Electrical Problems in the Yamaha YFZ450

Yamaha's YFZ450 set a new standard in ATV performance. However, as reliable as the YFZ is, it is not perfect. Although the motor and suspension are extremely sturdy, electrical problems are common issues. The electrical problems of the YFZ450 are similar to the electrical problems of most modern motorcycles or ATVs.

  1. Battery

    • Start with obvious problems first. For example, does the bike have gas? If it won't start, is the battery charged? Motorcycle and ATV batteries run low, die and completely wear out. The YZF450 tends to do this more often than most. Its high performance means high compression. High compression motors are harder to turn and start. In addition, single-cylinder high compression motors are harder to start than multi-cylinder motors. You can't get much harder on a battery than a YZF450.

    Low-Tech Problems

    • While the YFZ450 is a modern ATV, it is not immune to classic electrical problems. If you have a fully charged battery and your bike won't start, look at your fuses. A blown fuse may only be a symptom of another problem such as a short circuited or damaged component, but you want this information when troubleshooting. In spite of the sophisticated electronics on a YFZ450, the components are still connected with shielded copper wire. Damage the shield and you will probably have a short circuit, either permanently or intermittently. This is where isolating your problem with a multimeter can save you a lot of money. Expensive replacement components will not help if they are reconnected with bare wires.

    High-Tech Electronics

    • Like most new motorcycles, ATVs or cars, the YZF450 is highly "modularized" and high-tech. It has an Electronic Control Module (ECM), which is an on-board computer that gathers and sends information and feedback to the motor. It also has a Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) that controls the ignition. These are the brains of the motor. If they break, you do not fix them--you replace them.

    Electrical Components

    • Like older models, the YFZ450 has many standard electrical components integrated into the system. Unlike most other vehicles, the YFZ is intended to be used in harsh environments where electrical components are most vulnerable. All of the standard components in an electrical system, including sensors, switches, rectifiers, stators and coils are prone to failure. These tend to be "isolate and replace" problems.