2018 YAMAHA KODIAK 450 warning

5-4
5
Brake fluid leakage (front brake)
Check to see if any brake fluid is leaking out of the
hose, joint or brake fluid reservoir of the front
brake. Apply the brake firmly for one minute. If the
lever moves slowly inward, there may be a leak in
the brake system. If there is any leakage, the brake
system should be checked by a Yamaha dealer.
Brake operation
Test the brakes at slow speed after starting out to
make sure they are working properly. If the brakes
do not provide proper braking performance,
check the brake pads and friction plates for wear.
(See page 8-37.)
EBU19762Throttle leverCheck the operation of the throttle lever. It must
open smoothly and spring back to the idle position
when released. Have a Yamaha dealer correct if
necessary.EBU19816TiresCheck tire pressure regularly to make sure it is at
the recommended specifications. Also check for
wear and damage. Tire pressure
Use a tire pressure gauge to check and adjust tire
air pressure when the tires are cold. The tire air
pressure must be equal on both sides.
WARNING! Operation of this vehicle with im- proper tire pressure may cause severe injury or
death from loss of control or rollover. Tire
pressure below the minimum specified could
also cause the tire to dislodge from the rim un-
der severe riding conditions.
[EWB02542]
Recommended tire pressure: Front35.0 kPa (0.350 kgf/cm², 5.0 psi)
Rear 30.0 kPa (0.300 kgf/cm², 4.4 psi)
Minimum tire pressure: Front32.0 kPa (0.320 kgf/cm², 4.6 psi)
Rear 27.0 kPa (0.270 kgf/cm², 4.0 psi)
Maximum tire seating pressure: Front250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear 250 kPa (2.5 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
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5-5
5Tire pressure gauge
A low-pressure tire gauge is included as standard
equipment with your vehicle. (See page 8-2.)
When using the tire pressure gauge, make two
measurements and use the second reading as grit
in the gauge or tire valve could have caused the
first reading to be incorrect.
Tire wear
If the tire is damaged or the tire tread depth de-
creases to 3 mm (0.12 in) or less, replace the tire. Tire information
This ATV is equipped with tubeless tires and tire
air valves. After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below are approved for this model by Yamaha.
WARNING
EWB02552Use of improper tires on this ATV may cause
loss of control, increasing your risk of an acci-
dent.
1. Low-pressure tire gauge
2. Tire air valve
1
2
1. Tire wear limit
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EBU19882
OPERATION
EBU19902Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before riding
the ATV. If there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWB00632Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to become
familiar with all controls in order to help pre-
vent any loss of control, which could cause an
accident or injury. EBU30563Starting the engineThis model is equipped with an ignition circuit cut-
off system. To enable starting one of the following
conditions must be met:
The drive select lever is in the neutral or park po-
sition.
 The rear brake lever or brake pedal is applied.TIPIt is recommended to shift into neutral or park and
apply the rear brake when starting the engine.
NOTICEECB00151See the “Engine break-in” section on page 6-4
prior to operating the engine for the first time. To start the engine
1. Turn the key to “ ” (on) and the engine stop switch to “ ” (run).
The coolant temperature warning light and
the engine trouble warning light should
come on for a few seconds, then go off.
 For EPS-equipped models, the electric
power steering warning light should come
on and stay on until the engine is started.NOTICEECB00826To avoid possible damage, do not operate the
ATV if a warning light does not work as de-
scribed above. 2. Apply the brake pedal, then shift the drive se-
lect lever into the neutral or park position. The
corresponding indicator light should come
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6-3
63. Release the brake pedal, and then open thethrottle lever gradually.
Shifting: Neutral to Reverse and Reverse to
Park
WARNING
EWB00721Improper operation in reverse could make you
hit an obstacle or even a person behind you,
resulting in serious injury. When you shift into reverse, make sure there are no people or ob-
stacles behind you. When it is safe to proceed,
go slowly.
1. Bring the ATV to a complete stop.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift from neutral to reverse or from reverse
to park and vice versa by moving the drive se-
lect lever along the shift guide.
1. Drive select lever
2. L (Low-range)
3. H (High-range)
4. N (Neutral)
5. R (Reverse)
6. P (Park)
1 2L
3H4N5R6P
1. Drive select lever
2. L (Low-range)
3. H (High-range)
4. N (Neutral)
5. R (Reverse)
6. P (Park)
12L
3H4N5R6P
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6
EBU29901Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00861Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Parking
on a hill or other incline could cause the ATV to
roll out of control, increasing the chance of an
accident. If you must park on an incline, place
the ATV transversely across the incline, stop
the engine, shift the drive select lever to the
park position, and then block the front and rear
wheels with rocks or other objects.
Do not park the ATV at all on hills that are so
steep you could not walk up them easily. 1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying thebrakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the brake pedal applied, shift the drive select lever to the park position.
EBU20911Accessories and loadingEBU20922Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your ATV is an impor-
tant decision. Genuine Yamaha Accessories,
which are available only from a Yamaha dealer,
have been designed, tested, and approved by
Yamaha for use on your ATV. Many companies with no connection to Yamaha manufacture parts
and accessories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a position to test the products that these aftermarket compa-
nies produce. Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of accessories not
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6
sold by Yamaha or modifications not specifically
recommended by Yamaha, even if sold and in-
stalled by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket parts, accessories, and modifica-
tions
While you may find aftermarket products similar in
design and quality to genuine Yamaha Accesso-
ries, recognize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable because of po-
tential safety hazards to you or others. Installing
aftermarket products or having other modifica-
tions performed to your ATV that change any of
the vehicle’s design or operation characteristics
can put you and others at greater risk of serious
injury or death. You are responsible for injuries re-
lated to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following in mind when considering an
accessory or operating an ATV which has acces-
sories.

Accessories should be rigidly and securely
mounted. An accessory which can shift position
or come off while you are riding could affect
your ability to control the ATV.
 Do not mount an accessory where it could inter-
fere with your ability to control the ATV. Exam-
ples include (but are not limited to) a heavy or bulky object attached to the handlebars which
could make steering difficult, an accessory that
limits your ability to move around on the seat, or
one that limits your view.
 Use extra caution when riding an ATV with ac-
cessories. The ATV may handle differently than
it does without accessories.
EBU21042Loading
WARNING
EWB00821Never exceed the stated load capacity for this
ATV. Overloading this ATV or carrying or tow-
ing cargo improperly could cause changes in
ATV handling which could lead to an accident.
Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached. Reduce speed when carrying
cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow greater dis-
tance for braking. Cargo or a trailer can change the stability and han-
dling of an ATV.
You must use common sense and good judgment
when carrying cargo or towing a trailer. Keep the
following points in mind:
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7
EBU37070GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ATV
This ATV is for recreation and utility use. This sec-
tion, Riding your ATV, provides general ATV riding
instructions for recreational riding. The skills and
techniques described in this section, however, are
appropriate for all types of riding. Riding your ATV
requires special skills acquired through practice
over a period of time. Take the time to learn the
basic techniques well before attempting more dif-
ficult maneuvers.
Riding your new ATV can be a very enjoyable ac-
tivity, providing you with hours of pleasure. But it
is essential to familiarize yourself with the opera-
tion of the ATV to achieve the skill necessary to
enjoy riding safely. Before you begin to ride, be
sure you have read this Owner’s Manual com-
pletely and understand the operation of the con-
trols. Pay particular attention to the safety
information on pages 2-1–2-6. Also read all warn-
ing and notice labels on your ATV.RIDE WITH CARE AND GOOD JUDGMENT
Get training if you are inexperienced.
WARNING
EWB01382
Do not operate this ATV or allow anyone else
to operate it without proper instruction. The
risk of an accident is greatly increased if the
operator does not know how to operate the
ATV properly in different situations and on
different types of terrain.
 Do not operate this ATV at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions, as this in-
creases your chances of losing control of the
ATV and an accident. Always go at a speed
that is proper for the terrain, visibility and op-
erating conditions, and your experience. Beginning and inexperienced operators should
regularly practice the skills and the operating
techniques described in this Owner’s Manual.
Riding your ATV requires skills acquired
through practice over a period of time.
Do not attempt to operate at maximum perfor-
mance until you are totally familiar with the ATV’s
handling and performance characteristics. Take
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the time to learn the basic techniques well before
attempting more difficult maneuvers. Become fa-
miliar with this ATV at slow speeds first, even if you
are an experienced operator.
Not recommended for children under 16 years
of age.
WARNING
EWB01391A child under 16 should never operate an ATV
with engine size greater than 90 cc. Use by
children of ATVs that are not recommended for
their age can lead to severe injury or death of
the child.
This ATV is designed to carry the operator and
cargo only – passengers prohibited.
The long seat is to allow the operator to shift posi-
tion as needed during operation. It is not for carry-
ing passengers.
WARNING! Never carry a
passenger. Carrying a passenger on this ATV
greatly reduces your ability to balance and
control this ATV. You could have an accident,
resulting in severe injury or death to you and/or
your passenger.
[EWB01402]
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