2016 YAMAHA YZ450F wheel

PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
3-7
EASB111066
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.
EASB111067GENERAL 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.ITEM inspect Page
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.1-21
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/HousingCheck 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.3-22 – 28
Drive chainCheck drive chain slack and alignment. Check that
the drive chain is lubricated properly.3-28 – 29
4-66 – 67
WheelsCheck for excessive wear and tire pressure. Check
for loose spokes and have no excessive play.3-34
SteeringCheck that the handlebar can be turned smoothly and
have no excessive play.3-35 – 36
Front forks and rear
shock absorberCheck that they operate smoothly and there is no oil
leakage.3-29 – 33
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.3-14
Rear wheel sprocketCheck that the rear wheel sprocket tightening bolt is
not loose.4-8 – 9
Lubrication Check for smooth operation. Lubricate if necessary. 3-12, 3-36
Bolts and nutsCheck the chassis and engine for loose bolts and
nuts.1-24 – 25
Lead connectorsCheck that the AC magneto, ECU and ignition coil are
connected tightly.1-10 – 12
SettingsIs 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
3-26
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3. Check:
• Brake fluid level
Refer to “CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL” on page 3-27.
4. Check:
• Brake lever operation
A softy or spongy feeling  Bleed the brake
system.
Refer to “BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYS-
TEM” on page 3-22.
EASB111094CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PADS
1. Measure:
• Brake pad thickness “a”
Out of specification  Replace as a set.
TIP
The pads worn up to the indicator “b” grooves
mean that the brake pad thickness limit is
reached.
2. Replace:
• Brake pads
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a. Remove the protector “1” and the pad pin
plug “2”.
b. Loosen the pad pin “3”.
c. Remove the rear wheel “4” and the brake
caliper “5”.
Refer to “REAR WHEEL” on page 4-7.
d. Remove the pad pin “6” and the brake pads
“7”.
e. Connect the plastic hose “8” to the bleed
screw “9” and place a container under the
end of the plastic hose. Brake pad lining thickness (inner)
6.4 mm (0.25 in)
Limit
1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Brake pad lining thickness (outer)
6.4 mm (0.25 in)
Limit
1.0 mm (0.04 in)
10
ba
a
1 2
34
5
7 6
9
8

CHASSIS
3-27
f. Loosen the bleed screw and push the brake
caliper piston in.
EWA
WARNING
Do not reuse the drained brake fluid.
g. Tighten the bleed screw.
h. Install the brake pad “10” and the pad pin
“11”.
TIP
• Install the brake pads with their projections “a”
into the brake caliper recesses “b”.
• Temporarily tighten the pad pin at this point.
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”.
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3. Check:
• Brake fluid level
Refer to “CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL” on page 3-27.
4. Check:
• Brake pedal operation
A softy or spongy feeling  Bleed the brake
system.
Refer to “BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYS-
TEM” on page 3-22.
EASB111095CHECKING THE REAR BRAKE PAD INSU-
LATOR
1. Remove:
• Brake pads
Refer to “REAR BRAKE” on page 4-22.
2. Check:
• Rear brake pad insulator “1”
Damage  Replace.
EASB111096CHECKING 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. Bleed screw
6 Nm (0.6 m·kgf, 4.3 ft·lbf)
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)
T R..
10 11
a
b
T R..
13
14
12
T R..
15
16

CHASSIS
3-28
2. Check:
• Brake fluid level
The minimum level mark “a” or below 
Add.
EWA
WARNING
• Use only the designated brake fluid. Other
brake fluids may cause the rubber seals to
deteriorate, causing leakage and poor
brake performance.
• Refill with the same type of brake fluid that
is already in the system. Mixing brake flu-
ids may result in a harmful chemical reac-
tion, leading to poor brake performance.
• When refilling, be careful that water does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir. Water
will significantly lower the boiling point of
the brake fluid and could cause vapor
lock.
ECA
NOTICE
Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces
and plastic parts. Therefore, always clean
up any spilt brake fluid immediately.
EASB111097ADJUSTING THE DRIVE CHAIN SLACKECA13550
NOTICE
A drive chain that is too tight will overload
the engine and other vital parts, and one
that is too loose can skip and damage the
swingarm or cause an accident. Therefore,
keep the drive chain slack within the speci-
fied limits.1. 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.
2. Shift the transmission into the neutral posi-
tion.
3. Pull the drive chain up above the drive chain
guide installation bolt with a force of about
50 N (5.0 kgf, 36 lbf).
4. Check:
• Drive chain slack “a”
Out of specification  Regulate.
TIP
Measure drive chain slack between the drive
chain guide and the bottom of the chain as
shown.
5. Adjust:
• Drive chain slack
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a. Loosen the wheel axle nut “1”.
b. Loosen both locknuts “2”.
c. Turn the adjusting bolt “3” in direction “a” or
“b” until the specified drive chain slack is ob-
tained. Specified brake fluid
DOT 4
A. Front brake
B. Rear brake
Drive chain slack
50–60 mm (1.97–2.36 in)
Direction “a”
The drive chain slack decreases.
Direction “b”
The drive chain slack increases.
a

CHASSIS
3-29
TIP
• To maintain the proper wheel alignment, ad-
just both sides evenly.
• Push the rear wheel forward to make sure that
there is no clearance between the swingarm
end plates and the ends of the swingarm.
d. Tighten the locknut.
e. Tighten the wheel axle nut.
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EASB111098CHECKING THE FRONT FORK LEGS
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:
• 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 4-38.
EASB111099CHECKING 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.
EASB111100CLEANING 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. Locknut
21 Nm (2.1 m·kgf, 15 ft·lbf)
Wheel axle nut
135 Nm (13.5 m·kgf, 98 ft·lbf)
1
32
a
b
T R..
T R..1
a
1

CHASSIS
3-30
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.
EASB111101AIR 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.
3. Tighten:
• Air bleed screw
EASB111102
ADJUSTING 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
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Rebound damping
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a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
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Air bleed screw
1.3 Nm (0.13 m·kgf, 0.94 ft·lbf)
LS
a
b
T R..
1
Direction “a”
Rebound damping is increased (sus-
pension is harder).
Direction “b”
Rebound damping is decreased (sus-
pension is softer).
Rebound damping adjusting posi-
tions
Maximum
Fully turned in
Standard
11 clicks out*
Minimum
20 clicks out*
* With the adjuster fully turned in
1
a
b

CHASSIS
3-31
Compression dampingECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Adjust:
• Compression damping
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a. Turn the adjuster “1” in the direction of “a” or
“b” to make an adjustment.
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EASB111103CHECKING THE SWINGARM OPERATION
1. Check:
• Swingarm smooth action
• Swingarm free play
Refer to “SWINGARM” on page 4-62.
EASB111104
CHECKING 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 4-55.
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 4-55.
EASB111105ADJUSTING 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 preload
ECA@
NOTICE
Do not turn the adjuster forcibly beyond its
adjusting range.
1. Remove:
• Rear frame
Refer to “REAR SHOCK ABSORBER AS-
SEMBLY” on page 4-55. Direction “a”
Compression damping is increased
(suspension is harder).
Direction “b”
Compression damping is decreased
(suspension is softer).
Compression damping adjusting
positions
Maximum
Fully turned in
Standard
8 clicks out* (USA) (CAN)
16 clicks out* (EUR) (JPN) (AUS)
(NZL) (ZAF)
Minimum
20 clicks out*
* With the adjuster fully turned in
a b
1

CHASSIS
3-34
EASB111106CHECKING THE TIRES
1. Measure:
• Tire pressure
Out of specification  Regulate.
TIP
• Check the tire while it is cold.
• Loose bead stoppers allow the tire to slip off
its position on the rim when the tire pressure
is low.
• If the tire valve stem is found tilted, the tire is
considered to be slipping off its position. Cor-
rect the tire position.
EASB111107CHECKING AND TIGHTENING THE
SPOKES
1. Check:
• Spokes
Bend/damage  Replace.
Loose  Tighten.
TIP
A tight spoke will emit a clear, ringing tone; a
loose spoke will sound flat.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.
EASB111108CHECKING THE WHEELS
1. Check:
• Wheel(s)
Damage/out-of-round  Replace.
EWA
WARNING
Never attempt to make any repairs to the
wheel.
TIP
After replacing a tire or a wheel, always bal-
ance the wheel.
EASB111109CHECKING THE WHEEL BEARINGS
1. Check:
• Wheel bearings
Refer to “CHECKING THE FRONT WHEEL”
on page 4-4 and “CHECKING THE REAR
WHEEL” on page 4-8. Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires)
Front
100 kPa (1.00 kgf/cm
2, 15 psi)
Rear
100 kPa (1.00 kgf/cm
2, 15 psi)
Spoke nipple wrench (6–7)
90890-01521
YM-01521
Spokes
2.5 Nm (0.25 m·kgf, 1.8 ft·lbf)
1
T R..