2014 YAMAHA YZ450F ABS

3
PERIODIC CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS.......................................................................... 3-1
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS .................................................................... 3-1
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE................................. 3-7
GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE........................................ 3-7
ENGINE............................................................................................................ 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL .......................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE COOLING SYSTEM ....................................................... 3-8
CHANGING THE COOLANT...................................................................... 3-8
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP ............................................................ 3-9
CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP OPENING PRESSURE ...................... 3-9
CHECKING THE COOLANT CIRCULATORY SYSTEM FOR LEAKS .... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER POSITION ...................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER FREE PLAY .................................... 3-10
ADJUSTING THE THROTTLE GRIP FREE PLAY .................................. 3-11
LUBRICATING THE THROTTLE CABLE ................................................ 3-12
CLEANING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT................................................. 3-12
CHECKING THE THROTTLE BODY JOINT ............................................ 3-13
CHECKING THE BREATHER HOSES .................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM..................................................... 3-13
CHECKING THE FUEL LINE ................................................................... 3-14
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL..................................................... 3-14
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL ................................................................ 3-15
ADJUSTING THE ENGINE IDLING SPEED ............................................ 3-16
ADJUSTING THE VALVE CLEARANCE ................................................. 3-17
CHASSIS........................................................................................................ 3-21
BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM .......................................................... 3-21
CHECKING THE BRAKE HOSE .............................................................. 3-22
ADJUSTING THE FRONT BRAKE .......................................................... 3-22
ADJUSTING THE REAR BRAKE ............................................................. 3-23
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ................................................. 3-23
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PADS ................................................... 3-25
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PAD INSULATOR ................................ 3-26
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.................................................. 3-26
ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN SLACK ................................................ 3-27
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................... 3-28
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTECTOR GUIDE .......................... 3-28
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL AND DUST SEAL ................ 3-28
AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK .................................................... 3-28
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK LEGS .................................................. 3-29
CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION ........................................... 3-30
CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION ................................................... 3-30
ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY ................... 3-30
CHECKING THE TIRES ........................................................................... 3-32
CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE SPOKES ....................................... 3-32
CHECKING THE WHEELS ...................................................................... 3-33

PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
3-7
EAS1SL1067
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Before riding for break-in operation, practice or a race, make sure the machine is in good operating
condition.
Before using this machine, check the following points.
EAS1SL1068GENERAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
TIP
Perform usual maintenance enough so that, in the race course, a confirmation of that and simple set-
ting adjustments may only be left, in order to get enough time to use effectively.
ITEMinspectPage
CoolantCheck that coolant is filled up to the radiator cap.
Check the cooling system for leakage.3-8 – 10
FuelCheck that a fresh gasoline is filled in the fuel tank.
Check the fuel line for leakage.1-22
Engine oilCheck that the oil level is correct. Check the crank-
case and oil line for leakage.3-14 – 16
Gear shifter and clutchCheck that gears can be shifted correctly in order and
that the clutch operates smoothly.3-10 – 11
Throttle grip/Housing
Check that the throttle grip operation and free play
are correctly adjusted. Lubricate the throttle grip and
housing, if necessary.
3-11 – 12
BrakesCheck the play of front brake and effect of front and
rear brake.3-21 – 27
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that
the drive chain is lubricated properly.3-27
4-64 – 65
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check
for loose spokes and have no excessive play.3-32 – 33
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and
have no excessive play.3-33 – 34
Front forks and rear
shock absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil
leakage.3-28 – 32
Cables (wires)
Check that the clutch and throttle cables move
smoothly. Check that they are not caught when the
handlebars are turned or when the front forks travel
up and down.
—
Exhaust pipeCheck that the exhaust pipe is tightly mounted and
has no cracks.3-13 – 14
Rear wheel sprocketCheck that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is
not loose.4-8 – 9
LubricationCheck for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. 3-12 , 3-34
Bolts and nutsCheck the chassis and engine for loose bolts and
nuts.1-25 – 26
Lead connectorsCheck that the AC magneto, ECU and ignition coil are
connected tightly.1-12 – 14
Settings
Is the machine set suitably for the condition of the rac-
ing course and weather or by taking into account the
results of test runs before racing? Are inspection and
maintenance completely done?10-1 – 8

CHASSIS
3-30
CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION
1. Check:
• Swingarm smooth action
• Swingarm free play
Refer to “SWINGARM” on page 4-60.
EAS1SL1105CHECKING THE REAR SUSPENSION
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.EWA@
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly
Gas leaks/oil leaks  Replace the rear
shock absorber assembly.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
3. Check:
• Rear shock absorber assembly smooth ac-
tion
• Rear suspension link smooth action
Sit astride the seat and shake your body up
and down several times to check whether
the rear shock absorber assembly operates
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
EAS1SL1106ADJUSTING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORB-
ER ASSEMBLY
Use a suitable stand to raise the rear wheel off
the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
Spring preloadECA13590
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Remove:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
2. Adjust:
• Spring preload
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Loosen the locknut “1.”
b. Loosen the adjuster “2” until there is some
clearance between the spring and the ad
-
juster.
c. Measure the spring free length “a.”
d. Turn the adjuster in the direction of “b” or “c”
to make an adjustment.
TIP
• Be sure to remove all dirt and mud from
around the locknut and adjusting ring before
adjustment.
• The length of the spring (installed) changes
1.5 mm (0.06 in) per turn of the adjusting ring.
Direction “b”
Spring preload is increased (suspen-
sion is harder).
Direction “c”
Spring preload is decreased (suspen-
sion is softer).
Spring installed length “d”
Minimum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 1.5 mm (0.06 in) from
its free length.
STD
Position in which the spring is
turned in 10 mm (0.39 in) from its
free length.
Maximum
Position in which the spring is
turned in 18 mm (0.71 in) from its
free length.

CHASSIS
3-31
e. Tighten the locknut.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
3. Install:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-53.
Rebound damping forceECA13590
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping force
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
High compression dampingECA13590
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• High compression damping
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
Locknut
30 Nm (3.0 m·kgf, 22 ft·lbf)
Direction “a”
Rebound damping force is increased
(suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
Rebound damping force is decreased
(suspension is softer).
c
b
d
T R..
Rebound damping force
Maximum
Turn it in finger-tight.
STD
Turn it out by 14 clicks.*
(USA)(CAN)
Turn it out by 12 clicks.*
(EUR)(JPN)(AUS)(NZL)(ZAF)
Minimum
Turn it out by 30 clicks.*
* With the adjuster fully turned
Direction “a”
High compression damping force is in-
creased (suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
High compression damping force is de-
creased (suspension is softer).
High compression damping
Maximum
Turn it in finger-tight.
STD
Turn it out by 1 1/2 turns.*
(USA)(CAN)
Turn it out by 1 1/8 turns.*
(EUR)(JPN)(AUS)(NZL)(ZAF)
Minimum
Turn it out by two turns.*
* With the adjuster fully turned
a
b
1

HANDLEBAR................................................................................................. 4-31
REMOVING THE HANDLEBAR............................................................... 4-33
CHECKING THE HANDLEBAR ............................................................... 4-33
INSTALLING THE HANDLEBAR ............................................................. 4-33
FRONT FORK................................................................................................. 4-37
REMOVING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................... 4-39
DISASSEMBLING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ......................................... 4-39
CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................... 4-40
ASSEMBLING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ............................................... 4-41
INSTALLING THE FRONT FORK LEGS ................................................. 4-47
STEERING HEAD........................................................................................... 4-49
REMOVING THE LOWER BRACKET...................................................... 4-50
CHECKING THE STEERING HEAD ........................................................ 4-50
INSTALLING THE STEERING HEAD ...................................................... 4-50
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY..................................................... 4-53
HANDLING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ......................................... 4-56
DISPOSING OF A REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ...................................... 4-56
REMOVING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY.................... 4-56
REMOVING THE BEARING..................................................................... 4-56
CHECKING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY .................... 4-57
CHECKING THE CONNECTING ARM AND RELAY ARM ...................... 4-57
INSTALLING THE RELAY ARM............................................................... 4-57
INSTALLING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY .................. 4-58
SWINGARM.................................................................................................... 4-60
REMOVING THE SWINGARM................................................................. 4-61
REMOVING THE BEARING..................................................................... 4-61
CHECKING THE SWINGARM ................................................................. 4-61
INSTALLING THE SWINGARM ............................................................... 4-62
CHAIN DRIVE................................................................................................. 4-63
REMOVING THE DRIVE CHAIN.............................................................. 4-64
CHECKING THE DRIVE CHAIN .............................................................. 4-64
CHECKING THE DRIVE SPROCKET...................................................... 4-65
CHECKING THE REAR WHEEL SPROCKET ......................................... 4-65
INSTALLING THE DRIVE CHAIN ............................................................ 4-65

FRONT BRAKE
4-15
EAS1SL1136INTRODUCTIONEWA14100
WARNING
If you need to disassemble the disc brake
components, observe the following precau
-
tions.
• Never disassemble the brake components
unless absolutely necessary.
• If there is any problem with connections
on the hydraulic brake system, perform
the following jobs.

Disassemble the brake system, drain the
brake fluid, and clean it. After that, add a
suitable amount of brake fluid. Then, bleed
it after reassembly.
• Use only brake fluid for washing brake
components.
• Use new brake fluid for cleaning the brake
components.
• Immediately wipe off the spilled brake fluid
to avoid damage to painted surfaces or
plastic parts.
• Handle brake fluid with special care not to
let it enter your eyes so that you may not
lost your eyesight.
• FIRST AID FOR BRAKE FLUID ENTERING
THE EYES:
• Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
immediate medical attention.
EAS1SL1137CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE DISC
1. Remove:
• Front wheel
Refer to “FRONT WHEEL” on page 4-3.
2. Check:
• Front brake disc
Damage/galling  Replace.
3. Measure:
• Brake disc thickness
Measure the brake disc thickness at a few
different locations.
Out of specification  Replace.
4. Install:
• Front wheel
Refer to “FRONT WHEEL” on page 4-3.
EAS1SL1138REMOVING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER
TIP
Before disassembling the brake caliper, drain
the brake fluid from the entire brake system.
1. Remove:
• Union bolt
• Copper washers
• Brake hose
TIP
Put the end of the brake hose into a container
and pump out the brake fluid.
EAS1SL1139DISASSEMBLING THE FRONT BRAKE CAL-
IPER
1. Remove:
• Brake caliper piston “1”
• Brake caliper piston dust seal “2”
• Brake caliper piston seals “3”
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
Brake disc thickness limit
2.5 mm (0.10 in)
3
2
1

REAR BRAKE
4-25
EAS1SL1149INTRODUCTIONEWA14300
WARNING
If you need to disassemble the disc brake
components, observe the following precau
-
tions.
• Never disassemble the brake components
unless absolutely necessary.
• If there is any problem with connections
on the hydraulic brake system, perform
the following jobs.

Disassemble the brake system, drain the
brake fluid, and clean it. After that, add a
suitable amount of brake fluid. Then, bleed
it after reassembly.
• Use only brake fluid for washing internal
brake components.
• Use new brake fluid for cleaning the brake
components.
• Immediately wipe off the spilled brake fluid
to avoid damage to painted surfaces or
plastic parts.
• Handle brake fluid with special care not to
let it enter your eyes so that you may not
lost your eyesight.
• FIRST AID FOR BRAKE FLUID ENTERING
THE EYES:
• Flush with water for 15 minutes and get
immediate medical attention.
EAS1SL1150CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE DISC
1. Remove:
• Rear wheel
Refer to “REAR WHEEL” on page 4-7.
2. Check:
• Brake disc
Damage/galling  Replace.
3. Measure:
• Brake disc thickness
Measure the brake disc thickness at a few
different locations.
Out of specification  Replace.
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE
DISC” on page 4-15.
4. Measure:
• Brake disc deflection
Out of specification  Correct the brake disc
deflection or replace the brake disc.
5. Adjust:
• Brake disc deflection
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the brake disc.
b. Turn the mounted position of the brake disc
by one bolt hole.
c. Install the brake disc.
TIP
Tighten the brake disc bolts in stages and in a
crisscross pattern.
d. Measure the brake disc deflection.
e. If out of specification, repeat the adjustment
steps until the brake disc deflection is within
specification.
f. If the brake disc deflection cannot be
brought within specification, replace the
brake disc.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
6. Install:
• Rear wheel
Refer to “REAR WHEEL” on page 4-7.
EAS1SL1151
Brake disc thickness limit
3.5 mm (0.14 in)
Brake disc deflection limit
0.15 mm (0.0059 in)
Brake disc bolt
14 Nm (1.4 m·kgf, 10 ft·lbf)
LOCTITE®
T R..

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY
4-53
EAS1SL1175
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY
Removing the rear shock absorber assembly
OrderPart nameQ’tyRemarks
SeatRefer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-1.
Side cover (left / right)Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-1.
Air scoop (left / right)Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-1.
Fuel tankRefer to “FUEL TANK” on page 7-1.
1Rear shock absorber assembly lower bolt1
2Rear shock absorber assembly upper bolt1
3Rear shock absorber assembly (-ies)1
4Locknut1
5Adjusting nut1
6Lower spring guide1
7Upper spring guide1
2
12
1615
1413
12
14
4
5
7
6
83
9
9 10
10 11
1
New
New
13New
LS
LS
M
M
M
M
M