warning YAMAHA VMAX 2001 Owner's Guide

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-32
6
EAU00794
Checking the steering Worn 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 pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
EW000115
WARNING
@ Securely support the motorcycle so
that there is no danger of it falling
over. @
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.
E_3lr.book Page 32 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-35
6
EW000116
WARNING
@ l
Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
• EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
• INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
• EYES: Flush with water for
15 minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.
l
Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.
l
KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
@
EC000100
CAUTION:@ Use only distilled water, as tap water
contains minerals that are harmful
to the battery. @
9. Check and, if necessary, correct
the breather hose routing.
10. Install the ignition coil assemblies
by installing the bolts.1. Battery
2. Battery breather hose
3. Pass through the cable guide.
E_3lr.book Page 35 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
6 11. Connect and tighten the positive
battery lead and the starter motor
lead to the starter motor relay.
EW000118
WARNING
@ Pass the positive battery lead and
starter lead through the hole in the
ignition coil bracket as shown. Im-
proper routing of these leads could
bring about a short circuit, causing
the engine and lights to fail and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident. @12. Connect and tighten the negative
battery lead to the battery.
13. Install the rider seat.To store the battery
1. If the motorcycle will not be used
for more than one month, remove
the battery, fully charge it, and
then place it in a cool, dry place.
2. If the battery will be stored for
more than two months, check the
specific gravity of the electrolyte at
least once a month and fully
charge the battery whenever nec-
essary.
3. Fully charge the battery before in-
stallation.
4. After installation, make sure that
the battery leads are properly con-
nected to the battery terminals and
that the breather hose is properly
routed, in good condition, and not
obstructed.
EC000099
CAUTION:@ If the breather hose is positioned in
such a way that the frame is ex-
posed to electrolyte or gas expelled
from the battery, the frame could
suffer structural and external dam-
ages. @
1. Battery positive lead (red)
2. Starter motor lead (black)
E_3lr.book Page 36 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-38
6
EAU03003
Replacing the headlight bulb This motorcycle is equipped with a
quartz bulb headlight. If the headlight
bulb burns out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit by re-
moving the screws.
2. Disconnect the headlight coupler,
and then remove the headlight unit
and bulb cover.3. Remove the headlight bulb holder
by turning it counterclockwise, and
then remove the defective bulb.
EW000119
WARNING
@ Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooled
down. @4. Place a new bulb into position, and
then secure it with the bulb holder.
EC000105
CAUTION:@ Do not touch the glass part of the
headlight bulb to keep it free from
oil, otherwise the transparency of
the glass, the luminosity of the bulb,
and the bulb life will be adversely af-
fected. Thoroughly clean off any dirt
and fingerprints on the headlight
bulb using a cloth moistened with
alcohol or thinner. @5. Install the bulb cover, and then
connect the coupler.
6. Install the headlight unit by install-
ing the screws.
7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
1. Screw (´ 2)
1. Headlight bulb holder
1. Do not touch this area.
E_3lr.book Page 38 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-40
6
EAU03419
Front wheel To remove the front wheel
EW000122
WARNING
@ l
It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.
l
Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no danger
of it falling over.
@1. Place the motorcycle on the cen-
terstand.
2. Disconnect the speedometer ca-
ble from the front wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper by re-
moving the bolts.
ECA00047
CAUTION:@ Do not pull the brake lever after the
brake caliper has been removed,
otherwise the brake pads will be
forced shut. @4. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolt, then the wheel axle.
5. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
EAU03420
To install the front wheel
1. Install the speedometer gear unit
into the wheel hub so that the pro-
jections mesh with the slots.
1. Speedometer cable
2. Bolt (´ 2)
3. Pinch bolt
4. Wheel axle
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-41
62. Lift the wheel up between the fork
legs.
NOTE:@ Make sure that the slot in the speedom-
eter gear unit fits over the retainer on
the fork leg. @3. Insert the wheel axle.
4. Take the motorcycle off the cen-
terstand so that the front wheel is
on the ground.5. Install the brake calipers by install-
ing the bolts.
NOTE:@ Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before install-
ing the brake calipers onto the brake
discs. @6. Tighten the front wheel axle pinch
bolt, then the wheel axle, and the
brake caliper bolts to the specified
torques.
7. Connect the speedometer cable.
8. Push down hard on the handlebar
several times to check for proper
fork operation.
EAU03421
Rear wheel To remove the rear wheel
EW000122
WARNING
@ l
It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.
l
Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no danger
of it falling over.
@
Tightening torques:
Wheel axle:
58 Nm (5.8 m·kg,)
Front wheel axle pinch bolt:
20 Nm (2.0 m·kg)
Brake caliper bolt:
40Nm (4.0 m·kg)
1. Axle nut
E_3lr.book Page 41 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-43
6
EAU03422
To install the rear wheel
1. Apply a light coating of lithium-
soap-based grease to the splines
of the final gear case and wheel
hub.
2. Install the wheel, brake caliper
bracket, spacer and wheel axle.
3. Install the brake caliper by install-
ing the bolts.NOTE:@ Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before install-
ing the brake caliper onto the brake
disc. @
4. Install the brake torque rod bolt
and nut at the brake caliper brack-
et.
5. Install the rear wheel axle nut.
6. Take the motorcycle off the cen-
terstand so that the rear wheel is
on the ground.
7. Tighten the axle nut, brake caliper
bolts, brake torque rod nut, and
pinch bolt to the specified torques.
8. Install the brake torque rod cotter
pin.
EW000124
WARNING
@ Always use a new cotter pin. @
Tightening torques:
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kg)
Brake caliper bolt:
40 Nm (4.0 m·kg)
Brake torque rod nut:
48 Nm (4.8 m·kg)
Rear wheel axle pinch bolt:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kg)
E_3lr.book Page 43 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-45
6
EAU03363
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
EW000125
WARNING
@ Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system. @
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wet
Dry
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.The battery is good.
Check the electrolyte and battery
lead connections, and charge the
battery if necessary.The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the compressoin.
E_3lr.book Page 45 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-46
6 Engine overheating
EW000070
WARNING
@ l
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot fluid and steam may be
blown out under pressure, which could cause serious injury. Be sure to wait until the engine has cooled.
l
After removing the radiator cap retaining bolt, place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then
slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the detent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hiss-
ing sound has stopped, press down on the cap while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
@NOTE:@ If coolant is not available, tap water can be temporarily used instead, provided that it is changed to the recommended coolant
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 NOTE.)
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.
E_3lr.book Page 46 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)
3. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
4. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
5. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
6. Wax all painted surfaces.
7. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
EWA00031
WARNING
@ l
Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
l
If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
@
ECA00013
CAUTION:@ l
Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.
l
Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
l
Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
@NOTE:@ Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on
what products to use. @
E_3lr.book Page 3 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM