Suzuki LT-A450X 2006 User manual

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Part No. 99011-11H50-01L
July, 2006 EN, FR, DU
LT-A450X
99011-11H50-01LLT-A450X
TK
K7 Printed in USA
300 TAKATSUKA, HAMAMATSU, JAPAN
17 mm17 mmNo.3546 LT-A450X 99011-11H50-01L 2/1No.3546 LT-A450X 99011-11H50-01L 2/1 DIC184(TDP006) DIC157
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUEL DU PROPRIETAIRE
HANDLEIDING
This owner’s manual contains
important safety information.
Please read it carefully.
Never allow anyone under 16
years old to ride this ATV.
Ce ’Manuel du propriétaire contient
des informations importantes
concernant la sécurité.
Le lire soigneusement.
Ne jamais autoriser les enfants
âgés de moins de 16 ans à
piloter ce V.T.T.
Deze handleiding bevat belangrijke
veiligheidsinformatie.
Lees de handleiding zorgvuldig door.
Laat nooit iemand onder 16 jaar
op deze ATV rijden.

LT-A450X
OWNER’S MANUAL
ENGLISH
ENGLISH
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehi-
cle and should remain with the vehicle when resold or otherwise
transferred to a new owner or operator. The manual contains
important safety information and instructions which should be
read carefully before operating the vehicle.

IMPORTANT
 WARNING/CAUTION/ NOTE
Please read this manual and follow its
instructions carefully. To emphasize
special information, the symbol 
and the words WARNING or CAU-
TION and NOTE have special mean-
ings. Pay special attention to the
messages highlighted by these sig-
nal words:
NOTE: Indicates special information
to make maintenance easier or
instructions clearer.
• WARNINGs and CAUTIONs are
arranged like this:
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in death or injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in vehicle damage.
 WARNING - or - CAUTION
This first part will identify a
POTENTIAL HAZARD.
This second part will describe
WHAT CAN HAPPEN if you ignore
the WARNING or CAUTION.
This third part will describe HOW
TO AVOID THE HAZARD.

FOREWORD
• This owner’s manual contains
important safety and maintenance
information. Read it carefully
before you ride your new ATV.
Failure to follow the warnings con-
tained in this manual can result in
INJURY or DEATH.
• Do not allow anyone under age 16
to ride this ATV.
• It is important that this manual
remain with the vehicle when you
sell it. The next owner will need
this manual also. Store the
owner’s manual in the box under
the seat.
© COPYRIGHT SUZUKI MOTOR
CORPORATION 2006
NOTICE TO OWNERS
AN ATV IS NOT A TOY AND CAN
BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE –
An ATV handles differently from other
vehicles including motorcycles and
cars. A collision or rollover can occur
quickly, even during routine maneu-
vers such as turning and driving on
hills or over obstacles, if you fail to
take proper precautions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can
result if you do not follow these
instructions:
• Read this manual and all labels
carefully and follow the operating
procedures described.
• Always follow this age recommen-
dation:
– A child under 16 years old
should never operate an ATV
with engine size greater than 90
cc.
•Never carry a passenger on an
ATV.
• Always avoid operating an ATV on
paved surfaces, including side-
walks, paths, parking lots, drive-
ways, and streets.
• Never operate an ATV on any
public street, road or highway,
even a dirt or gravel one.
• Never operate an ATV without
wearing an approved motorcycle
helmet that fits properly. You
should also wear eye protection
(goggles or face shield), gloves,
boots, long-sleeved shirt or jacket,
and long pants.

• Never consume alcohol or drugs
before or while operating this ATV.
• Never operate at excessive
speeds. Always go at a speed that
is proper for the terrain, visibility
and operating conditions, your
skills and experience.
• Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or
other stunts.
• Always inspect your ATV each
time you use it to make sure it is in
safe operating condition. Always
follow the inspection and mainte-
nance procedures and schedules
described in this manual.
• Always keep both hands on the
handlebars and both feet on the
footrests of the ATV during opera-
tion.
• Always go slowly and be extra
careful when operating on unfa-
miliar terrain. Always be alert to
changing terrain conditions when
operating the ATV.
• Never operate on excessively
rough, slippery or loose terrain
until you have learned and prac-
ticed the skills necessary to con-
trol the ATV on such terrain.
Always be especially cautious on
these kinds of terrain.
• Always follow proper procedures
for turning as described in this
manual. Practice turning at low
speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at
excessive speed.
• Never operate the ATV on hills too
steep for the ATV or for your abili-
ties. Practice on smaller hills
before attempting larger hills.
• Always follow proper procedures
for climbing hills as described in
this manual. Check the terrain
carefully before you start up any
hill. Never climb hills with exces-
sively slippery or loose surfaces.
Shift your weight forward. Never
open the throttle suddenly or
make sudden gear changes.
Never go over the top of any hill at
high speed.
• Always follow proper procedures
for going down hills and for brak-
ing on hills as described in this
manual. Check the terrain care-
fully before you start down any hill.
Shift your weight backward. Never
go down a hill at high speed.
Avoid going down a hill at an
angle that would cause the vehicle
to lean sharply to one side. Go
straight down the hill where possi-
ble.
• Always follow proper procedures
for crossing the side of a hill as
described in this manual. Avoid
hills with excessively slippery or
loose surfaces. 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 technique described in
this manual on level ground. Avoid
crossing the side of a steep hill if
possible.

• Always use proper procedures if
you stall or roll backwards when
climbing a hill. To avoid stalling,
use the proper gear and maintain
a steady speed when climbing a
hill. If you stall or roll backwards,
follow the special procedure for
braking described in this manual.
Dismount on the uphill side or to a
side if pointed straight uphill. Turn
the ATV around and remount, fol-
lowing the procedure described in
this manual.
• Always check for obstacles before
operating in a new area. Never
attempt to operate over large
obstacles, such as large rocks or
fallen trees. Always follow proper
procedures when operating over
obstacles as described in this
manual.
• Always be careful when skidding
or sliding. Learn to safely control
skidding or sliding by practicing at
low speeds and on level, smooth
terrain. On extremely slippery sur-
faces, such as ice, go slowly and
be very cautious in order to
reduce the chance of skidding or
sliding out of control.
• Never operate an ATV in fast flow-
ing water or in water deeper than
that specified in this manual.
Remember that wet brakes may
have reduced stopping ability. Test
your brakes after leaving water. If
necessary, apply them several
times to let friction dry out the lin-
ings.
• Always be sure there are no
obstacles or people behind you
when you operate in reverse.
When it is safe to proceed in
reverse, go slowly.
• Always use tires of the size and
type specified in this manual.
Always maintain proper tire pres-
sure as described in this manual.
• Never modify an ATV through
improper installation or use of
accessories.
• Never exceed the stated load
capacity for an ATV. Cargo should
be properly distributed and
securely attached. Reduce speed
and follow instructions in this man-
ual for carrying cargo or pulling a
trailer. Allow greater distance for
braking.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in injury or death.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
FUEL, OIL AND ENGINE COOLANT RECOMMENDATION
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
RIDING YOUR ATV
ACCESSORY USE AND VEHICLE LOADING
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
PREPARATION FOR WINTER RIDING
TRANSPORTING
CLEANING PROCEDURE AND STORAGE PROCEDURE
CONSUMER INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

1-1
1
FUEL, OIL AND ENGINE COOLANT
RECOMMENDATION
FUEL .................................................................................................................... 1-2
ENGINE OIL ......................................................................................................... 1-3
DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL ................................................................................. 1-4
ENGINE COOLANT SOLUTION ......................................................................... 1-5
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL .................................................................... 1-6
REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL ...................................................................... 1-6

1-2
FUEL, OIL AND
ENGINE COOLANT
RECOMMENDATION
FUEL
Use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 91 or higher
(Research method). Unleaded gaso-
line can extend spark plug life and
exhaust components life.
If pinking or knocking is experienced,
substitute higher octane grade gaso-
line or another brand, because there
are differences between brands.
(For Canada)
Your vehicle requires regular
unleaded gasoline, with a minimum
pump octane rating of 87 ((R+M)/2
method). In some areas, the only
fuels that are available are oxygen-
ated fuels.
Oxygenated fuels which meet the
minimum octane requirement and the
requirements described below may
be used in your ATV without jeopar-
dizing the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty or the Emission Control System
Warranty.
NOTE: Oxygenated fuels are fuels
which contain oxygen-carrying addi-
tives such as MTBE or alcohol.
Gasoline containing MTBE
Unleaded gasoline containing MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) may be
used in your ATV if the MTBE content
is not greater than 15%. This oxygen-
ated fuel does not contain alcohol.
Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and eth-
anol (grain alcohol), also known as
GASOHOL, may be used in your ATV
if the ethanol content is not greater
than 10%.
Gasoline/Methanol Blends
Fuels containing 5% or less methanol
(wood alcohol) may be suitable for
use in your ATV if they contain co-sol-
vents and corrosion inhibitors.
DO NOT USE fuels containing more
than 5% methanol under any circum-
stances. Fuel system damage or ATV
performance problems resulting from
the use of such fuels are not the
responsibility of Suzuki and may not
be covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty or the Emission
Control System Warranty.

1-3
NOTE:
• To help minimize air pollution,
SUZUKI recommends that you
use oxygenated fuels.
• Be sure that any oxygenated fuel
you use has octane ratings of at
least 87 pump octane ((R+M)/2
method).
• If you are not satisfied with the
driveability of your ATV when you
are using an oxygenated fuel, or if
engine pinging is experienced,
substitute another brand as there
are differences between brands.
ENGINE OIL
Oil quality is a major contributor to
your engine’s performance and life.
Always select good quality engine oil.
Use oil with an API (American Petro-
leum Institute) classification of SF/SG
or SH/SJ, or with a JASO classifica-
tion of MA.
API: American Petroleum Institute
JASO: Japanese Automobile Stan-
dards Organization
SAE Engine Oil Viscosity
Suzuki recommends the use of SAE
10W-40 engine oil. If SAE 10W-40
engine oil is not available, select an
alternative according to the following
chart.
NOTE: In very cold weather (below
14°F (–10°C)), use SAE 5W-30 for
good starting and smooth operation.
CAUTION
Spilled gasoline containing alco-
hol can harm your ATV.
Alcohol can damage painted sur-
faces.
Be careful not to spill any fuel
when filling the fuel tank. Wipe
spilled gasoline up immediately.
SAE API JASO
10W-40 SF or SG –
10W-40 SH or SJ MA

1-4
JASO T903
The JASO T903 standard is an index
to select engine oils for 4-stroke
motorcycle and ATV engines. Motor-
cycle and ATV engines lubricate
clutch and transmission gears with
engine oil. JASO T903 specifies per-
formance requirements for motorcy-
cle and ATV clutches and
transmissions.
There are two classes, MA and MB.
The oil container shows the classifica-
tion as follows.
1Code number of oil sales company
2Oil classification
Energy Conserving
Suzuki does not recommend the use
of “ENERGY CONSERVING” oils.
Some engine oils which have an API
classification of SH or higher have an
“ENERGY CONSERVING” indication
in the API classification doughnut
mark. These oils can affect engine life
and clutch performance.
Not recommended Recommended
DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL
Use a SAE90 hypoid gear oil which is
rated GL-5 under the API classifica-
tion system. If you normally operate
the vehicle where ambient tempera-
ture is below 0°C (32°F), use a
SAE80 hypoid gear oil.
E
N
E
R
G
Y
C
O
N
S
E
R
V
I
N
G
A
P
I
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
J
SAE
10W-40
A
P
I
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
J
SAE
10W-40

1-5
ENGINE COOLANT SOLUTION
Use engine coolant that is compatible
with an aluminum radiator, mixed with
distilled water at a 50:50 mixture ratio
for engine coolant solution. An engine
coolant mixture other than 50:50 can
affect cooling efficiency or rust inhibit-
ing performance.
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant should be used at all
times in your vehicle’s radiator, even if
the temperature in your area does not
go down to the freezing point. Engine
coolant acts as a rust inhibitor and
water pump lubricant as well as an
anti-freeze solution.
Water for Mixing
Use distilled water only. Water other
than distilled water can corrode and
clog the aluminum radiator.
Required amount of engine coolant/
water solution capacity (total):
2500 ml (2.6/2.2 US/Imp. qt)
WARNING
Engine coolant is harmful or fatal
if swallowed or inhaled.
Do not drink antifreeze or coolant
solution. If swallowed, do not
induce vomiting. Immediately con-
tact a poison control center or a
physician. Avoid inhaling mist or
hot vapors; if inhaled, remove to
fresh air. If coolant gets in eyes,
flush eyes with water and seek
medical attention. Wash thor-
oughly after handling. Solution
can be poisonous to animals.
Keep out of the reach of children
and animals.
CAUTION
Spilled engine coolant can harm
your ATV.
Engine coolant can damage
painted surfaces.
Be careful not to spill any fluid
when filling the radiator. Wipe
spilled engine coolant up immedi-
ately.
Engine coolant 1250 ml
(1.3/1.1 US/Imp. qt)
Water 1250 ml
(1.3/1.1 US/Imp. qt)

1-6
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL
Use a SAE90 hypoid gear oil which is
rated GL-5 under the API classifica-
tion system. If you normally operate
the vehicle where ambient tempera-
ture is below 0°C (32°F), use a
SAE80 hypoid gear oil.
REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL
Use Mobil Fluid 424 or an equivalent.

2-1
2
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND
ADJUSTMENTS
LOCATION OF PARTS ....................................................................................... 2-2
KEY ...................................................................................................................... 2-5
IGNITION SWITCH .............................................................................................. 2-6
INSTRUMENT PANEL ......................................................................................... 2-7
SHIFT LEVER .................................................................................................... 2-11
SELECTION SWITCH ........................................................................................ 2-13
LEFT HANDLEBAR ........................................................................................... 2-15
CHOKE LEVER ................................................................................................. 2-18
HORN SWITCH (Australia and Sweden) ......................................................... 2-18
EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH (Sweden) ......................................................... 2-19
RIGHT HANDLEBAR ........................................................................................ 2-19
THROTTLE LIMITER ......................................................................................... 2-20
REAR BRAKE PEDAL ...................................................................................... 2-20
RECOIL STARTER ............................................................................................ 2-21
FUEL TANK CAP .............................................................................................. 2-22
SEAT LOCK ....................................................................................................... 2-23
FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT ......................................... 2-24
FLAG BRACKET ............................................................................................... 2-25
BOX .................................................................................................................... 2-25
FRONT FENDER BOX ...................................................................................... 2-26

2-2
CONTROLS, EQUIPMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS
LOCATION OF PARTS
1Rear brake lever
2Left handlebar switches
3Speedometer and indicator lights
4Ignition switch
5Front brake fluid reservoir
6Front brake lever
7Shift lever
8Throttle lever
92WD/4WD/DIFF LOCK selection switch

2-3
0Battery
AFuel tank cap
BSeat lock
CRecoil starter
DFootrests

2-4
ERear brake pedal

2-5
KEY
Two keys come with this vehicle. Keep
the spare key in a safe place. An iden-
tifying number is stamped on the
keys. Use this number when making a
replacement key.
Please write down your key number in
the box provided for your future refer-
ence.
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Key No.: