2012 YAMAHA VMAX fuel

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-22
3
wheel hubs may be damaged, result-
ing in improper performance of the
ABS system.
EAU46850
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap
1. Pull the rider seat backrest release lever on the left side of the vehicle
as shown. The backrest will slide
forward. 2. Insert the key into the lock, and
then turn it 1/4 turn clockwise. The
lock will be released and the fuel
tank cap can be removed.
To install the fuel tank cap 1. Insert the fuel tank cap into the tank opening with the key inserted
in the lock and with the mark on the
cap aligned with the mark on the
fuel tank.
1. Front wheel hub
1. Rear wheel hub
11
1. Rider seat backrest release lever
1. Rider seat backrest
1
1
1. Unlock.
1
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-23
32. Turn the key counterclockwise tothe original position, and then re-
move it.
3. Return the backrest to the original position.
TIPThe fuel tank cap cannot be installed
unless the key is in the lock. In addition,
the key cannot be removed if the cap is
not properly installed and locked.
WARNING
EWA10131
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly installed before riding.
Leaking fuel is a fire hazard.
EAU13212
Fuel Make sure there is sufficient gasoline in
the tank.
WARNING
EWA10881
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are
extremely flammable. To avoid fires
and explosions and to reduce the
risk of injury when refueling, follow
these instructions.1. Before refueling, turn off the en-gine and be sure that no one is sit-
ting on the vehicle. Never refuel
while smoking, or while in the vi-
cinity of sparks, open flames, or
other sources of ignition such as
the pilot lights of water heaters and
clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Stop filling when the fuel reaches the
bottom of the filler tube. Because
fuel expands when it heats up,
heat from the engine or the sun
can cause fuel to spill out of the
fuel tank. 3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately. NOTICE: Immediately wipe
off spilled fuel with a clean, dry,
soft cloth, since fuel may deteri-
orate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.
[ECA10071]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15151
Gasoline is poisonous and can
cause injury or death. Handle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gaso-
line by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline in
your eyes, see your doctor immedi-
1. Match marks
1
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Maximum fuel level
12
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-24
3
ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU13391
NOTICE
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
EAU51170
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose Before operating the motorcycle:●
Check each hose connection.
●
Check each hose for cracks or
damage, and replace if damaged.
●
Make sure that the end of each
hose is not blocked, and clean if
necessary.
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity: 15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on): 3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)
1. Fuel tank breather hose
2. Fuel tank overflow hose
12
U2S3E3E0.book Page 24 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

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU48710
TIPThis model is equipped with:●
a lean angle sensor to stop the en-
gine in case of a turnover. In this
case, the multi-function display in-
dicates error code 30, but this is
not a malfunction. Turn the key to
“OFF” and then to “ON” to clear the
error code. Failing to do so will pre-
vent the engine from starting even
though the engine will crank when
pushing the start switch.
●
an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. If the engine
stops, simply push the start switch
to restart the engine.
EAU51690
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:●
The transmission is in the neutral
position.
●
The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
See page 3-32 for more informa-
tion.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “ ”.
The following warning lights and
indicator lights should come on for
a few seconds, then go off.●
Oil level warning light
●
Fuel level warning light
●
Coolant temperature warning
light
●
Engine trouble warning light
●
Shift timing indicator light
●
Immobilizer system indicator
light
U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
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.
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:●
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
●
Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
●
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17123
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 4800
r/min. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600
mi) of operation, the engine oil and
final gear oil must be changed, and
the oil filter cartridge or element re-
placed.
[ECA10332]
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 5700
r/min.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10310
●
Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.
●
If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi- cle.
EAU17213
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10311
●
Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.
●
Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.
●
Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 4 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-3
6
EAU46861
TIP●
The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.
●
From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).
●
Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
EAU46910
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system 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 *Fuel line Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage. √√√√√
2 *Spark plugs Check condition.
Clean.
√√
Replace. √√
3 *Valves Check valve clearance.
Adjust.
Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
4 *Fuel injection sys-
tem Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√
5 *Mufflers and ex-
haust pipes Check the screw clamps for
looseness. √√√√√
6 *Air induction sys-
tem Check the air cut-off valve, reed
valve, and hose for damage.
Replace any damaged parts if necessary. √√√√√
U2S3E3E0.book Page 3 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM