2011 YAMAHA VMAX brake fluid

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY 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 lights and warning
lights ............................................3-4
Speedometer unit ...........................3-7
Multi-function display ......................3-8
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .............3-17
Handlebar switches ......................3-17
Clutch lever ...................................3-18
Shift pedal .....................................3-19
Brake lever ...................................3-19
Brake pedal ..................................3-20
ABS ..............................................3-20
Fuel tank cap ................................3-21
Fuel ...............................................3-22
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose ..........................................3-24
Catalytic converters ......................3-24
Seats ............................................3-25
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-26
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ...................................3-28Luggage strap holders ................. 3-30
EXUP system ............................... 3-30
Sidestand ..................................... 3-31
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-31
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-3
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing
the cowling and panels ............... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-10
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 6-11
Final gear oil ................................. 6-14
Coolant ......................................... 6-16
Air filter element ........................... 6-19Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle grip free
play ........................................... 6-19
Valve clearance ........................... 6-20
Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-22
Clutch lever .................................. 6-23
Checking the brake lever free
play ........................................... 6-23
Brake light switches ..................... 6-24
Checking the front and
rear brake pads ........................ 6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids ............................... 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the cables ................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the throttle grip and cable ......... 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the brake and shift pedals ........ 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the brake and clutch levers ...... 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the sidestand ............................ 6-28
Lubricating the swingarm
pivots ........................................ 6-28
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering .................. 6-29
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
EAU10420
Right view
12 4 6
7 5
3
9 11
8
10
1. Passenger seat (page 3-25)
2. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-25)
3. Luggage strap holder (page 3-30)
4. Rider seat (page 3-25)
5. Fuse box 1 (page 6-33)
6. Radiator cap (page 6-16)
7. Coolant reservoir (page 6-16)
8. Engine oil level check window (page 6-11)9. Brake pedal (page 3-20)
10.Fuse box 2 (page 6-33)
11.Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting knob
(page 3-28)U2S3E2E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
EAU10430
Controls and instruments
123 4 67 8
9 10 11
5
1. Clutch lever (page 3-18)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-17)
3. Clutch fluid reservoir (page 6-25)
4. Speedometer unit (page 3-7)
5. Shift timing indicator light (page 3-6)
6. Front brake fluid reservoir (page 6-25)
7. Right handlebar switches (page 3-17)
8. Brake lever (page 3-19)9. Throttle grip (page 6-19)
10.Multi-function display (page 3-8)
11.Main switch/steering lock (page 3-2)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 3 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

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear 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
ClutchCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-23
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check throttle grip free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-19, 6-26
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-26
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-20, 6-22
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-27
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-27
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-28
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.— ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U2S3E2E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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*Air filter elementReplace.√
2*ClutchCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√
3*Front brakeCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4*Rear brakeCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or damage.
Check for correct routing and
clamping.√√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6*WheelsCheck runout and for damage.√√√√
7*TiresCheck tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.√√√√√
8*Wheel bearingsCheck bearing for looseness or
damage.√√√√
U2S3E2E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-7
6
EAU36771
TIP

Air filter
This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.
The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.


Hydraulic brake and clutch service
Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid and clutch fluid levels.
Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers as well as clutch master
and release cylinders, and change the brake and clutch fluids.
Replace the brake and clutch hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 7 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