2021 YAMAHA YFZ450R warning

8-20
8
RIDING OVER ROUGH TERRAIN
WARNING
EWB01652Riding improperly over obstacles could cause
loss of control or a collision. Before operating
in a new area, check for obstacles. Never at-
tempt to ride over large obstacles, such as
large rocks or fallen trees. When you go over
obstacles, always follow proper procedures as
described in the Owner’s Manual. Riding over rough terrain should be done with
caution. Look out for obstacles which could cause
damage to the ATV or could lead to an upset or accident. Be sure to keep your feet firmly mounted
on the footrests at all times. Avoid jumping the
ATV as loss of control and damage to the ATV may
result.
SLIDING AND SKIDDING
WARNING
EWB01663Skidding or sliding improperly may cause you
to lose control of this ATV. You may also regain
traction unexpectedly, which may cause the
ATV to overturn.

Learn to safely control skidding or sliding by
practicing at low speeds and on level,
smooth terrain.
 On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice,
go slowly and be very cautious in order to re-
duce the chance of skidding or sliding out of
control. Care should be used when riding on loose or slip-
pery surfaces since the ATV may slide. If unex-
pected and uncorrected, sliding could lead to an
accident.
1. Air filter case check hose
1
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EBU28789
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EBU21677Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lubrication
will keep your vehicle in the safest and most effi-
cient condition possible. Safety is an obligation of
the vehicle owner and operator. The most impor-
tant points of vehicle inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication are explained on the following pages.
WARNING
EWB01842Failure to properly maintain the vehicle or per-
forming maintenance activities incorrectly may
increase your risk of injury or death during ser-
vice or while using the vehicle. If you are not fa-
miliar with vehicle service, have a Yamaha
dealer perform the service.
WARNING
EWB02563Turn off the engine when performing mainte-
nance unless otherwise specified.
A running engine has moving parts that can
catch on body parts or clothing and electri-
cal parts that can cause shocks or fires. 
Running the engine while servicing can lead
to eye injury, burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning - possibly leading to death. See
page 3-6 for more information about carbon
monoxide.

WARNING
EWB02691Brake discs, calipers, drums, and linings can
become very hot during use. To avoid possible
burns, let brake components cool before
touching them. The intervals given in the periodic maintenance
charts should be considered as a general guide
under normal riding conditions. However, DE-
PENDING ON THE WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEO-
GRAPHICAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL USE,
THE MAINTENANCE INTERVALS MAY NEED TO
BE SHORTENED.
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9-21
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TIPIf genuine Yamaha coolant is not available, use an
ethylene glycol antifreeze containing corrosion in-
hibitors for aluminum engines and mix with dis-
tilled water at a 1:1 ratio. NOTICEECB02190Mix antifreeze with distilled water only. Howev-
er, if distilled water is not available, soft water
may be used for refilling. Do not use hard water
or salt water since they are harmful to the en-
gine. EBU27947To check the coolant level1. Park the ATV on a level surface.
2. Wait for the engine to cool for an accurate reading.
3. Look at the coolant level in the coolant reser- voir. 4. If the coolant is at or below the minimum level
mark, remove the coolant reservoir cap.
WARNING! Remove only the coolant res-
ervoir cap. Never attempt to remove the
radiator cap when the engine is hot.
[EWB02672]
5. Add coolant to the maximum level mark, andthen install the reservoir cap. NOTICE: If
coolant is not available, use distilled water
or soft tap water instead. Do not use hard
water or salt water since they are harmful
to the engine. If water has been used in-1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
2
3
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stead of coolant, replace it with coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the cooling
system will not be protected against frost
and corrosion. If water has been added to
the coolant, have a Yamaha dealer check
the antifreeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the effective-
ness of the coolant will be reduced.
[ECB01012]
EBU29863
Changing the coolant
The coolant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance chart. Have
a Yamaha dealer change the coolant. WARNING!
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap
when the engine is hot.
[EWB04300]
EBU2680B
Cleaning the air filter elementThe air filter element should be cleaned at the in-
tervals specified in the periodic maintenance
chart. Clean or, if necessary, replace the air filter
element more frequently if you are riding in unusu-
ally wet or dusty areas.
TIPThere is a check hose at the bottom of the air filter
case. If dust or water collects in this hose, empty
the hose and clean the air filter element and air fil-
ter case. 1. Park the ATV on a level surface.
2. Remove the seat. (See page 5-10.)
3. Remove the air filter case cover by unhooking the holders.1. Air filter case check hose
1
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8. Wash the sponge material gently but thor-
oughly in solvent. WARNING! Always use
parts cleaning solvent. Never use low-
flash-point solvents or gasoline because
the engine could catch fire or explode.
[EWB01943]
9. Squeeze the excess solvent out of the sponge material and let it dry. NOTICE: Do
not twist the sponge material when
squeezing it.
[ECB00442]
10. Check the sponge material and replace it if damaged.
11. Apply Yamaha foam air filter oil or other qual- ity foam air filter oil to the sponge material.TIPThe sponge material should be wet but not drip-
ping. 12. Pull the sponge material over the air filter ele-ment frame.
13. Apply all-purpose grease to the air filter ele- ment seat.
1. Sponge material
2. Air filter element frame
1
2
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17. Install the seat.
TIPThe air filter element should be cleaned every 20–
40 hours. It should be cleaned and lubricated
more often if the ATV is operated in extremely
dusty areas. Each time the air filter element main-
tenance is performed, check the air inlet of the air
filter case for obstructions. Check the air filter
case rubber joint to the throttle body and the rub-
ber joint manifold fittings for an air-tight seal.
Tighten all fittings securely to avoid the possibility
of unfiltered air entering the engine. EBU30863Cleaning the spark arresterSelect a well-ventilated area free of combustible
materials and make sure the exhaust and muffler
are cool.
WARNING
EWB02342Always let the exhaust system cool prior to
touching exhaust components.
Do not start the engine with the spark arrester
removed. Sparks or exhaust particulate can
cause eye injury, burns, or start a fire.
1. Remove the tailpipe cover by removing the
bolts.
2. Remove the retainer by removing the bolts, and then remove the tailpipe and gasket from
the muffler.1. Tailpipe cover
2. Bolt2
1 2
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WARNING
EWB02572Operating with improperly serviced or adjust-
ed brakes could lead to a loss in braking ability
and an accident. EBU24132Checking the front and rear brake padsThe front and rear brake pads must be checked
for wear at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.EBU29561Front brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with wear indicator
grooves, which allow you to check the brake pad
wear without having to disassemble the brake. To
check the brake pad wear, check the wear indica-
tor grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the point
that the wear indicator grooves have almost dis-
appeared, have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
TIPThe wheels need to be removed to check the
brake pads. (See page 9-49.) EBU29832Rear brake pads
Each brake pad is provided with wear indicator
grooves, which allow you to check the brake pad
wear without having to disassemble the brake. To
check the brake pad wear, check the wear indica-
tor grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the point
that the wear indicator grooves have almost dis-
appeared, have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.1. Wear indicator groove
1
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TIPTo check the rear brake fluid level, remove the
seat. (See page 5-10.)
WARNING
EWB02721Improper maintenance can result in loss of
braking ability. Observe these precautions:
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to enter
the brake system, reducing braking perfor-
mance.
 Clean the filler cap before removing. Use
only DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed contain-
er.
 Use only the specified brake fluid; otherwise,
the rubber seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage.
 Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Add-
ing a brake fluid other than DOT 4 may result
in a harmful chemical reaction. 
Be careful that water does not enter the
brake fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will
significantly lower the boiling point of the flu-
id and may result in vapor lock.
NOTICEECB01161Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces or
plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid im-
mediately. As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake
fluid level to gradually go down. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads and/or brake
system leakage; therefore, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake system for
leakage. If the brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer check the cause be-
fore further riding.EBU24294Changing the brake fluidHave a Yamaha dealer change the brake fluid at
the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance
chart. In addition, have the oil seals of the master
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
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