2011 YAMAHA VMAX warning

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-42
6Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1040


Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.


Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap
while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 42 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7


Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium mufflers, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the mufflers.


Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium mufflers, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.


Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
mufflers is normal and cannot be
removed.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts.4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.


If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
NOTICE
ECA10800


Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.


Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.


Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
TIP

Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.


Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
7
EAU26243
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the motor-
cycle.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 the
fuel 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 the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/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
6-30.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-3
8
Wheel travel:
110.0 mm (4.33 in)Electrical system:Ignition system:
TCI
Charging system:
AC magnetoBattery:Model:
YTZ14S
Voltage, capacity:
12 V, 11.2 AhHeadlight:Bulb type:
Halogen bulbBulb voltage, wattage × quantity:Headlight:
12 V, 60 W/55 W × 1
Tail/brake light:
LED
Front turn signal light:
12 V, 10.0 W × 2
Rear turn signal light:
12 V, 10.0 W × 2
Auxiliary light:
12 V, 5.0 W × 1
Meter lighting:
LED
Neutral indicator light:
LED
High beam indicator light:
LED
Oil level warning light:
LEDTurn signal indicator light:
LED x 2
Fuel level warning light:
LED
Coolant temperature warning light:
LED
Engine trouble warning light:
LED
ABS warning light:
LED
Immobilizer system indicator light:
LED
Shift timing indicator light:
LED
Fuses:Main fuse:
50.0 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 A
Ignition fuse:
20.0 A
Parking lighting fuse:
7.5 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 AABS 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 3 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INDEXAABS ....................................................... 3-20
ABS warning light.................................... 3-6
Air filter element .................................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm (optional)...................... 3-17
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................ 6-38BBattery................................................... 6-30
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ......... 6-26
Brake and clutch levers,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake and shift pedals,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-25
Brake lever ............................................ 3-19
Brake lever free play, checking ............. 6-23
Brake light switches .............................. 6-24
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-20CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-26
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converters .............................. 3-24
Clutch lever .................................. 3-18, 6-23
Coolant.................................................. 6-16
Coolant temperature warning light .......... 3-5
Cowling and panels,
removing and installing ......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-17EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking .............. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............ 6-11
Engine stop switch ................................ 3-18Engine trouble warning light ................... 3-5
EXUP system ....................................... 3-30
FFinal gear oil ......................................... 6-14
Front and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-24
Front fork, adjusting .............................. 3-26
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-29
Fuel....................................................... 3-22
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........ 5-3
Fuel level warning light ........................... 3-5
Fuel tank breather/overflow hose ......... 3-24
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-21
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-33HHandlebar switches .............................. 3-17
Hazard switch ....................................... 3-18
Headlight bulb, replacing ...................... 6-34
High beam indicator light ........................ 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-18IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................ 3-31
Immobilizer system ................................. 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light........... 3-6
Indicator lights and warning lights .......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ........ 6-37
Luggage strap holders .......................... 3-30MMain switch/steering lock........................ 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic .... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control
system .................................................. 6-3
Matte color, caution ................................ 7-1Model label .............................................. 9-1
Multi-function display............................... 3-8
NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light .............................. 3-4PParking .................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ........................................... 3-17SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seats ..................................................... 3-25
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-19
Shift timing indicator light ........................ 3-6
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-28
Sidestand .............................................. 3-31
Sidestand, checking and lubricating...... 6-28
Spark plugs, checking ........................... 6-10
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Speedometer unit .................................... 3-7
Starting the engine .................................. 5-1
Start switch............................................ 3-18
Steering, checking................................. 6-29
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-39
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-28TTail/brake light ....................................... 6-36
Throttle grip and cable,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-26
Throttle grip free play, checking ............ 6-19
Tires ...................................................... 6-20
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM