2001 YAMAHA VMAX tow

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
3-6
3
EAU00157
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU00158
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
EAU00162
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
1. Shift pedal
1. Brake lever
1. Brake pedal
E_3lr.book Page 6 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

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