2011 YAMAHA VMAX Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-26
3
2. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the passenger seat off.
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.
TIPMake sure that the passenger seat is
properly secured before riding.
EAU14733
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).
1. Rider seat backrest release lever
1. Bolt
2. Passenger seat
12
1
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
U2S3E2E0.book Page 26 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-27
3
Align the appropriate groove on the ad-
justing mechanism with the top of the
front fork cap bolt.Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting knob on each
fork leg in direction (a). To decrease the
rebound damping force and thereby
soften the rebound damping, turn the
adjusting knob on each fork leg in direc-
tion (b).Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting screw
on each fork leg in direction (a). To de-
crease the compression damping force
and thereby soften the compression
damping, turn the adjusting screw on
each fork leg in direction (b).
1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
1. Current setting
2. Front fork cap bolt
(a)
(b)
154321
2 1
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
5
Standard:
4
Maximum (hard):
11. Rebound damping force adjusting knob
(a)
(b)1
Rebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):
17 click(s) in direction (b)*
Standard:
12 click(s) in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 click(s) in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned
in direction (a) 1. Compression damping force adjusting screw
1
(b)(a)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 27 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

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

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-31
3
EAU15304
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.TIPThe built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See page 3-31 for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10241
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, checkthis system regularly and have a
Yamaha dealer repair it if it does not
function properly.
EAU44892
Ignition circuit cut-off system The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.


It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.


It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the
sidestand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 31 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-32
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 32 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.
Check fuel tank breather/overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and
check hose connection.3-22, 3-24
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-11
Final gear oilCheck vehicle for oil leakage. 6-14
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-16
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-24, 6-25
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM