2012 YAMAHA WR 450F Owners Manual

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel, and then slightly raise it.NOTICE
ECA10260

Even with the transmission in the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand theshock of forced shifting.
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.

Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.

Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
2 3
4 5N1
1
2
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU52940
Engine break-in
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer performservice.1. Before starting the engine, fill the fuel tank with the fuel.
2. Start and warm up the engine. Check the operation of the controls
and the engine stop switch. (See
page 3-7.) Then, restart the engine
and check its operation within no
more than 5 minutes after it is re-
started.
3. Operate the motorcycle in the low- er gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes. Stop
the engine.
4. Check how the engine runs when the motorcycle is ridden with the
throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (low to me-
dium speed) for about one hour. 5. Start the engine and check the op-
eration of the motorcycle through-
out its entire operating range.
Restart the motorcycle and ride it
for about 10 to 15 more minutes.
The motorcycle will now be ready
to ride normally.
After the engine break-in period, thor-
oughly check the motorcycle for loose
parts, oil leakage and any other prob-
lems. Be sure to inspect and make ad-
justments thoroughly, especially cable
and drive chain slack and loose
spokes. In addition, check all fittings
and fasteners for looseness, and tight-
en if necessary.
NOTICE
ECA15560

When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
Cylinder or crankshaft:
About one hour of break-in op-
eration is necessary.
Piston, rings or transmission
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.

If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-cle.
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU52410
Parking When parking, stop the engine by
pushing the main switch to “OFF”.
WARNING
EWA10311

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.

Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials whichmight catch fire.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EAU17244
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer performservice.
WARNING
EWA15122
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.
A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.

Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-2 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool beforetouching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU17311
Owner’s tool kit The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.TIPIf you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, havea Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU52500
TIP
The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.

From 7000 km (4200 mi) or 9 months, repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 3000 km (1800 mi) or 3 months.

Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technicalskills.
EAU52510
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system 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* Fuel line Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. 
2* Spark plug Check condition.
Clean and regap.
Replace if necessary. 
3* Valves Check valve clearance.
Adjust. 
4* Breather system Check ventilation hose for cracks or damage and drain any
deposits. 
5* Fuel injection Adjust engine idling speed. 
6 Muffler and
exhaust pipe Check the screw clamp(s) for looseness.

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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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. 
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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12 *Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly
tightened. 
13 Brake lever pivot
shaft Lubricate with silicone grease.

14 Brake pedal pivot
shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.

15 Clutch lever pivot
shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease.

16 Sidestand Check operation.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. 
17 * Sidestand switch Check operation. 
18 * Front fork Check operation and for oil leakage. 
19 * Shock absorber
assembly Check operation and shock absorber for oil leakage.

20 * Rear suspension
relay arm and
connecting arm
pivoting points Check operation.

21 Engine oil Change.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil leakage. 
22 Engine oil filter
element Replace.

23 * Cooling system Check hoses for cracks of damage.
Replace if necessary.

Check coolant level and vehicle for coolant leakage. 
Change with ethylene glycol anti-freeze coolant. Every 1 year
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
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