2009 YAMAHA VMAX brake

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Rear brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-22, 6-23
Clutch

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-21
Throttle grip

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Check cable free play.

If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-17, 6-24
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate if necessary.6-24
Wheels and tires

Check for damage.

Check tire condition and tread depth.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.6-18, 6-20
Brake and shift pedals

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary. 6-25, 6-26
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-25
Sidestand

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-26
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.

Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches

Check operation.

Correct if necessary.—
ITEM CHECKS PAGE

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU1770A
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart
TIP


The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.

From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).

Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)
1*
Fuel line

Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.
√√√√√
2*
Spark plugs

Check condition.

Clean.
√√

Replace.
√√
3*
Valves

Check valve clearance.

Adjust.Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
4*
Air filter element

Replace.
√
5*
Clutch

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√
6*
Front brake

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
7*
Rear brake

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
8*
Brake hoses

Check for cracks or damage.
√√√√√

Replace. Every 4 years

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-3
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

9*
Wheels

Check runout and for damage.
√√√√
10

*
Tires

Check tread depth and for dam-
age.

Replace if necessary.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.
√√√√√
11

*
Wheel bearings

Check bearing for looseness or
damage.
√√√√
12

*
Swingarm

Check operation and for exces-
sive play.
√√√√

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
13

*
Steering bearings

Check bearing play and steering
for roughness.
√√√√√

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
14

Brake lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
15

Brake pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
16

Clutch lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
17

Shift pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
18

Sidestand

Check operation.

Lubricate.
√√√√√
19

*
Sidestand switch

Check operation.
√√√√√√
20

*
Front fork

Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

21

*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
22

*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivoting
points

Check operation.
√√√√
23

*
Fuel injection sys-
tem

Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√
24

Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
25

Engine oil filter car-
tridge

Replace.
√√√
26

*
Cooling system

Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.
√√√√√

Change. Every 3 years
27

Final gear oil

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√ √

Change.
√√√
28

*
Front and rear brake
switches

Check operation.
√√√√√√
29

Moving parts and
cables

Lubricate.
√√√√√
30

*
Throttle grip hous-
ing and cable

Check operation and free play.

Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.

Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.
√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU36771
TIP


Air filter

This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.

The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.

Hydraulic brake and clutch service

Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid and clutch fluid levels.

Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers as well as clutch master
and release cylinders, and change the brake and clutch fluids.

Replace the brake and clutch hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
31

*
Air induction system

Check the air cut-off valve, reed
valve, and hose for damage.

Replace any damaged parts if
necessary.
√√√√√
32

*
Mufflers and exhaust
pipes

Check the screw clamps for
looseness.
√

√

√

√

√

√


33

*
EXUP system

Check operation, cable free play
and pulley position.
√√√
34

*
Lights, signals and
switches

Check operation.

Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
2
3
4
5
67
8
9 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 sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
TIP

The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
WARNING

EWA10470

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.

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 cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING

EWA10481

The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.

Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.

Use only the tire valves and
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU42850
Clutch lever
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 hydraulic sys-
tem for leakage before each ride. If the
clutch lever free play does become ex-
cessive, 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.
EAU37912
Checking the front brake lever
free play
There should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING

EWA14211
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 hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the
braking performance, which may re-sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.
1. Brake lever free play
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU22272
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch
The rear brake light, which is activated
by the brake pedal, should come on just
before braking takes effect. If neces-
sary, adjust the rear brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing 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).
EAU22390
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.
EAU22410
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator, which allows you to
check the brake pad wear without hav-
ing 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 thepoint that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake pads as a set.
EAU22470
Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator groove, which allows
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator groove. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear
indicator groove has almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1
2
(a)(b)

1. Brake pad wear indicator
1

1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1