2001 YAMAHA VMAX clutch

2-1
2
EAU00026
2-DESCRIPTION Left view1. Clutch master cylinder reservoir (page 6-27)
2. Air filter element (page 6-19)
3. Fuse box (page 6-37)
4. Main fuse box (page 6-37)
5. Owner’s tool kit (page 6-1)
6. Rear shock absorber spring preload
adjusting ring (page 3-13)7. Rear shock absorber damping force
adjusting knob (page 3-13)
8. Helmet holder (page 3-10)
9. Shift pedal (page 3-6)
10. Starter (choke) lever (page 3-8)
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
Controls and instruments1. Clutch lever (page 3-5)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-4)
3. Speedometer unit (page 3-2)
4. Right handlebar switches (page 3-4)
5. Brake lever (page 3-6)
6. Throttle grip (page 6-21)
7. Tachometer (page 3-3)
8. Coolant temperature gauge (page 3-3)
E_3lr.book Page 3 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Main switch .......................................................... 3-1
Indicator and warning lights ................................ 3-1
Speedometer unit ................................................ 3-2
Tachometer .......................................................... 3-3
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .................................... 3-3
Coolant temperature gauge ................................. 3-3
Handlebar switches ............................................. 3-4
Clutch lever .......................................................... 3-5
Shift pedal ............................................................ 3-6
Brake lever ........................................................... 3-6
Brake pedal .......................................................... 3-6
Fuel tank cap ....................................................... 3-7Fuel ..................................................................... 3-8
Starter (choke) lever ............................................ 3-8
Steering lock ....................................................... 3-9
Rider seat ............................................................ 3-9
Helmet holder .................................................... 3-10
Adjusting the front fork ...................................... 3-11
Adjusting the shock absorber assemblies ......... 3-12
Matching the front and rear suspension
settings ............................................................ 3-15
Sidestand .......................................................... 3-16
Ignition circuit cut-off system ............................. 3-16
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3
EAU00143
Start switch “ ”
Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter.
EC000005
CAUTION:@ See page 5-1 for starting instruc-
tions prior to starting the engine. @
EAU01653
Fuel reserve switch “FUEL”
During normal operation, this switch
should be kept in the “ON” position. If
the fuel warning light comes on while
riding, set the switch to “RES”, refuel as
soon as possible, and then set the
switch back to “ON”.NOTE:@ After switching to “RES”, approximately
3 L of fuel remain in the fuel tank. @
EAU00152
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the ignition
circuit cut-off system. (See page 3-16
for an explanation of the ignition circuit
cut-off system.)
1. Engine stop switch
2. Light switch
3. Start switch “ ”
4. Fuel reserve switch “FUEL”
1. Clutch lever
E_3lr.book Page 5 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
3
EAU00157
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU00158
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
EAU00162
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
1. Brake pedal
E_3lr.book Page 6 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-16
3
EAU00330
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
motorcycle upright.NOTE:@ The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.) @
EW000044
WARNING
@ The motorcycle must not be ridden
with the sidestand down, or if the
sidestand cannot be properly
moved up (or does not stay up), oth-
erwise the sidestand could contact
the ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss of
control. Yamaha’s ignition circuit
cut-off system has been designed to
assist the operator in fulfilling the
responsibility of raising the side-
stand before starting off. Therefore,
check this system regularly as de-
scribed below and have a Yamaha
dealer repair it if it does not function
properly. @
EAU00332
Ignition circuit cut-off system The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.l
It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.
l
It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch
lever is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.
l
It cuts the running engine when
the sidestand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.
EW000046
WARNING
@ l
The vehicle must be placed on
the centerstand during this in-
spection.
l
If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the sys-
tem before riding.
@
E_3lr.book Page 16 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-17
3
CD-01E
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “ ”.
3. Turn the key to “ON”.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
NO
NOTE:This check is most reliable if performed with
a warmed-up engine.
YESYES NO
The system is OK.
The motorcycle can be ridden.
YES NO
E_3lr.book Page 17 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKSThe condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
EAU03328
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Front brake
• Check operation, free play, fluid level, and for fluid leakage.
• Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.6-25–6-28
Rear brake6-25–6-28
Clutch• Check operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage.
• Fill with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary.6-24, 6-27
Throttle grip and housing• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-21, 6-29
Engine oil• Check oil level.
• Add oil if necessary.6-9–6-12
Coolant• Check coolant level.
• Add coolant if necessary.6-14–6-18
Final gear oil• Check vehicle for leakage. 6-13
Wheels and tires• Check tire air pressure, for wear and damage. 6-21–6-24
Control cables• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-28
Brake and shift pedal
shafts• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-29
Brake and clutch lever
pivots• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-30
Center and sidestand
pivots• Check operation.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-30
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM