2016 YAMAHA VMAX tires

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-23
6
WARNING
EWA10601
This motorcycle is fitte d with super-
hi gh-spee d tires. Note the following
points in or der to make the most ef-
ficient use of these tires.  Use only the specifie d replace-
ment tires. Other tires may run
the dan ger of bursting at super
hi gh spee ds.
 Bran d-new tires can have a rel-
atively poor g rip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“ b roken in”. Therefore, it is a d-
visa ble before doin g any hi gh-
speed ridin g to ri de conserva-
tively for approximately 100 km
(60 mi) after installin g a new tire.
 The tires must b e warmed up
b efore a hi gh-spee d run.
 Always a djust the tire air pres-
sure accor din g to the operating
con ditions.
EAU21963
Cast wheelsTo maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.
 The wheel rims should be
checked for cracks, bends, warp-
age or other damage before each
ride. If any damage is found, have
a Yamaha dealer replace the
wheel. Do not attempt even the
smallest repair to the wheel. A de-
formed or cracked wheel must be
replaced.
 The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU42851
Clutch leverSince this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch le-
ver free play is not needed. However, it
is necessary to check the hydraulic
system for leakage before each ride. If
the clutch lever free play does become
excessive, and shifting becomes rough
or clutch slippage occurs, causing
poor acceleration, there may be air in
the clutch system. If there is air in the
hydraulic system, have a Yamaha deal-
er bleed the system before operating
the motorcycle.
U2CEE1E0.book Page 23 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM

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.
U2CEE1E0.book Page 3 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM

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.
U2CEE1E0.book Page 4 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM

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
U2CEE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM

Index
10-2
10
Throttle grip free play, checking ........... 6-20
Tires ...................................................... 6-21
Tool kit .................................................... 6-2
Troubleshooting.................................... 6-40
Troubleshooting charts......................... 6-41
Turn signal indicator lights ..................... 3-4
Turn signal light bulb, replacing ........... 6-38
Turn signal switch................................. 3-18VValve clearance .................................... 6-20
Vehicle identification number ................. 9-1WWheel bearings, checking .................... 6-31
Wheels .................................................. 6-23
U2CEE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM