2011 YAMAHA VMAX tow

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-9
3Tripmeters
Turn the key to “ON”. Push “SELECT”
to switch the display between the trip-
meters “TRIP-1” and “TRIP-2” in the fol-
lowing order:
TRIP-1 → TRIP-2 → TRIP-1
When the fuel amount in the fuel tank
decreases to 3.9 L (1.03 US gal,
0.86 Imp.gal), the fuel level warning
light comes on, and the tripmeter auto-
matically changes to the fuel reserve
tripmeter “TRIP-F” and starts counting
the distance traveled from that point. In
that case, push “SELECT” to switch the
display between the various tripmeters
in the following order:
TRIP-F → TRIP-1 → TRIP-2 → TRIP-F
If you continue to ride the vehicle after
the fuel reserve tripmeter “TRIP-F” ap-
pears, the fuel meter and fuel level
warning indicator“” start flashing.
To reset a tripmeter, select it by push-
ing “SELECT”, and then push “RESET”
for at least one second. If you do not re-
set the fuel reserve tripmeter manually,
it resets itself automatically and the dis-
play returns to the prior meter after re-
fueling and traveling 5 km (3 mi).Fuel meter
The fuel meter indicates the amount of
fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel level dis-
played decreases towards “E” (Empty)
as the fuel tank level decreases. When
the fuel amount in the fuel tank de-
creases to 3.9 L (1.03 US gal,
0.86 Imp.gal), the fuel level warning
light comes on. If this occurs, refuel as
soon as possible.
If you continue to ride the vehicle after
the fuel reserve tripmeter “TRIP-F” ap-
pears, the fuel meter and fuel level
warning indicator“” start flashing.
Transmission gear indicatorThis indicator shows the selected gear.
The neutral position is indicated by“”
and by the neutral indicator light.
Coolant temperature meterWith the key in the “ON” position, the
coolant temperature meter indicates
the temperature of the coolant. The
coolant temperature varies with chang-
es in the weather and engine load. If
the coolant temperature warning light
comes on, and the top segment and thecoolant temperature warning indicator
flash, stop the vehicle and let the en-
gine cool. (See page 6-41.)
NOTICE
ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheating.Select mode
The various functions of this multi-func-
tion display are adjusted in the Select
mode.TIP

The transmission must be in neu-
tral to change settings in this
mode.


Shifting the transmission into gear
saves all settings made, then can-
cels the Select mode and displays
the Normal mode in all screens.


Depending on the screen, pushing
“RESET” saves settings or can-
cels the Select mode to display the
Normal mode.
Push and hold “SELECT” and “RESET”
for at least three seconds to enter the
Select mode.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 9 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3 position. To cancel the turn signal
lights, push the switch in after it has re-
turned to the center position.
EAU12500
Horn switch“”
Press this switch to sound the horn.
EAU12660
Engine stop switch“/”
Set this switch to“” before starting
the engine. Set this switch to“” to
stop the engine in case of an emergen-
cy, such as when the vehicle overturns
or when the throttle cable is stuck.
EAU12711
Start switch“”
Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter. See page 5-1 for start-
ing instructions prior to starting the en-
gine.
EAU42340
The engine trouble warning light and
ABS warning light will come on when
the key is turned to “ON” and the start
switch is pushed, but this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
EAU12733
Hazard switch“”
With the key in the “ON” or“” posi-
tion, use this switch to turn on the haz-
ard lights (simultaneous flashing of all
turn signal lights).
The hazard lights are used in case of
an emergency or to warn other drivers
when your vehicle is stopped where it
might be a traffic hazard.NOTICE
ECA10061
Do not use the hazard lights for an
extended length of time with the en-
gine not running, otherwise the bat-
tery may discharge.
EAU12830
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch lever position adjusting dial. To
adjust the distance between the clutch
lever and the handlebar grip, turn the
adjusting dial while holding the lever
pushed away from the handlebar grip.1. Clutch lever
2. Clutch lever position adjusting dial
3. Arrow mark
4. Distance between clutch lever and handlebar
grip
4
1
2
3
U2S3E2E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-19
3Make sure that the appropriate setting
on the adjusting dial is aligned with the
arrow mark on the clutch lever.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-31.)
EAU12871
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the motorcycle and is used in
combination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU33851
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a
brake lever position adjusting knob. To
adjust the distance between the brake
lever and the handlebar grip, turn the
adjusting knob while holding the lever
pushed away from the handlebar grip.
When the desired position is obtained,
1. Shift pedal
1
1. Brake lever
2. Brake lever position adjusting knob
3.“” mark
4. Distance between brake lever and handlebar
grip
1
4
2
3
U2S3E2E0.book Page 19 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA11833
If a warning or indicator light does
not come on initially when the key is
turned to “ON”, or if a warning or in-
dicator light remains on, see page
3-4 for the corresponding warning
and indicator light circuit check.2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position. The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.NOTICE
ECA11042
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE
ECA10260


Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.


Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3
4 5N1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

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