2016 YAMAHA VMAX wheel

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-22
6
WARNING
EWA10472
 Have a Yamaha d ealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besid es
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases ri din g sta bility an d
can lead to loss of control.
 The replacement of all wheel
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience to do so.
 Ride at mo derate spee ds after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first be “ broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and tire air valves.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of
ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10902
 The front an d rear tires shoul d
b e of the same make an d d e-
si gn, otherwise the han dlin g characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may b
e different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.
 Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installe d to
prevent air pressure leaka ge.
 Use only the tire valves an d
valve cores liste d below to
avoi d tire d eflation during a ride.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha.
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size: 120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT028F G
Rear tire:
Size: 200/50R18M/C 76V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028R G
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core: #9100 (original)
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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

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-30
6
EAU23273
Checkin g 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 surfa- ce 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.
EAU23285
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. Raise the front wheel off the ground. (See page 6-39.)
WARNING! To avoid injury, se-
curely support the vehicle so
there is no d anger 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.
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-31
6
EAU23292
Checkin g the wheel b earingsThe front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the wheel bearings.
EAU46556
BatteryThe battery is located under cowling A.
(See page 6-8.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to
be checked and, if necessary, tight-
ened.
WARNING
EWA10761
 Electrolyte is poisonous an d
d an gerous since it contains sul-
furic aci d, which causes severe
b urns. Avoi d any contact with
skin, eyes or clothin g an d al-
ways shiel d your eyes when
workin g near b atteries. In case
of contact, a dminister the fol-
lowin g FIRST AID.
EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty of water.
INTERNAL: Drink lar ge quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
me diately call a physician. EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes an d seek prompt
me dical attention.
 Batteries pro duce explosive hy-
d ro gen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, ci garettes, etc.,
away from the battery an d pro-
vi de sufficient ventilation when
char gin g it in an enclose d
space.
 KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To remove the battery
1. Remove cowling A. (See page 6-8.)
2. Disconnect the negative battery lead first, then the positive battery
lead by removing their bolt.
NOTICE: When removin g the
b attery, be sure the key is
turne d to “OFF”, then d iscon-
nect the neg ative lead b efore
d isconnectin g the positive lea d.
[ECA16303]
U2CEE1E0.book Page 31 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-39
6 3. Pull the license plate light unit out-
ward as shown to access the bulb
and its socket. 4. Remove the license plate light
bulb socket (together with the
bulb) by turning it counterclock-
wise, and then pulling it out.
5. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pulling it out.
6. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
7. Install the socket (together with the bulb) by pushing it in, and then
turning it clockwise until it stops.
8. Place the license plate light unit in the original position, and then in-
stall the bolts.
9. Install the holding plate by install- ing the bolts.
EAU24351
Supportin g the motorcycleSince this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motorcy-
cle is in a stable and level position be-
fore starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcy- cle by using a motorcycle stand
or, if an additional motorcycle
stand is not available, by placing a
jack under the frame in front of the
rear wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
1. License plate light unit bolt
2. License plate light unit
1. License plate light bulb socket
2. License plate light unit
1
2
12
1. License plate light bulb
1
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Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-40
6
a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25872
Trou
bleshootin gAlthough Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur
during operation. Any problem in the
fuel, compression, or ignition systems,
for example, can cause poor starting
and loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look
like Yamaha parts, but they are often
inferior, have a shorter service life and
can lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15142
When checkin g the fuel system, d o
not smoke, an d make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, inclu din g pilot li ghts from water heaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
g
asoline vapors can i gnite or ex-
plo de, causin g severe injury or prop-
erty damag e.
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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.
U2CEE1E0.book Page 2 Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:32 AM