2010 YAMAHA YZ450F kickstarter

1-5
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Front brake lever
3. Throttle grip
4. Radiator cap
5. Fuel tank cap
6. Engine stop switch
7. Kickstarter crank
8. Fuel tank
9. Radiator10. Coolant drain bolt
11. Rear brake pedal
12. Valve joint
13. Air cleaner
14. Drive chain
15. Shift pedal
16. Oil level check window
17. Starter knob/idle screw
18. Front fork

1-17
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.
STARTER KNOB/IDLE SCREW
The starter knob/idle screw "1" is
used when starting a cold engine.
Pull the starter knob/idle screw out to
open the circuit for starting. When the
engine has warmed up, push it in to
close the circuit.
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.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gas-
oline with a pump octane number
[(R+M)/2] of 91 or higher, or a re-
search octane number of 95 or high-
er. If knocking (or pinging) occurs,
use a gasoline of a different brand.
• 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.
Gasohol (For USA and Canada)
There are two types of gasohol: gas-
ohol containing ethanol and that con-
taining methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if the ethanol
content does not exceed 10%. Gaso-
hol containing methanol is not recom-
mended by Yamaha because it can
cause damage to the fuel system or
vehicle performance problems.
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.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded
gasoline only

1-18
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
• 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. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Pull the starter knob/ idle screw
"1" to its full length.
Use the starter knob/ idle screw be-
low an air temperature of 15°C
(59°F).
4. Push the kickstarter down lightly
with your foot until resistance is
felt.
5. With the throttle fully closed, fold
out the kickstarter lever, move it
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, and then push it
down smoothly but forcefully.
Do not open the throttle while kick-
ing the kickstarter crank. Other-
wise, the kickstarter crank may
kick back.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
6. When the engine starts running,
warm it up one or two minutes at
a steady speed (of 3,000 to 5,000
r/min), and then return the starter
knob/ idle screw to its original po-
sition.
7. Push the engine stop switch "1".
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
To start a warm engine, make sure
that the starter (choke) knob/idling
screw is pushed in and the throttle is
closed, and then start the engine by
pushing the kickstarter.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with the fuel.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks
on the machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the idle speed, and check
the operation of the controls and
the engine stop switch. Then, re-
start the engine and check its op-
eration within no more than 5
minutes after it is restarted.
4. Operate the machine in the lower
gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes.
5. Check how the engine runs when
the machine is ridden with the
throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (low to me-
dium speed) for about one hour.6. Restart the engine and check the
operation of the machine through-
out its entire operating range. Re-
start the machine and operate it
for about 10 to 15 more minutes.
The machine will now be ready to
race.
• After the break-in or before each
race, you must check the entire
machine for loose fittings and
fasteners as per "TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS". Tighten all
such fasteners as required.
• When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in oper-
ation is necessary.
PISTON, RING, VALVES, CAM-
SHAFTS AND GEARS:
These parts require about 30
minutes of break-in operation at
half-throttle or less. Observe the
condition of the engine carefully
during operation.

2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ450FZ (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ450F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 33D1 (USA,CDN)
33D2 (EUROPE)
33D4 (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, CDN EUROPE AUS, NZ, ZA
Overall length 2,193 mm (86.34
in)2,191 mm (86.26
in)2,194 mm (86.38
in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.48 in)←←
Overall height 1,311 mm (51.61
in)←←
Seat height 999 mm (39.33 in)←998 mm (39.29 in)
Wheelbase 1,492 mm (58.74
in)1,487 mm (58.54
in)←
Minimum ground clearance 383 mm (15.08 in)←384 mm (15.12 in)
Weight: USA, CDN EUROPE AUS, NZ, ZA
With oil and fuel 111.3 kg (245 lb) 111.9 kg (247 lb) 111.5 kg (246 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder, Backward inclined
Displacement 449.7 cm
3 (15.8 Imp oz, 15.2 US oz)
Bore × stroke 97.0 × 60.8 mm (3.82 × 2.39 in)
Compression ratio 12.5 : 1
Starting system Kickstarter
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Oil type or grade:
Engine oil
Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-40, SAE10W-50,
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): 1.13 L (0.99 Imp qt, 1.19 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
2

2-7
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Crankshaft:
Crank width "A" 61.95–62.00 mm (2.439–2.441 in) ----
Runout limit "C" 0.03 mm (0.0012 in) 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Big end side clearance "D" 0.15–0.45 mm (0.0059–0.0177 in) 0.50 mm (0.02
in)
Small end free play "F" 0.4–1.0 mm (0.02–0.04 in) 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Balancer:
Balancer drive method Gear ----
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 ----
Fuel pump:
Fuel pressure 324 kPa (3.24 kg/cm
2, 46.1 psi) ----
Fuel injector:----
Model/manufacturer 1010/DENSO ----
Throttle body:----
I. D. mark 33D1 00 ----
Manufacturer KEIHIN ----Item Standard Limit

2-12
TIGHTENING TORQUES
*1: Tighten the cylinder head bolts to 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb) in the proper tightening sequence, remove and retighten
the cylinder head bolts to 20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14 ft•lb) in the proper tightening sequence, and then tighten the cylinder head
bolts further to reach the specified angle 150° in the proper tightening sequence.
Crankshaft end accessing screw M36 × 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 9 10 1.0 7.2
Left crankcase cover M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase M6 × 1.0 13 12 1.2 8.7
Clutch cable holder M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Oil drain bolt M8 × 1.25 1 20 2.0 14
Oil drain bolt 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
Oil nozzle M5 × 0.8 1 8 0.8 5.8
Crankcase bearing stopper M6 × 1.0 8 10 1.0 7.2
Crankcase bearing stopper (crankshaft) M8 × 1.25 4 22 2.2 16
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 1 100 10.0 72
Clutch boss M20 × 1.0 1 75 7.5 54
Clutch cable locknut M8 × 1.25 1 7 0.7 5.1
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 7.2
Drive sprocket M20 × 1.0 1 75 7.5 54
Drive chain sprocket cover M6 × 1.0 2 7 0.7 5.1
Shift pedal M6 × 1.0 1 12 1.2 8.7
Shift guide M6 × 1.0 2 10 1.0 7.2
Stopper lever M6 × 1.0 1 10 1.0 7.2
Segment M8 × 1.25 1 30 3.0 22Part to be tightened Thread size Q'tyTightening torque
Nm m•kg ft•lb

3-25
ELECTRICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following guide for troubleshooting does not cover all the possible causes of problems. If the following problems occur,
perform the specified checks or maintenance jobs. If a problem occurs that is not listed in this manual or if the problem
cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, contact your Yamaha dealer.
Engine starting problems, engine idling speed problems, and medium and high-speed performance problems
• Engine does not start even though the kickstarter is pushed.
• Engine starts, but soon stops.
Engine idling speed problems
• Engine idling speed fluctuates.
• Engine idling speed is high.
• Engine idling speed is low.
Medium and high-speed performance problems
• Engine speed does not increase.
• Engine knocks.
• Engine speed increases suddenly.
• Loss of engine power.
INSPECTION STEPS
If the aforementioned problems have occurred, perform the following inspection steps in the order given.
Check that the fuel tank is filled with fresh gaso-
line.No good→
Fill the fuel tank.
OK↓
Check that the fuel tank breather hose is not
clogged. (Refer to "INCLUDED PARTS" section
in the CHAPTER 1.)No good→
Repair or replace.
OK↓
Adjusting the engine idling speed(Refer to "AD-
JUSTING THE ENGINE IDLLING SPEED" sec-
tion in the CHAPTER 3.)No good→
Adjust.
OK↓
Check that the fuel hose is connected properly
and is not kinked or pinched.No good→
Repair.
OK↓
Check the spark plug for dirt, the spark plug gap,
and the spark plug cap. (Refer to "CHECKING
THE SPARK PLUG" section in the CHAPTER 3.)No good→
Clean or adjust.
OK↓
Check that the air filter element is installed cor-
rectly and is not clogged. (Refer to "CLEANING
THE AIR FILTER" section in the CHAPTER 3.)No good→
Clean or repair.
OK↓
Checking the sensors, injector and ignition coil
connection.No good→
Repair or replace.
OK↓
Installed condition of ECU (Refer to "CHECKING
THE ECU" section in the CHAPTER 7.)No good→
Repair.
OK↓
Check the assembled condition of the throttle
body, and check the throttle valve and its sur-
rounding parts for dirt.No good→
Repair or clean.
OK↓
Consult a Yamaha dealer.

4-31
OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
REMOVING THE OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
Order Part name Q'ty Remarks
Right engine guard Refer to "ENGINE REMOVAL" section.
Drain the engine oil. Refer to "CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL"
section in the CHAPTER 3.
Drain the coolant. Refer to "CHANGING THE COOLANT" sec-
tion.
Exhaust pipe Refer to "EXHAUST PIPE AND SILENCER"
section.
Brake pedal Refer to "ENGINE REMOVAL" section.
Clutch cover Refer to "CLUTCH" section.
1 Oil filter element cover 1
2 Oil filter element 1
3 Radiator pipe 1
4 Water pump housing 1
5 Dowel pin 2
6 Kickstarter crank 1
7 Right crankcase cover 1
8 Gasket 1