With any newly released motorcycle, there are bound to be a few glitches in
production. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, there are a few
minor errors with the WR450F. Below is a list of quick fixes to some minute
problems, that may grow as this project evolves. (Please note that Off-Road.com
is not responsible for any incorrect information; the tips below are to fix
possible problems that may or may not occur).
It is widely known that this is an issue. As of now our information is sketchy, but our contact at Yamaha said, "We don't know for sure if it was human error or maybe a pinched airline on the tool used to put this nut on - but the rotor nut does not always have the proper torque." If you have a '03 WR450F you need to check this and make sure it is at 50 foot-pounds. There are more rumors on varying torques and as soon as we have official word from Yamaha we'll let you know.
Word on the street (www.thumpertalk.com) is that woodruff key failures are continuing, despite retorqueing to +50 ft lbs, and lapping the flywheel does not always seem to fix the problem after a failure. Indications are that a certain range of serial numbers are affected. See current posts on Thumper Talk (click link above for direct Link to the WR450 forum) and search for "woodruff." More to come. Yamaha Customer Relations: 1-800-962-7926. William Perry MXOffroad Editor
Yes, there is a problem with it and yes Yamaha has addressed it. Most WR450F owners become aware of this failure by the time they hit 130 miles on the ODO. What usually happens is an off idle backfire kills the engine shearing the Woodruff key. This knocks the bike out of "time" and it will not re-start.
Regardless of when you bought your 2003 WR450 this is covered by your warranty at no charge to you. It's probably not a bad idea to call your local Yamaha dealer and make sure they have the latest Tech Bulletin "M2003-007" before you rush down to have the work preformed. To richen the idle circuit to prevent the lean condition backfire Yamaha recommends adjusting the idle mixture screw 3 to 3-1/2 turns out from all the way in. This is a pretty simple task that can be done without removing the carburetor. If you look at the bottom of your carb in the front, you'll see a small hole, that's where the screw is located. Use a small mirror and short small standard screwdriver to adjust it. The mirror will help to ensure you have the screwdriver in the slot. If you don't, you might bend the needle causing yourself more problems. |
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