2020 YAMAHA KODIAK 450 warning

6-3
6
3. Release the brake pedal, and then open the throttle 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)
2L3H4N5R6P
1
UBB562E0.book Page 3 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

6-5
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
UBB562E0.book Page 5 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

6-6
6sold 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.
EBU21043Loading
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:
UBB562E0.book Page 6 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

7-2
7
EBU38771GETTING 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
UBB562E0.book Page 2 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

7-3
7the 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]
UBB562E0.book Page 3 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

7-4
7
Apparel
Always wear the following to reduce risk of injury
in an accident:

Approved motorcycle helmet that fits properly
 Eye protection (goggles, helmet face shield, or
protective eyewear)
 Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, long-sleeved
shirt or jacket, and long pants
An approved helmet and other personal protective
equipment can reduce the severity of injuries in an
accident. WARNING! Operating without an ap-
proved motorcycle helmet increases your
chances of a severe head injury or death in the
event of an accident.
[EWB01412]
Wear eye protection when operating your ATV to
reduce the risk of a serious accident or injury. Eye
protection, such as a face shield or goggles, may
reduce the risk of foreign material getting in your
eyes and help prevent loss of vision. WARNING!
Operating without eye protection can result in
an accident and increases your chances of a
severe injury in the event of an accident.[EWB02612]
UBB562E0.book Page 4 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

7-5
7Do not operate after or while consuming alco-
hol or drugs.
The operator’s performance capability is reduced
by the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consuming
alcohol or drugs could seriously affect your judg-
ment, cause you to react more slowly, and affect
your balance and perception. WARNING! Never
consume alcohol or drugs before or while driv-
ing this ATV. You increase your chance of an
accident.
[EWB01422]
Pre-operation checks
Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to
make sure the ATV is in safe operating condition.
Perform the pre-operation checks listed on page
5-1. Always follow the inspection and mainte-
nance procedures and schedules described in the
Owner’s Manual. WARNING! Failure to inspect
the ATV before riding it or failure to maintain it
properly increases the possibility of an acci-
dent and equipment damage.
[EWB01433]
Speed limiter
For riders less experienced with this model, the
throttle lever housing is equipped with a speed
limiter. The speed limiter keeps the throttle from
1. Protective clothing
2. Goggles
3. Gloves
4. Boots
5. HelmetUBB562E0.book Page 5 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM

7-6
7
fully opening, even when the throttle lever is
pushed to the maximum. Turning in the adjusting
screw limits the maximum engine power available
and decreases the maximum speed of the ATV.
Turning in the adjusting screw decreases top
speed, and turning it out increases top speed.
(See page 4-13.)
Loading and accessories
WARNING
EWB01463Improper loading or towing can increase the
risk of loss of control, an overturn, or other ac-
cident. To reduce the risk of an accident: 
Do not exceed the maximum loading limits
for the vehicle (see “MAXIMUM LOADING
LIMIT” in this section or vehicle labeling).
 Keep weight on racks centered side to side,
and as low as possible. Be sure cargo is se-
cured – a loose load could change handling
unexpectedly.
 Make sure the load does not interfere with
your control or ability to see where you are
going.
 Tie down cargo in the trailer securely. Make
sure cargo in the trailer cannot move around.
A shifting load can cause an accident.
 Reduce speed and allow more room to stop.
A heavier vehicle takes longer to stop.
 Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose terrain
carefully. Use extreme caution when towing
or carrying a load on inclines.
 Turn gradually and go slowly.
Take extra precautions when driving with a load or
trailer. Follow these instructions and always use
common sense and good judgment when carrying
cargo or towing a trailer.
1. Adjusting screwUBB562E0.book Page 6 Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:59 AM