2017 YAMAHA YFZ450R light

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.
UBW260E0.book Page 12 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

7-18
7
As you travel across a slope, lean your body in the
uphill direction. It may be necessary to correct the
steering when riding on loose surfaces by pointing
the front wheels slightly uphill. When riding on
slopes, be sure not to make sharp turns either up
or down hill.
If your ATV does begin to tip over, gradually steer
in the downhill direction if there are no obstacles
in your path. As you regain proper balance, grad-
ually steer again in the direction you wish to travel.
CROSSING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER
WARNING
EWB01642Operating this vehicle through deep or fast-
flowing water can lead to loss of control or an
overturn. To reduce your risk of drowning or
other injuries, use care when crossing through
water. Never operate this ATV water deeper
than the depth specified in your Owner’s Man-
ual, as tires may float, increasing the risk of an
overturn. The ATV can be used to cross slow moving, shal-
low water of up to a maximum of 35 cm (14 in) in
depth. Before entering the water, choose your
path carefully. Enter where there is no sharp drop
off, and avoid rocks or other obstacles which may
be slippery or upset the ATV. Drive slowly and
carefully.
UBW260E0.book Page 18 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

8-8
8
EBU29431TIPSome maintenance items need more frequent service if you are riding in unusually wet, dusty, sandy or
muddy areas, or at full-throttle.
 Replace the fuel hose every five years and if cracked or damaged.
 Hydraulic brake service
• Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
• Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and
change the brake fluid.23 *Moving parts and
cables •Lubricate.
√√√√
24 *Throttle lever • Check operation.
• Check throttle lever free play, and adjust if neces-
sary.
• Lubricate cable and lever housing. √√√√√
25 *Front and rear
brake switches • Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√√
26 *Lights and switches • Check operation and correct if necessary.
• Adjust headlight beams. √√√√√
NO. ITEM
CHECK OR MAINTENANCE
JOB INITIAL EVERY
Whichev- er comes first month136612
km (mi) 320
(200) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320UBW260E0.book Page 8 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

8-13
8To install the cowling
1. Place the cowling in the original position, and
then tighten the quick fasteners.
2. Install panels C, B and A.EBU29442Checking the spark plugThe spark plug is an important engine component,
which should be checked periodically, preferably
by a Yamaha dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plug should be removed and checked in accor-
dance with the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, the condition of the spark
plug can reveal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the center elec-
trode of the spark plug should be a medium-to-
light tan (the ideal color when the vehicle is ridden
normally). If the spark plug shows a distinctly dif-
ferent color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose such
problems yourself. Instead, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
If the spark plug shows signs of electrode erosion
and excessive carbon or other deposits, it should
be replaced.
1. Quick fastener
1. Quick fastener
1
1
1
1
UBW260E0.book Page 13 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

8-26
8
3. Tap the tailpipe lightly, and then use a wire
brush to remove any carbon deposits from
the spark arrester portion of the tailpipe and
inside of the tailpipe housing. 4. Install the gasket, tailpipe, and retainer and
align the bolt holes.
5. Install the bolts and tighten them to the spec- ified torque.
6. Install the tailpipe cover and align the bolt holes.
7. Install the bolts and tighten them to the spec- ified torque.
1. Bolt
2. Retainer
3. Tailpipe
4. Gasket1
2
3
4
1
1. Tailpipe
2. Spark arresterTightening torque:Retainer bolt:10 N·m (1.0 kgf·m, 7.2 lb·ft)
1
2
UBW260E0.book Page 26 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

8-33
8NOTICE:
When tightening the locknut,
hold the adjusting bolt with a wrench so
that it does not turn together with the lock-
nut.
[ECB00522]
WARNING
EWB02091Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could cause the brakes to malfunc-
tion, resulting in reduced braking
performance. This could increase the chance
of a collision or accident. After adjusting the
parking brake free play, block the rear of the
ATV off the ground and spin the rear wheels.
Check to make sure there is no brake drag. If
brake drag is noticed, perform the adjustment
again. EBU24744Brake light switchesThe brake light, which is activated by the brake
pedal and brake lever, should come on just before
braking takes effect. The brake light switch for the brake pedal can be
adjusted as follows, but the front brake light
switch should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjusting nut while
holding the brake light switch in place. To make
the brake light come on earlier, turn the adjusting
nut in direction (a). To make the brake light come
on later, turn the adjusting nut in direction (b).
EBU30153Adjusting the clutch lever free playThe clutch lever free play must be checked and, if
necessary, adjusted at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.
Tightening torque:
Locknut (rear brake caliper):16 N·m (1.6 kgf·m, 12 lb·ft)1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1
2(a) (b)
UBW260E0.book Page 33 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

8-45
82. Remove the blown fuse, and then install a
new fuse of the specified amperage.
WARNING! Always use a fuse of the spec-
ified rating, and never use a substitute ob-
ject in place of the proper fuse. An
improper fuse or a substitute object can
cause damage to the electrical system,
which could lead to a fire.
[EWB02173]
3. Turn the key to “ ” (on) and turn on the elec-trical circuits to check if the devices operate.
4. If the fuse immediately blows again, have a Yamaha dealer check the electrical system.EBU30873Replacing a headlight bulbIf a headlight bulb burns out, replace it with the
specified bulb as follows.1. Remove the headlight unit by removing the bolt and pulling the headlight unit outward as
shown. 2. Remove the bulb cover.
Specified fuse:
20.0 A
1. Headlight unit
2. Bolt
1. Bulb cover
1
2
1
UBW260E0.book Page 45 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM

8-46
8
3. Remove the socket by pushing it in and turn-
ing it counterclockwise, and then remove the
burnt-out bulb.
4. Place a new headlight bulb into position. NOTICE: Do not touch the glass part of the
bulb. Oil from your fingers or other con-
tamination will adversely affect the trans-
parency of the glass, luminosity of the
bulb, and bulb life. Thoroughly clean off
any dirt and fingerprints using a cloth
moistened with alcohol or thinner.
[ECB00653]
5. Install the socket by pushing it in and turning it clockwise.
6. Install the bulb cover.TIPWhen installing the bulb cover, make sure the
“TOP” mark faces upwards.
1. Socket
1
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
UBW260E0.book Page 46 Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:28 PM