FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of
a Yamaha YZ series. This model is
the culmination of Yamaha's vast ex-
perience in the production of paceset-
ting racing machines. It represents
the highest grade of craftsmanship
and reliability that have made Yama-
ha a leader.
This manual explains operation, in-
spection, basic maintenance and tun-
ing of your machine. If you have any
questions about this manual or your
machine, please contact your Yama-
ha dealer.
Yamaha continually seeks advance-
ments in product design and quality.
Therefore, while this manual contains
the most current product information
available at the time of printing, there
may be minor discrepancies between
your machine and this manual. If you
have any questions concerning this
manual, please consult your Yamaha
dealer.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY
BEFORE OPERATING THIS MA-
CHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OP-
ERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU
HAVE ATTAINED A SATISFACTO-
RY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CON-
TROLS AND OPERATING
FEATURES AND UNTIL YOU HAVE
BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND
PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES.
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND
CAREFUL MAINTENANCE,
ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING
SKILLS, WILL ENSURE THAT YOU
SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILI-
TIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF
THIS MACHINE.
IMPORTANT MANUAL
INFORMATION
Particularly important information is
distinguished in this manual by the
following notations.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is
used to alert you to potential per-
sonal injury hazards. Obey all safe-
ty messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or
death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious in-
jury.
A NOTICE indicates special pre-
cautions that must be taken to
avoid damage to the vehicle or oth-
er property.
A TIP provides key information to
make procedures easier or clearer.
SAFETY INFORMATION
THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED
STRICTLY FOR COMPETITION
USE, ONLY ON A CLOSED
COURSE. It is illegal for this machine
to be operated on any public street,
road, or highway. Off-road use on
public lands may also be illegal.
Please check local regulations before
riding.
• THIS MACHINE IS TO BE OPER-
ATED BY AN EXPERIENCED RID-
ER ONLY.
Do not attempt to operate this ma-
chine at maximum power until you
are totally familiar with its character-
istics.
• THIS MACHINE IS DESIGNED TO
BE RIDDEN BY THE OPERATOR
ONLY.
Do not carry passengers on this
machine.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
APPAREL.
When operating this machine, al-
ways wear an approved helmet with
goggles or a face shield. Also wear
heavy boots, gloves, and protective
clothing. Always wear proper fitting
clothing that will not be caught in
any of the moving parts or controls
of the machine.• ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR MA-
CHINE IN PROPER WORKING
ORDER.
For safety and reliability, the ma-
chine must be properly maintained.
Always perform the pre-operation
checks indicated in this manual.
Correcting a mechanical problem
before you ride may prevent an ac-
cident.
• GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE.
Always turn off the engine while re-
fueling. Take care to not spill any
gasoline on the engine or exhaust
system. Never refuel in the vicinity
of an open flame, or while smoking.
• GASOLINE CAN CAUSE INJURY.
If you should swallow some gaso-
line, inhale excess gasoline vapors,
or allow any gasoline to get into
your eyes, contact a doctor immedi-
ately. If any gasoline spills onto
your skin or clothing, immediately
wash skin areas with soap and wa-
ter, and change your clothes.
• ONLY OPERATE THE MACHINE
IN AN AREA WITH ADEQUATE
VENTILATION.
Never start the engine or let it run
for any length of time in an enclosed
area. Exhaust fumes are poison-
ous. These fumes contain carbon
monoxide, which by itself is odor-
less and colorless. Carbon monox-
ide is a dangerous gas which can
cause unconsciousness or can be
lethal.
• PARK THE MACHINE CAREFUL-
LY; TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
Always turn off the engine if you are
going to leave the machine. Do not
park the machine on a slope or soft
ground as it may fall over.
• THE ENGINE, EXHAUST PIPE,
MUFFLER, AND OIL TANK WILL
BE VERY HOT AFTER THE EN-
GINE HAS BEEN RUN.
Be careful not to touch them or to
allow any clothing item to contact
them during inspection or repair.
• PROPERLY SECURE THE MA-
CHINE BEFORE TRANSPORTING
IT.
For safety, drain the gasoline from
the fuel tank before transporting the
vehicle.
1-8
FEATURES
FI SYSTEM
The fuel pump delivers fuel to the fuel injector via the fuel filter. The pressure regulator maintains thefuel pressure that is
applied to the fuel injector at only 324 kPa (3.24 kgf/cm², 47.0 psi). Accordingly,when the energizing signal from the ECU
energizes the fuel injector, the fuel passage opens, causingthe fuel to be injected into the intake manifold only during the
time the passage remains open. Therefore, the longer the length of time the fuel injector is energized (injection duration),
the greater the volume of fuel that is supplied. Conversely, the shorter the length of time the fuel injector is energized (in-
jection duration), the lesser the volume of fuel that is supplied.
The injection duration and the injection timing are controlled by the ECU. Signals that are input from the throttle position
sensor, coolant temperature sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, lean angle sensor, crankshaft position sensor, intake
air pressure sensor and intake air temperature sensor enable the ECU to determine the injection duration. The injection
timing is determined through the signals from the crankshaft position sensor. As a result, the volume of fuel that is required
by the engine can be supplied at all times in accordance with the driving conditions.
1. Fuel pump
2. Fuel injector
3. ECU
4. Throttle position sensor
5. Coolant temperature sensor
6. Crankshaft position sensor
7. Intake air pressure sensor
8. Throttle body
9. Intake air temperature sensor
10. Air filter case11. Atmospheric pressure sensor
A. Fuel system
B. Intake system
C. Control system
1
10
9B
87
6 5
A
23 C4
11
1-18
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
• Unlike a two-stroke engine, this
engine cannot be kick started
when the throttle is open be-
cause the kickstarter may kick
back. Also, if the throttle is open
the air/fuel mixture may be too
lean for the engine to start.
• Before starting the machine, per-
form the checks in the pre-opera-
tion check list.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
According to "CLEANING THE AIR
FILTER ELEMENT" section in the
CHAPTER 3, apply the foam-air-filter
oil or its equivalent to the element.
(Excess oil in the element may ad-
versely affect engine starting.)
STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Inspect the coolant level.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Pull the starter knob/ idle screw
"1" to its full length.
Use the starter knob/ idle screw be-
low an air temperature of 15°C
(59°F).
4. Push the kickstarter down lightly
with your foot until resistance is
felt.
5. With the throttle fully closed, fold
out the kickstarter lever, move it
down lightly with your foot until the
gears engage, and then push it
down smoothly but forcefully.
Do not open the throttle while kick-
ing the kickstarter crank. Other-
wise, the kickstarter crank may
kick back.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
6. When the engine starts running,
warm it up one or two minutes at
a steady speed (of 3,000 to 5,000
r/min), and then return the starter
knob/ idle screw to its original po-
sition.
7. Push the engine stop switch "1".
Do not warm up the engine for ex-
tended periods of time.
STARTING A WARM ENGINE
To start a warm engine, make sure
that the starter (choke) knob/idling
screw is pushed in and the throttle is
closed, and then start the engine by
pushing the kickstarter crank.
If the engine fails to start, give the
kickstarter 10 to 20 slow kicks at full
throttle in order to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
1. Before starting the engine, fill the
fuel tank with the fuel.
2. Perform the pre-operation checks
on the machine.
3. Start and warm up the engine.
Check the idle speed, and check
the operation of the controls and
the engine stop switch. Then, re-
start the engine and check its op-
eration within no more than 5
minutes after it is restarted.
4. Operate the machine in the lower
gears at moderate throttle open-
ings for five to eight minutes.
5. Check how the engine runs when
the machine is ridden with the
throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (low to me-
dium speed) for about one hour.6. Restart the engine and check the
operation of the machine through-
out its entire operating range. Re-
start the machine and operate it
for about 10 to 15 more minutes.
The machine will now be ready to
race.
• After the break-in or before each
race, you must check the entire
machine for loose fittings and
fasteners as per "TORQUE-
CHECK POINTS". Tighten all
such fasteners as required.
• When any of the following parts
have been replaced, they must
be broken in.
CYLINDER AND CRANKSHAFT:
About one hour of break-in oper-
ation is necessary.
PISTON, RING, VALVES, CAM-
SHAFTS AND 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.
2-1
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model name: YZ450FD (USA, CDN, AUS, NZ)
YZ450F (EUROPE, ZA)
Model code number: 33DD (USA,CDN)
33DE (EUROPE)
33DG (AUS, NZ, ZA)
Dimensions: USA, CDN EUROPE AUS, NZ, ZA
Overall length 2,195 mm (86.42
in)2,191 mm (86.26
in)2,195 mm (86.42
in)
Overall width 825 mm (32.48 in)←←
Overall height 1,312 mm (51.65
in)1,311 mm (51.61
in)←
Seat height 999 mm (39.33 in)←998 mm (39.29 in)
Wheelbase 1,492 mm (58.74
in)1,487 mm (58.54
in)←
Minimum ground clearance 383 mm (15.08 in)←384 mm (15.12 in)
Weight:
Curb weight 111 kg (245 lb)
Engine:
Engine type Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement Single cylinder
Displacement 449.7 cm
3 (15.8 Imp oz, 15.2 US oz)
Bore × stroke 97.0 × 60.8 mm (3.82 × 2.39 in)
Compression ratio 12.5 : 1
Starting system Kickstarter
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Oil type or grade:
Engine oil
Recommended brand: YAMALUBE
SAE10W-30, SAE10W-40, SAE10W-50,
SAE15W-40, SAE20W-40 or SAE20W-50
API service SG type or higher,
JASO standard MA
Oil capacity:
Engine oil
Periodic oil change 0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt, 1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replacement 1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06 US qt)
Total amount 1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27 US qt)
Coolant capacity (including all routes): 1.13 L (0.99 Imp qt, 1.19 US qt)
Air filter: Wet type element
2
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
2-7
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Crankshaft:
Crank width "A" 61.95–62.00 mm (2.439–2.441 in) ----
Runout limit "C" 0.03 mm (0.0012 in) 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Big end side clearance "D" 0.15–0.45 mm (0.0059–0.0177 in) 0.50 mm (0.02
in)
Small end free play "F" 0.4–1.0 mm (0.02–0.04 in) 2.0 mm (0.08
in)
Balancer:
Balancer drive method Gear ----
Air filter oil grade: Foam-air-filter oil or equivalent oil ----
Clutch:
Friction plate thickness 2.92–3.08 mm (0.115–0.121 in) 2.8 mm (0.110
in)
Quantity 8 ----
Clutch plate thickness 1.5–1.7 mm (0.059–0.067 in) ----
Quantity 7 ----
Warp limit ---- 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Clutch spring free length 50.0 mm (1.97 in) 49.0 mm (1.93
in)
Quantity 6 ----
Clutch housing thrust clearance 0.10–0.35 mm (0.0039–0.0138 in) ----
Clutch housing radial clearance 0.010–0.044 mm (0.0004–0.0017 in) ----
Clutch release method Inner push, cam push ----
Shifter:
Shifter type Cam drum and guide bar ----
Guide bar bending limit ---- 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Kickstarter:
Type Kick and ratchet type ----
Fuel pump:
Fuel pressure 324 kPa (3.24 kg/cm
2, 46.1 psi) ----
Fuel injector:----
Model/manufacturer 1010/DENSO ----
Throttle body:----
I. D. mark 33D1 00 ----
Manufacturer KEIHIN ----Item Standard Limit
2-9
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSISItem Standard Limit
Steering system: Steering bearing type Taper roller bearing ----
Front suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA Front fork travel 310 mm (12.2 in) ←----
Fork spring free length 470.0 mm (18.5 in) ←465.0 mm
(18.3 in)
Spring rate, STD K = 4.6 N/mm (0.469 kg/ mm, 26.3 lb/in)←
----
Optional spring Yes← ----
Oil capacity 551 cm
3 (19.4 lmp oz,
18.63 US oz) ←
----
Oil grade Suspension oil "S1"←----
Inner tube outer diameter 48 mm (1.89 in)← ----
Front fork top end 0 mm (0 in)←----
Rear suspension: USA, CDN EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA
Shock absorber travel 132.0 mm (5.20 in)←----
Spring free length 260.0 mm (10.24 in)←254.8 mm
(10.03 in)
Fitting length 250.0 mm (9.84 in) 246.0 mm (9.69 in) ----
Preload length
in) ←
Spring rate, STD K = 56.0 N/mm (5.7 kg/
mm, 319.2 lb/in) K = 54.0 N/mm (5.5 kg/
mm, 308.0 lb/in)----
Optional spring Yes← ----
Enclosed gas pressure 1,000 kPa (10 kg/cm
2,
142 psi) ←
----
Swingarm: Swingarm free play limitEnd ---- 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Wheel: Front wheel type Spoke wheel ----
Rear wheel type Spoke wheel ----
Front rim size/materia l 21 × 1.60/Aluminum ----
Rear rim size/materia l 19 × 2.15/Aluminum ----
Rim runout limit: Radial ---- 2.0 mm (0.08 in)
Lateral ---- 2.0 mm (0.08 in)
Drive chain: Type/manufacturer DID5 20DMA2 SDH/DAIDO ----
Number of links 113 links + joint ----
Chain slack 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 in) ----
Chain length (15 links) ---- 242.9 mm (9.563 in)
2-16
TIGHTENING TORQUES
GENERAL TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS
This chart specifies torque for stan-
dard fasteners with standard I.S.O.
pitch threads. Torque specifications
for special components or assem-
blies are included in the applicable
sections of this book. To avoid warp-
age, tighten multi-fastener assem-
blies in a crisscross fashion, in
progressive stages, until full torque is
reached. Unless otherwise specified,
torque specifications call for clean,
dry threads. Components should be
at room temperature.A. Distance between flats
B. Outside thread diameter
DEFINITION OF UNITS
A
(Nut)B
(Bolt
)TORQUE SPECIFI-
CATION
Nm m•kg ft•lb
10
mm6 mm 6 0.6 4.3
12
mm8 mm 15 1.5 11
14
mm10
mm30 3.0 22
17
mm12
mm55 5.5 40
19
mm14
mm85 8.5 61
22
mm16
mm130 13 94
Unit Read Definition Measure
mm
millimeter 10-3 meter Length
cmcentimeter 10-2 meter Length
kgkilogram 103 gram Weight
NNewton 1 kg × m/sec2Force
NmNewton meter N × m Torque
m•kgMeter kilogram m × kg Torque
PaPascal N/m2Pressure
N/mmNewton per millimeter N/mm Spring rate
LLiter — Volume or capacity
cm3Cubic centimeter — Volume or capacity
r/minRevolution per minute — Engine speed