2001 YAMAHA VMAX Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
6
CE-01E
CE-07EEWA00012
WARNING
@ Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking, per-
formance and safety characteristics
of your motorcycle, you should keep
the following precautions in mind. l
NEVER OVERLOAD THE
MOTORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider, pas-
senger, cargo, and accessories
does not exceed the specified
maximum load for the vehicle.
l
Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.
l
Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.
l
Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.
l
Check the tire condition and air
pressure before each ride.
@
Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail
or glass fragments in it, or if the side-
wall is cracked, have a Yamaha dealer
replace the tire immediately.CE-08ENOTE:@ The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations. @
Tire air pressure
(measured on cold tires)
Load* Front Rear
Up to 90 kg225 kPa
2.25 kg/cm
2
2.25 bar225 kPa
2.25 kg/cm
2
2.25 bar
90 kg–
maximum225 kPa
2.25 kg/cm
2
2.25 bar250 kPa
2.50 kg/cm
2
2.50 bar
High-speed riding225 kPa
2.25 kg/cm
2
2.25 bar250 kPa
2.50 kg/cm
2
2.50 bar
Maximum load* 209 kg
* Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo and
accessories
1. Sidewall
a. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth
(front and rear)1.6 mm
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-23
6
EW000079
WARNING
@ l
Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the
motorcycle with excessively
worn tires decreases riding sta-
bility and can lead to loss of
control.
l
The replacement of all wheel-
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.
@
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube
tires.
EW000078
WARNING
@ l
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motor-
cycle cannot be guaranteed.
l
After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model by
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
@CE-10EEAU00684
WARNING
@ This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.l
Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.
l
Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
after installing a new tire.
l
The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.
l
Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operating
conditions.
@
FRONT
Manufacturer Size Type
Metzeler 110/90 V18 61V ME33
REAR
Manufacturer Size Type
Metzeler 150/90 B15 M/C 74V ML2
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-24
6
EAU00689
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.l
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or
damage before each ride. If any
damage is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the wheel. Do not
attempt even the smallest repair to
the wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
l
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
l
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
l
After repairing or replacing a tire,
tighten the valve stem nut and
locknut to the specified torques.
EAU00695
Clutch lever free play Since this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch lever
free play is not needed. However, it is
necessary to check the clutch fluid lev-
el and check the hydraulic system for
leakage before each ride. If the clutch
lever free play does become exces-
sive, and shifting becomes rough or
clutch slippage occurs, causing poor
acceleration, there may be air in the
clutch system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha dealer
bleed the system before operating the
motorcycle. Tightening torques:
Valve stem nut:
1.6 Nm (0.16 m·kg)
Valve stem locknut:
1.6 Nm (0.16 m·kg)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
6
EAU00696
Adjusting the brake lever free
play The brake lever free play should mea-
sure 2–5 mm as shown. Periodically
check the brake lever free play and, if
necessary, adjust it as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the brake le-
ver.
2. To increase the brake lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection
a. To decrease the brake
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction
b.
3. Tighten the locknut.
EW000099
WARNING
@ l
After adjusting the brake lever
free play, check the free play
and make sure that the brake is
working properly.
l
A soft or spongy feeling in the
brake lever can indicate the
presence of air in the hydraulic
system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha
dealer bleed the system before
operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will dimin-
ish the braking performance,
which may result in loss of con-
trol and an accident.
@
EAU00712
Adjusting the brake pedal
position The top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 20 mm below
the top of the footrest as shown. Peri-
odically check the brake pedal position
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha
dealer adjust it.
1. Locknut
2. Adjusting bolt
c. Brake lever free play
a. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-26
6
EW000109
WARNING
@ A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
pedal can indicate the presence of
air in the hydraulic system. If there
is air in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will diminish
the braking performance, which
may result in loss of control and an
accident. @
EAU00713
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch The rear brake light switch, which is ac-
tivated by the brake pedal, is properly
adjusted when the brake light comes
on just before braking takes effect. If
necessary, adjust the brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the adjusting nut while holding the
rear brake light switch in place. To
make the brake light come on earlier,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
a. To
make the brake light come on later,
turn the adjusting nut in direction
b.
EAU00715
Checking the front and rear
brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart. Each brake pad is
provided with a wear indicator, which
allows you to check the brake pad wear
without having to disassemble the
brake. To check the brake pad wear,
check the position of the wear indicator
while applying the brake. If a brake pad
has worn to the point that the wear indi-
cator almost touches the brake disc,
have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
1. Brake light switch
2. Adjusting nut
1. Wear indicator (´ 2)
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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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-28
6
l
Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
l
As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to
gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
EAU03238
Changing the brake fluid Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. In addition, have the oil seals
of the brake master cylinder and caliper
as well as the brake hose replaced at
the intervals listed below or whenever
they are damaged or leaking.l
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
l
Brake hose: Replace every four
years.
EAU02962
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
EW000112
WARNING
@ Damage to the outer sheath may in-
terfere with proper cable operation
and will cause the inner cable to
rust. Replace a damaged cable as
soon as possible to prevent unsafe
conditions. @Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-29
6
EAU03209
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip and
the condition of the throttle cable
should be checked before each ride,
and the cable should be lubricated or
replaced if necessary.NOTE:@ Since the throttle grip must be removed
to access the throttle cable end, the
throttle grip and the cable should al-
ways be lubricated at the same time. @1. Remove the throttle grip by remov-
ing the screws.
2. Disconnect the throttle cable, hold
it up, and then apply several drops
of oil to the cable end, allowing it to
trickle into the sheath.
3. Connect the throttle cable, and
then grease the inside of the throt-
tle grip housing.
4. Grease the metal-to-metal contact
surface of the throttle grip, and
then install the grip by installing
the screws.
EAU03370
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary. Recommended lubricant:
Throttle cable:
Engine oil
Throttle grip housing and grip:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)
E_3lr.book Page 29 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM