2015 YAMAHA YZ450F warning

EAS1SL5003
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a Yamaha YZ series. This model is the culmination of Yamaha’s
vast experience in the production of pacesetting racing machines. It represents the highest grade of
craftsmanship and reliability that have made Yamaha a leader.
This manual explains operation, inspection, basic maintenance and tuning of your machine. If you
have any questions about this manual or your machine, please contact your Yamaha dealer.
TIP
Yamaha continually seeks advancements 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.
EWA1DX0001
WARNING
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING THIS
MACHINE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU HAVE ATTAINED A
SATISFACTORY KNOWLEDGE OF ITS CONTROLS AND OPERATING FEATURES AND UNTIL
YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING TECHNIQUES. REGULAR INSPEC-
TIONS AND CAREFUL MAINTENANCE, ALONG WITH GOOD RIDING SKILLS, WILL ENSURE
THAT YOU SAFETY ENJOY THE CAPABILITIES AND THE RELIABILITY OF THIS MACHINE.
EAS1SL5004
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 personal
injury hazards. Obey all safety 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 injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid
damage to the vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICE
TIP

INCLUDED PARTS
1-8
EAS1SL5016
INCLUDED PARTS
EAS1SL5017SIDESTAND
The sidestand “1” is used to support only the
machine when standing or transporting it.
EWA@
WARNING
• Never apply additional force to the sides-
tand.
• Remove this sidestand before starting out.
EAS1SL5018SPARK PLUG WRENCH
The spark plug wrench “1” is used to remove or
install the spark plug.
EAS1SL5019NIPPLE WRENCH
The nipple wrench “1” is used to tighten the
spoke.
EAS1SL5020HANDLEBAR PROTECTOR
Install the handlebar protector “1” with the mark
“a” facing forward.
EAS1SL5021FUEL HOSE JOINT COVER
The fuel hose joint covers “1” are used to pre-
vent mud, dust, and other foreign materials
from entering the inside when the fuel hose is
disconnected.
EAS1SL5022COUPLER FOR CONNECTING OPTIONAL
PART
The coupler “1” is used for connecting the op-
tional Power Tuner and so on.
ECA1DX1002
NOTICE
When no optional parts, etc. are connected,
connect the connection terminal to the orig-
inal coupler.
Before disconnecting the coupler, thor-
oughly wipe off any mud or water stuck to it.
1
1
a
1
1
1

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1-10
EAS20180
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EAS1SL5023PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL AND DIS-
ASSEMBLY
1. Before the jobs, completely remove mud,
dust, and the like in order to prevent the en-
try of them into the inside during the jobs.
• Before cleaning with high-pressure water of
washers, cover the following parts.
Air duct
Silencer exhaust port
Drain hole on the cylinder head (right side)
Hole under the water pump housing
2. Use proper special tools and equipment.
See “SPECIAL TOOLS”.
3. During disassembly, check and measure the
required parts, and make a record of them
so that you may refer to the record when in-
stalling them. Moreover, arrange gears, cyl-
inders, pistons, and other parts for each
section so as not to confuse or lose them.4. During disassembly, clean each of the parts,
and store them in trays for each section.
5. Flammable. Keep servicing areas away
from any source of fire.
6. During servicing, take special care not to re-
ceive an injury or a burn on the engine, the
exhaust pipe, the silencer, or the like.
7. If coolant is left adhered to the chassis, paint
and plating will be damaged. Therefore,
rinse it out with water in good time.
EWA
WARNING
Coolant is potentially harmful and should
be handled with special care.
• If it enters your eyes, wash it away with wa-
ter enough and then get medical attention
• If it splashes on your skin or clothes,
quickly wash it away with water and then
with soapy water.
• If it is swallowed, immediately induce vom-
iting and get medical attention.
EAS1SL5024REPLACEMENT PARTS
Make sure that the parts and grease or oil to be
used for repair of the vehicle, including periodic
replacement parts, are new YAMAHA genuine
parts and recommended parts.
Do not use any used parts, because these may
not be genuine though they have similar ap-
pearances or because the quality may be
changed by aging.

CONTROL FUNCTIONS
1-21
EAS1SL5039REAR BRAKE PEDAL
The rear brake pedal “1” is in the right of the
chassis. Press down on the brake pedal to ac-
tivate the rear brake.
EAS1SL5040STARTER KNOB/IDLE SCREW
Starting a cold engine requires a larger amount
of intake air, which is supplied by the starter
knob/idle screw “1”.
Pulling the knob toward “a” turns ON the start-
er, resulting in a larger amount of intake air.
Pushing the knob toward “b” turns OFF the
starter.
EWA@
WARNING
While handling the starter knob/idle screw,
take care not to burn yourself on exhaust
pipes.
EAS1SL5041FUEL TANK CAP
Fuel tank cap “1” is located under the fuel tank
cap cover “2”.
Remove the fuel tank cap cover to open the fuel
tank cap.
TIP
• To remove the fuel tank cap cover, insert fin-
gers under part “a”, and then use both hands
to lift it up towards the rear of the vehicle.
• Install the fuel tank cap cover after placing the
bands “3” all the way in under the seat.
1
ab1
1
23
a
2

STARTING AND BREAK-IN
1-22
EAS1SL5042
STARTING AND BREAK-IN
EAS1SL5043FUEL
Always use the recommended fuel as stated
below. Also, be sure to use new gasoline the
day of a race.
JCA
NOTICE
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use of
leaded gasoline will cause severe damage
to the engine internal parts such as valves,
piston rings, and exhaust system, etc.
TIP
Your Yamaha engine has been designed to use
premium unleaded gasoline with a pump oc-
tane number [(R+M)/2] of 91 or higher, or a re-
search octane number of 95 or higher. If
knocking (or pinging) occurs, use a gasoline of
a different brand.
JWA
WARNING
• For refueling, be sure to stop the engine
and use enough care not to spill any fuel.
Also be sure to avoid refueling close to a
fire.
• Refuel after the engine, exhaust pipe, etc.
have cooled off.
Gasohol (For USA and Canada)
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if the
ethanol content does not exceed 10%. Gasohol
containing methanol is not recommended by
Yamaha because it can cause damage to the
fuel system or vehicle performance problems.
EAS1SL5044STARTING A COLD ENGINE
1. Press the shift pedal to neutral.
2. Pull the starter knob/idle screw “1” to its full
length.
TIP
When the ambient temperature is 15°C (59°F)
or below, use the starter knob/idle screw.3. Push down the kickstarter lever lightly until
resistance is felt.
4. Fully close the throttle, and push down the
kickstarter lever in a stroke.
5. Immediately release the kickstarter lever.
EWA
WARNING
Do not open the throttle at the moment
when you kick the kickstarter lever, be-
cause this may kick back
TIP
If it fails to start, fully open the throttle grip and
give 10 to 20 slow kicks to clear the engine of
the rich air-fuel mixture retained in it.
6. When the engine starts running, warm this
up one or two minutes at a steady speed (of
3000 to 5000 r/min), and then return the
starter knob/idle screw to its original posi-
tion.
EWA
WARNING
Since exhaust gas contains harmful ingre-
dients, do not start or warm it up at an ill-
ventilated place or a closed narrow place. Recommended fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel tank capacity
7.5 L (1.98 US gal, 1.65 lmp.gal)
1

ENGINE
3-8
EAS1SL5070
ENGINE
EAS1SL5071CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVELEWA1DX1003
WARNING
If coolant seems hot, do not remove the ra-
diator cap.
1. Stand the vehicle upright on a level surface.
2. Remove:
• Radiator cap “1”
3. Check:
• Coolant level
Maximum level “a” or below  Add coolant
up to the maximum level.
ECA1DX1004
NOTICE
• Adding water instead of coolant lowers the
antifreeze content. If, therefore, water is
used instead of coolant, check, and if nec-
essary, adjust the antifreeze concentra-
tion.
• Use only distilled water. However, if dis-
tilled water is not available, soft water may
be used.
4. Start the engine, warm this up for several
minutes, and then stop it.
5. Check:
• Coolant level
TIP
Before checking the coolant level, wait a few
minutes until the coolant has settled.
EAS1SL5072CHECKING THE COOLING SYSTEM
1. Remove:
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
• Air scoop (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
• Air filter case cover
Refer to “THROTTLE BODY” on page 7-5.
2. Check:
•RADIATOR
• Radiator hoses
Crack/damage  Replace.
Refer to “RADIATOR” on page 6-1.
3. Install:
• Air filter case cover
Refer to “THROTTLE BODY” on page 7-5.
• Air scoop (left/right)
• Seat
• Side cover (left/right)
Refer to “GENERAL CHASSIS” on page 4-
1.
EAS1SL5073CHANGING THE COOLANTEWA1DX1004
WARNING
If coolant seems hot, do not remove the ra-
diator cap.
1. Place a container under the engine.
2. Remove:
• Coolant drain bolt “1”
3. Remove:
• Radiator cap
Slowly loosen the radiator cap to drain cool-
ant.
TIP
When the radiator cap is loosened, coolant will
gush out transversely; therefore, bring the con-
tainer near to the outlet.
4. Thoroughly flush the cooling system with
clean tap water.
1. Radiator
1

ENGINE
3-9
5. Install:
• Copper washers
• Coolant drain bolt
6. Pour coolant.
EWA13040
WARNING
• If coolant splashes in your eyes, thorough-
ly wash them with water and consult a
doctor.
• If coolant splashes on your clothes, quick-
ly wash it away with water and then with
soap and water.
• If coolant is swallowed, induce vomiting
and get immediate medical attention.
ECA13480
NOTICE
• Adding water instead of coolant lowers the
antifreeze content of the coolant. If water
is used instead of coolant check, and if
necessary, correct the antifreeze concen-
tration of the coolant.
• Use only distilled water. However, if dis-
tilled water is not available, soft water may
be used.
• If coolant comes into contact with painted
surfaces, immediately wash them with wa-
ter.
• Do not mix different types of antifreeze.
7. Install:
• Radiator cap
8. Start the engine, warm this up for several
minutes, stop it, and then wait for it to cool
down.
9. Check:
• Coolant level
Refer to “CHECKING THE COOLANT LEV-
EL” on page 3-8.
EAS1SL5074CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP
1. Check:
• Seal (radiator cap) “1”• Valve and valve seat “2”
Crack/damage  Replace.
Exist fur deposits  Clean or replace.
EAS1SL5075CHECKING THE RADIATOR CAP OPENING
PRESSURE
1. Check:
• Radiator cap opening pressure
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
a. Install the radiator cap tester adapter “2” and
the radiator cap tester “3” to the radiator cap
“1,” and activate the tester to check whether
it can stay for 5 to 10 seconds within stan-
dard pressure values.
TIP
Before attaching the cap to the tester, apply
water to its sealing surface.
No stay  Replace.
▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲
Coolant drain bolt
10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Recommended coolant
High quality ethylene glycol
anti-freeze containing anti-cor-
rosion for aluminum engine
Radiator capacity (including all
routes)
1.04 L (1.10 US qt, 0.92 Imp.qt)
Coolant mixing ratio
1:1 (Coolant:Water)
New
T R..
Radiator cap opening pressure
108–137 kPa (1.08–1.37 kg/cm2,
15.7–19.9 psi)
Radiator cap tester
90890-01325
Mityvac cooling system tester kit
YU-24460-A
Radiator cap tester adapter
90890-01352
Pressure tester adapter
YU-33984

ENGINE
3-10
EAS1SL5076CHECKING THE COOLANT CIRCULATORY
SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
1. Check:
• Coolant level
2. Install:
• Radiator cap tester “1”
• Adapter “2”
3. Activate the tester to apply the test pressure.
ECA@
NOTICE
• Do not apply such a high pressure as ex-
ceeds the test pressure.
• Make sure that a checkup after the cylin-
der head gasket is replaced is made after 2
to 3 minutes of warm-up.
• Make sure that coolant is filled up to the
upper level beforehand.
4. Check:
• Pressure value
No stay for 5 to 10 seconds at the test pres-
sure value  Correct.
• Radiator
• Radiator hose connections
Coolant leaks  Correct or replace.
• Radiator hoses
Bulges  Replace
EWA@
WARNING
When the radiator cap tester is removed,
coolant will spout; therefore, cover it with a
cloth beforehand.
EAS1SL5077ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER POSI-
TION
1. Adjust:
• Clutch lever position “a”
Loosen the locknut “1” and use the adjuster
“2” to adjust the clutch lever position “a” as
desired.
2. Tighten:
• Locknut
EAS1SL5078ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH LEVER FREE
PLAY
1. Check:
• Clutch lever free play “a”
Out of specification  Regulate.
2. Adjust:
• Clutch lever free play
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
Handlebar side
a. Turn the adjuster “1” in direction “a” or “b”
until the specified clutch lever free play is ob-
tained. Radiator cap tester
90890-01325
Mityvac cooling system tester kit
YU-24460-A
Radiator cap tester adapter
90890-01352
Pressure tester adapter
YU-33984
Test pressure value
196 kPa (1.96 kg/cm
2, 27.9 psi)
Locknut
4.8 Nm (0.48 m·kgf, 3.5 ft·lbf)
Clutch lever free play
7.0–12.0 mm (0.28–0.47 in)
Direction “a”
Clutch lever free play is increased.
Direction “b”
Clutch lever free play is decreased.
1
2
a
T R..