2009 YAMAHA VMAX spark plugs

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

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
6-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9Panel C
To remove the panel
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Pull the panel upward.
To install the panelPlace the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

EAU46680
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and replaced if
out of specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
1. Panel C
2. Bolt
1 2

Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9EIA
DENSO/IU27D
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
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.

INDEX
A
ABS ......................................................... 3-18
ABS warning light ...................................... 3-5
Air filter element....................................... 6-17
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ........................ 3-14
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................... 6-36
B
Battery ..................................................... 6-28
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ............ 6-24
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-25
Brake fluid level, checking ....................... 6-23
Brake lever .............................................. 3-17
Brake pedal ............................................. 3-18
Brake pedal, checking and lubricating ..... 6-25
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ............. 6-24
Care ........................................................... 7-1
Catalytic converters ................................. 3-22
Clutch lever.................................... 3-16
,
6-21
Coolant .................................................... 6-14
Coolant temperature warning light............. 3-4
Cowling and panels, removing and
installing .................................................. 6-6
D
Dimmer switch ......................................... 3-15
E
Engine break-in ......................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking ................. 6-17
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................ 6-9
Engine stop switch................................... 3-15
Engine trouble warning light ...................... 3-4
EXUP system .......................................... 3-28
F
Final gear oil ............................................ 6-12
Front and rear brake pads, checking....... 6-22
Front brake lever free play, checking ...... 6-21
Front fork, adjusting................................. 3-24
Front fork, checking ................................. 6-26
Fuel ......................................................... 3-20
Fuel level warning light .............................. 3-4
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-19
Fuses, replacing ...................................... 6-31
H
Handlebar switches ................................. 3-15
Hazard switch .......................................... 3-16
Headlight bulb, replacing ......................... 6-32
High beam indicator light ........................... 3-3
Horn switch.............................................. 3-15
I
Identification numbers ............................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................... 3-29
Immobilizer system.................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ............. 3-5
Indicator and warning lights....................... 3-3
K
Key identification number .......................... 9-1
L
License plate light bulb, replacing ........... 6-35
Luggage strap holders............................. 3-28
M
Main switch/steering lock .......................... 3-2
Matte color, caution ................................... 7-1
Model label ................................................ 9-2
Multi-function display ................................. 3-6
N
Neutral indicator light................................. 3-3
O
Oil level warning light ................................ 3-3
P
Parking ...................................................... 5-3
Part locations ............................................ 2-1
Pass switch ............................................. 3-15
Periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart ........................................................ 6-2
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting ........... 6-22
S
Safety information ..................................... 1-1
Seats ....................................................... 3-22
Shifting ...................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................... 3-17
Shift pedal, checking and lubricating ...... 6-26
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ...... 3-26
Sidestand ................................................ 3-29
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ....... 6-26
Spark plugs, checking ............................... 6-8
Specifications ............................................ 8-1
Speedometer unit...................................... 3-5
Starting the engine .................................... 5-1
Start switch ............................................. 3-15
Steering, checking .................................. 6-27
Storage ..................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle ...................... 6-36
T
Tail/brake light......................................... 6-34
Throttle cable free play, checking ........... 6-17
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-24
Tires ........................................................ 6-18
Tool kit ...................................................... 6-1