2001 YAMAHA VMAX warning

EAU00005
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATIONParticularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!
WARNING
Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury
or death to the
motorcycle operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting or repairing the motor-
cycle.
CAUTION:A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
motorcycle.NOTE:
A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
NOTE:@ l
This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain
with it even if the motorcycle is subsequently sold.
l
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while
this manual contains the most current product information available at the time of printing,
there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this manual. If you have
any questions concerning this manual, please consult your Yamaha dealer.
@
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EW000002
WARNING
@ PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING
THIS MOTORCYCLE. @
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

3
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
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

3-1
3
EAU00027
3-INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EAU00028
Main switch The main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. The various main
switch positions are described below.
EAU00036
ON
All electrical systems are supplied with
power, and the engine can be started.
The key cannot be removed.
EAU00038
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
EAU00055
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. @
EAU03034
Indicator and warning lights
EAU00061
Neutral indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU00057
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 “ ”
E_3lr.book Page 1 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3
EAU00083
Fuel level warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3 L. When this occurs, set the fuel re-
serve switch to the “RES” position and
refuel as soon as possible.
EAU00063
High beam indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU03285
Oil level warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
engine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked according to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the key to “ON”.
2. If the warning light does not come
on, have a Yamaha dealer check
the electrical circuit.NOTE:@ Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when riding on
a slope or during sudden acceleration
or deceleration, but this is not a mal-
function. @
EAU00095
Speedometer unit The speedometer unit is equipped with
a speedometer, an odometer and a
tripmeter. The speedometer shows
riding speed. The odometer shows the
total distance traveled. The tripmeter
shows the distance traveled since it
was last set to zero with the reset knob.
The tripmeter can be used to estimate
the distance that can be traveled with a
full tank of fuel. This information will en-
able you to plan future fuel stops.1. Tripmeter reset knob
2. Odometer
3. Tripmeter
E_3lr.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

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
3-7
3
EAU01654
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap
1. Push the levers on the left and
right side of the rider seat backrest
as shown and slide the rider seat
backrest forward.2. Insert the key into the lock, and
then turn it 1/4 turn clockwise. The
lock will be released and the fuel
tank cap can be opened.To install the fuel tank cap
1. Insert the fuel tank cap into the
tank opening with the key inserted
in the lock.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise,
and then remove it.
3. Slide the rider seat backrest rear-
ward and push it down.
NOTE:@ The fuel tank cap cannot be installed
unless the key is in the lock. In addition,
the key cannot be removed if the cap is
not properly installed and locked. @
EW000024
WARNING
@ Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly installed before riding. @
1. Lever (´ 2)
1. Open.
E_3lr.book Page 7 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-8
3
EAU01183
Fuel Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in
the tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom
of the filler tube as shown in the illustra-
tion.
EW000130
WARNING
@ l
Do not overfill the fuel tank, oth-
erwise it may overflow when the
fuel warms up and expands.
l
Avoid spilling fuel on the hot
engine.
@
EAU00185
CAUTION:@ Immediately wipe off spilled fuel
with a clean, dry, soft cloth, since
fuel may deteriorate painted surfac-
es or plastic parts. @
EAU00191
NOTE:@ If knocking (or pinging) occurs, use
gasoline of a different brand or with a
higher octane grade. @
EAU02976
Starter (choke) lever Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction
a to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction
b to turn off
the starter (choke).
1. Filler tube
2. Fuel level
Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
research octane number of 91 or
higher
Fuel tank capacity:
Total amount:
15 L
Reserve amount:
3 L
1. Starter (choke) lever
E_3lr.book Page 8 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM