2021 YAMAHA VX Owners Manual

Pre-operation checks
72
EJU40182Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU41561Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
the dipstick attached to the oil tank filler cap.
(See page 64 for information on checking the
engine oil level.)
EJU32456Bilge water check
Make sure that no bilge water has collected in
the engine compartment. If bilge water has
collected in the engine compartment, drain it.
(See page 66 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32486Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals are not
damaged and that the battery leads are con-
nected properly. WARNING! Never operate
the watercraft if the battery does not have
sufficient power to start the engine or if it
shows any other signs of decreased pow-
er. Loss of battery power may leave you
stranded.
[EWJ01241]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32614Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
1 Oil tank filler cap/Dipstick
1 Dipstick
2 Maximum level mark
3 Minimum level mark
1
213
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2 Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
2
1
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Pre-operation checks
73
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle moves as the handlebars are turned,
and that there is no difference between the
right and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU43213RiDE lever checks (VX / VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED)
Operate the RiDE lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the RiDElever returns automatically to its fully closed
position when released.
EJU42181Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that the
throttle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.
EJU45351Yamaha Security System check
(VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED)
Make sure that the Yamaha Security System
operates properly. (See page 25 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures.)
EJU32664Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) check
Make sure that the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not damaged. If the cord is damaged,
replace it. WARNING! Never try to repair
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or tie it
together. The engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) may not pull free when the operator
Difference between fully turned posi-
tions of jet thrust nozzle (distances A
and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
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Pre-operation checks
74
falls off, allowing the watercraft to contin-
ue to run and cause an accident.
[EWJ01221]
EJU46231
Switch checksECJ01311
Do not run the engine over 4000 r/min on
land. Also, do not run the engine for more
than 15 seconds without supplying water,
otherwise the engine could overheat.
VX-C:
Check the start switch, the engine stop
switch, and the engine shut-off switch for
proper operation. (See pages 26 to 27 for in-
formation on operating each switch.) VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX
LIMITED:
Check the engine start/stop switch and the
engine shut-off switch for proper operation.
(See page 26 for information on operating
each switch.)
To check the operation of the switches (VX-C):
(1) Push the start switch to make sure that
the engine starts.
(2) As soon as the engine starts running, push the engine stop switch to make
sure that the engine stops immediately.
(3) Restart the engine, and then pull the en- gine shut-off cord (lanyard) to remove
the clip from the engine shut-off switch
to make sure that the engine stops im-
mediately.
1Engine shut-off switch
2 Clip
3 Start switch
4 Engine stop switch
5 Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
123
4 5
1 Clip
2 Engine shut-off switch
3 Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
1 Engine start/stop switch
12
3
1
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Pre-operation checks
75
To check the operation of the switches (VX /
VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED):
(1) VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VXLIMITED: If the lock mode is selected forthe Yamaha Security System setting, se-
lect the unlock mode. (See page 25 for
Yamaha Security System setting proce- dures.)
(2) Push the engine start/stop switch to make sure that the engine starts.
(3) As soon as the engine starts running, push the engine start/stop switch to
make sure that the engine stops immedi-
ately.
(4) Restart the engine, and then pull the en- gine shut-off cord (lanyard) to remove
the clip from the engine shut-off switch
to make sure that the engine stops im-
mediately.
EJU40102Storage compartment checks
Make sure that the storage compartments
are not damaged and that water has not col-
lected in the compartments. (See page 57 for
information on the storage compartments.)
EJU43800Fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
checks
Make sure that the fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and band are not damaged and that
the fire extinguisher is securely held in place
using the band. (See page 60 for information
on the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and
band.)
EJU32544Fire extinguisher check
Check that there is a full fire extinguisher on
board.
To check the fire extinguisher, see the in-
structions supplied by the fire extinguisher
manufacturer. Always keep the fire extin-
guisher secured in the holder with its cover in
place.
Always carry a fire extinguisher on board. A
fire extinguisher is not standard equipment
with this watercraft. If you do not have one,
contact a Yamaha dealer or a fire extinguish-
er dealer to obtain one meeting the proper
specifications.
EJU40122Safety equipment check
Check that safety equipment meeting the ap-
plicable regulations is on board.
EJU32353Hull and deck check
Check the hull and deck for damage or other
problem.
EJU32657Jet intake checks
Make sure that the jet intake is not damaged
or clogged with weeds or debris. If the jet in-
take is clogged, clean it. (See page 107 for in-
formation on the jet intake.)
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Pre-operation checks
76
EJU43221Jet thrust nozzle and reverse gate check
(VX / VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX
LIMITED) Check the jet thrust nozzle and reverse gate
for damage or other problem.
EJU44250Stern drain plug checks
Loosen the stern drain plugs and remove
them, and then make sure that the plugs and
O-rings on the plugs are not damaged and
that there is no foreign material on the
threads or O-rings on the plugs. NOTICE:
Before installing the stern drain plugs,
clean the drain plug threads and the O-
rings on the plugs to remove any foreign
materials, such as dirt or sand. Otherwise,
the stern drain plugs could be damaged,
allowing water to enter the engine com-
partment. Check the O-rings on the stern
drain plugs and make sure that the plugs
are tightened securely before launching
the watercraft. Otherwise, water may
flood the engine compartment and cause
the watercraft to submerge.
[ECJ00363]
Securely install the stern drain plugs by tight-
ening them until they stop.
EJU41441Hood check
Push down on the rear of the hood and make
sure that it is securely closed.
EJU40146Post-launch checks
Perform the post-launch checks in the pre-
operation checklist while the watercraft is in
the water and the engine is running.
To perform the post-launch checks:
(1) Launch the watercraft. (See page 79 for information on launching the watercraft.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
1Stern drain plug
2 O-ring
2
1
1Stern drain plug
1
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Pre-operation checks
77
EJU40553Cooling water pilot outlet check
Make sure that water is discharged from the
cooling water pilot outlet while the engine is
running. (See page 28 for information on the
cooling water pilot outlet.)
EJU46240Multifunction information center check
Make sure that the multifunction information
center operates properly. (See page 39, 44
for information on proper operation of the
multifunction information center.)
EJU43393Shift system check (VX / VX DELUXE /
VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED)
Operate the throttle lever and RiDE lever, and
check that the watercraft moves or does not
move according to the displayed shift indica-
tor. (See page 30 for shift system operation
procedures.) WARNING! To avoid colli-
sions, operate at safe speeds and keep a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft.
[EWJ01860]
VX
VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VX LIMITED
EJU40172Engine idling speed check
Start the engine and warm it up. Use the ta-
chometer in the multifunction information
center to make sure that the engine idling
speed is not significantly above or below the
specified range.
1
Shift indicator
2 “F” (Forward position)
3 “N” (Neutral position)
4 “R” (Reverse position)
1 Shift indicator
2 “F” (Forward position)
3 “N” (Neutral position)
4 “R” (Reverse position)
Engine idling speed:
1500 ±100 r/min
12
3
4
14.3V
km/h
RPM
1
2
3
4
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Operation
78
EJU32903
Operating your watercraftEWJ00511
Before operating your watercraft, become
familiar with all of the controls. Consult a
Yamaha dealer about any control or func- tion that you do not fully understand. Fail-
ure to understand how the controls work
could cause an accident or prevent you
from avoiding an accident.
EJU32965Getting to know your watercraft
Operating your watercraft requires skills ac-
quired through practice over a period of time.
Take the time to learn the basic techniques
well before attempting more difficult maneu-
vers.
Operating your new watercraft can be a very
enjoyable activity, providing you with hours of
pleasure. However, it is essential to familiar-
ize yourself with the operation of the water-
craft to achieve the skill level necessary to
enjoy riding safely.
Before operating this watercraft, read this
owner’s/operator’s manual, the Riding Prac-
tice Guide, the Riding Instruction card, and all
labels on the watercraft. Pay particular atten-
tion to the safety information beginning on
page 10. These materials should give you an
understanding of the watercraft and its oper-
ation.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or al-
low more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a
wakeboarder or water-skier is being pulled)
to ride the watercraft at any time.
EJU33006Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
69. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and
reliability.
Check local laws before operating your wa-
tercraft.
Operate defensively at safe speeds and keep
a safe distance away from people, objects,
and other watercraft. Select a wide area to
learn in, where there is good visibility and
light boat traffic.
Use the buddy system—operate with some-
one nearby. Scan constantly for people, ob-
jects, and other watercraft. Be alert for
conditions that limit your visibility or block
your vision of others.
You should grip the handlebars firmly and
keep both feet on the floor of the footwell. Do
not attempt to ride with passengers until your
operating skills are fully developed. Maximum load:
240 kg (530 lb)
Load is the total weight of cargo, op-
erator, and passengers.
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Operation
79
EJU40212Riding position
Operator riding position
The operator should grip the handlebars firm-
ly with both hands and sit astride the seat
with both feet on the floor of the footwell.
Passenger riding position
The passenger(s) should hold on firmly, either
to the person in front of them or to the hand-
grip provided, and sit astride the seat with
their feet on the floor of the footwell. Never al-
low a passenger to ride in front of the opera-
tor. (See page 17 for information on the riding
position when pulling a wakeboarder or wa-
ter-skier.)
EJU32803Launching the watercraft
When launching the watercraft, make sure
that there are no obstacles around you.
If the watercraft is launched from a trailer,
someone should make sure that waves do
not push the watercraft into the trailer.
EJU46250Starting the engine on waterEWJ01531
Do not apply throttle when anyone is at the
rear of the watercraft. Turn the engine off
or keep it at idle. Water and debris exiting
the jet thrust nozzle can cause severe in-
jury.
To start the engine:
(1) VX DELUXE / VX CRUISER / VXLIMITED: If the lock mode is selected forthe Yamaha Security System setting, se-
lect the unlock mode. (See page 25 for
Yamaha Security System setting proce- dures.)
(2) Move the watercraft to an area that is free from weeds and debris, and has a
water depth of at least 60 cm (2 ft) from
the bottom of the watercraft. NOTICE:
Never run the engine in water that is
less than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the
bottom of the watercraft, otherwise
pebbles or sand could be sucked into
the jet intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00473]
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch. (See page
26 for information on operating the en-
gine shut-off switch.) WARNING! Check
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