2016 YAMAHA VMAX Owners Manual

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-42
6
En
gine overheatin g
WARNING
EWAT1041
Do not remove the ra diator cap when the en gine an d ra diator are hot. Scal din g hot flui d an d steam may be
b lown out un der pressure, which coul d cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the en gine has coole d.
 Place a thick rag , like a towel, over the ra diator cap, an d then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the
d etent to allow any resi dual pressure to escape. When the hissin g soun d has stopped , press down on the cap
while turnin g it counterclockwise, an d then remove the cap.TIPIf coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended cool-
ant 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.
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-1
7
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some mo dels are equipped with
matte colore d finishe d parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha d ealer for
a d vice on what prod ucts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical prod ucts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applied to any matte colore d fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU46411
CareWhile the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlets with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod- ucts onto seals, gaskets and
wheel axles. Always rinse the dirt
and degreaser off with water.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA10773
Avoi d using strong aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoke d
wheels. If such prod ucts are
use d on har d-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any lon ger than in-
structed . Also, thorou ghly rinse
the area off with water, imme di-
ately dry it, an d then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
 Improper cleanin g can d amage
plastic parts (such as cowlin gs,
panels, win dshiel ds, hea dlig ht
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) an d
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or spon ge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot b e thor-
ou ghly cleaned with water, di-
lute d mil d d eter gent with water
may be used . Be sure to rinse
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-2
7
off any
deter gent 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 usin g cloths or
spon ges which have b een 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 seepag e and
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 li ghts), breather
hoses an d vents.
 For motorcycles equippe d with
a win dshiel d: Do not use stron g
cleaners or har d spon ges as
they will cause dullin g or
sc r

atchin g. Some cleanin g
compoun ds for plastic may
leave scratches on the win d- shiel
d. Test the pro duct on a
small hi dden part of the win d-
shiel d to make sure that it does
not leave any marks. If the win d-
shiel d is scratche d, use a quality
plastic polishin g compoun d af-
ter washing .
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.
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-3
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 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
EWA11132
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
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 ri din g at hi gher
speed s, 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 suitab le care
prod uct.
 Avoi d usin g a brasive 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.
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-4
7
EAU26244
Stora geShort-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the mo-
torcycle.NOTICE
ECA10811
 Storin g the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilate d room or cover-
in g it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water an d humi d-
ity to seep in an d cause rust.
 To prevent corrosion, avoi d
d amp cellars, sta bles ( because
of the presence of ammonia)
an d areas where stron g chemi-
cals are stored .Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months: 1. Follow all the instructions in the “Care” section of this chapter. 2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to protect the cylinders, piston rings,
etc. from corrosion.a. Remove the spark plug caps and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto the spark plugs, and then pla-
ce the spark plugs on the cylin-
der head so that the electrodes
are grounded. (This will limit
sparking during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam-
a g e or injury from sparkin g,
make sure to groun d the
spark plu g electro des while
turnin g the en gine over.
[EWA10952]
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plastic bags to prevent moisture
from entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fully char- ge it. Store it in a cool, dry place
and charge it once a month. Do
not store the battery in an exces-
sively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-31.
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Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-5
7
TIPMake any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.U2CEE1E0.book Page 5 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM

Specifications
8-1
8
Dimensions:Overall length:2395 mm (94.3 in)
Overall width:
820 mm (32.3 in)
Overall height: 1190 mm (46.9 in)
Seat height: 775 mm (30.5 in)
Wheelbase:
1700 mm (66.9 in)
Ground clearance: 140 mm (5.51 in)
Minimum turning radius: 3.5 m (11.48 ft)Wei ght:Curb weight:
310 kg (683 lb)Engine:Combustion cycle:
4-stroke
Cooling system: Liquid cooled
Valve train: DOHC
Cylinder arrangement:
V-type
Number of cylinders: 4-cylinder
Displacement: 1679 cm³
Bore × stroke:
90.0 × 66.0 mm (3.54 × 2.60 in) Compression ratio:
11.3 : 1
Starting system: Electric starter
Lubrication system:
Wet sump
Engine oil:Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
SAE viscosity grades:
10W-40
Recommended engine oil grade: API service SG type or higher, JASO
standard MA
Engine oil quantity: Oil change:
4.30 L (4.55 US qt, 3.78 Imp.qt)
With oil filter removal: 4.70 L (4.97 US qt, 4.14 Imp.qt)Final gear oil:Type:
Yamaha genuine shaft drive gear oil SAE 80W-90 API GL-5
Quantity:
0.30 L (0.32 US qt, 0.26 Imp.qt)Coolant quantity:Coolant reservoir (up to the maximum level
mark):0.27 L (0.29 US qt, 0.24 Imp.qt)
Radiator (including all routes): 3.75 L (3.96 US qt, 3.30 Imp.qt)Air filter:Air filter element:Oil-coated paper element
Fuel:Recommended fuel:Premium unleaded gasoline (Gasohol [E10]
acceptable)
Fuel tank capacity: 15 L (4.0 US gal, 3.3 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount:
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)Fuel injection:Throttle body:ID mark:2S31 00Spark plu g(s):Manufacturer/model:
NGK/CR9EIA
Manufacturer/model: DENSO/IU27D
Spark plug gap: 0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)Clutch:Clutch type:Wet, multiple-discDrivetrain:Primary reduction ratio:
1.509 (86/57)
Final drive: Shaft
Secondary reduction ratio: 3.082 (22/23 x 29/9)
Transmission type:
Constant mesh 5-speed
Gear ratio: 1st:
2.375 (38/16)
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Specifications
8-2
8
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: 31.0 °
Trail: 148 mm (5.8 in)Front tire:Type:Tubeless
Size: 120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028F GRear 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):Up to 90 kg (198 lb) load:
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)
90 kg (198 lb) load - maximum load: Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm², 42 psi)Front wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size: 18M/C x MT3.50Rear wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size: 18M/C x MT6.00Front brake:Type:
Hydraulic dual disc brake
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4Rear brake:Type:
Hydraulic single disc brake
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4
Front suspension:Type:Telescopic fork
Spring:
Coil spring
Shock absorber: Hydraulic damper
Wheel travel: 120 mm (4.7 in)Rear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring: Coil spring
Shock absorber:
Gas-hydraulic damper
Wheel travel: 110 mm (4.3 in)Electrical system:System voltage:
12 V
Ignition system: TCI
Charging system: AC magnetoBattery:Model:YTZ14S
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 11.2 Ah (10 HR)Hea dlig ht:Bulb type:
Halogen bulb
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