2001 YAMAHA VMAX engine

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

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5
Starting a cold engine ....................................................................... 5-1
Starting a warm engine ..................................................................... 5-3
Shifting .............................................................................................. 5-3
Recommended shift points (for Switzerland only) ............................. 5-4
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ................................................... 5-4
Engine break-in ................................................................................. 5-4
Parking .............................................................................................. 5-5
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

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.
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTE:@ If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt. @
EC000038
CAUTION:@ l
The oil level warning light and
fuel level warning light should
come on when the start switch
is pushed, and they should go
off when the start switch is re-
leased.
l
If the oil level warning light flick-
ers or remains on after starting,
immediately stop the engine,
and then check the engine oil
level and the vehicle for oil leak-
age. If necessary, add engine
oil, and then check the warning
light again. If the warning light
does not come on when push-
ing the start switch, or if it doesnot go off after starting with suf-
ficient engine oil, have a
Yamaha dealer check the elec-
trical circuit.
l
If the fuel level warning light re-
mains on after starting, stop the
engine, and then check the fuel
level. If necessary, refuel as
soon as possible, and then
check the warning light again. If
the warning light does not come
on when pushing the start
switch, or if it does not go off af-
ter starting with sufficient fuel,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit.
@5. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) lever back halfway.
ECA00045
CAUTION:@ For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold! @
6. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:@ The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off. @
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU01258
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EAU00423
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the
illustration.NOTE:@ To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it. @
EC000048
CAUTION:@ l
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
l
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
@
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
E_3lr.book Page 3 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU02941
Recommended shift points
(for Switzerland only) The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.CF-01ENOTE:@ When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 4th to 2nd gear). @
EAU00424
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:l
Thoroughly warm up the engine.
l
Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.
l
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
l
Do not rev the engine while shift-
ing down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
l
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length
of time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traf-
fic lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU00436
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1,000 km. For this rea-
son, you should read the following ma-
terial carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1,000 km. The various parts in the en-
gine wear and polish themselves to the
correct operating clearances. During
this period, prolonged full-throttle oper-
ation or any condition that might result
in engine overheating must be avoided.
Shift point
(km/h)
1st®2nd
2nd®3rd
3rd®4th
4th®5th23
36
50
60
E_3lr.book Page 4 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM