2009 YAMAHA VMAX ECU

SAFETY INFORMATION
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engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.
When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.

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

Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-sponse.

This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-

Maximum load:
190 kg (419 lb)

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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EAU10974
Immobilizer system
This vehicle is equipped with an immo-
bilizer system to help prevent theft by
re-registering codes in the standard
keys. This system consists of the fol-
lowing.

a code re-registering key (with a
red bow)

two standard keys (with a black
bow) that can be re-registered with
new codes

a transponder (which is installed in
the code re-registering key)

an immobilizer unit

an ECU (Electronic Control Unit)

an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-3.)
The key with the red bow is used to reg-
ister codes in each standard key. Since
re-registering is a difficult process, take
the vehicle along with all three keys to
a Yamaha dealer to have them re-reg-
istered. Do not use the key with the red
bow for driving. It should only be used
for re-registering the standard keys. Al-
ways use a standard key for driving.
NOTICE

ECA11821

DO NOT LOSE THE CODE
RE-REGISTERING KEY! CON-
TACT YOUR DEALER IMMEDI-
ATELY IF IT IS LOST! If the code
re-registering key is lost, regis-
tering new codes in the stan-
dard keys is impossible. The
standard keys can still be used
to start the vehicle, however if
code re-registering is required
(i.e., if a new standard key is
made or all keys are lost) the en-
tire immobilizer system must be
replaced. Therefore, it is highly
recommended to use either
standard key and keep the codere-registering key in a safe
place.

Do not submerse any key in wa-
ter.

Do not expose any key to exces-
sively high temperatures.

Do not place any key close to
magnets (this includes, but not
limited to, products such as
speakers, etc.).

Do not place items that transmit
electrical signals close to any
key.

Do not place heavy items on any
key.

Do not grind any key or alter its
shape.

Do not disassemble the plastic
part of any key.

Do not put two keys of any im-
mobilizer system on the same
key ring.

Keep the standard keys as well
as keys of other immobilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s code re-registering key.

Keep other immobilizer system
keys away from the main switch
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)
212

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU12941
Brake pedal
The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
EAU46390
ABS
The Yamaha ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System) features a dual electronic con-
trol system, which acts on the front and
rear brakes independently. The ABS is
monitored by an ECU (Electronic Con-
trol Unit), which will have recourse to
manual braking if a malfunction occurs.
WARNING

EWA10090

The ABS performs best on long
braking distances.

On certain (rough or gravel)
roads, the braking distance may
be longer with than without the
ABS. Therefore, always keep a
sufficient distance to the vehi-
cle ahead to match the riding
speed.
TIP


When the ABS is activated, the
brakes are operated in the usual
way. A pulsating action may be felt
at the brake lever or brake pedal,
but this does not indicate a mal-
function.

This ABS has a test mode whichallows the owner to experience the
pulsating at the brake lever or
brake pedal when the ABS is oper-
ating. However, special tools are
required, so please consult your
Yamaha dealer when performing
this test.
NOTICE

ECA16120
Keep any type of magnets (including
magnetic pick-up tools, magnetic
screwdrivers, etc.) away from the
front and rear wheel hubs, otherwise
the magnetic rotors equipped in the
wheel hubs may be damaged, result-
ing in improper performance of the
ABS system.
1. Brake pedal
1

1. Front wheel hub
1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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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)

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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2. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the rider seat off.
To install the rider seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of
the rider seat into the seat holderas shown.
2. Place the rider seat in the original
position, and then tighten the bolts.
TIP

Make sure that the rider seat is properly
secured before riding.
3. Return the backrest to the original
position.
Passenger seat
To remove the passenger seat
1. Pull the rider seat backrest release
lever on the left side of the vehicle
as shown. The backrest will slideforward.
2. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the passenger seat off.

1. Rider seat backrest
1. Bolt
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1. Projection
2. Seat holder
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1. Rider seat backrest release lever
1. Bolt
2. Passenger seat
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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To install the passenger seat
1. Insert the projection on the pas-
senger seat into the holder as
shown.
2. Place the passenger seat in the
original position, and then install
the bolts.
3. Return the backrest to the original
position.TIP

Make sure that the passenger seat is
properly secured before riding.
EAU14732
Adjusting the front fork
WARNING

EWA10180
Always adjust both fork legs equal-
ly, otherwise poor handling and loss
of stability may result.
This front fork is equipped with spring
preload adjusting bolts, rebound damp-
ing force adjusting knobs and compres-
sion damping force adjusting screws.
NOTICE

ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.Spring preload
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting bolt on each fork leg in di-
rection (a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the
suspension, turn the adjusting bolt on
each fork leg in direction (b).
Align the appropriate groove on the ad-
justing mechanism with the top of the
front fork cap bolt.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
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1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
(a)
(b)
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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
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EAU43071
Checking and lubricating the
shift pedal
The operation of the shift pedal should
be checked before each ride, and the
shift pedal rod pivots should be lubricat-
ed if necessary.
EAU23202
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand
The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING

EWA10731
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it. Otherwise,
the sidestand could contact the
ground and distract the operator, re-
sulting in a possible loss of control.
EAU23272
Checking the front fork
The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.

[EWA10751]

2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease