2015 YAMAHA VMAX brake

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-26
6
Rear
brake
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
under the passenger seat. (See page
3-25.)
WARNING
EWA16011
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of b raking a bility. O bserve
these precautions:  Insufficient brake flui d may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, re ducin g brakin g
performance. 
Clean the filler cap before re-
movin g. Use only DOT 4 b rake
flui d from a seale d container.
 Use only the specified b rake flu-
i d ; otherwise, the ru bber seals
may deteriorate, causin g leak-
a g e.
 Refill with the same type of
brake flui d. A dding a brake fluid
other than DOT 4 may result in a
harmful chemical reaction.
 Be careful that water or d ust
d oes not enter the brake flui d
reservoir when refillin g. Water
will si gnificantly lower the boil-
in g point of the flui d an d may re-
sult in vapor lock, an d d ir
t may
clo g the ABS hy draulic unit
valves.
NOTICE
ECA17641
Brake flui d may d amage painte d
surfaces or plastic parts. Always
clean up spilled fluid imme diately.As the brake pads wear, it is normal for
the brake fluid level to gradually go
down. A low brake fluid level may indi-
cate worn brake pads and/or brake system leakage; therefore, be sure to
check the brake pads for wear and the
brake system for leakage. If the brake
fluid level goes down suddenly, have a
Yamaha dealer check the cause before
further riding.
1. Minimum level markSpecifie
d b rake flui d:
DOT 41
U2CEE0E0.book Page 26 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6
EAU22754
Changin g the brake an d
clutch flui dsHave a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. In addition, have
the oil seals of the brake and clutch
master cylinders and calipers as well
as the brake and clutch hoses replaced
at the intervals listed below or whenev-
er they are damaged or leaking.
 Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
 Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
EAU23098
Checkin g an d lu bricatin g the
cab lesThe 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 lubri-
cated if necessary. If a cable is
damaged or does not move smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
place it. WARNING! Dama ge to the
outer housin g of cab les may result
in internal rustin g an d cause inter-
ference with cab le movement. Re-
place damag ed cab les as soon as
possi ble to prevent unsafe con di-
tions.
[EWA10712] EAU23115
Checkin
g an d lu bricatin g the
throttle grip an d ca bleThe operation of the throttle grip
should be checked before each ride. In
addition, the cable should be lubricat-
ed by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals
specified 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 wa-
ter 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.
Recommen ded lu bricant:
Yamaha cable lubricant or other
suitable cable lubricant
U2CEE0E0.book Page 27 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
6
EAU44275
Checking an d lu bricatin g the
b rake an d shift pe dalsThe operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Brake pe dal
Shift pe dal
EAU43602
Checkin g an d lu bricatin g the
b rake an d clutch leversThe operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Brake lever
Clutch lever
Recommen ded lu bricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
U2CEE0E0.book Page 28 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-30
6
EAU23273
Checking the front forkThe condition and operation of the
front fork must be checked as follows
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
To check the con dition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoi d injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no dan ger of it fallin g
over.
[EWA10752]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handle-
bars several times to check if the
front fork compresses and re-
bounds smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10591
If any damag e is foun d or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha d ealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23284
Checkin g the steerin gWorn 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
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-40 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoi d injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no dan ger
of it fallin g over.
[EWA10752]
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 steer-
ing.
U2CEE0E0.book Page 30 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-38
6
EAU24182
Tail/brake li ghtThis model is equipped with an LED-
type tail/brake light.
If the tail/brake light does not come on,
have a Yamaha dealer check it.
EAU24205
Replacin g a turn sig nal light
b ul b1. Remove the turn signal light lens
by removing the screw.
2. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pushing it in and turning it coun-
terclockwise. 3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the screw. NOTICE: Do not over-
ti ghten the screw, otherwise the
lens may break.
[ECA11192]
1. Screw
2. Turn signal light lens
1
2
1. Turn signal light bulb
1
U2CEE0E0.book Page 38 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7off any d
etergent resi due usin g
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.
 Do not use any harsh chemical
prod ucts on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoi d using cloths or
spon ges which have been in
contact with stron g or a brasive
cleanin g prod ucts, solvent or
thinner, fuel ( gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhi bitors, brake flui d,
antifreeze or electrolyte.
 Do not use hi gh-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepa ge an d
d eterioration in the followin g ar-
eas: seals (of wheel an d swin g-
arm bearin gs, fork an d b rakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches an d lig hts), breather
hoses an d vents.
 For motorcycles equippe d with
a win dshield : Do not use stron g
cleaners or har d spon ges as
they will cause dullin g
or
scrat

ching . Some cleanin g
compoun ds for plastic may
leave scratches on the win d- shield
. Test the pro duct on a
small hidden part of the win d-
shield to make sure that it does
not leave any marks. If the win d-
shield is scratche d, use a quality
plastic polishin g compoun d af-
ter washin g.
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive
in combination with water, carry out
the following steps after each ride in
the rain, near the sea or on salt-
sprayed roads.
TIPSalt sprayed on roads in the winter
may remain well into spring.1. Clean the motorcycle with cold
water and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm wa-
ter since it increases the corro-
sive action of the salt.
[ECA10792]
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces (except the
titanium mufflers) to prevent cor-
rosion.
Cleaning the titanium mufflersThis model is equipped with titanium
mufflers, which require the following
special care.  Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muf-
flers. However, if the mufflers can-
not be thoroughly cleaned with
mild detergent, alkaline products
and a soft brush may be used.
U2CEE0E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-3
7

Never use compounds or other
special treatments to clean the ti-
tanium mufflers, as they will re-
move 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
exhaust pipe leading into the tita-
nium mufflers is normal and can-
not be removed.
After cleanin g
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
EWA11132
Contaminants on the b rakes 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 b rake
d iscs an d b rake linin gs with a
re gular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, an d wash the tires with
warm water an d a mil d d eter-
g ent. Before rid ing at hi gher
spee ds, test the motorcycle’s
b rakin g performance an d cor-
nerin g b ehavior.
NOTICE
ECA10801
 Apply spray oil an d wax spar-
in gly an d make sure to wipe off
any excess.
 Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber an d plastic parts, but
treat them with a suita ble care
pro duct.
 Avoi d using abrasive polishin g
compoun ds 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.
U2CEE0E0.book Page 3 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
8
Final drive:Shaft
Secondary reduction ratio: 3.082 (22/23 x 29/09)
Transmission type:
Constant mesh 5-speed
Operation: Left foot operation
Gear ratio: 1st:2.375 (38/16)
2nd: 1.810 (38/21)
3rd:
1.400 (35/25)
4th: 1.115 (29/26)
5th: 0.935 (29/31)Chassis:Frame type:Diamond
Caster angle: 31.00 °
Trail:
148 mm (5.8 in)Front tire:Type:Tubeless
Size:
120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT028F G
Rear tire:Type: Tubeless
Size:
200/50R18M/C 76V
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT028R GLoa din g:Maximum load:
190 kg (419 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo
and accessories)Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires):Loading condition:
0–90 kg (0–198 lb)
Front:250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
Loading condition: 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)Front wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel Rim size:
18M/C x MT3.50
Rear wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size: 18M/C x MT6.00Front brake:Type:
Dual disc brake
Operation: Right hand operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Single disc brake
Operation: Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4Front suspension:Type:Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel: 120 mm (4.7 in)Rear suspension:Type:
Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type: Coil spring/gas-oil damper
U2CEE0E0.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 27, 2014 11:11 AM