2012 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 ......................3-18
Clutch lever ...................................3-19
Shift pedal .....................................3-20
Brake lever ...................................3-20
Brake pedal ..................................3-21
ABS ..............................................3-21
Fuel tank cap ................................3-22
Fuel ...............................................3-23
Fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose ............................3-24
Catalytic converters ......................3-25
Seats ............................................3-25
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-27
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ...................................3-29 Luggage strap holders ................. 3-31
EXUP system ............................... 3-31
Sidestand ..................................... 3-31
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-32
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 ........................... 6-19 Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle grip free play ........................................... 6-20
Valve clearance ........................... 6-20
Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-23
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 ................................. 6-27
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ......... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals ........ 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the brake and clutch levers ...... 6-28
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............................ 6-29
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ........................................ 6-29
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering .................. 6-30
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
EAU10420
Right view
12 4 67
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 3-31)
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 3-21)
10.Fuse box 2 (page 6-33)
11.Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting knob
(page 3-29)U2S3E3E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
EAU10430
Controls and instruments
123 4 67 89
10
11
5
1. Clutch lever (page 3-19)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-18)
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 3-18)
8. Brake lever (page 3-20) 9. Throttle grip (page 6-20)
10.Multi-function display (page 3-8)
11.Main switch/steering lock (page 3-2)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 3 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 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:
ITEMCHECKS PAGE
Fuel Check fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.
Check fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or dam-
age, and check hose connections. 3-23, 3-24
Engine oil Check oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-11
Final gear oil Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-14
Coolant Check coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage. 6-16
Front brake Check 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 specified brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-24, 6-25
U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brake Check 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 specified brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-24, 6-25
Clutch Check operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-23
Throttle grip Make 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. 6-20, 6-27
Control cables Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary. 6-27
Wheels and tires Check for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.
6-20, 6-23
Brake and shift pedals Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.
6-27
Brake and clutch levers Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 6-28
Sidestand Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.
6-29
Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.
—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches Check operation.
Correct if necessary.
—
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U2S3E3E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB ODOMETER 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 element Replace. √
2 *Clutch Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√
3 *Front brake Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses Check for cracks or damage.
Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Wheels Check runout and for damage. √√√√
7 *Tires Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary. √√√√√
8 *Wheel bearings Check bearing for looseness or
damage. √√√√
U2S3E3E0.book Page 4 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 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.
29 *Lights, signals and
switches Check operation.
Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)U2S3E3E0.book Page 7 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-25
6wear indicator groove almost appears,
have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
EAU22470
Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator groove, which allows
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator groove. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear
indicator groove has almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
EAU46541
Checking the brake fluid level Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark.
Check the brake fluid level with the top
of the reservoir level. Replenish the
brake fluid if necessary.
Front brake
Rear brake
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
under the passenger seat. (See page
3-25.)
WARNING
EWA16010
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability. Observe
these precautions:●
Insufficient brake fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, reducing braking
performance.
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1
1. Minimum level mark
1
1. Minimum level markSpecified brake fluid:
DOT 41
U2S3E3E0.book Page 25 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM