2021 YAMAHA KODIAK 450 wheel

5-11
5
es with the riding speed. You may lose control
and have an accident if you cannot make a
sharp enough turn for the speed you are trav-
eling.
EBU2660AOn-Command drive switch “2WD/4WD”
Stop the ATV and push this switch to change from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive or vice versa.
Select the appropriate drive according to the ter-
rain and riding conditions.

“2WD” (two-wheel drive): power is supplied to
the rear wheels only, giving a smooth ride and
fuel economy.
 “4WD” (four-wheel drive): power is supplied to
the front and rear wheels, giving increased trac-
tion.
WARNING
EWB00164Always stop the ATV before changing from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and vice
versa. The ATV handles differently in two-
wheel drive than in four-wheel drive in some
circumstances. Changing from two-wheel
drive to four-wheel drive or vice versa while
moving may cause the ATV to unexpectedly handle differently. This could distract the oper-
ator and increase the risk of losing control and
of causing an accident.
EBU38760On-Command drive switch “4WD/LOCK” (dif-
ferential gear lock models)
Stop the ATV and push this switch to change from
standard four-wheel drive to four-wheel drive with
the differential locked. Select the appropriate
switch position according to the terrain and the
conditions.

“4WD” (four-wheel drive): power is supplied to
the front and rear wheels, with the front differen-
tial unlocked.
 “LOCK” (four-wheel drive with the differential
gear locked): power is supplied to the front and
rear wheels and the differential gear is locked.
Unlike in four-wheel drive, all wheels turn at the
same speed, giving maximum traction.
WARNING
EWB00132Always stop the ATV before changing from
four-wheel drive to four-wheel-drive differen-
tial gear lock or vice versa.
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5-12
5The ATV handles differently in four-wheel drive
than in differential gear lock in some circum-
stances. Changing from four-wheel drive to
differential gear lock or vice versa while mov-
ing may cause the ATV to handle differently un-
expectedly. This could distract the operator
and increase the risk of losing control and
causing an accident.
To access the “4WD/LOCK” switch, set the
“2WD/4WD” switch to “4WD”, and then move the
drive switch lock lever to the right.
TIP
When the switch is set to “LOCK”, the differen-
tial gear lock indicator light will flash until the dif-
ferential gear is completely locked or unlocked.
 When the indicator light is flashing, turning the
handlebar back and forth will help the differen-
tial gear lock to engage or disengage.
 Riding before the differential gear is properly en-
gaged or disengaged (e.g., when the indicator
light is flashing) will cause the vehicle speed to
be limited until the differential gear is completely
engaged or disengaged.
 When the ATV is in four-wheel-drive differential
gear lock, the maximum traveling speed is limit-
ed to 35 km/h (22 mi/h). However, if conditions
require full engine power to be available, push
and hold the override switch to disable the dif-
ferential gear lock speed limiter. (See page
5-10.)
WARNING
EWB00141Always ride at a slow speed when the ATV is in
differential gear lock, and allow extra time and
distance for maneuvers.
1. On-Command drive switch “4WD/LOCK”
2. Drive switch lock lever
LOCK4WD
1
2
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5-13
5
All wheels turn at the same speed when the dif-
ferential gear is locked, so it takes more effort
to turn the ATV. The effort needed to turn in-
creases with the riding speed. You may lose
control and have an accident if you cannot
make a sharp enough turn for the speed you
are traveling.
EBU18286Throttle leverPush the throttle lever to increase engine speed.
Spring tension returns the lever to the rest position
when released. Always check that the throttle le-
ver returns normally before starting the engine.
EBU18325Speed limiterThe speed limiter keeps the throttle from fully
opening, even when the throttle lever is pushed to
the maximum.
Adjusting the speed limiter1. Loosen the locknut.
2. To increase the maximum engine power
available and the maximum speed of the ATV,
turn the adjusting screw in direction (a). To
decrease the maximum engine power avail-
able and the maximum speed of the ATV, turn
1. Throttle lever
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting screw
3. No more than 12 mm (0.47 in)
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6-2
6
Front brake• Check operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
• Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add specified brake fluid to specified level if necessary.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary. 6-3, 9-40, 9-40, 9-42
Rear brake • Check operation, and correct if necessary.
• Lubricate cables if necessary.
• Check lever and pedal free play, and adjust if necessary. 6-3, 9-40, 9-42
Throttle lever • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever
housing if necessary.
• Check lever free play, and adjust if necessary. 6-4, 9-38
Control cables • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 9-49
Wheels and tires • Check wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
• Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure. Correct if necessary. 6-4
Brake pedal • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point
if necessary. 9-50
Brake levers • Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points
if necessary. 9-49
Axle boots • Check for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 9-47
Chassis fasteners • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 6-7
Instruments, lights and
switches • Check operation, and correct if necessary. 6-7
Winch • Confirm winch hook and rope are not dangling loose.
• Confirm winch clutch is locked (positively engaged).
5-22
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
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7-5
7
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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8-7
8Drive more slowly than you would without a load.
The more weight you carry, the slower you should
go. Although conditions vary, it is good practice to
drive slowly (shift into first gear or low drive if avail-
able on this model) whenever you are carrying
heavier loads or when towing a trailer. During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during
operation; otherwise, they may contact the rear
wheels.
WARNING! Removing even one hand or
foot can reduce your ability to control the ATV
or could cause you to lose your balance and
fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot from a
footboard, your foot or leg may come into con-
tact with the rear wheels, which could injure
you or cause an accident.
[EWB01472]
Avoid wheelies and jumping. WARNING! At-
tempting wheelies, jumps, and other stunts in-
creases the chance of an accident, including
MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rid-
er, accessories, and tongue):240.0 kg (530 lb)
Front carrier: 40.0 kg (88 lb)
Rear carrier: 80.0 kg (176 lb)
Storage compartment: 2.0 kg (4 lb)
Trailer hitch: Pulling load (total weight of trailer and
cargo):5880 N (600 kgf, 1322 lbf)
Tongue weight (vertical weight on trailer
hitch point): 147 N (15 kgf, 33 lbf)
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8-8
8
an overturn. Never attempt stunts, such as
wheelies or jumps. Don’t try to show off.
[EWB01482]Modifications and accessories
Never modify this ATV through improper installa-
tion or use of accessories or other modification. All
parts and accessories added to this ATV should
be genuine Yamaha or equivalent components
designed for use on this ATV and should be in-
stalled and used according to instructions. If you
have questions, consult an authorized ATV dealer.
WARNING! Operating this ATV with improper modifications may cause changes in handling
which in some situations could lead to an acci-
dent.
[EWB01492]
Exhaust system
WARNING
EWB01502 Dry grass or brush or other combustible ma-
terial accumulated around the engine area
could catch fire. Do not operate, idle, or park
the ATV in dry grass or other dry ground cov-
er. Keep the engine area free of dry grass,
brush, or other combustible material.
 Someone touching the exhaust system dur-
ing or after operation could be burned. Do
not touch the hot exhaust system. Do not
park the ATV in a place where others might
be likely to touch it. The muffler and other engine parts become ex-
tremely hot during operation and remain hot after
the engine has stopped. To reduce the risk of fire
during operation or after leaving the ATV, do not
let brush, grass and other materials collect under
the vehicle, near the muffler or exhaust pipe, or
next to other hot parts. Check under the vehicle
after operating in areas where combustible mate-
rials may have collected. Do not idle or park the
vehicle in long dry grass or other dry ground cov-
er.
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8-12
8
Select a large, flat, unpaved area to become famil-
iar with your ATV. Make sure that this area is free
of obstacles and other riders. You should practice
control of the throttle, brakes, shifting procedures,
and turning techniques in this area before trying
more difficult terrain.
Shift to the park position and follow the instruction
on page 7-1 to start the engine. Once it has
warmed up you are ready to begin riding your
ATV. With the engine idling, shift the drive select
lever into the low-range position or the high-range
position. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly.
The centrifugal clutch will engage and you will
start to accelerate. If the throttle is applied too
abruptly, the front wheels may lift off the ground,
resulting in a loss of directional control. Avoid
higher speeds until you are thoroughly familiar
with the operation of your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the
throttle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly.
Improper use of the brakes can cause the tires to
lose traction, reducing control and increasing the
possibility of an accident.
NOTICEECB00252Do not shift from low-range to high-range or
vice versa without coming to a complete stop.
Damage to the engine or drive train may occur. TURNING YOUR ATV
WARNING
EWB01772Always follow proper procedures for turning as
described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions. ATV could go
out of control, causing a collision or overturn. 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.
UBEY60E0.book Page 12 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM