2009 YAMAHA VMAX engine

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU46403
Replacing the auxiliary light
bulb
If the auxiliary light bulb burns out, re-
place it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit. (See
page 6-32.)
2. Remove the auxiliary light socket
(together with the bulb) by turning
it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pull-
ing it out of the socket.4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the auxiliary light socket (to-
gether with the bulb) by turning it
clockwise.
6. Install the headlight unit.
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle
Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
a jack either under each side of the

1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1

1. Auxiliary light bulb
1

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EAU46790
Troubleshooting charts
Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth or replace the
spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9 Engine overheating
WARNING

EWAT1040

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.

Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap
while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIP

If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.

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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
EAU37833
Matte color caution
NOTICE

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.
EAU46410
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your mo-
torcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlets 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 caps, 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
NOTICE

ECA10772

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.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
oughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water
may be used. Be sure to rinse
off any detergent residue using

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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9 plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.


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
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.

Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.

For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.TIP

Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE:
Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]

2. After drying the motorcycle, apply
a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces (except the tita-
nium mufflers) to prevent
corrosion.
Cleaning the titanium mufflers
This model is equipped with titanium
mufflers, which require the following
special care.


Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muf-
flers. However, if the mufflers can-
not be thoroughly cleaned with
mild detergent, alkaline products
and a soft brush may be used.

Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium mufflers, as they will remove

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EAU26242
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
NOTICE

ECA10810

Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.

To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and thefuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam-
age or injury from sparking,
make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while
turning the engine
over.
[EWA10951]

e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and thepivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the sidestand/
centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plas-
tic bags to prevent moisture from
entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-28.
TIP

Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.

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SPECIFICATIONS
EAU2633P
Dimensions:
Overall length:
2395 mm (94.3 in)
Overall width:
820 mm (32.3 in)
Overall height:
1190 mm (46.9 in)
Seat height:
775 mm (30.5 in)
Wheelbase:
1700 mm (66.9 in)
Ground clearance:
140 mm (5.51 in)
Minimum turning radius:
3500 mm (137.8 in)
Weight:
With oil and fuel:
310.0 kg (683 lb)
Engine:
Engine type:
Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement:
V-type 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1679.0 cm
3

Bore
×
stroke:
90.0
×
66.0 mm (3.54
×
2.60 in)
Compression ratio:
11.30 :1
Starting system:
Electric starterLubrication system:
Wet sump

Engine oil:
Type:
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50, SAE 15W-40,
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API service SG type or higher, JASO stan-
dard MA
Engine oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replacement:
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)
Final gear oil:
Type:
Shaft drive gear oil (Part No.:
9079E-SH001-00)
Quantity:
0.30 L (0.32 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)
Cooling system:
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the maxi-
mum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)
Radiator capacity (including all routes):
3.75 L (3.96 US qt, 3.30 Imp.qt)
Air filter:
Air filter element:
Oil-coated paper element
Fuel:
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity:
15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)
Fuel injection:
Throttle body:
Manufacturer:
MIKUNI
Type/quantity:
EIS48/4
Spark plug (s):
Manufacturer/model:
NGK/CR9EIA
Manufacturer/model:
DENSO/IU27D
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
Clutch:
Clutch type:
Wet, multiple-disc
-20 -10 0
10 20 30
40
50 ˚C
SAE 10W-30
SAE 15W-40SAE 20W-40SAE 20W-50
SAE 10W-40SAE 10W-50

SPECIFICATIONS
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9Front suspension:

Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
120.0 mm (4.72 in)
Rear suspension:
Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
110.0 mm (4.33 in)
Electrical system:
Ignition system:
TCI (digital)
Charging system:
AC magneto
Battery:
Model:
YTZ14S
Voltage, capacity:
12 V, 11.2 Ah
Headlight:
Bulb type:
Halogen bulb
Bulb voltage, wattage
×
quantity:
Headlight:
12 V, 60 W/55.0 W
×
1
Tail/brake light:
LEDFront turn signal light:
12 V, 10.0 W
×
2
Rear turn signal light:
12 V, 10.0 W
×
2
Auxiliary light:
12 V, 5.0 W
×
1
Meter lighting:
LED
Neutral indicator light:
LED
High beam indicator light:
LED
Oil level warning light:
LED
Turn signal indicator light:
LED x 2
Fuel level warning light:
LED
Coolant temperature warning light:
LED
Engine trouble warning light:
LED
ABS warning light:
LED
Immobilizer system indicator light:
LED

Fuses:
Main fuse:
50.0 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 AIgnition fuse:
20.0 A
Parking lighting fuse:
7.5 A
Radiator fan fuse:
20.0 A
Fuel injection system fuse:
15.0 A
ABS control unit fuse:
7.5 A
ABS motor fuse:
30.0 A
ABS solenoid fuse:
15.0 A
Backup fuse:
7.5 A
Electronic throttle valve fuse:
7.5 A