2012 YAMAHA YFZ450 tires

EBU17420
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF THE WARNING AND
SPECIFICATION LABELS ............................ 1-1
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................. 2-1
DESCRIPTION .............................................. 3-1Left view ...................................................... 3-1
Right view.................................................... 3-1
Controls and instruments ............................ 3-2
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .................................................. 4-1 Main switch ................................................ 4-1
Indicator light and warning light .................. 4-2
Handlebar switches .................................... 4-3
Throttle lever .............................................. 4-3
Speed limiter .............................................. 4-4
Clutch lever ................................................ 4-5
Brake lever ................................................. 4-5
Brake pedal ................................................ 4-6
Parking brake lever .................................... 4-6
Shift pedal .................................................. 4-7
Fuel tank cap .............................................. 4-8
Fuel ............................................................ 4-8 Fuel cock ..................................................4-10
Starter (choke) ..........................................4-11
Seat ..........................................................4-12
Adjusting the front shock absorber
assemblies ..............................................4-13
Adjusting the rear shock absorber assembly .................................................4-14
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ..........................5-1 Fuel .............................................................5-4
Engine oil ....................................................5-4
Coolant .......................................................5-4
Front and rear brakes .................................5-4
Throttle lever ...............................................5-5
Drive chain ..................................................5-5
Tires ............................................................5-5
Chassis fasteners .......................................5-7
Instruments, lights and switches .................5-7
OPERATION...................................................6-1 Starting a cold engine .................................6-1
Starting a warm engine ...............................6-3
Shifting ........................................................6-3
Engine break-in ...........................................6-5U1PD60E0.book Page 1 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

1-5
1
**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²*.* psi **.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi
NEVER use with drugs or alcohol.
NEVER store fuel or flammable liquids.
This unit contains high-pressure nitrogen
gas.
Mishandling can cause an explosion. Do not
incinerate, puncture or open.
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Measure the tire pressure when the tires are
cold. Adjust the tire pressure.
Improper tire pressure can cause loss of
control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
Turning the ATV in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”) takes more effort.
Operate at a slow speed and allow extra
time and distance for maneuvers to avoid
loss of control.
This pictogram shows the loading limits
and/or maximum load capacity for this ATV.
Follow all load limits and other loading
guidelines in this manual.
Load may include the driver, passenger,
human protective gear, accessories, goods,
luggage, and all other load related items.
Make sure you do not exceed the load limits.
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
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1-9
1
4AA-22259-40WARNING
OPERATING TIRE PRESSURE : Set with tires cold
Recommended
: Front
: 25.0
kPa
Rear
: 30.0
kPa

Minimum
: Front
: 22.0
kPa
Rear
: 27.0
kPa

Never set tire pressure below minimum.
It could cause the tire to dislodge from the rim.LOADINGMaximum weight capacity :
100 kg (220 lbs.)
Includes weight of operator, cargo and accessories.Improper tire pressure or overloading can cause
loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
3.6 psi
4.4 psi 3.2 psi
4.0 psi(
( )
() () )
2PA-2816M-00
WARNINGNEVER ride as a
passenger.Passengers can causea loss of control,resulting in SEVEREINJURY or DEATH.5FE-2151H-01
Use
97 octane
5TG-2415E-10
PREMIUM unleaded gasoline with min. (RON).
3
4 5
6
U1PD60E0.book Page 9 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

2-3
2speed when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll
backwards, follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual. Dismount on
the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight up-
hill. Turn the ATV around and remount, following
the procedure described in this manual.

Always check for obstacles before operating in a
new area.
Never attempt to operate over large obstacles,
such as large rocks or fallen trees. Always follow
proper procedures when operating over obsta-
cles as described in this manual.
Always be careful when skidding or sliding.
Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery surfaces, such as
ice, go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of con-
trol.
Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in
water deeper than that recommended in this
manual. Remember that wet brakes may have
reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after
leaving water. If necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the linings.

Always use the size and type of tires specified in
this manual.
Always maintain proper tire pressure as de-
scribed in this manual.
Never modify an ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for an
ATV. Cargo should be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed and follow in-
structions in this manual for carrying cargo or
pulling a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.
WARNING
EWB00072Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
a deadly gas. Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nau-
sea, confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas which may be present even if you
do not see or smell any engine exhaust. Deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly
and you can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can linger for hours or days in en-
U1PD60E0.book Page 3 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

5-2
5
Front brake
Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
 Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add specified brake fluid to
specified level if necessary.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-4, 8-32, 8-33, 8-36
Rear brake 
Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
 Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add specified brake fluid to
specified level if necessary.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 5-4, 8-32, 8-33, 8-36
Clutch 
Check operation, and correct if necessary.
 Lubricate cable if necessary.
 Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary. 8-39
Throttle lever 
Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
 Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary. 5-5, 8-31
Control cables Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-43
Drive chain 
Check chain slack, and adjust if necessary.
 Check chain condition. Lubricate if necessary. 5-5, 8-41, 8-43
Wheels and tires 
Check wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
 Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
 Check air pressure. Correct if necessary. 5-5
Shift pedal 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Correct if necessary. 8-45
Brake pedal 
Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary. 8-45
ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU1PD60E0.book Page 2 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

5-5
5
EBU19761Throttle lever Check the operation of the throttle lever. It must
open smoothly and spring back to the idle position
when released. Have a Yamaha dealer correct if
necessary.EBU19770Drive chain Check the condition of the drive chain and check
the drive chain slack. Lubricate and adjust the
drive chain as necessary. (See page 8-41.)EBU19794Tires Check tire pressure regularly to make sure it is at
the recommended specifications. Also check for
wear and damage.
Tire pressure
Use the low-pressure tire gauge to check and ad-
just tire pressures when the tires are cold. Tire
pressures must be equal on both sides.
WARNING! Operation of this vehicle with im- proper tire pressure may cause severe injury
or death from loss of control or rollover. Tire
pressure below the minimum specified could also cause the tire to dislodge from the rim un-
der severe riding conditions.
[EWB02541]
Set tire
pressures to the following specifications:
The low-pressure tire gauge is included as stan-
dard equipment. Make two measurements of the
tire pressure and use the second reading. Dust or
dirt in the gauge could cause the first reading to be
incorrect. Recommended tire pressure:
Fron t25.0 kPa (0.250 kgf/cm ², 3.6 psi)
Rear 30.0 kPa (0.300 kgf/cm ², 4.4 psi)
Minimum tire pressure: Fron t22.0 kPa (0.220 kgf/cm ², 3.2 psi)
Rear 27.0 kPa (0.270 kgf/cm ², 4.0 psi)
Maximum tire seating pressure: Fron t250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm² , 36 psi)
Rear 250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm² , 36 psi)
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5-6
5Tire wear limit
When the tire groove decreases to 3 mm (0.12 in)
due to wear, replace the tire. Tire information
This ATV is equipped with tubeless tires with
valves.
WARNING
EWB02551Use of improper tires on this ATV may cause
loss of control, increasing your risk of an acci-
dent.After extensive tests, only the tires listed below
have been approved for this model by Yamaha
Motor Co., Ltd.
1. Low-pressure tire gauge
1
1. Tire wear limit
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5-7
5
Aftermarket tires and rims
The tires and rims that came with your ATV were
designed to match the performance capabilities
and to provide the best combination of handling,
braking, and comfort. Other tires, rims, sizes, and
combinations may not be appropriate.
EBU19840Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are prop-
erly tightened.
EBU19850Instruments, lights and switches Check that all instruments, lights and switches are
working properly. Correct if necessary.
Fro nt:
Manufacturer/model:DUNLOP/KT851B Bias
Size: AT21 x 7-10
Ty p e : Tu b e l e s s
Rear: Manufacturer/model:DUNLOP/KT355A Radial
Size: AT20 x 10R9
Ty p e : Tu b e l e s s
U1PD60E0.book Page 7 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM