2001 YAMAHA VMAX lock

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-27
6
EAU03418
Checking the brake fluid level Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake or clutch systems, pos-
sibly causing them to become ineffec-
tive.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake flu-
id level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake level is low, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake sys-
tem for leakage.
NOTE:@ To check the rear brake fluid level, re-
move panel B. (See page 6-7 for panel
removal and installation procedures.) @Observe these precautions:l
When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the mas-
ter cylinder is level by turning the
handlebars.
l
Use only the recommended quali-
ty brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking or clutch
performance.
l
Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking or clutch per-
formance.
l
The diaphragm will lose its shape
from the negative pressure if the
brake fluid level goes down too far.
Be sure to put the diaphragm back
in its original shape before install-
ing it into the master cylinder.
l
Be careful that water does not en-
ter the master cylinder when refill-
ing. Water will significantly lower
the boiling point of the fluid and
may result in vapor lock.
1. Minimum level markFront brake
1. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4Clutch
1. Panel B
2. Minimum level mark
Rear brake
E_3lr.book Page 27 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
6
EAU03003
Replacing the headlight bulb This motorcycle is equipped with a
quartz bulb headlight. If the headlight
bulb burns out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit by re-
moving the screws.
2. Disconnect the headlight coupler,
and then remove the headlight unit
and bulb cover.3. Remove the headlight bulb holder
by turning it counterclockwise, and
then remove the defective bulb.
EW000119
WARNING
@ Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooled
down. @4. Place a new bulb into position, and
then secure it with the bulb holder.
EC000105
CAUTION:@ Do not touch the glass part of the
headlight bulb to keep it free from
oil, otherwise the transparency of
the glass, the luminosity of the bulb,
and the bulb life will be adversely af-
fected. Thoroughly clean off any dirt
and fingerprints on the headlight
bulb using a cloth moistened with
alcohol or thinner. @5. Install the bulb cover, and then
connect the coupler.
6. Install the headlight unit by install-
ing the screws.
7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
1. Screw (´ 2)
1. Headlight bulb holder
1. Do not touch this area.
E_3lr.book Page 38 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-39
6
EAU00855
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb or the tail/brake light
bulb 1. Remove the lens by removing the
screws.
2. Remove the defective bulb by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.4. Install the lens by installing the
screws.
EC000108
CAUTION:@ Do not overtighten the screws, oth-
erwise the lens may break. @
1. Screw (´2)
1. Tail/brake light bulb (´2)
1. Turn signal light bulb
E_3lr.book Page 39 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-46
6 Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@ l
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
l
After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hiss-
ing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
@NOTE:@ If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible. @
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See NOTE.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
E_3lr.book Page 46 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INDEX
Speedometer unit .................................... 3-2
Starter (choke) lever ................................ 3-8
Starting a cold engine .............................. 5-1
Starting a warm engine ............................ 5-3
Start switch .............................................. 3-5
Steering, checking ................................. 6-32
Steering lock............................................ 3-9
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Suspension (rear), lubricating ................ 6-31
Suspension settings, matching
front and rear....................................... 3-15TTachometer ............................................. 3-3
Throttle cable free play, adjusting .......... 6-21
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating............................................ 6-29
Tires ...................................................... 6-21
Tool kit..................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting..................................... 6-44
Troubleshooting charts .......................... 6-45
Turn signal indicator light ......................... 3-1
Turn signal light or tail/brake light bulb,
replacing ............................................. 6-39
Turn signal switch .................................... 3-4VValve clearance, adjusting ..................... 6-21
Vehicle identification number ................... 9-1
W Wheel bearings, checking ..................... 6-33
Wheel (front) ......................................... 6-40
Installing .......................................... 6-40
Removing ........................................ 6-40
Wheel (rear) .......................................... 6-41
Installing .......................................... 6-43
Removing ........................................ 6-41
Wheels .................................................. 6-24
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM