2008 YAMAHA TMAX ESP

SAFETY INFORMATION
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When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:

Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the scooter as possible. Make sure
to distribute the weight as evenly
as possible on both sides of the
scooter to minimize imbalance or
instability.

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the scooter before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. Such items can
create unstable handling or a slow
steering response.
Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this scooter. Since Yamaha cannot test
all other accessories that may be avail-
able, you must personally be responsi-
ble for the proper selection, installationand use of non-Yamaha accessories.
Use extreme caution when selecting
and installing any accessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.


Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your scooter. Carefully
inspect the accessory before using
it to make sure that it does not in
any way reduce ground clearance
or cornering clearance, limit sus-
pension travel, steering travel or
control operation, or obscure lights
or reflectors.

Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.

Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the scooter due to aerodynamiceffects. Wind may attempt to lift
the scooter, or the scooter may
become unstable in cross
winds. These accessories may
also cause instability when
passing or being passed by
large vehicles.

Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
scooter’s electrical system an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Gasoline and exhaust gas

GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMA-
BLE:

Always turn the engine off when
refueling.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.
WARNING

EWA10060
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving,
otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident. Make
sure that the vehicle is stopped be-
fore turning the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK”.
EAU10941
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the taillight,
license plate light and auxiliary lights
are on. The hazard lights and turn sig-
nal lights can be turned on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “ ”.
CAUTION:

ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
1. Turn signal indicator lights “ ” and “ ”
2. High beam indicator light “ ”
3. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ”
4. Immobilizer system indicator light
5. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
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ABS

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU44970
Rear view mirrors
The rear view mirrors of this vehicle can
be folded backward for parking in nar-
row spaces. Fold the mirrors back to
their original position before riding.
WARNING

EWA14371
Be sure to fold the rear view mirrors
back to their original position before
riding.
EAU15090
Shock absorber
WARNING

EWA10220
This shock absorber contains highly
pressurized nitrogen gas. For prop-
er handling, read and understand
the following information before
handling the shock absorber. The
manufacturer cannot be held re-
sponsible for property damage or
personal injury that may result from
improper handling.

Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the gas cylinder.

Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber to an open flame or other
high heat sources, otherwise it
may explode due to excessive
gas pressure.

Do not deform or damage the
gas cylinder in any way, as this
will result in poor damping per-
formance.

Always have a Yamaha dealer
service the shock absorber.
EAU15301
Sidestand
The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle 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.)
WARNING

EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as described
below and have a Yamaha dealer re-
1. Parking position
2. Riding position
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PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15593
The 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.
NOTE:

Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very short
time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING

EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the vehicle.

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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Engine trouble warning light

ABS warning light (for ABS
models)

Immobilizer system indicator
light

V-belt replacement indicator

Oil change indicator
If a warning light, indicator light or
indicator does not go off, see page
3-3 or 3-6 for the corresponding
warning light, indicator light or indi-
cator circuit check.
2. Close the throttle completely.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch while applying the front
or rear brake.
NOTE:

If the engine does not 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.
CAUTION:

ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
EAU45091
Starting off
1. While pulling the rear brake lever
with your left hand and holding the
grab bar with your right hand, push
the scooter off the centerstand.
2. Sit astride the seat, and then ad-
just the rear view mirrors.
3. Switch the turn signals on.
4. Check for oncoming traffic, and
then slowly turn the throttle grip (on
the right) in order to take off.
5. Switch the turn signals off.
1. Grab bar
1

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16780
Acceleration and deceleration
The speed can be adjusted by opening
and closing the throttle. To increase the
speed, turn the throttle grip in direction
(a). To reduce the speed, turn the throt-
tle grip in direction (b).
EAU16792
Braking
1. Close the throttle completely.
2. Apply both front and rear brakes
simultaneously while gradually in-
creasing the pressure.
FrontRear
WARNING

EWA10300

Avoid braking hard or suddenly
(especially when leaning over to
one side), otherwise the scooter
may skid or overturn.

Railroad crossings, streetcar
rails, iron plates on road con-
struction sites, and manhole
covers become extremely slip-
pery when wet. Therefore, slow
down when approaching such
areas and cross them with cau-
tion.

Keep in mind that braking on a
wet road is much more difficult.

Ride slowly down a hill, as brak-
ing downhill can be very difficult.
(a)(b)

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SCOOTER CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37833
Matte color caution
CAUTION:

ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU26101
Care
While the open design of a scooter re-
veals the attractiveness of the technol-
ogy, it also makes it more vulnerable.
Rust and corrosion can develop even if
high-quality components are used. A
rusty exhaust pipe may go unnoticed
on a car, however, it detracts from the
overall appearance of a scooter. Fre-
quent and proper care does not only
comply with the terms of the warranty,
but it will also keep your scooter looking
good, extend its life and optimize its
performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:

ECA10781

Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.

Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean plastic.

Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive