2012 YAMAHA YFZ450 Owners Manual

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3
EBU17712Controls and instrumentsTIPThe ATV you have purchased may differ slightly
from the figures shown in this manual.1. Clutch lever
2. Handlebar switches
3. Parking brake
4. Main switch
5. Throttle lever
6. Brake lever
1
2
3
4
5
6
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EBU17733
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EBU17760Main switch The positions of the main switch are as follows:
ON
All electrical systems are supplied with power. The
headlights and taillight come on when the light
switch is on, and the engine can be started. The
key cannot be removed.
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
1. Main switch
OFF ON
1
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EBU17805Indicator light and warning light EBU17860Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the transmis-
sion is in the neutral position.EBU17930Coolant temperature warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the engine over-
heats. When this occurs during operation, stop the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so and allow it to
cool down for about 10 minutes. The electrical circuit of the warning light can be
checked according to the following procedure.
1. Set the engine stop switch to “” and turn
the key to “ON ”.
2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position or pull the clutch lever.
3. Push the start switch. If the warning light does not come on while the start switch is pushed,
have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
NOTICEECB00010
The engine may overheat if the ATV is over-
loaded. In this case, reduce the load to spec-
ification.
Start the engine after making sure that the
warning light is out. Continuous use while
the warning light is on may cause damage to
the engine.
1. Neutral indicator light “N”
2. Coolant temperature warning light “”
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EBU18061Handlebar switches EBU18080Engine stop switch“/”
Set this switch to “” before starting the engine.
The engine stop switch controls the ignition and
stops the engine when it is running. Use this switch
to stop the engine in an emergency situation. The
engine will not start or run when this switch is set
to “” .
EBU18101Start switch “”
Push this switch to crank the engine with the start-
er. See the starting instructions on page 6-1 prior
to starting the engine.EBU18154Light switch “//OFF ”
Set this switch to “” to turn on the low beams
and the taillight. Set the switch to “” to turn on
the high beams and the taillight. Set the switch to
“ OFF ” to turn off all the lights.NOTICEECB00043Do not use the headlights with the engine
turned off for an extended period of time, oth-
erwise the battery may discharge to the point
that the starter motor will not operate properly.
If this should happen, remove the battery and
recharge it. (See page 8-48.)EBU18282Throttle lever Once the engine is running, pushing the throttle le-
ver will increase the engine speed.
1. Light switch “/ /OFF”
2. Engine stop switch “/”
3. Start switch “”
1
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Regulate the speed of the ATV by varying the
throttle position. Because the throttle is spring-
loaded, the ATV will decelerate, and the engine will
return to an idle any time the throttle lever is re-
leased.
Before starting the engine, check the throttle to be
sure it is operating smoothly. Make sure it returns
to the idle position as soon as the lever is released.
EBU18323Speed limiter Your ATV is equipped with an adjustable speed
limiter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from
fully opening, even when the throttle lever is
pushed to the maximum.
1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the maximum engine power avail- able and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (a). To de-
crease the maximum engine power available
and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn the
adjusting screw in direction (b). Do not turn
the adjusting screw out more than 12 mm
(0.47 in) or the throttle cable could be dam-
aged. Always make sure the throttle lever free
play is adjusted to 2.0– 4.0 mm (0.08–0.16 in).
(See page 8-31.) WARNING! Improper ad-
justment of the speed limiter and throttle
could cause throttle cable damage or im-
proper throttle operation. You could lose
control, resulting in an accident.
[EWB00241]
1. Throttle leverU1PD60E0.book Page 4 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM

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43. Tighten the locknut.
EBU18382Clutch lever The clutch lever is located on the left handlebar
and the ignition circuit cut-off system is incorporat-
ed in the clutch lever holder. To disengage the
clutch, pull the clutch lever toward the handlebar
grip. To engage the clutch, release the clutch lever.
The clutch lever should be pulled rapidly and re-
leased slowly for smooth clutch operation. (See
page 6-1 for a description of the ignition circuit cut-
off system.)
EBU18411Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right handlebar
grip. To apply the front brake, pull the brake lever
toward the handlebar grip.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting screw
3. No more than 12 mm (0.47 in)
3 1
2
(a)(b)
1. Clutch lever
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EBU18432Brake pedal The brake pedal is located on the right side of the
ATV. To apply the rear brake, push down on the
brake pedal.
EBU18520Parking brake lever Use the parking brake before starting the engine or
parking the ATV, especially on a slope. To apply
the parking brake, move the parking brake lever in
direction (a). To release the parking brake, move
the parking brake lever in direction (b).
1. Brake lever
1
1. Brake pedal
1
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WARNING
EWB00220
Always set the parking brake before starting
the engine. The ATV could start moving un-
expectedly if the parking brake is not ap-
plied. This could cause loss of control or a
collision.
Always be sure you have released the park-
ing brake before you begin to ride. The brake
could overheat if you ride the ATV without re-
leasing the parking brake. You could lose
braking performance which could cause an
accident. You could also wear out the brakes
prematurely.EBU18530Shift pedal This ATV is equipped with a constant-mesh 5-
speed transmission. The shift pedal is located on
the left side of the engine and is used in combina-
tion with the clutch when shifting.
1. Parking brake lever (locked position)
1. Parking brake lever (unlocked position)U1PD60E0.book Page 7 Monday, June 13, 2011 2:57 PM