2001 YAMAHA VMAX Owners Manual

GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
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GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY ................................................ 1-1
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1-GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
Motorcycles are fascinating vehicles, which can give you an unsurpassed feeling of power and
freedom. However, they also impose certain limits, which you must accept; even the best motorcycle
does not ignore the laws of physics.
Regular care and maintenance are essential for preserving value and operating condition of your
motorcycle. Moreover, what is true for the motorcycle is also true for the rider: good performance
depends on being in good shape. Riding under the influence of medication, drugs and alcohol is, of
course, out of the question. Motorcycle riders—more than car drivers—must always be at their mental
and physical best. Under the influence of even small amounts of alcohol, there is a tendency to take
dangerous risks.
Protective clothing is as essential for the motorcycle rider as seat belts are for car drivers and
passengers. Always wear a complete motorcycle suit (whether made of leather or tear-resistant
synthetic materials with protectors), sturdy boots, motorcycle gloves and a properly fitting helmet.
Optimum protective wear, however, should not encourage carelessness. Although full-coverage
helmets and suits, in particular, create an illusion of total safety and protection, motorcyclists will
always be vulnerable. Riders who lack critical self-control run the risk of going too fast and are apt to
take chances. This is even more dangerous in wet weather. The good motorcyclist rides safely,
predictably and defensively—avoiding all dangers, including those caused by others.
Enjoy your ride!
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DESCRIPTION
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Left view ............................................................................................. 2-1
Right view ........................................................................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ................................................................... 2-3
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2-1
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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)
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DESCRIPTION
2-2
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Right view11. Fuel tank cap (page 3-7)
12. Battery (page 6-33)
13. Coolant reservoir (page 6-14)
14. Front brake master cylinder reservoir (page 6-27)
15. Main switch (page 3-1)
16. Radiator cap (page 6-16)
17. Radiator (page 6-16)
18. Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-9)
19. Engine oil level check window (page 6-9)
20. Brake pedal (page 3-6)
21. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-27)
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DESCRIPTION
2-3
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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)
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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-INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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Main switch The main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. The various main
switch positions are described below.
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ON
All electrical systems are supplied with
power, and the engine can be started.
The key cannot be removed.
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OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
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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. @
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Indicator and warning lights
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Neutral indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
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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 “ ”
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