2014 YAMAHA YZ450F Front

CHASSIS
3-26
i. Install the brake caliper “12” and the rear
wheel “13.”
Refer to “REAR WHEEL” on page 4-7.
j. Tighten the pad pin “14.”
k. Install the pad pin plug “15” and the protector
“16.”
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
3. Check:
• Brake fluid level
Refer to “CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL” on page 3-26.
4. Check:
• Brake pedal operation
A softy or spongy feeling  Bleed the brake
system.
Refer to “BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYS-
TEM” on page 3-21.
EAS1SL1096CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PAD INSU-
LATOR
1. Remove:
• Brake pads
Refer to “REAR BRAKE” on page 4-21.
2. Check:
• Rear brake pad insulator “1”
Damage  Replace.
EAS1SL1097CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
TIP
In order to ensure a correct reading of the brake
fluid level, make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is horizontal.
2. Check:
• Brake fluid level
The minimum level mark “a” or below 
Add.
EWA13090
Pad pin
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Pad pin plug
2.5 Nm (0.25 m·kgf, 1.8 ft·lbf)
Bolt (protector)
7 Nm (0.7 m·kgf, 5.1 ft·lbf)
10 11
a
b
T R..
13
14
12
T R..
15
16Recommended brake fluid
DOT 4
A. Front brake
B. Rear brake

CHASSIS
3-28
EAS1SL1099CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Inner tube
Damage/scratches  Replace.
• Front fork leg (s)
Oil leaks between inner tube and outer tube
 Replace the oil seal.
3. Hold the vehicle upright and apply the front
brake.
4. Check:
• Front fork operation
Push down hard on the handlebar several
times and check if the front fork rebounds
smoothly.
Unsmooth operation  Correct or replace.
Refer to “FRONT FORK” on page 4-37.
EAS1SL1100CHECKING THE FRONT FORK PROTEC-
TOR GUIDE
1. Check:
• Protector guide “1”
Out of specification  Replace.
TIP
The protector guide reaches the limit of its use
when it is worn down to the same height “a” as
of the outer tube circumference.
EAS1SL1101
CLEANING THE FRONT FORK OIL SEAL
AND DUST SEAL
1. Remove:
•Protector
• Dust seal “1”ECA?
NOTICE
Be careful not to damage the dust seal and
the inner tube by a driver.
2. Clean:
• Dust seal “a”
• Oil seal “b”
TIP
• Clean the dust seal and oil seal after every
run.
• Apply lithium-soap-based grease on the inner
tube.
EAS1SL1102AIR BLEEDING FROM FRONT FORK
TIP
If the front fork initial movement feels stiff dur-
ing a run, relieve the front fork internal pres-
sure.
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
EWA@
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Remove the air bleed screw “1” and release
the internal pressure from the front fork.
1
a
1
LS
a
b

CHASSIS
3-29
3. Tighten:
• Air bleed screw
EAS1SL1103ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK LEGSEWA32D1006
WARNING
• Always adjust the left and right front forks
evenly. If this is not done, the vehicle may
have poor stability.
• Securely support the vehicle so that there
is no danger of it falling over.
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.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Compression damping forceECA13590
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping force
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
EAS1SL1104
Air bleed screw
1.3 Nm (0.13 m·kgf, 0.94 ft·lbf)
Direction “a”
Rebound damping force is increased
(suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
Rebound damping force is decreased
(suspension is softer).
Rebound damping force
Maximum
Turn it in finger-tight.
STD
Turn it out by 8 clicks.*
Minimum
Turn it out by 20 clicks.*
* With the adjuster fully turned in
T R..
1
Direction “a”
Compression damping force is in-
creased (suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
Compression damping force is de-
creased (suspension is softer).
Compression damping force
Maximum
Turn it in finger-tight.
STD
Turn it out by 9 clicks.*
(USA)(CAN)
Turn it out by 8 clicks.*
(EUR)(JPN)(AUS)(NZL)(ZAF)
Minimum
Turn it out by 20 clicks.*
* With the adjuster fully turned in
1
a
b
a b
1

CHASSIS
3-33
2. Tighten:
• Spokes
Use a spoke nipple wrench “1” for tighten-
ing.
TIP
• Do not give a half turn (180°) or more for one
tightening.
• Make sure that tightening after a break-in is
done until the initial looseness in nipples dis
-
appears.
• Make sure that tightening is done in stages,
not at a time.
EAS1SL1109CHECKING THE WHEELS
1. Check:
• Wheel (s)
Damage/out-of-round  Replace.EWA13260
WARNING
Never attempt to make any repairs to the
wheel.
TIP
After replacing a tire or a wheel, always bal-
ance the wheel.
EAS1SL1110CHECKING THE WHEEL BEARINGS
1. Check:
• Wheel bearings
“CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL” on page
4-4and “CHECKING THE REAR WHEEL”
on page 4-8.
EAS1SL1111
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE STEER-
ING HEAD
1. Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
EWA13120
WARNING
Securely support the vehicle so that there is
no danger of it falling over.
2. Check:
• Steering head
Grasp the bottom of the front fork legs and
gently rock the front fork.
Blinding/looseness  Adjust the steering
head.
3. Remove:
• Handlebar
Refer to “HANDLEBAR” on page 4-31.
• Upper bracket
Refer to “STEERING HEAD” on page 4-49.
4. Adjust:
• Steering head
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Remove the washer “1.”
b. After loosening the ring nut “2” with a steer-
ing nut wrench “3,” tighten it to the specified
torque.
TIP
• Set the torque wrench at a right angle to the
steering nut wrench.
• Move the steering to the left and right a couple
of times to check that it moves smoothly.
Spoke nipple wrench (6–7)
90890-01521
YM-01521
Spokes
2.5 Nm (0.25 m·kgf, 1.8 ft·lbf)
1
T R..
1

CHASSIS
3-34
c. Turn the front fork to the right and left a few
times, and make sure that the steering ro
-
tates smoothly. If it does not turn smoothly,
remove the lower bracket and check the up
-
per and lower bearings.
Refer to “STEERING HEAD” on page 4-49.
d. Loosen the ring nut fully turn and then tight-
en it to specification with a steering nut
wrench.
EWA13140
WARNING
Do not overtighten the ring nut beyond the
specified torque. Otherwise, the steering
may malfunction.
e. Check the steering head for looseness or
binding by turning the front fork all the way in
both directions. If any binding is felt, remove
the lower bracket and check the upper and
lower bearings.
Refer to “STEERING HEAD” on page 4-49.
f. Install the washer “1”.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
5. Install:
• Upper bracket
Refer to “STEERING HEAD” on page 4-49.
• Handlebar
Refer to “HANDLEBAR” on page 4-31.
EAS1SL1112LUBRICATING THE LEVERS
1. Lubricate the pivoting points and metal-to-
metal moving parts of the following parts.
•Brake lever
• Clutch lever
EAS1SL1113LUBRICATING THE PEDAL
1. Lubricate the pivoting point and metal-to-
metal moving parts of the pedal.
Steering nut wrench
90890-01403
Exhaust flange nut wrench
YU-A9472
Ring nut (initial tightening torque)
38 Nm (3.8 m·kgf, 27 ft·lbf)
Ring nut (final tightening torque)
7 Nm (0.7 m·kgf, 5.1 ft·lbf)
3
2
T R..
T R..
1
Recommended lubricant
Silicone grease
Recommended lubricant
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant
Lithium-soap-based grease

4
CHASSIS
GENERAL CHASSIS........................................................................................ 4-1
REMOVING THE LEFT SIDE COVER ....................................................... 4-2
REMOVING THE SEAT ............................................................................. 4-2
REMOVING THE NUMBER PLATE ........................................................... 4-2
FRONT WHEEL................................................................................................ 4-3
REMOVING THE FRONT WHEEL............................................................. 4-4
CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL ............................................................. 4-4
DISASSEMBLING THE FRONT WHEEL ................................................... 4-5
ASSEMBLING THE FRONT WHEEL ......................................................... 4-5
INSTALLING THE FRONT WHEEL ........................................................... 4-6
REAR WHEEL.................................................................................................. 4-7
REMOVING THE REAR WHEEL ............................................................... 4-8
CHECKING THE REAR WHEEL................................................................ 4-8
DISASSEMBLING THE REAR WHEEL ..................................................... 4-8
CHECKING AND REPLACING THE REAR WHEEL SPROCKET ............ 4-8
ASSEMBLING THE REAR WHEEL ........................................................... 4-9
INSTALLING THE REAR WHEEL.............................................................. 4-9
FRONT BRAKE.............................................................................................. 4-11
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 4-15
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE DISC .................................................. 4-15
REMOVING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ........................................... 4-15
DISASSEMBLING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER................................. 4-15
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ........................................... 4-16
ASSEMBLING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ....................................... 4-16
INSTALLING THE BRAKE CALIPER PISTON ........................................ 4-16
INSTALLING THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ......................................... 4-17
REMOVING THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ........................ 4-18
CHECKING THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER......................... 4-18
ASSEMBLING THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER .................... 4-18
INSTALLING THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER....................... 4-19
REAR BRAKE................................................................................................ 4-21
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 4-25
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE DISC..................................................... 4-25
REMOVING THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER ............................................. 4-26
DISASSEMBLING THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER ................................... 4-26
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER .............................................. 4-26
ASSEMBLING THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER ......................................... 4-26
INSTALLING THE BRAKE CALIPER PISTON ........................................ 4-27
INSTALLING THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER ............................................ 4-27
REMOVING THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER .......................... 4-28
CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ........................... 4-28
ASSEMBLING THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER....................... 4-29
INSTALLING THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ......................... 4-29

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 WHEEL
4-3
EAS1SL1122
FRONT WHEEL
Removing the front wheel
OrderPart nameQ’tyRemarks
Use a suitable stand to raise the front wheel
off the ground.
1Front wheel axle pinch bolt4Loosen.
2Front wheel axle nut1
3Front wheel axle1
4Front wheel1
5Collars2
6Oil seals2
7Bearing2
8Brake disc1
For installation, reverse the removal proce-dure.
12 Nm (1.2 mkgf, 8.7 ftIbf)T.R.
New
New
LT
LS
LS
LS
5
76
5 6 7
(6)
8
12
1 3
21 Nm (2.1 mkgf, 15 ftIbf)T.R.
21 Nm (2.1 mkgf, 15 ftIbf)T.R.
4
115 Nm (11.5 mkgf, 83 ftlbf)T.R.