2011 YAMAHA YFZ450R warning

8-19
8 15. Install the engine guard by installing the bolts,
and then tighten them to the specified torque.
NOTICE: Be sure to apply LOCTITE
® to the
engine guard bolts before installing them.
[ECB00371]
EBU29860
Coolant The coolant level should be checked before each
ride. In addition, the coolant must be changed at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. Have a Yamaha dealer
change the coolant. WARNING! Never attempt to
remove the radiator cap when the engine is
hot.
[EWB02670]
EBU27941
To check the coolant level
1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
TIPThe coolant level must be checked on a cold en-
gine since the level varies with engine tempera-
ture.2. Check the coolant level in the coolant reser-
voir.TIPThe coolant should be between the minimum and
maximum level marks.
Tightening torque:
Engine guard bolt:
7 Nm (0.7 m·kgf, 5.1 ft·lbf)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
U18P64E0.book Page 19 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

8-22
86. Remove the wing bolt and washer from the air
filter element.
7. Remove the sponge material from the air filter
element frame.8. Wash the sponge material gently but thor-
oughly in solvent. WARNING! Always use
parts cleaning solvent to clean the sponge
material. Never use low-flash-point sol-
vents or gasoline to clean the sponge ma-
terial because the engine could catch fire
or explode.
[EWB01941]
9. Squeeze the excess solvent out of the sponge
material and let it dry. NOTICE: Do not twist
the sponge material when squeezing it.
[ECB00441]
1. Air filter element
2. Washer
3. Wing bolt
3
2
1
1. Sponge material
2. Air filter element frame
1 2
U18P64E0.book Page 22 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

8-26
87. Start the engine and rev it up approximately
twenty times while momentarily creating ex-
haust system back pressure by blocking the
end of the muffler with a shop towel.
8. Stop the engine and allow the exhaust pipe to
cool.
9. Check the gasket for damage, and replace it if
necessary.
10. Install the gasket and the purging bolt, and
then tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
WARNING
EWB02380Never run the engine in an enclosed area when
purging the spark arrester, otherwise it could
cause injury to the eyes, burns, carbon monox-
ide poisoning, possibly leading to death, and
start a fire.
Always let the exhaust system cool prior to
touching exhaust components.
Always wear eye protection, and make sure
no one is behind the ATV.
Make sure there are no combustible materi-
als in the area.EBU29701Adjusting the throttle lever free play The throttle lever free play should be checked and,
if necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
1. Purging bolt
2. Gasket
2
1
Tightening torque:
Purging bolt:
27 Nm (2.7 m·kgf, 20 ft·lbf)
U18P64E0.book Page 26 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

8-27
8 The throttle lever free play should measure 2.0–
4.0 mm (0.08–0.16 in) at the throttle lever. Period-
ically check the throttle lever free play and, if nec-
essary, adjust it as follows.
1. Slide the rubber cover back.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the throttle lever free play, turn
the throttle lever free play adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the throttle lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
4. Tighten the locknut.5. Slide the rubber cover to its original position.
EBU24060Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use, resulting in
improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To
prevent this from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.EBU29601Brakes Replacement of brake components requires pro-
fessional knowledge. Brake service should be per-
formed by a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB02571Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could lead to a loss in braking ability
and an accident.EBU24130Checking the front and rear brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be checked for
wear at the intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
1. Rubber cover
2. Throttle lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Throttle lever free play
3 2
4 (a)(b)
1
U18P64E0.book Page 27 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

8-32
8
TIPIf the cable length cannot be adjusted to specifica-
tion, consult a Yamaha dealer.6. Tighten the locknut on the brake cable.
7. Slide the rubber cover to its original position.
8. Turn in the adjusting bolt at the rear brake cal-
iper until it feels tight, then turn it out 1/8 turn
and tighten its locknut to the specified torque.
NOTICE: When tightening the locknut,hold the adjusting bolt with a wrench so
that it does not turn together with the lock-
nut.
[ECB00521]
WARNING
EWB02090Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the brakes to malfunc-
tion, resulting in reduced braking
performance. This could increase the chance
of a collision or accident. After adjusting the
parking brake free play, block the rear of the
ATV off the ground and spin the rear wheels.
Check to make sure there is no brake drag. If
brake drag is noticed, perform the adjustment
again.EBU24742Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake lever, should come on just before
braking takes effect.
1. Locknut
2. Parking brake free play adjusting nut
3. Rubber cover
(a)
(b)
1
2
3
Tightening torque:
Locknut (rear brake caliper):
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
U18P64E0.book Page 32 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

8-37
8 2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive chain with a
special O-ring chain lubricant. NOTICE: Do
not use engine oil or any other lubricants
for the drive chain, as they may contain
substances that could damage the O-
rings.
[ECB00581]
EBU24901
Checking and lubricating the cables The operation and the condition of all control ca-
bles should be checked before each ride, and the
cables and cable ends should be lubricated if nec-essary. If a cable is damaged or does not move
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check or replace
it.
WARNING
EWB02581
Inspect cables frequently and replace if dam-
aged. Corrosion can result when the cable
sheaths become damaged, and cables can
also become frayed or kinked, which could
restrict the operation of controls and lead to
an accident or injury.
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.
1. O-rings
1 1
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
U18P64E0.book Page 37 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

8-41
8 Right side
EBU25092Lubricating the steering shaft The steering shaft must be lubricated by a Yamaha
dealer at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.TIPFor parts equipped with a grease nipple, use a
grease gun.
EBU29186Battery The battery is located under the seat. (See page
4-10.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA (Valve Regu-
lated Lead Acid) battery. There is no need to check
the electrolyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be checked
and, if necessary, tightened.NOTICEECB00620Never attempt to remove the battery cell seals,
as this would permanently damage the battery.
WARNING
EWB02160Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.
1. Upper grease nipple
2. Lower grease nippleRecommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
1
2
2
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8-44
8
EBU29960Replacing the fuse The fuse holder is located under the seat. (See
page 4-10.)
If the fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to“” and turn off all electrical
circuits.NOTICEECB00640To prevent accidental short-circuiting, turn off
the main switch when checking or replacing a
fuse.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then install a
new fuse of the specified amperage.
WARNING! Always use a fuse of the spec-
ified rating, and never use a substitute ob-
ject in place of the proper fuse. An
improper fuse or a substitute object can
cause damage to the electrical system,
which could lead to a fire.
[EWB02172]
3. Turn the key to“” and turn on the electrical
circuits to check if the devices operate.
4. If the fuse immediately blows again, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical system.EBU30160Replacing a headlight bulb If a headlight bulb burns out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit by removing the
bolt, and then pulling the headlight unit as
shown.
1. Fuse
2. Spare fuse
1
2
Specified fuse:
20.0 A
U18P64E0.book Page 44 Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 PM