1-8
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
ENGINE STOP SWITCH
The engine stop switch "1" is located
on the left handlebar. Continue push-
ing the engine stop switch till the en-
gine comes to a stop.
CLUTCH LEVER
The clutch lever "1" is located on the
left handlebar; it disengages or en-
gages the clutch. Pull the clutch lever
to the handlebar to disengage the
clutch, and release the lever to en-
gage the clutch. The lever should be
pulled rapidly and released slowly for
smooth starts.
SHIFT PEDAL
The gear ratios of the constant-mesh
5 speed transmission are ideally
spaced. The gears can be shifted by
using the shift pedal "1" on the left
side of the engine.
KICKSTARTER CRANK
Rotate the kickstarter crank "1" away
from the engine. Push the starter
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, then kick smoothly
and forcefully to start the engine. This
model has a primary kickstarter crank
so the engine can be started in any
gear if the clutch is disengaged. In
normal practices, however, shift to
neutral before starting.THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip "1" is located on the
right handlebar; it accelerates or de-
celerates the engine. For accelera-
tion, turn the grip toward you; for
deceleration, turn it away from you.
FRONT BRAKE LEVER
The front brake lever "1" is located on
the right handlebar. Pull it toward the
handlebar to activate the front brake.
REAR BRAKE PEDAL
The rear brake pedal "1" is located on
the right side of the machine. Press
down on the brake pedal to activate
the rear brake.
FUEL COCK
The fuel cock supplies fuel from the
tank to carburetor and also filters the
fuel. The fuel cock has the two posi-
tions:
OFF:
With the lever in this position, fuel will
not flow. Always return the lever to
this position when the engine is not
running.
ON:
With the lever in this position, fuel
flows to the carburetor. Normal riding
is done with the lever in this position.COLD STARTER KNOB
When cold, the engine requires a
richer air-fuel mixture for starting. A
separate starter circuit, which is con-
trolled by the cold starter knob "1",
supplies this mixture. Pull the cold
starter knob out to open the circuit for
starting. When the engine has
warmed up, push it in to close the cir-
cuit.
HOT STARTER LEVER
The hot starter lever "1" is used when
starting a warm engine. Use the hot
starter lever when starting the engine
again immediately after it was
stopped (the engine is still warm).
Pulling the hot starter lever injects
secondary air to thin the air-fuel mix-
ture temporarily, allowing the engine
to be started more easily.
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as
stated below. Also, be sure to use
new gasoline the day of a race.
Use only unleaded gasoline. The
use of leaded gasoline will cause
severe damage to the engine inter-
nal parts such as valves, piston
rings, and exhaust system, etc.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only with a re-
search octane number
of 95 or higher.
1-9
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
If knocking or pinging occurs, use a
different brand of gasoline or higher
octane grade.
• For refueling, be sure to stop the
engine and use enough care not
to spill any fuel. Also be sure to
avoid refueling close to a fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust
pipe, etc. have cooled off.
HANDLING NOTE
Never start or run the engine in a
closed area. The exhaust fumes
are poisonous; they can cause
loss of consciousness and death
in a very short time. Always oper-
ate the machine in a well-ventilated
area.
• The carburetor on this machine
has a built-in accelerator pump.
Therefore, when starting the en-
gine, do not operate the throttle
or the spark plug will foul.
• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this
engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Turn the fuel cock to "ON".
3. Shift the transmission into neutral.
4. Fully open the cold starter knob
"1".
5. Kick the kickstarter crank.
Do not open the throttle while kick-
ing the kickstarter crank. Other-
wise, the kickstarter crank may
kick back.
6. Return the cold starter knob to its
original position and run the en-
gine at 3,000–5,000 r/min for 1 or
2 minutes.
Since this model is equipped with an
accelerator pump, if the engine is
raced (the throttle opened and
closed), the air/fuel mixture will be too
rich and the engine may stall. Also
unlike a two-stroke engine, this model
can idle.
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
Do not operate the cold starter knob
and throttle. Pull the hot starter lever
"1" and start the engine by kicking
the kickstarter crank forcefully with a
firm stroke. As soon as the engine
starts, release the hot starter lever to
close the air passage.
Restarting an engine after a fall
Pull the hot starter lever and start the
engine. As soon as the engine starts,
release the hot starter lever to close
the air passage.The engine fails to start
Pull the hot starter lever all the way
out and while holding the lever, kick
the kickstarter crank 10 to 20 times to
clear the engine. Then, restart the en-
gine. Refer to "Restarting an engine
after a fall".
Observe the following break-in
procedures during initial operation
to ensure optimum performance
and avoid engine damage.
Thrott
le
grip
oper-
ation*Cold
start-
er
knobHot
start-
er le-
ver
Star
ting
a
cold
en-
gineAir tem-
perature =
less than
5 °C (41
°F)Open
3 or 4
timesON OFF
Air tem-
perature =
more than
5 °C (41
°F)None ON OFF
Air tem-
perature
(normal
tempera-
ture) = be-
tween 5
°C (41 °F)
and 25 °C
(77 °F)NoneON/
OFFOFF
Air tem-
perature =
more than
25 °C (77
°F)None OFF OFF
Starting an en-
gine after a long
period of timeNone ON OFF
Restarting a
warm engineNone OFF ON
Restarting an
engine after a
fallNone OFF ON
* Operate the throttle grip before kick
starting.
2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ450FY (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ450F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 34P1 (USA,CDN)
34P2 (EUROPE)
34P4 (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, CDN, AUS, NZ, ZA EUROPE
Overall length 2,195 mm (86.42 in) 2,196 mm (86.46 in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.48 in)←
Overall height 1,305 mm (51.38 in)←
Seat height 989 mm (38.94 in) 1,000 mm (39.37 in)
Wheelbase 1,496 mm (58.90 in)←
Minimum ground clearance 373 mm (14.69 in) 374 mm (14.72 in)
Dry weight:
Without oil and fuel 99.0 kg (218 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, SAE10W-40 or SAE20W-50
Yamalube 4-R, SAE10W-50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
(Except for USA and CDN)
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-40, SAE15W-40,
SAE20W-40 or SAE20W-50
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
2-7
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) ----Item Standard Limit
2-11
TIGHTENING TORQUES
Exhaust pipe protector M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Carburetor joint M6 × 1.0 3 10 1.0 7.2
Carburetor joint clamp M4 × 0.7 1 3 0.3 2.2
△Air filter case M6 × 1.0 2 8 0.8 5.8
Air filter joint clamp M6 × 1.0 1 3 0.3 2.2
Air filter joint and air filter case M5 × 0.8 1 4 0.4 2.9
Throttle cable adjust bolt and locknut M6 × 0.75 1 4 0.4 2.9
Throttle cable (pull) M6 × 1.0 1 4 0.4 2.9
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 24Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb
3-2
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
CLUTCH
Inspect and adjust●●Inspect housing, friction plate, clutch
plate and spring.
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: 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 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●●
ENGINE GUARD
Replace●Breakage
FRAME
Clean and inspect●● ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
Every
third
(or 500
km)Every
fifth (or
1,000
km)
As re-
quiredRemarks
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