2012 YAMAHA VMAX ABS

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-29
3
EAU46493
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing knob and rebound and compres-
sion damping force adjusting knobs.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 knob in direction (a). To
decrease the spring preload and there-
by soften the suspension, turn the ad-
justing knob in direction (b).TIPAlign the appropriate mark on the ad-
justing mechanism with the end of the
adjusting knob.
Rebound damping force
To increase the rebound damping force
and thereby harden the rebound damp-
ing, turn the adjusting knob in direction
(a). To decrease the rebound damping
force and thereby soften the rebound
damping, turn the adjusting knob in di-
rection (b).
1. Spring preload adjusting knobSpring preload setting:Minimum (soft):11
Standard: 6
Maximum (hard):
1
(a)
(b)
1
5
4
3
2
1
11
67
10
9
8
1. Rebound damping force adjusting knobRebound damping setting:
Minimum (soft):20 clicks in direction (b)*
Standard: 12 clicks in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
3 clicks in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned in direction (a)
(b)(a)
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 29 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-30
3
Compression damping force
To increase the compression damping
force and thereby harden the compres-
sion damping, turn the adjusting knob
in direction (a). To decrease the com-
pression damping force and thereby
soften the compression damping, turn
the adjusting knob in direction (b).
TIPTo obtain a precise adjustment, it is ad-
visable to check the actual total number
of clicks or turns of each damping force
adjusting mechanism. This adjustment
range may not exactly match the spec-
ifications listed due to small differences
in production.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.●
Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.
●
Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.
●
Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.
●
Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
1. Compression damping force adjusting knobCompression damping setting:
Minimum (soft):12 clicks in direction (b)*
Standard: 10 clicks in direction (b)*
Maximum (hard):
1 clicks in direction (b)*
* With the adjusting knob fully turned in direction (a)
(b)
(a)
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 30 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA17670
If the above warning lights or indica-
tor light do not come on initially
when the key is turned to “ON”, or if
a warning or indicator light remains
on, see page 3-4 for the correspond-
ing warning and indicator light cir-
cuit check.
The ABS warning light should
come on when the main switch is
turned to “ON” and then go off after
traveling at a speed of 10 km/h (6
mi/h) or higher.
NOTICE
ECA17680
If the ABS warning light does not
come on and then go off as ex-
plained above, see page 3-4 for the
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.1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2
2 3
4 5N1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
6
9*Swingarm Check operation and for exces-
sive play. √√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
10 *Steering bearings Check bearing play and steering
for roughness. √√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based grease. Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
11 *Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened. √√√√√
12 Brake lever pivot
shaft Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
13 Brake pedal pivot
shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
14 Clutch lever pivot
shaft
Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
15 Shift pedal pivot
shaft Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
16 Sidestand Check operation.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
17 *Sidestand switch Check operation. √√√√√√
18 *Front fork Check operation and for oil leak-
age. √√√√
19 *Shock absorber as-
sembly Check operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage. √√√√
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 5 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-26
6
●
Clean the filler cap before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
●
Use only the specified brake flu-
id; otherwise, the rubber seals
may deteriorate, causing leak-
age.
●
Refill with the same type of
brake fluid. Adding a brake fluid
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.
●
Be careful that water or dust
does not enter the brake fluid
reservoir when refilling. Water
will significantly lower the boil-
ing point of the fluid and may re-
sult in vapor lock, and dirt may
clog the ABS hydraulic unit
valves.
NOTICE
ECA17640
Brake fluid may damage painted sur-
faces or plastic parts. Always clean
up spilled fluid immediately.As the brake pads wear, it is normal for
the brake fluid level to gradually go
down. A low brake fluid level may indi-
cate worn brake pads and/or brake sys-tem leakage; therefore, be sure to
check the brake pads for wear and the
brake system for leakage. If the brake
fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause before
further riding.
EAU22751
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In
addition, have the oil seals of the brake
and clutch master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake and clutch
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.●
Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
●
Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 26 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-33
61. Place the battery in its compart-
ment.
2. Fold the heat insulator back to its original position. NOTICE: Make
sure that the heat insulator is in
its original position and it is
properly folded.
[ECA16550]
3. Install the rubber damper.
4. Connect coupler A.
5. Install the main fuse (together with the holding band) on its holder.
6. Place the battery cover (together with the ECU) in the original posi-
tion, and then install the bolts.
7. Connect the positive battery lead first, then connect the negative
battery lead by installing their bolt.
NOTICE: When installing the battery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then connect
the positive lead before con-
necting the negative lead.
[ECA16840]
8. Install the cowling.NOTICE
ECA16530
Always keep the battery charged.
Storing a discharged battery can
cause permanent battery damage.
EAU46453
Replacing the fuses The main fuse and the ABS motor fuse
are located behind cowling A. (See
page 6-8.) Fuse box 1 is located under
the rider seat. (See page 3-25.)
1. Heat insulator1
1. Main fuse
2. ABS motor fuse
3. ABS motor spare fuse
1
3
2
U2S3E3E0.book Page 33 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-34
6
Fuse box 1
Fuse box 2 is located behind panel B.
(See page 6-8.)
Fuse box 2
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then install a new fuse of the specified
amperage. WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than recommended to avoid causing extensive dam-
age to the electrical system and
possibly a fire.
[EWA15131]
1. ABS solenoid fuse
2. Fuel injection system fuse
3. Spare fuse
123
1. Ignition fuse
2. ABS control unit fuse
3. Headlight fuse
4. Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
5. Electronic throttle valve fuse
6. Radiator fan fuse
7. Spare fuse
8. Signaling system fuse
9. Parking lighting fuse
10.Sub radiator fan fuse
1 23456
7
8
10
7
9
Specified fuses:
Main fuse: 50.0 A
Ignition fuse:
20.0 A
Parking lighting fuse: 7.5 A
Signaling system fuse: 7.5 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Radiator fan fuse: 20.0 A
Sub radiator fan fuse: 7.5 A
Fuel injection system fuse:
15.0 A
ABS control unit fuse: 7.5 A
ABS motor fuse: 30.0 A
ABS solenoid fuse:
15.0 A
Backup fuse: 7.5 A
Electronic throttle valve fuse: 7.5 A
U2S3E3E0.book Page 34 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 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.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 3 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM