2009 YAMAHA VMAX battery

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Immobilizer system ..........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock .................3-2
Indicator and warning lights .............3-3
Speedometer unit ............................3-5
Multi-function display .......................3-6
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ..............3-14
Handlebar switches .......................3-15
Clutch lever ....................................3-16
Shift pedal ......................................3-17
Brake lever ....................................3-17
Brake pedal ...................................3-18
ABS ...............................................3-18
Fuel tank cap .................................3-19
Fuel ................................................3-20
Catalytic converters .......................3-22
Seats .............................................3-22
Adjusting the front fork ...................3-24
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ....................................3-26
Luggage strap holders ...................3-28
EXUP system ................................3-28
Sidestand .......................................3-29Ignition circuit cut-off system ......... 3-29
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
.............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-3
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT
.................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................... 6-2
Removing and installing the
cowling and panels ...................... 6-6
Checking the spark plugs ................ 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ...... 6-9
Final gear oil .................................. 6-12
Coolant .......................................... 6-14
Air filter element ............................ 6-17
Checking the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-17
Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-17
Valve clearance ............................. 6-18
Tires .............................................. 6-18
Cast wheels ................................... 6-20Clutch lever ................................... 6-21
Checking the front brake lever
free play ..................................... 6-21
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ......................................... 6-22
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 6-22
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-23
Changing the brake and clutch
fluids .......................................... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ................ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers .............. 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal ................................ 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
shift pedal .................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-26
Checking the front fork .................. 6-26
Checking the steering ................... 6-27
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-28
Battery ........................................... 6-28
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-31
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-32
Tail/brake light ............................... 6-34
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ............................................ 6-34

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

DESCRIPTION
EAU10410
Left view
1
4
56
78
9
10
23
11

1. Headlight (page 6-32)
2. Front fork spring preload adjusting bolt (page 3-24)
3. Front fork rebound damping force adjusting knob (page 3-24)
4. Battery (page 6-28)
5. Owner’s tool kit (page 6-1)
6. Fuel tank cap (page 3-19)
7. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting knob (page 3-26)8. Shock absorber assembly rebound damping force adjusting knob
(page 3-26)
9. Sidestand (page 3-29)
10. Shift pedal (page 3-17)
11. Front fork compression damping force adjusting screw (page 3-24)

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.

EAU34341
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the taillight,
license plate light and auxiliary light are
on. The hazard lights and turn signal
lights can be turned on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “ ”.
NOTICE

ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU46562
Oil level warning light “”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low. To check the elec-
trical circuit of the warning light, place
the vehicle on a level surface, set the
engine stop switch to “ ” and turn the
key from “OFF” to “ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
and then go off, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
If the warning light stays on, proceed as
follows.
1. Set the engine stop switch to “ ”.
2. Turn the key to “OFF”, wait two
1. Fuel level warning light “ ”
2. Right turn signal indicator light “ ”
3. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
4. Neutral indicator light “ ”
5. High beam indicator light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Left turn signal indicator light “ ”
8. Immobilizer system indicator light
9. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ”
10. Oil level warning light “ ”
10
9
8
7
6
54321
ABS

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU23290
Checking the wheel bearings
The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU46551
Battery
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING

EWA10760

Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.

EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.

INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.

EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.

Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keepsparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.

KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To remove the battery
1. Remove cowling A. (See
page 6-6.)
2. Disconnect the negative battery
lead first, then the positive battery
lead by removing their bolt.
3. Remove the battery cover (togeth-
1. Negative battery lead (black)
2. Positive battery lead (red)
2
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-29
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
er with the ECU) by removing the
bolts.
4. Remove the main fuse (together
with the holding band) from its
holder.
5. Disconnect coupler A.6. Remove the rubber damper.
7. Unfold the heat insulator as
shown.8. Pull the battery out of its compart-
ment.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quickly
if the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
NOTICE

ECA16520
To charge a VRLA (Valve Regulated
Lead Acid) battery, a special (con-
stant-voltage) battery charger is re-
quired. Using a conventional battery
1. Bolt
2. Battery cover
1
2

1. Main fuse
2. Holding band
3. Coupler A
1. Rubber damper
2
1
3
1

1. Heat insulator
2. Battery
1
2

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9charger will damage the battery. If
you do not have access to a con-
stant-voltage battery charger, have a

Yamaha dealer charge your battery.
To store the battery
1. If the vehicle will not be used for
more than one month, remove
the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
NOTICE:
When removing the
battery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then discon-
nect the negative lead before
disconnecting the positive
lead.

[ECA16302]

2. If the battery will be stored for more
than two months, check it at least
once a month and fully charge it if
necessary.
To install the battery
TIP

Be sure the battery is fully charged.
1. Place the battery in its compart-
ment.
2. Fold the heat insulator back to itsoriginal position.
NOTICE:
Make
sure that the heat insulator is in
its original position and it is
properly folded.
[ECA16550]

3. Install the rubber damper.
4. Install the battery cover (together
with the ECU) by installing the
bolts.
5. Connect coupler A.
6. Install the main fuse (together with
the holding band) on its holder.
7. Connect the positive battery lead
first, then connect the negative
battery lead by installing their bolt.8. Install the cowling.
NOTICE

ECA16530
Always keep the battery charged.
Storing a discharged battery can
cause permanent battery damage.
1. Heat insulator
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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.

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
2
3
4
5
6
78
9

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.