2012 YAMAHA VMAX tow

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-9
3
●
a transmission gear indicator
●
a coolant temperature meter
●
a self-diagnosis device
TIPFor the U.K. only:
The speedometer and odometer/trip-
meter displays can be switched be-
tween kilometers and miles. To switch
the speedometer and odometer/tripme-
ter displays, press “SELECT” for at
least two seconds.
TripmetersTurn the key to “ON”. Push “SELECT”
to switch the display between the trip-
meters “TRIP-1” and “TRIP-2” in the fol-
lowing order:
TRIP-1 → TRIP-2 → TRIP-1
When the fuel amount in the fuel tank
decreases to 3.9 L (1.03 US gal,
0.86 Imp.gal), the fuel level warning
light comes on, and the tripmeter auto-
matically changes to the fuel reserve
tripmeter “TRIP-F” and starts counting
the distance traveled from that point. In
that case, push “SELECT” to switch the
display between the various tripmeters
in the following order:
TRIP-F → TRIP-1 → TRIP-2 → TRIP-F
If you continue to ride the vehicle after
the fuel reserve tripmeter “TRIP-F” ap-
pears, the fuel meter and fuel level
warning indicator “ ” start flashing.
To reset a tripmeter, select it by push-
ing “SELECT”, and then push “RESET”
for at least one second. If you do not re-
set the fuel reserve tripmeter manually,
it resets itself automatically and the dis-
play returns to the prior meter after re-
fueling and traveling 5 km (3 mi). Fuel meter
The fuel meter indicates the amount of
fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel level dis-
played decreases towards “E” (Empty)
as the fuel tank level decreases. When
the fuel amount in the fuel tank de-
creases to 3.9 L (1.03 US gal,
0.86 Imp.gal), the fuel level warning
light comes on. If this occurs, refuel as
soon as possible.
If you continue to ride the vehicle after
the fuel reserve tripmeter “TRIP-F” ap-
pears, the fuel meter and fuel level
warning indicator “ ” start flashing.
Transmission gear indicatorThis indicator shows the selected gear.
The neutral position is indicated by “ ”
and by the neutral indicator light.
Coolant temperature meterWith the key in the “ON” position, the
coolant temperature meter indicates
the temperature of the coolant. The
coolant temperature varies with chang-
es in the weather and engine load. If
the coolant temperature warning light
comes on, and the top segment and the
1. Odometer
2. Clock
3. Tripmeter/fuel reserve tripmeter
4. Coolant temperature warning indicator “ ”
5. Coolant temperature meter
6. Transmission gear indicator
7. Fuel level warning indicator “ ”
8. Fuel meter
123
865
7
4
U2S3E3E0.book Page 9 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-19
3
EAU12733
Hazard switch “ ”
With the key in the “ON” or “ ” posi-
tion, use this switch to turn on the haz-
ard lights (simultaneous flashing of all
turn signal lights).
The hazard lights are used in case of
an emergency or to warn other drivers
when your vehicle is stopped where it
might be a traffic hazard.NOTICE
ECA10061
Do not use the hazard lights for an
extended length of time with the en-
gine not running, otherwise the bat-
tery may discharge.
EAU12830
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch lever position adjusting dial. To
adjust the distance between the clutch
lever and the handlebar grip, turn the
adjusting dial while holding the lever
pushed away from the handlebar grip.Make sure that the appropriate setting
on the adjusting dial is aligned with the
arrow mark on the clutch lever.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-32.)1. Clutch lever
2. Clutch lever position adjusting dial
3. Arrow mark
4. Distance between clutch lever and handlebar
grip
4
1
2
3
U2S3E3E0.book Page 19 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-20
3
EAU12871
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the motorcycle and is used in
combination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU33851
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a
brake lever position adjusting knob. To
adjust the distance between the brake
lever and the handlebar grip, turn the
adjusting knob while holding the lever
pushed away from the handlebar grip.
When the desired position is obtained,be sure to set it by aligning a groove on
the adjusting knob with the “ ” mark
on the brake lever.
1. Shift pedal
1
1. Brake lever
2. Brake lever position adjusting knob
3. “ ” mark
4. Distance between brake lever and handlebar
grip
1
4
2
3
U2S3E3E0.book Page 20 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]
U2S3E3E0.book Page 3 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-42
6
Engine overheating
WARNING
EWAT1040
●
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
●
Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap
while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
as soon as possible.
Wait until the
engine has cooled.
Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and radiator.
The coolant level
is OK.The coolant level is low.
Check the cooling system
for leakage.
Have a Yamaha dealer checkand repair the cooling system.Add coolant. (See TIP.)
Start the engine. If the engine overheats again,
have a
Yamaha dealer check
and repair the cooling system.
There is
leakage.
There is
no leakage.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 42 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7
●
Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the tita-
nium mufflers, as they will remove
the finish on the outer surface of
the mufflers.
●
Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium mufflers, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.
●
Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
mufflers is normal and cannot be
removed.
After cleaning 1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts. 4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.●
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
●
If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
NOTICE
ECA10800
●
Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.
●
Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
●
Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
TIP●
Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
●
Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 3 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM