2009 YAMAHA VMAX fuel

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-20
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9To install the fuel tank cap
1. Insert the fuel tank cap into the
tank opening with the key inserted
in the lock and with the mark on the
cap aligned with the mark on the
fuel tank.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, and then re-
move it.
3. Return the backrest to the original
position.
TIP

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.
WARNING

EWA10131
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly installed before riding.
Leaking fuel is a fire hazard.
EAU13212
Fuel
Make sure there is sufficient gasoline in
the tank.
WARNING

EWA10881
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are
extremely flammable. To avoid fires
and explosions and to reduce the
risk of injury when refueling, follow
these instructions.
1. Before refueling, turn off the en-
gine and be sure that no one is sit-
ting on the vehicle. Never refuel
while smoking, or while in the vi-
cinity of sparks, open flames, or
other sources of ignition such as
the pilot lights of water heaters and
clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Stop
filling when the fuel reaches the
bottom of the filler tube. Because
fuel expands when it heats up,
heat from the engine or the sun
can cause fuel to spill out of the
fuel tank.
1. Match marks
1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-21
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3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately.
NOTICE:
Immediately wipe
off spilled fuel with a clean, dry,
soft cloth, since fuel may deteri-
orate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.

[ECA10071]

4. Be sure to securely close the fuel
tank cap.
WARNING

EWA15151
Gasoline is poisonous and can
cause injury or death. Handle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gaso-
line by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline inyour eyes, see your doctor immedi-
ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU43421
NOTICE

ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a differentbrand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Fuel level
12

Recommended fuel:
PREMIUM UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning indicator flashes):
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)

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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-20
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-9
Final gear oil

Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-12
Coolant

Check coolant level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.

Check cooling system for leakage.6-14
Front 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

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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING

EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU46632
TIP

This model is equipped with:

a lean angle sensor to stop the en-
gine in case of a turnover. In this
case, the multi-function display in-
dicates error code 30, but this is
not a malfunction. Turn the key to
“OFF” and then to “ON” to clear the
error code. Failing to do so will pre-
vent the engine from starting even
though the engine will crank when
pushing the start switch.

an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. In this case,
the multi-function display indicates
error code 70, but this is not a mal-
function. Push the start switch to
clear the error code and to restart
the engine.
EAU46530
Starting the engine
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.

The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.
See page 3-29 for more information.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
The following warning lights and
indicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light

Fuel level warning light

Coolant temperature warning light

Engine trouble warning light

ABS warning light

Immobilizer system indicator light
NOTICE

ECA11831
If a warning or indicator light does
not go off, see page 3-3 for the corre-
sponding warning and indicator

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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EAU16841
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17122
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above
4700 r/min.
NOTICE:
After 1000 km
(600 mi) of operation, the engine oil
and final gear oil must be changed,
and the oil filter cartridge or ele-
ment replaced.

[ECA10332]

1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above7000 r/min.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE

ECA10310

Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.

If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
EAU17213
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING

EWA10311

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.

Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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
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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
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EAU21401
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21772
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING

EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING

EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
90–190 kg (198–419 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
Maximum load*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories