Starting a warm engine .............................. 6-3
Operating the drive select lever and driving in reverse ................................................. 6-3
Engine break-in .......................................... 6-5
Parking ....................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ..................................... 6-6
Accessories and loading ............................ 6-6
RIDING YOUR ATV ...................................... 7-1 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV............... 7-2
RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD JUDGMENT .............................................. 7-2
BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU RIDE ............. 7-9
TURNING YOUR ATV .............................. 7-12
CLIMBING UPHILL ................................... 7-13
RIDING DOWNHILL.................................. 7-16
CROSSING A SLOPE............................... 7-17
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER ................................................... 7-18
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN ........... 7-21
SLIDING AND SKIDDING ......................... 7-21
WHAT TO DO IF... .................................... 7-22
WHAT TO DO... ........................................ 7-23
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ............................................... 8-1 Owner’s manual and tool kit ....................... 8-2 Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system ...........................8-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart ..........................................................8-5
Removing and installing panels ................8-10
Checking the spark plug ...........................8-14
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................8-17
Final gear oil .............................................8-21
Differential gear oil ....................................8-24
Coolant .....................................................8-26
Cleaning the air filter element ...................8-30
Cleaning the spark arrester ......................8-33
V-belt cooling duct check hose .................8-35
V-belt case drain plug ...............................8-35
Adjusting the carburetor ............................8-36
Adjusting the engine idling speed .............8-36
Adjusting the throttle lever free play .........8-37
Valve clearance ........................................8-38
Adjusting the drive select lever safety system cable ...........................................8-38
Brakes .......................................................8-38
Checking the front brake pads and rear brake friction plates .................................8-39
Checking the brake fluid level ...................8-40
Changing the brake fluid ...........................8-41
Checking the front brake lever free play ...8-41
U2LC60E0.book Page 2 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
4-16
43. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.NOTICE: Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since fuel may
deteriorate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.
[ECB00981]
4. Turn the fuel tank cap fully clockwise to make sure it is securely closed.
WARNING
EWB02531Gasoline is poisonous and can cause injury or
death. Handle gasoline with care. Never siphon
gasoline by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gasoline vapor,
or get some gasoline in your eyes, see your doctor immediately. If gasoline spills on your
skin, wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your clothes.
NOTICEECB00070Use only unleaded gasoline. The use of leaded
gasoline will cause severe damage to internal
engine parts, such as the valves and piston
rings, as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been designed to use
regular unleaded gasoline with a research octane
number of 91 or higher (95 or higher for Europe). If
knocking (or pinging) occurs, use a gasoline of a
different brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance costs.EBU18820Fuel cock The fuel cock supplies fuel from the tank to the car-
buretor while also filtering it.
The fuel cock lever positions are explained as fol-
lows and shown in the illustrations.
Recommended fuel:
UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY
For Europe: Regular unleaded gasoline only
with a research octane number of 95 or
higher
Fuel tank capacity: 15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount: 4.5 L (1.19 US gal, 0.99 Imp.gal)
U2LC60E0.book Page 16 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
5-6
5Tire information
This ATV is equipped with tubeless tires with
valves.
WARNING
EWB02551Use of improper tires on this ATV may cause
loss of control, increasing your risk of an acci-
dent.After extensive tests, only the tires listed below
have been approved for this model by Yamaha
Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America.1. Tire wear limit
Front:Manufacturer/model:YFM450DE CHENG SHIN/C-828
(AUS)(NZL)
YFM450DE MAXXIS/MU13
(EUR)(FRA)(GBR)
YFM450PE CHENG SHIN/C-828
(AUS)(NZL)
YFM450PE MAXXIS/MU13
(EUR)(FRA)(GBR)
YFM450PHE MAXXIS/MU13
Size: AT25 x 8-12
Ty p e : Tu b e l e s s
Rear: Manufacturer/model:YFM450DE CHENG SHIN/C-828
(AUS)(NZL)
YFM450DE MAXXIS/MU14
(EUR)(FRA)(GBR)
YFM450PE CHENG SHIN/C-828
(AUS)(NZL)
YFM450PE MAXXIS/MU14
(EUR)(FRA)(GBR)
YFM450PHE MAXXIS/MU14
U2LC60E0.book Page 6 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
8-3
8
EBU21743Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system TIP●For ATVs not equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the month maintenance intervals.●For ATVs equipped with an odometer or an hour meter, follow the km (mi) or hours maintenance inter-
vals. However, keep in mind that if the ATV isn’t used for a long period of time, the month maintenance
intervals should be followed.●Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools,
data and technical skills.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 80 160 160 320
1 *Fuel line Check fuel hoses for cracks or other damage, and
replace if necessary. √√√
2 Spark plug Check condition and clean, regap, or replace if
necessary. √√√√√
3 *Valves Check valve clearance and adjust if necessary. √ √√√
4 *Carburetor Check starter (choke) operation and correct if nec-
essary.
Check engine idling speed and adjust if neces- sary. √√√√
5 *Crankcase breather
system Check breather hose for cracks or other damage,
and replace if necessary. √√√
U2LC60E0.book Page 3 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
8-38
84. Tighten the locknut.
5. Slide the rubber cover to its original position.
EBU24060Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use, resulting in
improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To
prevent this from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the inter-
vals specified in the periodic maintenance and lu-
brication chart.
EBU24071Adjusting the drive select lever safety
system cable The drive select lever safety system cable stretch-
es with use, which can result in improper function.
Therefore, the safety system cable should be
checked and adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the
intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.EBU29601Brakes Replacement of brake components requires pro-
fessional knowledge. Brake service should be per-
formed by a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB02571Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could lead to a loss in braking ability
and an accident.
1. Rubber cover
2. Throttle lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Throttle lever free playU2LC60E0.book Page 38 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
8-53
8
EBU29189Battery The battery is located under the seat. (See page
4-18.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA (Valve Regu-
lated Lead Acid) battery. There is no need to check
the electrolyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be checked
and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING
EWB02160Battery electrolyte is poisonous and danger-
ous, as it contains sulfuric acid, which can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Always shield your eyes
when working near batteries.
Antidote:
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Call a physician immediately.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flame, cigarettes or other sources of ig-
nition away. Ventilate when charging or using
in an enclosed space.KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
NOTICEECB00620Never attempt to remove the battery cell seals,
as this would permanently damage the battery.To remove the battery
1. Remove the seat. (See page 4-18.)
2. Remove the battery holding plate by removing the bolts.
3. Disconnect the negative battery lead first, then the positive battery lead by removing
their bolt. NOTICE: When removing the bat-
tery, the main switch must be off, and the
negative lead must be disconnected be-
fore the positive lead.
[ECB01001]
U2LC60E0.book Page 53 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
8-54
84. Pull the battery out of its compartment.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the battery as soon
as possible if it seems to have discharged. Keep in
mind that the battery tends to discharge more
quickly if the ATV is equipped with optional electri-
cal accessories.
NOTICEECB00931To charge a VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid)
battery, a special (constant-voltage) battery
charger is required. Using a conventional bat-
tery charger will damage the battery.To store the battery●If the ATV will not be used for more than one
month, remove the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.●If the battery will be stored for more than two
months, check it at least once a month and fully
charge it if necessary.NOTICEECB00940Always keep the battery charged. Storing a dis-
charged battery can cause permanent battery
damage.To install the batteryTIPBe sure the battery is fully charged.1. Place the battery in its compartment.
1. Bolt
2. Battery holding plate
3. Positive battery lead (red)
4. Negative battery lead (black)
3 4
1 2
U2LC60E0.book Page 54 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM
Horn switch .................................................................... 4-7IIdentification numbers .................................................. 11-1
Indicator lights and warning lights .................................. 4-2
Instruments, lights and switches .................................... 5-7LLabel locations ............................................................... 1-1
Light switch .................................................................... 4-7
Low-range indicator light ................................................ 4-2MMain switch .................................................................... 4-1
Maintenance and lubrication chart ................................. 8-5
Maintenance chart, emission control system ................. 8-3
Model label ................................................................... 11-1
Multi-function display ..................................................... 4-5NNeutral indicator light ..................................................... 4-2OOn-Command differential gear lock switch .................... 4-9
On-Command four-wheel-drive switch ........................... 4-8
Override switch .............................................................. 4-7
Owner’s manual and tool kit ........................................... 8-2PPanels, removing and installing ................................... 8-10
Park indicator light ......................................................... 4-3
Parking ........................................................................... 6-5
Parking on a slope ......................................................... 6-6
Part locations ................................................................. 3-1RRear brake, adjusting the lever, pedal free play and pedal height ............................................................... 8-41
Rear knuckle pivots, lubricating ................................... 8-52 Reverse indicator light ................................................... 4-3
Riding your ATV ............................................................. 7-1
SSafety information .......................................................... 2-1
Seat ............................................................................. 4-18
Shock absorber assemblies, adjusting the front and
rear ............................................................................ 4-22
Spark arrester, cleaning ............................................... 8-33
Spark plug, checking ................................................... 8-14
Specifications ............................................................... 10-1
Speed limiter ................................................................ 4-12
Stabilizer bushes, checking ......................................... 8-51
Starter (choke) ............................................................. 4-18
Start switch .................................................................... 4-7
Steering shaft, lubricating ............................................ 8-52
Storage .......................................................................... 9-2
Storage compartments ................................................ 4-19TTail/brake light bulb, replacing ..................................... 8-60
Throttle lever ......................................................... 4-12, 5-4
Throttle lever free play, adjusting ................................. 8-37
Tires ............................................................................... 5-4
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 8-64
Troubleshooting charts ................................................ 8-65VValve clearance ........................................................... 8-38
V-belt case drain plug .................................................. 8-35
V-belt cooling duct check hose .................................... 8-35
Vehicle identification number ....................................... 11-1WWheel hub bearings, checking ..................................... 8-50
Wheel, installing ........................................................... 8-62
U2LC60E0.book Page 2 Friday, March 8, 2013 1:18 PM