2012 YAMAHA VMAX warning

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
5-2
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

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
6-1
6
EAU17244
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15122
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.●
A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
●
Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-2 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
68. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
9. Refill with the specified amount of the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11620
●
In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.
●
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few min-utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
1. Torque wrenchTightening torque:Oil filter cartridge:17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque: Engine oil drain bolt:
43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 31 ft·lbf)
1
Recommended engine oil:See page 8-1.
Oil quantity: Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:4.30 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.70 L (4.97 US qt, 4.14 Imp.qt)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 13 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6
EAU46577
Final gear oil The final gear case must be checked
for oil leakage before each ride. If any
leakage is found, have a Yamaha deal-
er check and repair the vehicle. In addi-
tion, the final gear oil must be checked
and changed as follows at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
WARNING
EWA10370
●
Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the final gear case.
●
Make sure that no oil gets on the
tire or wheel.
To check the final gear oil level1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.TIPMake sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.2. Remove the final gear oil checkbolt and its gasket, and check that
oil flows out. 3. If no oil flows out, remove the final
gear case breather cap by remov-
ing the bolt and washer and then
remove the final gear oil filler bolt
and its gasket. 4. Check the gaskets for damage,
and replace them if necessary.
5. Pour the recommended type of oil in the final gear oil filler hole until it
flows out of the oil check bolt hole.
6. Install the oil check bolt, the oil filler bolt and their gasket, and then
tighten the bolts to the specified
torques.
1. Final gear oil check bolt
2. Gasket
1
2
1. Final gear case breather cap bolt
2. Washer
3. Final gear case breather cap
4. Final gear oil filler bolt
5. Gasket
Tightening torques:Final gear oil check bolt: 10 Nm (1.0 m·kgf, 7.2 ft·lbf)
Final gear oil filler bolt:
23 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 17 ft·lbf)3 2 145
U2S3E3E0.book Page 14 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
63. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cap guard by re-
moving the bolt, and then remove
the reservoir cap.
4. Add coolant to the maximum level mark, and then install the reservoir
cap. WARNING! Remove only
the coolant reservoir cap. Never
attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
[EWA15161]
NOTICE: If coolant is not
available, use distilled water or
soft tap water instead. Do not use hard water or salt water
since it is harmful to the engine.
If water has been used instead
of coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]
5. Install the coolant reservoir cap
guard by installing the bolt.
EAU46423
To change the coolant1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-8.) 3. Remove the air intake duct by re-
moving the bolts.
4. Place a container under the engine to collect the used coolant.
5. Remove the radiator cap. WARNING! Never attempt to re-
move the radiator cap when the
engine is hot.
[EWA10381]
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Coolant reservoir cap guard
3. Bolt
4. Maximum level mark
5. Minimum level mark
2
1
5
4
3
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):
0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)
1. Bolt
2. Air intake duct
1 1
2
U2S3E3E0.book Page 17 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
6
EAU21384
Checking the throttle grip free
play The throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21775
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10503
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.●
The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).
●
The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
1. Throttle grip free play
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 20 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM