2012 YAMAHA VMAX warning

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10471
●
Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.
●
The replacement of all wheel
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience to do so.
●
Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):0–90 kg (0–198 lb):Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
90–190 kg (198–419 lb): Front:250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Maximum load*: 190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire tread depth (front and
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
6
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube-
less tires, tire air valves and cast
wheels.
WARNING
EWA10481
●
The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.
●
Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.
●
Use only the tire valves and
valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during a
high-speed ride.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING
EWA10600
This motorcycle is fitted with super-
high-speed tires. Note the following
points in order to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.
●
Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the danger of bursting at super
high speeds.
●
Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any high-
speed riding to ride conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installing a new tire.
●
The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.
●
Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operating
conditions.
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size:120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT028F
Rear tire:
Size:200/50R18M/C 76V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028R
FRONT and REAR: Tire air valve:
TR412
Va l ve c o r e : #9100 (original)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
6
EAU21962
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.●
The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or oth-
er damage before each ride. If any
damage is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the wheel. Do not
attempt even the smallest repair to
the wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.
●
The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU42850
Clutch lever Since this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch lever
free play is not needed. However, it is
necessary to check the hydraulic sys-
tem for leakage before each ride. If the
clutch lever free play does become ex-
cessive, and shifting becomes rough or
clutch slippage occurs, causing poor
acceleration, there may be air in the
clutch system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha dealer
bleed the system before operating the
motorcycle.
EAU37913
Checking the brake lever free
play There should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever can indicate the presence of air
in the hydraulic system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be- fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish the1. No brake lever free play
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 23 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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6
EAU23095
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711] EAU23114
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci- fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
The throttle cable is equipped with a
rubber cover. Make sure that the cover
is securely installed. Even though the
cover is installed correctly, it does not
completely protect the cable from water
entry. Therefore, use care not to pour
water directly onto the cover or cable
when washing the vehicle. If the cable
or cover becomes dirty, wipe clean with
a moist cloth.
EAU44273
Checking and lubricating the
brake and sh ift pedals The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Brake pedal
Shift pedal
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-29
6
EAU23202
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING
EWA10731
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it. Otherwise,
the sidestand could contact the
ground and distract the operator, re-
sulting in a possible loss of control.
EAUM1652
Lubricating the swingarm piv-
ots The swingarm pivots must be lubricat-
ed by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU23272
Checking the front fork The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
Recommended lubricant:Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:Lithium-soap-based grease
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-30
6
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23283
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.1. Place a stand under the engine to raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-39 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoid injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no danger
of it falling over.
[EWA10751]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
EAU23291
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-31
6
EAU46555
Battery The battery is located under cowling A.
(See page 6-8.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING
EWA10760
●
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID. EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty of water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quan- tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
●
Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
●
KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To remove the battery1. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-8.)
2. Disconnect the negative battery lead first, then the positive battery
lead by removing their bolt.
NOTICE: When removing the
battery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then discon-
nect the negative lead before
disconnecting the positive lead.
[ECA16302]
3. Remove the battery cover bolts, lift the battery cover (together with the
ECU), then move the cover to the
side.1. Negative battery lead (black)
2. Positive battery lead (red)
1. Battery cover bolt
2. Battery cover2
1
1
2
U2S3E3E0.book Page 31 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM