2012 YAMAHA YZ450F Valve

2-4
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Timing chain:
Timing chain type/No. of links 98XRH2010-122M/122 ----
Timing chain adjustment method Automatic ----
Valve, valve seat, valve guide:
Valve clearance (cold)
IN 0.10–0.15 mm (0.0039–0.0059 in) ----
EX 0.20–0.25 mm (0.0079–0.0098 in) ----
Valve dimensions:
"A" head diameter (IN) 35.9–36.1 mm (1.4134–1.4213 in) ----
"A" head diameter (EX) 29.9–30.1 mm (1.1772–1.1850 in) ----
"B" face width (IN) 2.26 mm (0.089 in) ----
"B" face width (EX) 2.26 mm (0.089 in) ----
"C" seat width (IN) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
"C" seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
"D" margin thickness (IN) 1.3 mm (0.0512 in) ----
"D" margin thickness (EX) 1.0 mm (0.0394 in) ----
Stem outside diameter (IN) 5.475–5.490 mm (0.2156–0.2161 in) 5.445 mm
(0.2144 in)
Stem outside diameter (EX) 5.465–5.480 mm (0.2152–0.2157 in) 5.435 mm
(0.2140 in)
Guide inside diameter (IN) 5.500–5.512 mm (0.2165–0.2170 in) 5.550 mm
(0.2185 in)
Guide inside diameter (EX) 5.500–5.512 mm (0.2165–0.2170 in) 5.550 mm
(0.2185 in) Item Standard Limit

2-5
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Stem-to-guide clearance (IN) 0.010–0.037 mm (0.0004–0.0015 in) 0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Stem-to-guide clearance (EX) 0.020–0.047 mm (0.0008–0.0019 in) 0.10 mm (0.004
in)
Stem runout limit ---- 0.01 mm
(0.0004 in)
Valve seat width (IN) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve seat width (EX) 0.9–1.1 mm (0.0354–0.0433 in) 1.6 mm (0.0630
in)
Valve spring:
Free length (IN) 40.76 mm (1.60 in) 39.76 mm (1.57
in)
Free length (EX) 37.01mm (1.46 in) 36.01 mm (1.42
in)
Set length (valve closed) (IN) 34.78 mm (1.37 in) ----
Set length (valve closed) (EX) 30.83 mm (1.21 in) ----
Compressed force (installed) (IN) 178–204 N at 34.78 mm (18.2–20.8 kg at
34.78 mm, 40.01–45.86 lb at 1.37 in)----
Compressed force (installed) (EX) 124–142 N at 30.83 mm (12.6–14.5 kg at
30.83 mm, 27.88–31.92 lb at 1.21 in)----
Tilt limit* (IN) ---- 2.5°/1.8 mm
(2.5°/0.071 in)
Tilt limit* (EX) ---- 2.5°/1.6 mm
(2.5°/0.063 in)
Direction of winding (top view) (IN) Clockwise ----
Direction of winding (top view) (EX) Clockwise ----Item Standard Limit

2-8
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Throttle position sensor:----
Throttle position sensor maximum resistance 5 kΩ----
Throttle position sensor variable resistance 0–2 kΩ (full closed) ----
Throttle position sensor input voltage 4–6 V ----
Fuel injection sensor:----
Crankshaft position sensor resistance 248–372 Ω----
Intake air pressure sensor output voltage 3.57–3.71 V at 101.3kPa (1.013 kg/cm
2,
14.41 psi)----
Atmospheric pressure sensor output voltage 3.57–3.71 V at 101.3kPa (1.013 kg/cm
2,
14.41 psi)----
Intake air temperature sensor 5.4–6.6 kΩat 0 °C (32 °F)
290–390 Ωat 80 °C (176 °F)----
Idling condition:----
Engine idle speed 1,900–2,100 r/min ----
Oil temperature 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) ----
Lubrication system:
Oil filter type Paper type ----
Oil pump type Trochoid type ----
Tip clearance 0.12 mm or less (0.0047 in or less) 0.20 mm (0.008
in)
Side clearance 0.09–0.17 mm (0.0035–0.0067 in) 0.24 mm (0.009
in)
Housing and rotor clearance 0.03–0.10 mm (0.0012–0.0039 in) 0.17 mm (0.007
in)
Bypass valve setting pressure 40–80 kPa (0.4–0.8 kg/cm
2, 5.69–11.38
psi)----
Cooling:
Radiator core size
Width 121.4 mm (4.78 in) ----
Height 235 mm (9.25 in) ----
Thickness 28 mm (1.10 in) ----
Radiator cap opening pressure 108–137 kPa (1.08–1.37 kg/cm
2,
15.4–19.5 psi)----
Radiator capacity (total) 0.62 L (0.55 Imp qt, 0.66 US qt) ----
Water pump
Type Single-suction centrifugal pump ----Item Standard Limit

2-13
TIGHTENING TORQUES
CHASSIS
△- marked portion shall be checked for torque tightening after break-in or before each race.
ItemThread
sizeQ'ty Tightening torque Remarks
△Upper bracket and outer tube M8 4 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
△Lower bracket and outer tube M8 4 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
△Upper bracket and steering stem M24 1 145 Nm (14.5 m•kg, 105 ft•lb)
△Handlebar upper holder M8 4 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
△Handlebar lower holder M10 2 34 Nm (3.4 m•kg, 24 ft•lb)
△Steering ring nut M28 1 Refer to TIP.
Front fork and damper assembly M51 2 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)
Front fork and adjuster M22 2 55 Nm (5.5 m•kg, 40 ft•lb)Copper
washer
Damper assembly and base valve M42 2 29 Nm (2.9 m•kg, 21 ft•lb)
Adjuster and damper assembly M12 2 29 Nm (2.9 m•kg, 21 ft•lb)
Bleed screw (front fork) and base valve M5 2 1 Nm (0.1 m•kg, 0.7 ft•lb)
△Front fork and front fork protector M6 6 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
△Front fork protector and brake hose hold-
erM6 2 8 Nm (0.8 m•kg, 5.8 ft•lb)
Throttle grip cap M5 2 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Clutch lever holder M6 2 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
Clutch lever mounting nut M6 1 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
Clutch lever position lock nut M5 1 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
△Front brake master cylinder and bracket M6 2 9 Nm (0.9 m•kg, 6.5 ft•lb)
Front brake master cylinder cap M4 2 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
Brake lever mounting bolt M6 1 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
Brake lever mounting nut M6 1 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
Brake lever position locknut M6 1 5 Nm (0.5 m•kg, 3.6 ft•lb)
△Cable guide (front brake hose) and under
bracketM6 1 4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9 ft•lb)
△Front brake hose union bolt (brake master
cylinder)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Front brake hose union bolt (brake cali-
per)M10 1 30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22 ft•lb)Copper
washer
△Front brake caliper and front fork M8 2 28 Nm (2.8 m•kg, 20 ft•lb)
Brake caliper (front and rear) and pad pin
plugM10 2 2 Nm (0.2 m•kg, 1.4 ft•lb)
△Brake caliper (front and rear) and pad pin M10 2 18 Nm (1.8 m•kg, 13 ft•lb)
△Brake caliper (front and rear) and bleed
screwM8 2 6 Nm (0.6 m•kg, 4.3 ft•lb)
△Front wheel axle and axle nut M16 1 105 Nm (10.5 m•kg, 75 ft•lb)
△Front wheel axle holder M8 4 21 Nm (2.1 m•kg, 15 ft•lb)
△Front brake disc and wheel hub M6 6 12 Nm (1.2 m•kg, 8.7 ft•lb)
△Rear brake disc and wheel hub M6 6 14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10 ft•lb)
△
Footrest bracket and frame M10 4 55 Nm (5.5 m•kg, 40 ft•lb)TORX

3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
REGULAR INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
• The following schedule is intended as a general guide to maintenance and lubrication. Bear in mind that such factors as
weather, terrain, geographical location, and individual usage will alter the required maintenance and lubrication intervals.
If you are a doubt as to what intervals to follow in maintaining and lubricating your machine, consult your Yamaha dealer.
• Periodic inspection is essential in making full use of the machine performance. The service life of the parts varies sub-
stantially according to the environment in which the machine runs (e.g., rain, dirt, etc.). Therefore, earlier inspection is
required by reference to the list below..
ItemAfter
break-
inEvery
race
(about
2.5
hours)
Every
third
(about
7.5
hours)Every
fifth
(about
12.5
hours)
As re-
quiredRemarks
ENGINE OIL
Replace●●
VALVES
Check the valve clearances●●The engine must be cold.
Inspect●Check the valve seats and valve
stems for wear.
Replace●
VALVE SPRINGS
Inspect●Check the free length and the tilt.
Replace●
VALVE LIFTERS
Inspect●Check for scratches and wear.
Replace●
CAMSHAFTS Inspect the camshaft surface.
Inspect●Inspect the decompression system.
Replace●
CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS
Inspect●Check for wear on the teeth and for
damage.
Replace●
PISTON
Inspect●Inspect crack.
Clean●Inspect carbon deposits and eliminate
them.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON RING
Inspect●Check ring end gap.
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
PISTON PIN
Inspect●
Replace●●Replace the piston, piston pin, piston
pin clip, and piston ring all as a set.
3

3-6
ENGINE
ENGINE
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
Do not remove the radiator cap
"1", drain bolt and hoses when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scald-
ing hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which
could cause serious injury. When
the engine has cooled, place a
thick towel over the radiator cap,
slowly rotate the cap counter-
clockwise to the detent. This pro-
cedure allows any residual
pressure to escape. When the
hissing sound has stopped, press
down on the cap while turning
counterclockwise and remove it.
Hard water or salt water is harmful
to the engine parts. You may use
distilled water, if you can't get soft
water.
1. Place the machine on a level
place, and hold it in an upright po-
sition.
2. Remove:
• Radiator cap
3. Check:
• Coolant level "a"
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
1. RadiatorCHANGING THE COOLANT
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
Take care so that coolant does not
splash on painted surfaces. If it
splashes, wash it away with water.
1. Place a container under the en-
gine.
2. Remove:
• Coolant drain bolt "1"
3. Remove:
• Radiator cap
Drain the coolant completely.
4. Clean:
• Cooling system
Thoroughly flush the cooling sys-
tem with clean tap water.
5. Install:
• Copper washer
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Fill:
• Radiator
•Engine
To specified level.
• Do not mix more than one type of
ethylene glycol antifreeze con-
taining corrosion inhibitors for
aluminum engine.
• Do not use water containing im-
purities or oil.
Handling notes of coolant:
The coolant is harmful so it should be
handled with special care.
• When coolant splashes to your
eye.
Thoroughly wash your eye with
water and see your doctor.
• When coolant splashes to your
clothes.
Quickly wash it away with water
and then with soap.
• When coolant is swallowed.
Quickly make him vomit and take
him to a doctor.
7. Install:
• Radiator cap
Start the engine and warm it up
for a several minutes.
8. Check:
• Coolant level
Coolant level low→Add coolant.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Inspect:
• Seal (radiator cap) "1"
• Valve and valve seat "2"
Crack/damage→Replace.
Exist fur deposits "3" →Clean or
replace.
Coolant drain bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Recommended coolant:
High quality ethylene
glycol anti-freeze con-
taining anti-corrosion
for aluminum engine
Coolant "1" and water
(soft water) "2" mixing ra-
tio:
50%/50%
Coolant capacity:
1.13 L (0.99 Imp qt, 1.19
US qt)

3-8
ENGINE
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP
FREE PLAY
1. Check:
• Throttle grip free play "a"
Out of specification→Adjust.
2. Adjust:
• Throttle grip free play
Adjustment steps:
a. Slide the adjuster cover.
b. Loosen the locknut "1".
c. Turn the adjuster "2" until the
specified free play is obtained.
d. Tighten the locknut.
Prior to adjusting throttle grip free
play, the engine idling speed should
be adjusted.
After adjusting the throttle grip
free play, turn the handlebar to the
right and to the left to ensure that
this does not cause the engine
idling speed to change.
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE
1. Remove:
• Cover (throttle cable cap) "1"
• Cover (grip cap) "2"
• Throttle grip cap "3"2. Apply:
• Lithium soap base grease
On the throttle cable end "a".
3. Install:
• Throttle grip cap
• Screw (throttle grip cap)
• Cover (grip cap)
• Cover (throttle cable cap)
CHECKING THE THROTTLE
VALVE PULLY COVER DRAIN
HOSE
Drain the water that stays in the throt-
tle valve pulley cover after a machine
wash or a rainy weather ride.
1. Drain the water by picking up the
flat portion of the lower end "a" of
the drain hose.
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER
ELEMENT
1. Remove:
•Seat
2. Remove the fuel tank bolt (front)
"1" and lift the fuel tank.
Hold the fuel tank in position by the
use of the fuel tank holding cable "2".
3. Remove:
• Mounting bolt for air filter case
cover4. Loosen and release the binder "1"
and lift the air filter case lid.
Hold the air filter case lid by the use of
the binder.
5. Remove:
• Air filter guide
• Air filter element "1"
Do not remove the thin sheet (air
filter element 2) “2” under the air
filter element unless it is dirty. It is
there to prevent foreign matter
from dropping into the throttle
body. If the thin sheet must be re-
moved for cleaning, lift it carefully
to avoid loosening the dirt, and
then temporarily block the throttle
body opening with a clean, lint-free
cloth.
6. Clean:
• Air filter element
Clean them with solvent.
After cleaning, remove the remaining
solvent by squeezing the element.
• Do not twist the element when
squeezing the element.
• Leaving too much of solvent in
the element may result in poor
starting.
7. Inspect:
• Air filter element
Damage → Replace. Throttle grip free play
"a":
3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in)
Screw (throttle grip cap):
4 Nm (0.4 m•kg, 2.9
ft•lb)

3-11
ENGINE
3. Adjust:
• Engine idling speed
Adjustment steps:
a. Turn the starter knob/idle screw
"1" until the specified engine idling
speed is obtained.
Using the digital tachometer, mea-
sure the engine speed with the detec-
tor "c" pinched in the high tension
cord "2" of the ignition coil.
ADJUSTING THE VALVE
CLEARANCE
• This section is intended for those
who have basic knowledge and skill
concerning the servicing of Yama-
ha motorcycles (e.g., Yamaha deal-
ers, service engineers, etc.) Those
who have little knowledge and skill
concerning servicing are requested
not to undertake inspection, adjust-
ment, disassembly, or reassembly
only by reference to this manual. It
may lead to servicing trouble and
mechanical damage.
• The valve clearance should be ad-
justed when the engine is cool to
the touch.
1. Remove:
•Seat
Refer to "SEAT AND SIDE COV-
ERS" section in the CHAPTER 4.
•Fuel tank
Refer to "FUEL TANK" section in
the CHAPTER 6.
2. Remove:
• Spark plug
• Cylinder head cover
Refer to "CAMSHAFTS" section
in the CHAPTER 4.
3. Remove:
• Timing mark accessing screw "1"
• Crankshaft end accessing screw
"2"
• O-ring
4. Check:
• Valve clearance
Out of specification→Adjust.
Checking steps:
a. Turn the crankshaft counterclock-
wise with a wrench.
b. Align the alignment mark "a" on
the rotor with the alignment mark
"b" on the crankcase cover.
Make sure that the alignment mark
"c" on the exhaust camshaft sprocket
and the alignment mark "d" on the in-
take camshaft sprocket are aligned
with the edge of the cylinder head.
c. Measure the valve clearance "e"
using a feeler gauge "1".
Record the measured reading if the
clearance is incorrect.
Digital tachometer:
YU-39951-B/90890-
06760
To increase the engine idling
speed→Turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw
counterclockwise "a".
To decrease the engine idling
speed→Turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw
clockwise "b".
Engine idling speed:
1,900–2,100 r/min
Valve clearance (cold):
Intake valve:
0.10–0.15 mm
(0.0039–0.0059 in)
Exhaust valve:
0.20–0.25 mm
(0.0079–0.0098 in)