2011 YAMAHA VMAX warning

INTRODUCTION
EAU10102
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the VMX17, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the design
and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your VMX17. The Owner’s Manual does
not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and oth-
ers from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition. If you have any
further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur-
rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this
manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10031
Please read this manual carefully and completely before operating this motorcycle.
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10132
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
A NOTICE indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

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

1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10287
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are respon-
sible for the safe and proper operation
of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements before
riding this motorcycle.
He or she should:

Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.


Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.


Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.


Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.Safe Riding
Perform the pre-operation checks each
time you use the vehicle to make sure it
is in safe operating condition. Failure to
inspect or maintain the vehicle properly
increases the possibility of an accident
or equipment damage. See page 4-1
for a list of pre-operation checks.


This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator and a passenger.


The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when you are
approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.


Many accidents involve inexperi-
enced operators. In fact, many op-
erators who have been involved in
accidents do not even have a cur-
rent motorcycle license.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your mo-
torcycle to other qualified opera-
tors.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.


Many accidents have been caused
by error of the motorcycle opera-
tor. A typical error made by the op-
erator is veering wide on a turn
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3


Keep other immobilizer system
keys away from the main switch
as they may cause signal inter-
ference.
EAU10472
Main switch/steering lock The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.TIPBe sure to use the standard key (black
bow) for regular use of the vehicle. To
minimize the risk of losing the code re-
registering key (red bow), keep it in a
safe place and only use it for code re-
registering.
EAU38530
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary light
come on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.TIPThe headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays on
until the key is turned to “OFF”, even if
the engine stalls.
EAU10661
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING
EWA10061
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident.
ON
OFF
LOCK
P
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU49391
Indicator lights and warning
lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights“”
and“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-
es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light“”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU46565
Oil level warning light“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low.
To check the electrical circuit of the
warning light, place the vehicle on a
level surface, set the engine stop
switch to“” and turn the key from
“OFF” to “ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds and then go off, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.If the warning light stays on, proceed as
follows.
1. Set the engine stop switch to“”.
2. Turn the key to “OFF”, wait two
minutes, and then turn the key to
“ON”.
3. If the warning light comes on and
does not go off, check the engine
oil level. (See page 6-11.) If the
warning light still stays on after
confirming the oil level is correct,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
TIP

This warning light will not come
on:
when the engine is idling
when riding
if the engine has stalled and the
key has not been turned from
“ON” to “OFF” and then back to
“ON”
However, if the warning light is on
when the engine is started, it will
stay on until the key is turned to
“OFF”.
1. Shift timing indicator light
2. Fuel level warning light“”
3. Right turn signal indicator light“”
4. Coolant temperature warning light“”
5. Neutral indicator light“”
6. High beam indicator light“”
7. Engine trouble warning light“”
8. Left turn signal indicator light“”
9. Immobilizer system indicator light
10.Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light“”
11.Oil level warning light“”11
102
1
9
3
4
5
8
7
6
ABS
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3


This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If a problem
is detected in the oil level detection
circuit, the following cycle will be
repeated until the malfunction is
corrected: The oil level warning
light will flash ten times, then go off
for 2.5 seconds. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU48700
Fuel level warning light“”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIPThis model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the fuel level de-
tection circuit. If a problem is detected
in the fuel level detection circuit, the fol-
lowing cycle will be repeated until the
malfunction is corrected: The fuel level
warning light, the fuel meter and the
fuel level warning indicator will flash
eight times, and then go off for 3.0 sec-
onds. If this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the vehicle.
EAU11444
Coolant temperature warning
light“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine overheats. If this occurs, stop the
engine immediately and allow the en-
gine to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
NOTICE
ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheating.TIP

For radiator-fan-equipped vehi-
cles, the radiator fan(s) automati-
cally switch on or off according to
the coolant temperature in the ra-
diator.


If the engine overheats, see page
6-41 for further instructions.
EAU42774
Engine trouble warning light“”
This warning light comes on if a prob-
lem is detected in the electrical circuit
monitoring the engine. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the self-
diagnosis system. (See page 3-16 for
an explanation of the self-diagnosis de-
vice.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
3 If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
EAU39502
ABS warning light“”
If this warning light comes on or flashes
while riding, the ABS may not work cor-
rectly. If this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system as soon as
possible. (See page 3-20.)
WARNING
EWA10081
If the ABS warning light comes on or
flashes while riding, the brake sys-
tem reverts to conventional braking.
Therefore, be careful not to cause
the wheels to lock during emergen-
cy braking. If the warning light
comes on or flashes while riding,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system as soon as possible.The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
EAU48520
Shift timing indicator light
This indicator light can be set to come
on and go off at the desired engine
speeds and is used to inform the rider
when it is time to shift to the next higher
gear.
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The indicator light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the indicator light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the indicator light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit. (See page 3-9 for a detailed ex-
planation of the function of this indicator
light and on how to set it.)
EAU38624
Immobilizer system indicator light
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The indicator light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the indicator light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the indicator light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
When the key is turned to “OFF” and 30
seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24
hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
The self-diagnosis device also detects
problems in the immobilizer system cir-
cuits. (See page 3-16 for an explana-
tion of the self-diagnosis device.)
ABS
U2S3E2E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM