2012 YAMAHA WR 450F tires

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION .................. 1-1
DESCRIPTION .................................. 2-1
Left view .......................................... 2-1
Right view ........................................ 2-2
Controls and instrument s................. 2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ....................................... 3-1
Main switch ..................................... 3-1
Indicator lights and warning
lights ............................................ 3-1
Multi-function display ...................... 3-2
Handlebar switches ........................ 3-7
Clutch lever ..................................... 3-8
Shift pedal ...... ............................. .... 3-8
Brake lever ..................................... 3-8
Brake pedal .................................... 3-9
Fuel tank cap .................................. 3-9
Fuel ............................................... 3-10
Fuel tank breather hose ................ 3-11
Catalytic converter ........................ 3-11
Starter knob .................................. 3-12
Kickstarter ...... ............................. .. 3-12
Steering lock ................................. 3-13
Seat .............................................. 3-13
Adjusting the front fork .................. 3-14
Front fork bleeding ........................ 3-15
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ................................... 3-16
Sidestand ...................................... 3-18 Ignition circuit cut-o
ff system ........ 3-19
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................. 5-1
Starting a cold engine .................... 5-1
Starting a warm engine .................. 5-2
Shifting ........................................... 5-3
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-4
Parking ........................................... 5-5
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system ............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing the
panel ........................................... 6-7
Checking the spark plug ................. 6-7
Engine oil and oil filter element ...... 6-8
Coolant ......................................... 6-12
Cleaning the air filter element
and check hose ......................... 6-14
Adjusting the engine idling speed ........................................ 6-17 Checking the throttle grip free
play ............................................ 6-17
Valve clearance ............................ 6-18
Tires .............................................. 6-18
Spoke wheels ............................... 6-20
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 6-20
Checking the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-21
Checking the shift pedal ............... 6-22
Brake light switches ...................... 6-22
Checking the front and rear brake pads ................................. 6-22
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-23
Changing the brake fluid ............... 6-24
Drive chain slack ........................... 6-24
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain ................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 6-26
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ................ 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............. 6-27
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal ................................ 6-28
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ................................... 6-28
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ... 6-28
Checking the front fork .................. 6-29
Checking the steering ................... 6-291DX-9-E0.book 1 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

1-3
SAFETY INFORMATION
1lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.

Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, acces-
sories and cargo must not exceed the
maximum load limit. Operation of an
overloaded vehicle could cause an
accident. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories are securely attached to
the motorcycle before riding.
Check accessory mounts fre-
quently.
Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.

This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar. Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-Maximum load:
90 kg (198 lb)
1DX-9-E0.book 3 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

1-4
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.
Never install accessories that
would impair the performance of
your motorcycle. Carefully inspect
the accessory before using it to
make sure that it does not in any
way reduce ground clearance or
cornering clearance, limit suspen-
sion travel, steering travel or con-
trol operation, or obscure lights or
reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution. If accesso-
ries are added to the handlebar
or front fork area, they must be
as lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds.
Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electr ical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Ti res and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-18 for tire specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
Transporting the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.

Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.

Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.

Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).

Secure the motorcycle with
tie-downs or suitable straps that
are attached to solid parts of the
motorcycle, such as the frame or
upper front fork triple clamp (and
not, for example, to rubber-mount-
ed handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.

The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the
1DX-9-E0.book 4 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
2
345
6
7
8
9
Rear brake Check operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add specified brak
e fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-22, 6-23
Clutch Check operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary. 6-20
Throttle grip Make sure that operation is smooth.
Check throttle grip free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust
throttle grip free play and lubricate
cable and grip housing. 6-17, 6-27
Control cables Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary. 6-26
Drive chain Check chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary. 6-24, 6-26
Wheels and tires Check for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary. 6-18, 6-20
Shift pedal Make sure that operation is smooth.
Correct if necessary. 6-22
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting point if necessary. 6-28
Brake and clutch levers Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting
points if necessary. 6-27
Sidestand Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary. 6-28
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
1DX-9-E0.book 2 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
2
3
4
567
8
9
EAU52580
General maintenance and lubrication chart NO. ITEM CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE JOBS INITIAL
ODOMETER
READINGS
ANNUAL CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) or 1 month 3000 km
(1800 mi) or 3
months 5000 km
(3000 mi) or 6
months
1* Air filter element Clean.
Replace if damaged. 
2 Clutch Check operation.
Adjust or replace cable. 
3* Front brake Check operation, fluid level
and vehicle for fluid leakage. 
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4* Rear brake Check operation, fluid level
and vehicle for fluid leakage. 
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5* Brake hoses Check for cracks or damage.
Check for correct routing and clamping.

Replace. Every 20000 km (12000 mi) or every two years
6* Wheels Check runout, spoke tightness and for damage.
Tighten spokes if necessary. 
7* Tires Check tread depth and for damage.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary. 
8* Wheel bearings Check bearing for looseness or damage. 
9* Swingarm Check operation and for excessive play.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. 
10 Drive chain Check chain slack, alignment and condition.
Adjust and lubricate chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant thoroughly. Every ride
11 * Steering bearings Check bearing play and steering for roughness.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. 
1DX-9-E0.book 4 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
2
3
4
567
8
9
EAU21401
Valve 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 intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU52880
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10441
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, cargo, and ac-
cessories approved for thismodel.
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle couldcause an accident.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):0–90 kg (0–198 lb):Front:
150 kPa (1.50 kgf/cm
2, 22 psi)
Rear: 200 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm2, 29 psi)
Maximum load*: 90 kg (198 lb)
* Total weight of rider, cargo and ac-
cessories
1DX-9-E0.book 18 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always complywith the local regulations. Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with spoke
wheels and tube tires.
WARNING
EWA10461
The front and rear tires should be of
the same make and design, other-
wise the handling characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, whichcould lead to an accident.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING
EWA10571

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the mo-torcycle with excessively worn
tires decreases riding stability
and can lead to loss of control.

The replacement of all wheel-
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.

It is not recommended to patch
a punctured tube. If unavoid-
able, however, patch the tube
very carefully and replace it as
soon as possible with a
high-quality product.

Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimalcharacteristics.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
Front tire: Size:
80/100-21M/C 51P
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/GRITTY-ED03 E
Rear tire: Size:120/90-18M/C 65P
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/GRITTY-ED04 E
1DX-9-E0.book 19 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
2
3
4
567
8
9
EAU21943
Spoke wheels
WARNING
EWA10610
The wheels on this model are not de-
signed for use with tubeless tires.
Do not attempt to use tubeless tireson this model.
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified wheels.
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or oth-
er damage, and the spokes for
looseness or damage before each
ride. If any damage is found, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A de-
formed or cracked wheel must be
replaced.

The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU52911
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 8.0–13.0 mm (0.31–0.51 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.1. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting bolt in direction
(b).TIPIf the specified clutch lever free play could be obtained as described above,
skip steps 2–5.
2. Fully turn the adjusting bolt in di- rection (a) to loosen the clutch ca-
ble.
3. Slide the rubber cover back further down the clutch cable, and then
loosen the locknut.
4. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting nut in direction (a). To
decrease the clutch lever free play,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
(b).
1. Clutch lever free play
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt1
(a)
(b)
2
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut (clutch
cable)
3. Rubber cover
1
2 (a)
(b)
3
1DX-9-E0.book 20 ページ ２０１１年１０月１０日　月曜日　午後２時１４分