2012 YAMAHA VMAX ECU

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1
●
Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.
●
Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:
●
Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.
●
Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.
Properly adjust the suspension for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
Never attach any large or heavy items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
●
This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail- able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces- sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Maximum load: 190 kg (419 lb)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 3 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1
●
Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.
●
Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.
●
Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).
●
Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
●
The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 5 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10977
Immobilizer system This vehicle is equipped with an immo-
bilizer system to help prevent theft by
re-registering codes in the standard
keys. This system consists of the fol-
lowing:●
a code re-registering key (with a
red bow)
●
two standard keys (with a black
bow) that can be re-registered with
new codes
●
a transponder (which is installed in
the code re-registering key)
●
an immobilizer unit
●
an ECU
●
an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-6.)
The key with the red bow is used to reg-
ister codes in each standard key. Since
re-registering is a difficult process, take
the vehicle along with all three keys to
a Yamaha dealer to have them re-reg-
istered. Do not use the key with the red
bow for driving. It should only be used
for re-registering the standard keys. Al-
ways use a standard key for driving.
NOTICE
ECA11821
●
DO NOT LOSE THE CODE RE-
REGISTERING KEY! CONTACT
YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY
IF IT IS LOST! If the code re-reg-
istering key is lost, registering
new codes in the standard keys
is impossible. The standard
keys can still be used to start
the vehicle, however if code re-
registering is required (i.e., if a
new standard key is made or all
keys are lost) the entire immobi-
lizer system must be replaced.
Therefore, it is highly recom- mended to use either standard
key and keep the code re-regis-
tering key in a safe place.
●
Do not submerse any key in wa-
ter.
●
Do not expose any key to exces-
sively high temperatures.
●
Do not place any key close to
magnets (this includes, but not
limited to, products such as
speakers, etc.).
●
Do not place items that transmit
electrical signals close to any
key.
●
Do not place heavy items on any
key.
●
Do not grind any key or alter its
shape.
●
Do not disassemble the plastic
part of any key.
●
Do not put two keys of any im-
mobilizer system on the same
key ring.
●
Keep the standard keys as well
as keys of other immobilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s code re-registering key.
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)21
2
U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-21
3
EAU12941
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
EAU51670
ABS The Yamaha ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System) features a dual electronic con-
trol system, which acts on the front and
rear brakes independently.
Operate the brakes with ABS as you
would conventional brakes. If the ABS
is activated, a pulsating sensation may
be felt at the brake lever or brake pedal.
In this situation, continue to apply the
brakes and let the ABS work; do not
“pump” the brakes as this will reduce
braking effectiveness.
WARNING
EWA16050
Always keep a sufficient distance
from the vehicle ahead to match the
riding speed even with ABS.●
The ABS performs best with
long braking distances.
●
On certain surfaces, such as
rough or gravel roads, the brak-
ing distance may be longer with
the ABS than without.
The ABS is monitored by an ECU,
which will revert the system to conven-
tional braking if a malfunction occurs.
TIP●
The ABS performs a self-diagno-
sis test each time the vehicle first
starts off after the key is turned to
“ON” and the vehicle has traveled
at a speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or
higher. During this test, a “clicking”
noise can be heard from under the
seat, and if the brake lever or
brake pedal is even slightly ap-
plied, a vibration can be felt at the
lever and pedal, but these do not
indicate a malfunction.
●
This ABS has a test mode which
allows the owner to experience the
pulsation at the brake lever or
brake pedal when the ABS is oper-
ating. However, special tools are
required, so please consult your
Yamaha dealer when performing
this test.
NOTICE
ECA16120
Keep any type of magnets (including
magnetic pick-up tools, magnetic
screwdrivers, etc.) away from the
front and rear wheel hubs, otherwise
the magnetic rotors equipped in the
1. Brake pedal
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
U2S3E3E0.book Page 23 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-26
3
2. Remove the bolts, and then pull the rider seat off.
To install the rider seat
1. Insert the projection on the front of the rider seat into the seat holder
as shown. 2. Place the rider seat in the original
position, and then tighten the bolts.
TIPMake sure that the rider seat is properly
secured before riding.3. Return the backrest to the originalposition.
Passenger seat
To remove the passenger seat1. Pull the rider seat backrest release lever on the left side of the vehicle
as shown. The backrest will slide
forward. 2. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the passenger seat off.
To install the passenger seat
1. Insert the projection on the pas- senger seat into the seat holder as
shown.
1. Rider seat backrest
1. Bolt
11
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
1. Rider seat backrest release lever
1. Bolt
2. Passenger seat
12
1
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-27
32. Place the passenger seat in theoriginal position, and then install
the bolts.
3. Return the backrest to the original position.
TIPMake sure that the passenger seat is
properly secured before riding.
EAU14733
Adjusting the front fork
WARNING
EWA10180
Always adjust both fork legs equal-
ly, otherwise poor handling and loss
of stability may result.This front fork is equipped with spring
preload adjusting bolts, rebound damp-
ing force adjusting knobs and compres-
sion damping force adjusting screws.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 bolt on each fork leg in di-
rection (a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the
suspension, turn the adjusting bolt on
each fork leg in direction (b). Align the appropriate groove on the ad-
justing mechanism with the top of the
front fork cap bolt.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
1. Spring preload adjusting bolt
1. Current setting
2. Front fork cap bolt
(a)
(b)
1543
21
2
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 27 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

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)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 22 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM