2021 YAMAHA KODIAK 450 light

7-4
7
TIPWhen in reverse, the reverse indicator light
should come on. If the indicator light does not
come on, have a Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
 Due to the synchronizing mechanism in the en-
gine, the indicator light may not come on until
the ATV starts moving. 4. Check behind for people or obstacles, and
then release the brake pedal.
5. Open the throttle lever gradually and continue to watch to the rear while backing.EBU36861Engine break-inThere is never a more important period in the life
of your engine than the first 240 km (150 mi) or 20
hours of operation. For this reason, you should fol-
low the engine break-in instructions carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not put an ex-
cessive load on it for the first 240 km (150 mi) or
20 hours. During this period the various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves to the cor-
rect operating clearances. Avoid prolonged full-
throttle operation or any condition that might re-
sult in engine overheating. 0–120 km (0–75 mi) or 0–10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle.
Vary the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not oper-
ate it at one set throttle position.
120–240 km (75–150 mi) or 10–20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine freely, but do not use full throttle at any
time.
240 km (150 mi) or 20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
NOTICEECB00221If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the ATV. EBU27322ParkingWhen parking the ATV, stop the engine, and shift
the drive select lever into the park position.
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8-13
8As 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 footboard 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.
Once you have learned this technique, you should
be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter
curves.
Improper riding procedures such as abrupt throt-
tle changes, excessive braking, incorrect body
movements, or too much speed for the sharpness
of the turn may cause the ATV to tip. If the ATV be-
gins to tip over to the outside while negotiating a
turn, lean more to the inside. It may also be nec-
essary to gradually let off on the throttle and steer
to the outside of the turn to avoid tipping over.
Remember: Avoid higher speeds until you are
thoroughly familiar with the operation of your ATV.
CLIMBING UPHILL
WARNING
EWB01672Climbing hills improperly can cause overturns
or loss of control. Use proper riding techniques
described in this Owner’s Manual.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.UBEY60E0.book Page 13 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

8-18
8

Shift your weight to the uphill side of the ATV.
 Never attempt to turn the ATV around on any
hill until you have mastered the turning tech-
nique as described in the Owner’s Manual on
level ground. Be very careful when turning
on any hill.
Traversing a sloping surface on your ATV requires
you to properly position your weight to maintain
proper balance. Be sure that you have learned the
basic riding skills on flat ground before attempting
to cross a sloping surface. Avoid slopes with slip-
pery surfaces or rough terrain that may upset your
balance.
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.
UBEY60E0.book Page 18 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-8
9
23 Differential gear oil• Change.
• Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary. √√
24 Final gear oil • Change.
• Check ATV for oil leakage, and correct if neces-
sary. √ √√√
25 Cooling system • Check coolant level and ATV for coolant leakage,
and correct if necessary. √√√√√
• Replace coolant. Every 2 years
26 *Moving parts and
cables
• Lubricate.
√√√√
27 *Throttle lever • Check operation.
• Check throttle lever free play, and adjust if neces-
sary.
• Lubricate cable and lever housing. √√√√√
28 *Front and rear
brake switches • Check operation and correct if necessary.
√√√√√
29 *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) 240
(150) 1300
(800) 2500
(1600) 2500
(1600) 5000
(3200)
hours 20 80 160 160 320UBEY60E0.book Page 8 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-14
9To install the panel
Insert the right side of the panel into position, and
then press the projections into place. Panel F
To remove the panel
1. Remove panels B and C.
2. Remove the cover.
For handlebar-mounted light equipped
models: Remove the handlebar-mounted
light cover. (See page 9-59.)
 For non-equipped models: Remove the
handlebar cover.1. Handlebar-mounted light cover
1
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9-17
9
5. Install the cover.
For handlebar-mounted light equipped
models: Install the handlebar-mounted
light cover.
 For non-equipped models: Install the han-
dlebar cover.
6. Install the panels.
EBU23216Checking the spark plugThe spark plug is an important engine component,
which is easy to check. Since heat and deposits
will cause any spark plug to slowly erode, the
spark plug should be removed and checked in ac-
cordance with the periodic maintenance chart. In
addition, the condition of the spark plug can reveal
the condition of the engine.
To remove the spark plug 1. Remove the spark plug cap. 2. Remove the spark plug as shown, with the
spark plug wrench included in the tool kit.
1. Spark plug cap
1. Spark plug wrench
11
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9-18
9To check the spark plug
1. Check that the porcelain insulator around the center electrode of the spark plug is a medi-
um-to-light tan (the ideal color when the ATV
is ridden normally).
TIPIf the spark plug shows a distinctly different color,
the engine could be operating improperly. Do not
attempt to diagnose such problems yourself. In-
stead, have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV. 2. Check the spark plug for electrode erosionand excessive carbon or other deposits, and
replace it if necessary.
3. Measure the spark plug gap with a wire thick- ness gauge and, if necessary, adjust the gap
to specification. To install the spark plug
1. Clean the surface of the spark plug gasket and its mating surface, and then wipe off any
grime from the spark plug threads.
2. Install the spark plug with the spark plug wrench, and then tighten it to the specified
torque.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/DR7EA
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
UBEY60E0.book Page 18 Monday, July 27, 2020 10:46 AM

9-37
9
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. Check the gasket for damage. Replace if nec- essary.
5. Install the gasket onto the tailpipe, then insert the tailpipe into the muffler and align the bolt
holes.
6. Install the bolts and tighten to the specified torque.
EBU23921V-belt cooling duct check hoseIf dust or water collects in the V-belt cooling duct
check hose, remove the hose and clean it.
EBU23932V-belt case drain plugAfter riding in water deep enough to allow it to en-
ter the V-belt case, remove the V-belt case drain
plug to drain the water from the case.TIPIf water drains from the V-belt case after removing
the plug, have a Yamaha dealer check the ATV as
the water may affect other engine parts.
Tightening torque:Tailpipe bolt:10 N