2013 YAMAHA YFZ450 suspension

2-5
24. Once immediate safety hazards are con-
firmed not to exist, you may remove your hel-
met to more closely inspect your vehicle.
Check for external signs of wear, broken
parts, fluid leaks, cracks in the frame, suspen-
sion damage, wheel damage, and so on. Fuel,
oil, and coolant usually give off a noticeable
odor.
5. If your vehicle will not restart or if it is unsafe to ride, then turn off all vehicle systems (en-
gine stop switch, main switch, and fuel cock),
and then signal or go for help.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and Modifica-
tions
While you may find aftermarket products similar in
design and quality to genuine Yamaha accesso-
ries, recognize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable because of poten-
tial safety hazards to you or others. Installing after-
market products or having other modifications
performed 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 guide-
lines in mind, as well as those provided under
“Loading” when mounting accessories.
●Never install accessories that would impair the
performance of your ATV. Carefully inspect the
accessory before using it to make sure that it
does not in any way reduce ground clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering travel or control
operation.●Accessories fitted to the ATV can create instabil-
ity due to improper weight distribution.●Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect
the stability of the ATV.●Certain accessories can displace the operator
from his or her normal riding position. This im-
proper position limits the freedom of movement
of the operator and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are not recom-
mended.●Use caution when adding electrical accessories.
If electrical accessories exceed the capacity of
the ATV’s electrical system, an electric failure
could result, which could cause a dangerous
loss of lights or engine power.
U1PD61E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM

4-13
4
EBU18993Adjusting the front shock absorber as-
semblies The spring preload can be adjusted to suit the rid-
er’s weight and the riding conditions.
WARNING
EWB00400Always adjust the shock absorber assemblies
on the left and right side to the same setting.
Uneven adjustment can cause poor handling
and loss of stability, which could lead to an ac-
cident.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
Turn the spring preload adjusting ring in direction
(a) to increase the spring preload and thereby
harden the suspension, and in direction (b) to de-
crease the spring preload and thereby soften the
suspension.
Align the appropriate notch in the adjusting ring
with the position indicator on the shock absorber.TIPA special wrench can be obtained at a Yamaha
dealer to make this adjustment.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Special wrench
3. Position indicator
1 2 3
4 5
(a)
(b) 1
2
3
U1PD61E0.book Page 13 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM

4-15
44. Remove the bolts, and then remove the air fil-ter case by disconnecting the air intake duct
from the carburetor. 5. Loosen the locknut.
6. Turn the spring preload adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a) to increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, and in direc-
tion (b) to decrease the spring preload and
thereby soften the suspension.
1. Hose
2. Clamp screw
3. Air intake duct
12
3
1. Bolt
2. Air filter case
2
1
U1PD61E0.book Page 15 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM

8-7
8
14*Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are
properly tightened. √√√√√
15 *Shock absorber as-
semblies Check operation and correct if necessary.
Check for oil leakage and replace if necessary.
√√√
16 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting points Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√
17 *Steering shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. √√√
18 *Steering system Check operation and repair or replace if damaged.
Check toe-in and adjust if necessary.
√√√√√
19 *Engine mount Check for cracks or other damage, and replace if
necessary. √√√
20 Engine oil Change.
Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary. √ √√√
21 Engine oil filter ele-
ment
Replace.
√√√
22 Cooling system Check coolant level and ATV for coolant leakage,
and correct if necessary. √√√√√
Replace coolant. Every 2 years
NO. ITEM
CHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOB INITIAL EVERY
Whichev- er comes first month136612
km
(mi) 320
(200) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320U1PD61E0.book Page 7 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM

10-4
10
Rear wheel:Wheel type:Panel wheel
Rim size:
9 x 8.0ATFront brake:Type:Disc brake
Operation:
Right hand operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Disc brake
Operation: Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Front suspension:Type:Double wishbone
Spring/shock absorber type: Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
230 mm (9.1 in)Rear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper Wheel travel:
270 mm (10.6 in)
Electrical system:Ignition system:
DC CDI
Charging system: AC magnetoBattery:Model:
GT7B-4
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 6.5 AhHeadlight:Bulb type:
Krypton bulbBulb voltage, wattage × quantity:Headlight:
12 V, 30.0/30.0 W × 2
Tail/brake light:
12 V, 5.0/21.0 W × 1
Neutral indicator light: 12 V, 1.7 W × 1
Coolant temperature warning light: 12 V, 1.7 W × 1Fuses:Main fuse:
15.0 A
U1PD61E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM

Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-1NNeutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-2OOwner’s manual and tool kit ........................................... 8-2PPanel, removing and installing ....................................... 8-9
Parking ........................................................................... 6-5
Parking brake free play, adjusting ................................ 8-37
Parking brake lever ........................................................ 4-6
Parking on a slope ......................................................... 6-6
Part locations ................................................................. 3-1RRiding your ATV ............................................................. 7-1SSafety information .......................................................... 2-1
Seat .............................................................................. 4-12
Shifting ........................................................................... 6-3
Shift pedal ...................................................................... 4-7
Shift pedal, checking .................................................... 8-45
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front .......... 4-13
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting the rear .............. 4-14
Spark arrester, cleaning ............................................... 8-28
Spark plug, checking .................................................... 8-10
Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter .................................................................. 4-4
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-11
Start switch ..................................................................... 4-3
Steering shaft, lubricating ............................................. 8-47
Storage ........................................................................... 9-2Suspension, lubricating the upper and
lower arm pivots ......................................................... 8-46
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ........................................ 8-46
TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-53
Throttle lever ........................................................... 4-3, 5-5
Throttle lever free play, adjusting ................................. 8-31
Tires ............................................................................... 5-5
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-56
Troubleshooting charts ................................................. 8-57VValve clearance ............................................................ 8-31
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1WWheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-45
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-55
Wheel, removing .......................................................... 8-54
U1PD61E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM