2011 YAMAHA VMAX ECU

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1


Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.


Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.
Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. Theseitems, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.


This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Maximum load:
190 kg (419 lb)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1


Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.


Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.


Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).


Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.


The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10977
Immobilizer system This vehicle is equipped with an immo-
bilizer system to help prevent theft by
re-registering codes in the standard
keys. This system consists of the fol-
lowing:

a code re-registering key (with a
red bow)


two standard keys (with a black
bow) that can be re-registered with
new codes


a transponder (which is installed in
the code re-registering key)


an immobilizer unit


an ECU


an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-6.)
The key with the red bow is used to reg-
ister codes in each standard key. Since
re-registering is a difficult process, take
the vehicle along with all three keys to
a Yamaha dealer to have them re-reg-
istered. Do not use the key with the red
bow for driving. It should only be used
for re-registering the standard keys. Al-
ways use a standard key for driving.
NOTICE
ECA11821


DO NOT LOSE THE CODE RE-
REGISTERING KEY! CONTACT
YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY
IF IT IS LOST! If the code re-reg-
istering key is lost, registering
new codes in the standard keys
is impossible. The standard
keys can still be used to start
the vehicle, however if code re-
registering is required (i.e., if a
new standard key is made or all
keys are lost) the entire immobi-
lizer system must be replaced.
Therefore, it is highly recom-mended to use either standard
key and keep the code re-regis-
tering key in a safe place.


Do not submerse any key in wa-
ter.


Do not expose any key to exces-
sively high temperatures.


Do not place any key close to
magnets (this includes, but not
limited to, products such as
speakers, etc.).


Do not place items that transmit
electrical signals close to any
key.


Do not place heavy items on any
key.


Do not grind any key or alter its
shape.


Do not disassemble the plastic
part of any key.


Do not put two keys of any im-
mobilizer system on the same
key ring.


Keep the standard keys as well
as keys of other immobilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s code re-registering key.
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)212
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-20
3 be sure to set it by aligning a groove on
the adjusting knob with the“” mark
on the brake lever.
EAU12941
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
EAU46392
ABS The Yamaha ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System) features a dual electronic con-
trol system, which acts on the front and
rear brakes independently. The ABS is
monitored by an ECU, which will have
recourse to manual braking if a mal-
function occurs.
WARNING
EWA10090


The ABS performs best on long
braking distances.


On certain (rough or gravel)
roads, the braking distance may
be longer with than without the
ABS. Therefore, always keep a
sufficient distance to the vehicle
ahead to match the riding
speed.
TIP

When the ABS is activated, the
brakes are operated in the usual
way. A pulsating action may be felt
at the brake lever or brake pedal,
but this does not indicate a mal-
function.
1. Brake pedal
1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 20 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-23
3
3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately. NOTICE: Immediately wipe
off spilled fuel with a clean, dry,
soft cloth, since fuel may deteri-
orate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.
[ECA10071]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel
tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15151
Gasoline is poisonous and can
cause injury or death. Handle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gaso-
line by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline in
your eyes, see your doctor immedi-ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU13391
NOTICE
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a differentbrand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Maximum fuel level
12
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity:
15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on):
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 23 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-25
3
EAU46840
Seats Rider seat
To remove the rider seat1. Pull the rider seat backrest release
lever on the left side of the vehicle
as shown. The backrest will slide
forward.
2. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the rider seat off.
To install the rider seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of
the rider seat into the seat holder
as shown.2. Place the rider seat in the original
position, and then tighten the bolts.
TIPMake sure that the rider seat is properly
secured before riding.3. Return the backrest to the original
position.
Passenger seat
To remove the passenger seat1. Pull the rider seat backrest release
lever on the left side of the vehicle
as shown. The backrest will slide
forward.
1. Rider seat backrest release lever
1
1. Rider seat backrest
1. Bolt
11
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
U2S3E2E0.book Page 25 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6 Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10471


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.


The replacement of all wheel
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience to do so.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING
EWA10481


The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.


Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
U2S3E2E0.book Page 21 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM