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.
1-5
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
• The machine you have purchased may differ slightly from those shown in the following.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1. Clutch lever
2. Front brake lever
3. Throttle grip
4. Radiator cap
5. Fuel tank cap
6. Engine stop switch
7. Kickstarter crank
8. Fuel tank
9. Radiator10. Coolant drain bolt
11. Rear brake pedal
12. Valve joint
13. Air cleaner
14. Drive chain
15. Shift pedal
16. Oil level check window
17. Starter knob/idle screw
18. Front fork
1-7
FEATURES
FEATURES
OUTLINE OF THE FI SYSTEM
The main function of a fuel supply system is to provide fuel to the combustion chamber at the optimum air-fuel ratio in ac-
cordance with the engine operating conditions and the atmospheric temperature. In the conventional carburetor system,
the air-fuel ratio of the mixture that is supplied to the combustionchamber is created by the volume of the intake air and the
fuel that is metered by the jet used in the respective carburetor.
Despite the same volume of intake air, the fuel volume requirement varies by the engine operating conditions,such as ac-
celeration, deceleration, or operating under a heavy load. Carburetors that meter thefuel through the use of jets have been
provided with various auxiliary devices, so that an optimum air-fuel ratio can be achieved to accommodate the constant
changes in the operating conditions of the engine.
This model has adopted an electronically controlled fuel injection (FI) system, in place of the conventional carburetor sys-
tem. This system can achieve an optimum air-fuel ratio required bythe engine at all times by using a microprocessor that
regulates the fuel injection volume according tothe engine operating conditions detected by various sensors.
1. Fuel injector
2. Throttle position sensor
3. Intake air pressure sensor
4. ECU
5. Fuel pump
6. Intake air temperature sensor7. Atmospheric pressure sensor
8. Crankshaft position sensor
9. Coolant temperature sensor
10. Ignition coil
11. Condenser
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
3-10
ENGINE
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL
1. Start the engine and let it warm up
for several minutes.
2. Stop the engine and place an oil
pan under the drain bolt.
3. Remove:
• Oil filler cap "1"
• Drain bolt (with gasket) "2"
• Drain bolt (with gasket) "3"
Drain the engine oil.
4. If the oil filter is to be replaced dur-
ing this oil change, remove the fol-
lowing parts and reinstall them.
Replacement steps:
a. Remove the oil filter element cov-
er "1" and oil filter element "2".
b. Check the O-rings "3", if cracked
or damaged, replace them with a
new one.
c. Install the oil filter element and oil
filter element cover.
5. Install:
• Gaskets
• Oil drain bolt (oil pan)
• Oil drain bolt (oil tank)
6. Fill:
• Engine oil
7. Install:
• Oil filler cap
8. Inspect:
• Engine (for oil leaks)
• Oil levelCHECKING THE OIL PRESSURE
1. Check:
• Oil pressure
Checking steps:
a. Slightly loosen the oil pressure
check bolt "1".
b. Start the engine and keep it idling
until oil starts to seep from the oil
pressure check bolt. If no oil
comes out after one minute, turn
the engine off so it will not seize.
c. Check oil passages and oil pump
for damage or leakage.
d. Start the engine after solving the
problem(s) and recheck the oil
pressure.
e. Tighten the oil pressure check
bolt.
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING
SPEED
• Because the air pressure is lower at
high altitudes, the air-fuel mixture
will become richer. If the engine
idling speed is low, turn the starter
(choke) knob/idling screw a few
clicks counterclockwise to increase
the idling speed.
• Before adjusting the engine idling
speed, make sure that the com-
pression pressure is within specifi-
cation and that the air filter element
is not clogged.
• Adjust the engine idling speed with
the starter (choke) knob/idling
screw pushed in completely.
1. Start the engine and warm it up
until the engine oil has reached
the specified temperature.
2. Use a temperature probe tester
"1" and contact it to the drain bolt
thread. Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
Recommended engine
oil type
SAE10W-30, SAE 10W-
40, SAE10W-50, SAE
15W-40, SAE 20W-40 or
SAE 20W-50
Recommended engine
oil grade
API service SG type or
higher, JASO standard
MA
Oil filter element cover:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil drain bolt (oil pan):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil drain bolt (oil tank):
20 Nm (2.0 m•kg, 14
ft•lb)
Oil quantity:
Periodic oil change:
0.95 L (0.84 Imp qt,
1.00 US qt)
With oil filter replace-
ment:
1.0 L (0.88 Imp qt, 1.06
US qt)
Total amount:
1.2 L (1.06 Imp qt, 1.27
US qt)
Oil pressure check bolt:
10 Nm (1.0 m•kg, 7.2
ft•lb)
Oil temperature:
55.0–65.0 °C
(131–149°F)
3-19
CHASSIS
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
COMPRESSION DAMPING FORCE
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping force
By turning the adjuster "1".
• STANDARD POSITION:
This is the position which is back
by the specific number of clicks
from the fully turned-in position.
Do not force the adjuster past the
minimum or maximum extent of
adjustment. The adjuster may be
damaged.
Always adjust each front fork to
the same setting. Uneven adjust-
ment can cause poor handling and
loss of stability.
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER
1. Inspect:
• Swingarm smooth action
Abnormal noise/unsmooth action
→Grease the pivoting points or
repair the pivoting points.
Damage/oil leakage→Replace.
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK
ABSORBER SPRING PRELOAD
1. Elevate the rear wheel by placing
the suitable stand under the en-
gine.
2. Measure:
• Spring fitting length
• The I.D. mark "a" is marked at the
end of the spring.
• Spring specification varies accord-
ing to the difference in the produc-
tion lot.
3. Adjust:
• Spring preload
Adjustment steps:
a. Loosen the locknut "1".
b. Loosen the adjuster "2" until there
is some clearance between the
spring and adjuster.
c. Measure the spring free length
"a".
d. Turn the adjuster "2".
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud
from around the locknut and adjust-
er before adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed)
changes 1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn
of the adjuster.
Never attempt to turn the adjuster
beyond the maximum or minimum
setting.
e. Tighten the locknut.
Stiffer "a" →Increase the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" in.)
Softer "b" →Decrease the com-
pression damping force. (Turn
the adjuster "1" out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Fully turned in
position20 clicks out
(from maximum
position)
Standard position:
9 clicks out
* 11 clicks out
* Except for USA and CDN
Standard fitting length:
I.D. MARK/
Q'TYLength
White/1 250.0 mm
(9.84 in)
*246.0 mm
(9.69 in)
* Except for USA and CDN
Stiffer →Increase the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2" in.)
Softer→Decrease the spring pre-
load. (Turn the adjuster "2"
out.)
Extent of adjustment:
Maximum Minimum
Position in
which the
spring is turned
in 18 mm (0.71
in) from its free
length.Position in
which the
spring is turned
in 1.5 mm (0.06
in) from its free
length.
Locknut:
30 Nm (3.0 m•kg, 22
ft•lb)
4-31
OIL FILTER ELEMENT AND WATER PUMP
REMOVING THE IMPELLER
SHAFT
1. Remove:
• Impeller "1"
• Washer "2"
• Impeller shaft "3"
Hold the impeller shaft on its width
across the flats "a" with spanners,
etc. and remove the impeller.
REMOVING THE OIL SEAL
It is not necessary to disassemble the
water pump, unless there is an abnor-
mality such as excessive change in
coolant level, discoloration of coolant,
or milky transmission oil.
1. Remove:
• Bearing "1"
• Oil seal "2"CHECKING THE IMPELLER SHAFT
1. Inspect:
• Impeller shaft "1"
Bend/wear/damage→Replace.
Fur deposits→Clean.
CHECKING THE BEARING
1. Inspect:
•Bearing
Rotate inner race with a finger.
Rough spot/seizure→Replace.
CHECKING THE OIL SEAL
1. Inspect:
• Oil seal "1"
Wear/damage→Replace.
INSTALLING THE OIL SEAL
1. Install:
• Oil seal "1"
• Apply the lithium soap base grease
on the oil seal lip.
• Install the oil seal with its manufac-
ture's marks or numbers facing the
right crankcase cover "2".
2. Install:
• Bearing "1"
Install the bearing by pressing its out-
er race parallel.
INSTALLING THE IMPELLER
SHAFT
1. Install:
• Impeller shaft "1"
• Washer "2"
• Impeller "3"
• Take care so that the oil seal lip is
not damaged or the spring does not
slip off its position.
• When installing the impeller shaft,
apply the engine oil on the oil seal
lip, bearing and impeller shaft. And
install the shaft while turning it.
• Hold the impeller shaft on its width
across the flats "a" with spanners,
etc. and install the impeller.
Impeller:
14 Nm (1.4 m•kg, 10
ft•lb)
7-5
IGNITION SYSTEM
2. Inspect:
• Stator coil resistance
Out of specification→Replace.
CHECKING THE ECU
1. Check:
• All electrical components.
2. Check:
• ECU installation status
Make sure that the ECU is in-
stalled correctly.
• The lean angle sensor is built into
the ECU.
• The lean angle sensor stops the en-
gine in case of a turnover.
• To ensure that the lean angle sen-
sor operates correctly, do not
change the installation position of
the sensor.
3. Check:
•ECU
If no fault is found, replace the
ECU. Tester (+) lead→White lead "1"
Tester (-) lead→White lead "2"
Stator coil
resistanceTester se-
lector posi-
tion
0.60–0.90
Ω at 20°C
(68°F)Ω × 10
W1 W2