2011 YAMAHA VMAX ABS

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-28
3
TIPAlthough the total number of clicks of a
damping force adjusting mechanism
may not exactly match the above spec-
ifications due to small differences in
production, the actual number of clicks
always represents the entire adjusting
range. To obtain a precise adjustment,
it would be advisable to check the num-
ber of clicks of each damping force ad-
justing mechanism and to modify the
specifications as necessary.
EAU46493
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing knob and rebound and compres-
sion damping force adjusting knobs.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 knob in direction (a). To
decrease the spring preload and there-
by soften the suspension, turn the ad-
justing knob in direction (b).TIPAlign the appropriate mark on the ad-
justing mechanism with the end of the
adjusting knob.
Compression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
12 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting screw fully turned
in direction (a)
1. Spring preload adjusting knob
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
11
Standard:
6
Maximum (hard):
1
(a)
(b)
1
5
4
3
2
1
11
67
10
9
8
U2S3E2E0.book Page 28 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-29
3Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting knob in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting knob in di-
rection (b).Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting knob
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting knob in direction (b).
TIPTo obtain a precise adjustment, it is ad-
visable to check the actual total number
of clicks or turns of each damping force
adjusting mechanism. This adjustment
range may not exactly match the spec-
ifications listed due to small differences
in production.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.

Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.
1. Rebound damping force adjusting knobRebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
20 clicks in direction (b)*
Standard:
12 clicks in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
3 clicks in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned
in direction (a)
(b)(a)
1
1. Compression damping force adjusting knobCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
12 clicks in direction (b)*
Standard:
10 clicks in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 clicks in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned
in direction (a)
(b)
(a) 1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 29 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-30
3


Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
EAU15210
Luggage strap holders There are four luggage strap holders:
one on each passenger footrest and
two below the passenger seat.
EAU41941
EXUP system This model is equipped with Yamaha’s
EXUP (EXhaust Ultimate Power valve)
system. This system boosts engine
power by means of a valve that regu-
lates the inner diameter of the exhaust
pipe. The EXUP system valve is con-
stantly adjusted in accordance with the
engine speed by a computer-controlled
servomotor.NOTICE
ECA15610
The EXUP system has been set and
extensively tested at the Yamaha
factory. Changing these settings
without sufficient technical knowl-
edge may result in poor perfor-
mance of or damage to the engine.
1. Luggage strap holder
1
1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 30 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
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.
EAU48710
TIPThis 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. If the engine
stops, simply push the start switch
to restart the engine.
EAU46533
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
sidestand up.
See page 3-31 for more informa-
tion.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to“”.
The following warning lights and
indicator lights 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


Shift timing indicator light


Immobilizer system indicator
light
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
6
9*SwingarmCheck operation and for exces-
sive play.√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
10*Steering bearingsCheck bearing play and steering
for roughness.√√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
11*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.√√√√√
12Brake lever pivot
shaftLubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
13Brake pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
14Clutch lever pivot
shaftLubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
15Shift pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
16 SidestandCheck operation.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
17*Sidestand switchCheck operation.√√√√√√
18*Front forkCheck operation and for oil leak-
age.√√√√
19*Shock absorber as-
semblyCheck operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√ 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)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-25
6
EAU46540
Checking the brake fluid level Front brake
Rear brake
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
under the passenger seat. (See page
3-25.)Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is level.


Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.


Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.


Be careful that water or dust does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir
when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the
fluid and may result in vapor lock,
and dirt may clog the ABS hydrau-
lic unit valves.


Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.


As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
1
1
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
U2S3E2E0.book Page 25 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-33
6
EAU46453
Replacing the fuses The main fuse and the ABS motor fuse
are located behind cowling A. (See
page 6-8.) Fuse box 1 is located under
the rider seat. (See page 3-25.)Fuse box 1
Fuse box 2 is located behind panel B.
(See page 6-8.)Fuse box 2
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off
the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then
install a new fuse of the specified
amperage. WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than recommended to1. Main fuse
2. ABS motor fuse
3. ABS motor spare fuse
1
3
2
1. ABS solenoid fuse
2. Fuel injection system fuse
3. Spare fuse
123
1. Ignition fuse
2. ABS control unit fuse
3. Headlight fuse
4. Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
5. Electronic throttle valve fuse
6. Radiator fan fuse
7. Spare fuse
8. Signaling system fuse
9. Parking lighting fuse
10.Sub radiator fan fuse
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 107
9
U2S3E2E0.book Page 33 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-34
6avoid causing extensive dam-
age to the electrical system and
possibly a fire.
[EWA15131]
3. Turn the key to “ON” and turn on
the electrical circuit in question to
check if the device operates.
4. If the fuse immediately blows
again, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical system.
EAU46462
Replacing the headlight bulb This model is equipped with a halogen
bulb headlight. If the headlight bulb
burns out, replace it as follows.NOTICE
ECA10650
Take care not to damage the follow-
ing parts:

Headlight bulb
Do not touch the glass part of
the headlight bulb to keep it free
from oil, otherwise the transpar-
ency of the glass, the luminosity
of the bulb, and the bulb life will
be adversely affected. Thor-
oughly clean off any dirt and fin-
gerprints on the headlight bulb
using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.


Headlight lens
Do not affix any type of tinted
film or stickers to the headlight
lens.
Do not use a headlight bulb of a
wattage higher than specified.
Specified fuses:
Main fuse:
50.0 A
Ignition fuse:
20.0 A
Parking lighting fuse:
7.5 A
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Radiator fan fuse:
20.0 A
Sub radiator fan fuse:
7.5 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
U2S3E2E0.book Page 34 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM