2009 YAMAHA VMAX clutch

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
2
3
4
56
7
8
9

light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTICE:
For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!

[ECA11041]

If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
EAU16671
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 il-
lustration.
TIP

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.
NOTICE

ECA10260

Even with the transmission inthe 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.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3
4 5N1

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
6-5
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
6-11
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
8. Install the engine oil drain bolt, and
then tighten it to the specified
torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of
the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIP

Be sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.
NOTICE

ECA11620

In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.

Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIP

After the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.
NOTICE

ECA10400
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on, immediately turn the
engine off and have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
1. Torque wrench
Tightening torque:
Oil filter cartridge:
17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 30 ft·lbf)
1

Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
4.30 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.70 L (4.97 US qt, 4.14 Imp.qt)
1. “CD” specification
2. “ENERGY CONSERVING II”
1
2

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
6-24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU22751
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In
addition, have the oil seals of the brake
and clutch master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake and clutch
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.

Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
EAU23101
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.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
sheath may interfere with proper ca-
ble operation and will cause the in-
ner cable to rust. Replace a
damaged cable as soon as possible
to prevent unsafe conditions.
[EWA10721]

EAU23111
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable
The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-25
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU43600
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers
Brake lever
Clutch lever
The operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-bricated if necessary.
EAU23182
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal
The operation of the brake pedal
should be checked before each ride,
and the pedal pivot should be lubricat-
ed if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Silicone grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease