2012 YAMAHA VMAX tires

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS .......................................3-1
Immobilizer system .........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-2
Indicator lights and warning lights ..............................3-4
Speedometer unit ...........................3-7
Multi-function display ......................3-8
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .............3-17
Handlebar switches ......................3-18
Clutch lever ...................................3-19
Shift pedal .....................................3-20
Brake lever ...................................3-20
Brake pedal ..................................3-21
ABS ..............................................3-21
Fuel tank cap ................................3-22
Fuel ...............................................3-23
Fuel tank breather hose and overflow hose ............................3-24
Catalytic converters ......................3-25
Seats ............................................3-25
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-27
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ...................................3-29 Luggage strap holders ................. 3-31
EXUP system ............................... 3-31
Sidestand ..................................... 3-31
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-32
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS ................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT ................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-3
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing the cowling and panels ............... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-10
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 6-11
Final gear oil ................................. 6-14
Coolant ......................................... 6-16
Air filter element ........................... 6-19 Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle grip free play ........................................... 6-20
Valve clearance ........................... 6-20
Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-23
Clutch lever .................................. 6-23
Checking the brake lever free
play ........................................... 6-23
Brake light switches ..................... 6-24
Checking the front and
rear brake pads ........................ 6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids ............................... 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the cables ................................. 6-27
Checking and lubricating the throttle grip and cable ......... 6-27
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals ........ 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the brake and clutch levers ...... 6-28
Checking and lubricating the sidestand ............................ 6-29
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ........................................ 6-29
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering .................. 6-30
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30U2S3E3E0.book Page 1 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

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)
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SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.
●
Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance, limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle- bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis- place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera- tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.
●
Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-20 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
Transporting the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.
●
Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 4 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-16
3
●
Pushing “RESET” displays the
Normal mode for five seconds.
Pushing “SELECT” and “RESET”
for at least three seconds, chang-
es the display to the Normal mode.
●
To perform further multi-function
display settings, enter the Select
mode again by pushing and hold-
ing “SELECT” and “RESET” for at
least three seconds.
Resetting the maintenance countersThis function allows you to reset the
maintenance counters for the tires, the
engine oil, and an item of your choice.1. Push “SELECT” to highlight “Main- tenance”.
2. Push “RESET”.
3. Push “SELECT” to highlight the item to reset. 4. Push “RESET” to reset the item.
TIP●
The bottom area was left blank for
another item the rider cares to
check the distance of since it has
been changed, replaced or
checked (i.e., air filter element, en-
gine parts, etc.).
●
Letters and numbers cannot be
entered in the blank area.
5. Push “SELECT” to scroll to “ ”.
6. Push “RESET” to return to the pre-
vious menu. Self-diagnosis device
TIPThe display indicates error codes only
in the Normal mode.This model is equipped with a self-diag-
nosis device for various electrical cir-
cuits.1. Immobilizer system indicator light
2. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
1. Error code display
2
1
1
U2S3E3E0.book Page 16 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear 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
Clutch Check operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-23
Throttle grip Make sure that operation is smooth.
Check throttle grip free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing. 6-20, 6-27
Control cables Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary. 6-27
Wheels and tires Check for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.
6-20, 6-23
Brake and shift pedals Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.
6-27
Brake and clutch levers Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 6-28
Sidestand Make sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.
6-29
Chassis fasteners Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.
—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches Check operation.
Correct if necessary.
—
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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)
1 *Air filter element Replace. √
2 *Clutch Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√
3 *Front brake Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses Check for cracks or damage.
Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Wheels Check runout and for damage. √√√√
7 *Tires Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary. √√√√√
8 *Wheel bearings Check bearing for looseness or
damage. √√√√
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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

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)
U2S3E3E0.book Page 21 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM