2001 YAMAHA VMAX ignition

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
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3-1
3
EAU00027
3-INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EAU00028
Main switch The main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. The various main
switch positions are described below.
EAU00036
ON
All electrical systems are supplied with
power, and the engine can be started.
The key cannot be removed.
EAU00038
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
EAU00055
P (Parking)
The taillight and auxiliary light are on,
but all other electrical systems are off.
The key can be removed.
The key must be pushed in, and then
released before it can be turned to “P”.
ECA00043
CAUTION:@ Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge. @
EAU03034
Indicator and warning lights
EAU00061
Neutral indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU00057
Turn signal indicator light “ ”
This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left
or right.
1. Push.
2. Release.
3. Turn.
1. Neutral indicator light “ ”
2. Turn signal indicator light “ ”
3. Fuel level warning light “ ”
4. High beam indicator light “ ”
5. Oil level warning light “ ”
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
3-16
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.
@
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5-1
5
EAU00372
5-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU00373
WARNING
@ l
Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.
l
Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.
l
Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
@
EAU01627
Starting a cold engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:l
The transmission is in the neutral
position.
l
The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
EW000054
WARNING
@ l
Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-16.
l
Never ride with the sidestand
down.
@1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “ ”.
EC000035
CAUTION:@ If the fuel level warning light comes
on, check the fuel level, and, if nec-
essary, refuel as soon as possible. @2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.NOTE:@ When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit. @3. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-8 for starter (choke) opera-
tion.)
4. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-34
6 3. If the electrolyte is at or below the
minimum level mark, continue with
the following steps.
4. Remove the rider seat. (See page
3-9 for rider seat removal and in-
stallation procedures.)
5. Disconnect the negative battery
lead from the battery.6. Disconnect the positive battery
lead and the starter motor lead
from the starter motor relay.
7. Remove the ignition coil assem-
blies by removing the bolts.
8. Add distilled water to raise the
electrolyte to the maximum level
mark.
1. Bolt (´ 2)
2. Screw (´ 2)
1. Starter motor lead (black)
2. Battery positive lead (red)
3. Ignition coil assembly (´ 2)
4. Bolt (´ 2)
E_3lr.book Page 34 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-35
6
EW000116
WARNING
@ l
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
• EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
• INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
• EYES: Flush with water for
15 minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
l
Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
l
KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
@
EC000100
CAUTION:@ Use only distilled water, as tap water
contains minerals that are harmful
to the battery. @
9. Check and, if necessary, correct
the breather hose routing.
10. Install the ignition coil assemblies
by installing the bolts.1. Battery
2. Battery breather hose
3. Pass through the cable guide.
E_3lr.book Page 35 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
6 11. Connect and tighten the positive
battery lead and the starter motor
lead to the starter motor relay.
EW000118
WARNING
@ Pass the positive battery lead and
starter lead through the hole in the
ignition coil bracket as shown. Im-
proper routing of these leads could
bring about a short circuit, causing
the engine and lights to fail and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident. @12. Connect and tighten the negative
battery lead to the battery.
13. Install the rider seat.To store the battery
1. If the motorcycle will not be used
for more than one month, remove
the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for
more than two months, check the
specific gravity of the electrolyte at
least once a month and fully
charge the battery whenever nec-
essary.
3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation.
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals and
that the breather hose is properly
routed, in good condition, and not
obstructed.
EC000099
CAUTION:@ If the breather hose is positioned in
such a way that the frame is ex-
posed to electrolyte or gas expelled
from the battery, the frame could
suffer structural and external dam-
ages. @
1. Battery positive lead (red)
2. Starter motor lead (black)
E_3lr.book Page 36 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM