inspect:
• Coolant level
2. Attach:
• Radiator cap tester "1" and adapt-
er "2"
3. Apply the specified pressure.
• Do not apply pressure more than
specified pressure.
• Radiator should be filled fully.
4. Inspect:
•Pressure
Impossible to maintain the speci-
fied pressure for 10 seconds→
Repair.
• Radiator• Radiator hose joint
Coolant leakage→Repair or re-
place.
• Radiator hose
Swelling→Replace.
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER
POSITION
1. Adjust:
• Clutch lever position
Clutch lever position adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the locknuts "1".
b. Turn the adjusting bolt "2" until the
clutch lever position "a" is in the
desiered position .
c. Tighten the locknuts.
2. Adjust:
• Clutch cable free play
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE
CLUTCH CABLE FREE PLAY".
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH CABLE
FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Clutch lever free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Clutch lever free play
Clutch lever free play adjustment
steps:
a. Loosen the locknuts "1".
b. Turn the adjuster "2" until free
play "a" is within the specified lim-
its.c. Tighten the locknuts.
• Before adjustment, expose the ad-
juster by moving the boot "3" and
cap "4" away.
• Make minute adjustment on the le-
ver side using the adjuster "5".
• After adjustment, check proper op-
eration of clutch lever.
3. Install:
•Cap "1"
•Boot "2"
Place the tip "a" of the cap in the boot.
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE
CABLE FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Throttle grip free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Throttle grip free play adjustment
steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the
specified free play is obtained. Radiator cap opening
pressure:
110 kPa (1.1 kg/cm
2,
15.6 psi)
Radiator cap tester:
YU-24460-01/90890-
01325
Radiator cap tester
adapter:
YU-33984/90890-01352
Standard pressure:
180 kPa (1.8 kg/cm
2,
25.6 psi)
Locknut:
5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6
ft•lb)
Clutch lever free play "a"
:
7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in)
Locknut:
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Throttle grip free play
"a":
3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)

3-8
ENGINE
d. Tighten the locknut.
Before adjusting the throttle cable
free play, the engine idle speed
should be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle cable
free play, start the engine and turn
the handlebar to right and left and
make sure that the engine idling
does not run faster.
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE
1. Remove:
• Cover (throttle cable cap) "1"
• Cover (grip cap) "2"
• Throttle grip cap "3"
2. Apply:
• Lithium soap base grease
On the throttle cable end "a".
3. Install:
• Throttle grip cap
• Screw (throttle grip cap)
• Cover (grip cap)
• Cover (throttle cable cap)ADJUSTING THE HOT STARTER
LEVER FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Hot starter lever free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Hot starter lever free play
Hot starter lever free play adjust-
ment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Turn the adjuster "2" until free
play "a" is within the specified lim-
its.
c. Tighten the locknut.
After adjustment, check proper oper-
ation of hot starter.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT
Proper air filter maintenance is the
biggest key to preventing premature
engine wear and damage.
Never run the engine without the
air filter element in place; this
would allow dirt and dust to enter
the engine and cause rapid wear
and possible engine damage.
1. Remove:
•Seat
• Fitting bolt "1"
•Washer "2"
• Air filter element "3"
• Air filter guide "4"2. Clean:
• Air filter element
Clean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remove the remaining
solvent by squeezing the element.
• Do not twist the element when
squeezing the element.
• Leaving too much of solvent in
the element may result in poor
starting.
3. Inspect:
• Air filter element
Damage→Replace.
4. Apply:
• Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil
to the element
Squeeze out the excess oil. Element
should be wet but not dripping.
5. Install:
• Air filter guide "1"
Align the projection "a" on filter guide
with the hole "b" in air filter element.
6. Apply:
• Lithium soap base grease
On the matching surface "a" on air
filter element. Locknut:
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Screw (throttle grip cap):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)
Hot starter lever free play
"a":
3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in)
Locknut:
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)

3-9
ENGINE
7. Install:
• Air filter element "1"
• Washer
• Fitting bolt
Align the projection "a" on filter guide
with the hole "b" in air filter case.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
LEVEL
1. Stand the machine on a level sur-
face.
• When checking the oil level make
sure that the machine is upright.
• Place the machine on a suitable
stand.
Never remove the oil tank cap just
after high speed operation. The
heated oil could spurt out. causing
danger. Wait until the oil cools
down to approximately 70°C
(158°F).
2. Idle the engine more than 3 min-
utes while keeping the machine
upright. Then stop the engine and
inspect the oil level.
3. Remove:
• Oil tank cap 14. Inspect:
• Oil level
Check that the engine oil is above
the level mark "a" and that the oil
does not come out when the
check bolt "1" is removed.
Below the level mark "a"→Add oil
through the filler cap hole until it is
above the level mark "a".
Oil comes out at the check bolt→
Drain the oil until it stops coming
out.
When inspecting the oil level, do not
screw the oil level gauge into the oil
tank. Insert the gauge lightly.
• Engine oil also luburicates the
clatch and the wrong oil types or
additives could cause clatch
slippage. Therefore, do not oils
with a grade of CD "a" or higher
and do not use oils labeled "EN-
ERGY CONSERVING II" "b" .
• Do not allow foreign material to
enter the crankcase.
(For USA and CDN)(Except for USA and CDN)
5. Start the engine and let it warm up
for several minutes.
When the oil tank is empty, never
start the engine.
6. Idle the engine more than 10 sec-
onds while keeping the machine
upright. Then stop the engine and
add the oil to the maximum level.
7. Install:
• Oil tank cap
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
1. Start the engine and let it warm up
for several minutes.
2. Stop the engine and place an oil
pan under the drain bolt.
3. Remove:
• Oil tank plug "1"
• Oil filler cap "2"
• Drain bolt (with gasket) "3"
• Oil filter drain bolt (O-ring) "4"
• Drain bolt (with gasket) "5"
Drain the crankcase and oil tank
of its oil. Fitting bolt:
2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4
ft•lb)
Recommended oil:
Yamalube 4, SAE10W-
40 or SAE20W-50
Yamalube 4-R,
SAE10W-50
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA
4
Recommended oil:
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-
40, SAE15W-40,
SAE20W-40 or
SAE20W-50
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA

3-10
ENGINE
4. If the oil filter is to be replaced dur-
ing this oil change, remove the fol-
lowing parts and reinstall them.
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-
er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked
or damaged, replace them with a
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil
filter element cover.
5. Install:
• Gaskets
• Oil filter drain bolt
• Drain bolt (right crankcase)
• Drain bolt (left crankcase)6. Fill:
• Engine oil
7. Install:
• Oil filler cap
8. Inspect:
• Engine (for oil leaks)
• Oil level
Refer to "ENGINE OIL LEVEL IN-
SPECTION".
CHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check:
• Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure
check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling
until oil starts to seep from the oil
pressure check bolt. If no oil
comes out after one minute, turn
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump
for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the
problem(s) and recheck the oil
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check
bolt.
ADJUSTING THE PILOT SCREW
1. Adjust:
•Pilot screw "1"
Adjustment steps:
To optimize the fuel flow at a smaller
throttle opening, each machine's pilot
screw has been individually set at the
factory. Before adjusting the pilot
screw, turn it in fully and count the
number of turns. Record this number
as the factory-set number of turns
out.
a. Turn in the pilot screw until it is
lightly seated.
b. Turn out the pilot screw by the
factory-set number of turns.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING
SPEED
1. Start the engine and thoroughly
warm it up.
2. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Adjust the pilot screw.
Refer to "ADJUSTING THE PI-
LOT SCREW" section.
b. Turn the throttle stop screw "1"
until the specified engine idling
speed.
Using a digital engine tachometer for
idle speed adjustment, detect the en-
gine idling speed by bringing the
sensing element "c" of the engine ta-
chometer close to the ignition coil "2".
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil filter drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Drain bolt (right crank-
case):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Drain bolt (left crank-
case):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil quantity:
Periodic oil change:
0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt,
1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27
US qt)
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Pilot screw (example):
1-1/2 turns out
Digital tachometer:
YU-39951-B/90890-
06760
To increase idle speed→Turn the
throttle stop screw "1" in "a".
To decrease idle speed→Turn the
throttle stop screw "1" out "b".