2014 YAMAHA YFZ450R tow

1-6
1
**.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²*.* psi **.* kPa
*.** kgf/cm²
*.* psi
This pictogram shows trailer Hitch Tow
weight limit. (Combined weight of the trailer
and all cargo in the trailer.)
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
This unit contains high-pressure nitrogen
gas.
Mishandling can cause an explosion. Do not
incinerate, puncture or open.
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Measure the tire pressure when the tires are
cold. Turning the ATV in 4WD-LOCK
(“DIFF.LOCK”) takes more effort.
Operate at a slow speed and allow extra
time and distance for maneuvers to avoid
loss of control.
Adjust the tire pressure.
Improper tire pressure can cause loss of
control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death. This pictogram shows the loading limits
and/or maximum load capacity for this ATV.
Follow all load limits and other loading
guidelines in this manual.
Load may include the driver, passenger,
human protective gear, accessories, goods,
luggage, and all other load related items.
Make sure you do not exceed the load limits.
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
This pictogram shows trailer Hitch Tongue
weight limit. (Weight on the trailer tongue.)
Overloading can cause loss of control.
Loss of control can result in severe injury or
death.
U1TD6AE0.book Page 6 Wednesday, January 8, 2014 8:46 AM

4-5
4
EBU18324Speed limiterYour ATV is equipped with an adjustable speed
limiter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from
fully opening, even when the throttle lever is
pushed to the maximum.1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the maximum engine power available and the maximum speed of the ATV,
turn the adjusting screw in direction (a). To
decrease the maximum engine power avail-
able and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn
the adjusting screw in direction (b). Do not
turn the adjusting screw out more than 12
mm (0.47 in) or the throttle cable could be
damaged. Always make sure the throttle lever
free play is adjusted to 2.0–4.0 mm (0.08–
0.16 in). (See page 8-27.) WARNING! Im-
proper adjustment of the speed limiter and
throttle could cause throttle cable damage
or improper throttle operation. You could
lose control, resulting in an accident.
[EWB00242]
3. Tighten the locknut.EBU18383Clutch leverThe clutch lever is located on the left handlebar
and the ignition circuit cut-off system is incorpo-
rated in the clutch lever holder. To disengage the
clutch, pull the clutch lever toward the handlebar
grip. To engage the clutch, release the clutch le-
ver. The clutch lever should be pulled rapidly and
released slowly for smooth clutch operation. (See
page 6-1 for a description of the ignition circuit
cut-off system.)1. Locknut
2. Adjusting screw
3. No more than 12 mm (0.47 in)
3
12
(a)
(b)
U1TD6AE0.book Page 5 Wednesday, January 8, 2014 8:46 AM

6-3
6
3. Shift into first gear, and then release the
brake. NOTICE: Always close the throttle
before shifting gears, otherwise damage
to the engine and drive train may result.
[ECB01220]
4. Open the throttle gradually and at the same time, release the clutch lever slowly.
WARNING! Opening the throttle abruptly or releasing the clutch lever too quickly
could make the ATV wheelie, which would
increase the chance of an accident, in-
cluding an overturn.
[EWB00732]
5. Once the ATV has attained adequate speed, release the throttle, and at the same time,
quickly pull in the clutch lever.
6. Shift the transmission into second gear. (Make sure not to shift the transmission into
neutral.)
7. Open the throttle part way and gradually re- lease the clutch lever.
8. Follow the same procedure when shifting to the next higher gear.
EBU20652To decelerate
When slowing down or stopping, release the
throttle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly.
As you slow down, shift to a lower gear. Be sure
that the engine has sufficiently slowed before en-
gaging a lower gear. Improper use of the brakes or
shifting can cause the tires to lose traction, reduc-
ing control and increasing the possibility of an ac-
cident.
WARNING
EWB00711Make sure the engine has sufficiently slowed
before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a low-
er gear when the engine speed is too high
could make the wheels stop rotating and lose
traction. This could cause loss of control, an
accident and injury. It could also cause engine
or drive train damage. NOTICEECB00181Even with the transmission in the neutral po-
sition, do not coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not tow the ATV
for long distances. The transmission is prop-
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6-7
6
EBU20942Loading
WARNING
EWB00821Never exceed the stated load capacity for this
ATV. Overloading this ATV or carrying or tow-
ing cargo improperly could cause changes in
ATV handling which could lead to an accident.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached. Reduce speed when carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow greater dis-
tance for braking. As originally equipped, this ATV is not designed to
carry cargo or tow a trailer. If you choose to add
accessories so that you can carry cargo or tow a
trailer, you must use common sense and good
judgment as the stability and handling of an ATV
can be changed. When adding accessories, keep
the following points in mind:
Never exceed the weight limits shown. An over-
loaded ATV can be unstable. 
If you are carrying cargo and towing a trailer, in-
clude the tongue weight in the maximum ATV
load limit.
 Load cargo on the carriers as close to the center
of the ATV as possible. Put cargo at the rear of
the front carrier, at the front of the rear carrier,
and center it.
 Tie down cargo securely to the carriers. Make
sure cargo in the trailer cannot move around. A
shifting load can cause an accident.
 Make sure the load does not interfere with con-
trols or your ability to see where you are going.
 Ride more slowly than you would without a
load. The more weight you carry, the slower you
should go. Although conditions vary, it is good
practice not to exceed 2nd gear whenever you
are carrying heavier loads or when towing a
trailer.
 Allow more braking distance. A heavier ATV
takes longer to stop.
 Avoid making sharp turns unless at very slow
speeds.
 Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose terrain
carefully. Added weight affects the stability and
handling of the ATV.
MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of rider, car-
go, accessories, and tongue):100.0 kg (220 lb)U1TD6AE0.book Page 7 Wednesday, January 8, 2014 8:46 AM

7-5
7Pre-operation checks
Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to
make sure the ATV is in safe operating condition.
Perform the pre-operation checks listed on page
5-1. Always follow the inspection and mainte-
nance procedures and schedules described in the
Owner’s Manual.
WARNING! Failure to inspect
the ATV before operating it and to maintain it
properly increases the possibility of an acci-
dent or equipment damage.
[EWB01432]
Speed limiter
For riders less experienced with this model, the
throttle lever housing is equipped with a speed
limiter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from fully opening, even when the throttle lever is
pushed to the maximum. Turning in the adjusting
screw limits the maximum engine power available
and decreases the maximum speed of the ATV.
Turning in the adjusting screw decreases top
speed, and turning it out increases top speed.
(See page 4-5.)
Loading and accessories
WARNING
EWB00973Improper loading or towing can increase the
risk of loss of control, an overturn, or other ac-
cident. To reduce the risk of an accident:1. Adjusting screw
2. Locknut
2
1
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7-6
7

Do not exceed the maximum loading limits
for the vehicle (see “MAXIMUM LOADING
LIMIT” below or vehicle labeling).
 Make sure the load does not interfere with
your control or ability to see where you are
going.
 Reduce speed and allow more room to stop.
A heavier vehicle takes longer to stop.
 Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose terrain
carefully. Use extreme caution when towing
or carrying a load on inclines.
 Turn gradually and go slowly.
As originally equipped, this ATV is not designed to
carry cargo or tow a trailer. If you choose to add
accessories to carry cargo, you must use com-
mon sense and good judgment.
Use extra caution when riding the ATV with addi-
tional loads, such as accessories or cargo. The
ATV’s handling may be adversely affected. Re-
duce your speed when adding additional loads. During operation
Always keep your feet on the footrests during op-
eration; otherwise, they may contact the rear
wheels.
WARNING! Removing even one hand or
foot can reduce your ability to control the ATV
or could cause you to lose your balance and
fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot from a
footrest, your foot or leg may come into con-
tact with the rear wheels, which could injure
you or cause an accident.
[EWB02661]
MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rid-
er, accessories, and tongue):100.0 kg (220 lb)
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7-12
7
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es, the two rear wheels turn together at the same
speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside
of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction,
the ATV will resist turning. A special turning tech-
nique must be used to allow the ATV to make
turns quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill
be learned first at low speed.
As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As
you do so, put your weight on the footrest to the
outside of the turn (opposite your desired direc-
tion) and lean your upper body into the turn. Use
the throttle to maintain an even speed through the
turn. This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside
of the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make
the turn properly.
This procedure should be practiced at slow speed
many times in a large unpaved area with no obsta-
cles. If an incorrect technique is used, your ATV
may continue to go straight. If the ATV doesn’t
turn, come to a stop and then practice the proce-
dure again. If the riding surface is slippery or
loose, it may help to position more of your weight
over the front wheels by moving forward on the
seat.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footrest.
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8-49
8
EBU27482Installing a wheel1. Place the ATV on a level surface.
2. Install the wheel and the nuts.TIPWhen installing the wheel, make sure its arrow
mark points toward the rotating direction of
the wheel. 3. Lower the ATV to the ground.
4. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specifiedtorques.
EBU25741TroubleshootingAlthough Yamaha ATVs receive a thorough in-
spection before shipment from the factory, trouble
may occur during operation. Any problem in the
fuel, compression, or ignition systems, for exam-
ple, can cause poor starting and loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts represent
quick and easy procedures for checking these vi-
tal systems yourself. However, should your ATV
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha dealer,
whose skilled technicians have the necessary
tools, experience, and know-how to service the
ATV properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replacement parts. Im-
itation parts may look like Yamaha parts, but they
are often inferior, have a shorter service life and
can lead to expensive repair bills.
1. Arrow mark
Tightening torques:Front wheel nut:45 Nm (4.5 m·kgf, 33 ft·lbf)
Rear wheel nut: 45 Nm (4.5 m·kgf, 33 ft·lbf)
U1TD6AE0.book Page 49 Wednesday, January 8, 2014 8:46 AM