2013 YAMAHA YZ450F maintenance

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.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFOR-
MATION
LOCATION OF
IMPORTANT LABELS ..... 1-1
DESCRIPTION ................. 1-5
CONSUMER
INFORMATION................. 1-6
FEATURES....................... 1-7
INCLUDED PARTS .......... 1-9
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION................. 1-9
HANDLING THE
ELECTRONIC PARTS ... 1-10
CHECKING OF
CONNECTION ................ 1-10
SPECIAL TOOLS ........... 1-12
CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ................... 1-17
STARTING
AND BREAK-IN.............. 1-17
TORQUE-CHECK
POINTS........................... 1-19
CLEANING
AND STORAGE ............. 1-20
CHAPTER 2
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-1
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS ............ 2-3
TIGHTENING
TORQUES ...................... 2-11
LUBRICATION
DIAGRAMS .................... 2-17
CABLE ROUTING
DIAGRAM ....................... 2-18
CHAPTER 3
REGULAR INSPEC-
TION AND AD-
JUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS ...................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION
INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE ....... 3-5
ENGINE ............................ 3-6
CHASSIS ........................ 3-14
ELECTRICAL ................. 3-24
CHAPTER 4
ENGINE
SEAT
AND SIDE COVERS ......... 4-1
EXHAUST PIPE
AND SILENCER ............... 4-3
RADIATOR ....................... 4-5
CAMSHAFTS.................... 4-8
CYLINDER HEAD........... 4-13
VALVES AND
VALVE SPRINGS ........... 4-17
CYLINDER
AND PISTON .................. 4-21
CLUTCH ......................... 4-25
OIL FILTER ELEMENT
AND WATER PUMP ....... 4-29
BALANCER .................... 4-33
OIL PUMP ....................... 4-35
KICK SHAFT
AND SHIFT SHAFT ........ 4-38
AC MAGNETO................ 4-43
ENGINE REMOVAL ....... 4-45
CRANKCASE
AND CRANKSHAFT ...... 4-50
TRANSMISSION,
SHIFT CAM
AND SHIFT FORK .......... 4-56
CHAPTER 5
CHASSIS
FRONT WHEEL
AND REAR WHEEL .........5-1
FRONT BRAKE
AND REAR BRAKE..........5-6
FRONT FORK .................5-16
HANDLEBAR..................5-24
STEERING ......................5-28
SWINGARM ....................5-32
REAR
SHOCK ABSORBER ......5-37
CHAPTER 6
FUEL SYSTEM
FUEL TANK ......................6-1
THROTTLE BODY ............6-4
CHAPTER 7
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS AND
WIRING DIAGRAM ...........7-1
IGNITION SYSTEM...........7-3
THROTTLE POSITION
SENSOR SYSTEM ...........7-6
FUEL INJECTION
SYSTEM............................7-9
FUEL PUMP SYSTEM ....7-35
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS...............7-36
CHAPTER 8
TUNING
CHASSIS ..........................8-1

1-9
INCLUDED PARTS
INCLUDED PARTS
DETACHABLE SIDESTAND
This sidestand "1" is used to support
only the machine when standing or
transporting it.
• Never apply additional force to
the sidestand.
• Remove this sidestand before
starting out.
VALVE JOINT
This valve joint "1" prevents fuel from
flowing out and is installed to the fuel
tank breather hose.
In this installation, make sure the
arrow faces the fuel tank and also
downward.
SPARK PLUG WRENCH
This spark plug wrench "1" is used to
remove and install the spark plug.
NIPPLE WRENCH
This nipple wrench "1" is used to
tighten the spoke.HANDLEBAR PROTECTOR
Install the handlebar protector "1" so
that the mark "a" face forward.
FUEL TANK HOLDING CABLE
The fuel tank holding cable "1" is
used to support the fuel tank during
maintenance.
FUEL HOSE JOINT COVER
The fuel hose joint covers "1" are
used to prevent mud, dust, and other
foreign material from entering the fuel
pump when the fuel hose is discon-
nected.
COUPLER FOR CONNECTING
OPTIONAL PART
This coupler "1" is used for connec-
tion to an optional Power Tuner and
so on.
When no optional parts, etc. are
connected, connect the connec-
tion terminal to the original cou-
pler "2".
Before removing the coupler, thor-
oughly wipe off any mud or water
stuck to it.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL
AND DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove all dirt, mud, dust, and
foreign material before removal
and disassembly.
• When washing the machine with
high pressured water, cover the
parts follows.
Air duct
Silencer exhaust port
Drain hole on the cylinder head
(right side)
Water pump housing hole at the
bottom
2. Use proper tools and cleaning
equipment. Refer to "SPECIAL
TOOLS" section.
3. When disassembling the ma-
chine, keep mated parts together.
They include gears, cylinders,
pistons, and other mated parts
that have been "mated" through
normal wear. Mated parts must
be reused as an assembly or re-
placed.
Part name Part number
YZ Power Tuner 33D-859C0-10
The YZ Power Tuner is optional.

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.

2-3
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINEWheel travel:
Front wheel travel 310 mm (12.2 in)
Rear wheel travel 315 mm (12.4 in) (For USA, CDN)
312 mm (12.3 in) (For EUROPE, AUS, NZ, ZA)
Electrical:
Ignition system TCI
Item Standard Limit
Cylinder head:
Warp limit ---- 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Cylinder:
Bore size 97.00–97.01 mm (3.8189–3.8193 in) ----
Out of round limit ---- 0.05 mm (0.002
in)
Camshaft:
Drive method Chain drive (Left) ----
Camshaft cap inside diameter 22.000–22.021 mm (0.8661–0.8670 in) ----
Camshaft outside diameter 21.959–21.972 mm (0.8645–0.8650 in) ----
Shaft-to-cap clearance 0.028–0.062 mm (0.0011–0.0024 in) 0.08 mm (0.003
in)
Cam dimensions
Intake "A" 37.750–37.850 mm (1.4862–1.4902 in) 37.650 mm
(1.4823 in)
Intake "B" 28.129–28.229 mm (1.1074–1.1114 in) 28.029 mm
(1.1035 in)
Exhaust "A" 33.540–33.640 mm (1.3205–1.3244 in) 33.440 mm
(1.3165 in)
Exhaust "B" 24.769–24.869 mm (0.9752–0.9791 in) 24.669 mm
(0.9712 in)
Camshaft runout limit ---- 0.03 mm
(0.0012 in)

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

2-6
MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Piston:
Piston to cylinder clearance 0.020–0.045 mm (0.0008–0.0018 in) 0.1 mm (0.004
in)
Piston size "D" 96.965–96.980 mm (3.8175–3.8181 in) ----
Measuring point "H" 9.0 mm (0.35 in) ----
Piston off-set 0 mm (0 in) ----
Piston pin bore inside diameter 18.004–18.015 mm (0.7088–0.7093 in) 18.045 mm
(0.7104 in)
Piston pin outside diameter 17.991–18.000 mm (0.7083–0.7087 in) 17.971 mm
(0.7075 in)
Piston rings:
Top ring:
Type Barrel ----
Dimensions (B × T) 1.00 × 3.30 mm (0.04 × 0.13 in) ----
End gap (installed) 0.20–0.30 mm (0.008–0.012 in) 0.55 mm (0.022
in)
Side clearance (installed) 0.015–0.065 mm (0.0006–0.0026 in) 0.120 mm
(0.005 in)
2nd ring:
Type Taper ----
Dimensions (B × T) 1.00 × 3.10 mm (0.04 × 0.12 in) ----
End gap (installed) 0.35–0.50 mm (0.014–0.020 in) 0.85 mm (0.033
in)
Side clearance 0.020–0.060 mm (0.0008–0.0024 in) 0.120 mm
(0.005 in)
Oil ring:
Dimensions (B × T) 1.5 × 2.55 mm (0.06 × 0.10 in) ----
End gap (installed) 0.20–0.50 mm (0.008–0.020 in) ----Item Standard Limit