YAMAHA VMAX 2009 User Guide

SAFETY INFORMATION
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ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.

Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.

Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area cancreate instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.

Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.

Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.

Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of themotorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-18 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.

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DESCRIPTION
EAU10410
Left view
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1. Headlight (page 6-32)
2. Front fork spring preload adjusting bolt (page 3-24)
3. Front fork rebound damping force adjusting knob (page 3-24)
4. Battery (page 6-28)
5. Owner’s tool kit (page 6-1)
6. Fuel tank cap (page 3-19)
7. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting knob (page 3-26)8. Shock absorber assembly rebound damping force adjusting knob
(page 3-26)
9. Sidestand (page 3-29)
10. Shift pedal (page 3-17)
11. Front fork compression damping force adjusting screw (page 3-24)

DESCRIPTION
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EAU10420
Right view
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1. Passenger seat (page 3-22)
2. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-23)
3. Rider seat (page 3-22)
4. Fuse box 1 (page 6-31)
5. Radiator cap (page 6-14)
6. Coolant reservoir (page 6-14)
7. Engine oil level check window (page 6-9)
8. Brake pedal (page 3-18)9. Fuse box 2 (page 6-31)
10. Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting
knob (page 3-26)

DESCRIPTION
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EAU10430
Controls and instruments
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1. Clutch lever (page 3-16)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-15)
3. Clutch fluid reservoir (page 6-23)
4. Speedometer unit (page 3-5)
5. Shift timing indicator light
6. Front brake fluid reservoir (page 6-23)
7. Right handlebar switches (page 3-15)
8. Brake lever (page 3-17)9. Throttle grip (page 6-17)
10. Multi-function display (page 3-6)
11. Main switch/steering lock (page 3-2)

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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EAU10974
Immobilizer system
This vehicle is equipped with an immo-
bilizer system to help prevent theft by
re-registering codes in the standard
keys. This system consists of the fol-
lowing.

a code re-registering key (with a
red bow)

two standard keys (with a black
bow) that can be re-registered with
new codes

a transponder (which is installed in
the code re-registering key)

an immobilizer unit

an ECU (Electronic Control Unit)

an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-3.)
The key with the red bow is used to reg-
ister codes in each standard key. Since
re-registering is a difficult process, take
the vehicle along with all three keys to
a Yamaha dealer to have them re-reg-
istered. Do not use the key with the red
bow for driving. It should only be used
for re-registering the standard keys. Al-
ways use a standard key for driving.
NOTICE

ECA11821

DO NOT LOSE THE CODE
RE-REGISTERING KEY! CON-
TACT YOUR DEALER IMMEDI-
ATELY IF IT IS LOST! If the code
re-registering key is lost, regis-
tering new codes in the stan-
dard keys is impossible. The
standard keys can still be used
to start the vehicle, however if
code re-registering is required
(i.e., if a new standard key is
made or all keys are lost) the en-
tire immobilizer system must be
replaced. Therefore, it is highly
recommended to use either
standard key and keep the codere-registering key in a safe
place.

Do not submerse any key in wa-
ter.

Do not expose any key to exces-
sively high temperatures.

Do not place any key close to
magnets (this includes, but not
limited to, products such as
speakers, etc.).

Do not place items that transmit
electrical signals close to any
key.

Do not place heavy items on any
key.

Do not grind any key or alter its
shape.

Do not disassemble the plastic
part of any key.

Do not put two keys of any im-
mobilizer system on the same
key ring.

Keep the standard keys as well
as keys of other immobilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s code re-registering key.

Keep other immobilizer system
keys away from the main switch
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)
212

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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9as they may cause signal inter-

ference.
EAU10460
Main switch/steering lock
The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.
EAU38530
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary light
come on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.
TIP

The headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays on
until the key is turned to “OFF”, even if
the engine stalls.
EAU10661
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
WARNING

EWA10061
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident.
EAU10681
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
To lock the steering
1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left.
2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po-
sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.
ON
OFF
LOCK
P

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.

EAU34341
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the taillight,
license plate light and auxiliary light are
on. The hazard lights and turn signal
lights can be turned on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “ ”.
NOTICE

ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
EAU11003
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11030
Turn signal indicator lights “” and
“”
The corresponding indicator light flash-es when the turn signal switch is
pushed to the left or right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU46562
Oil level warning light “”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low. To check the elec-
trical circuit of the warning light, place
the vehicle on a level surface, set the
engine stop switch to “ ” and turn the
key from “OFF” to “ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
and then go off, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
If the warning light stays on, proceed as
follows.
1. Set the engine stop switch to “ ”.
2. Turn the key to “OFF”, wait two
1. Fuel level warning light “ ”
2. Right turn signal indicator light “ ”
3. Coolant temperature warning light “ ”
4. Neutral indicator light “ ”
5. High beam indicator light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Left turn signal indicator light “ ”
8. Immobilizer system indicator light
9. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light “ ”
10. Oil level warning light “ ”
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54321
ABS

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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minutes, and then turn the key to
“ON”.
3. If the warning light comes on and
does not go off, check the engine
oil level. (See page 6-9.) If the
warning light still stays on after
confirming the oil level is correct,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
TIP

This warning light WILL NOT come on:

when the engine is idling

when riding

if the engine has stalled and the
key has not been turned from “ON”
to “OFF” and then back to “ON”
HOWEVER, if the warning light is on
when the engine is started, it will stay
on until the key is turned to “OFF”.
EAU11350
Fuel level warning light “”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
EAU11442
Coolant temperature warning light
“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine overheats. If this occurs, stop the
engine immediately and allow the en-
gine to cool.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
NOTICE

ECA10021
Do not continue to operate the en-
gine if it is overheating.
TIP


For radiator-fan-equipped vehi-
cles, the radiator fan(s) automati-
cally switch on or off according tothe coolant temperature in the ra-
diator.

If the engine overheats, see page
6-38 for further instructions.
EAU46440
Engine trouble warning light “”
This warning light comes on if a prob-
lem is detected in the electrical circuit
monitoring the engine. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
self-diagnosis system. (See page 3-13
for an explanation of the self-diagnosis
device.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. If the warning light does not come
on for a few seconds, then go off, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIP

This warning light will come on when
the key is turned to “ON” and the start
switch is pushed, but this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU39501
ABS warning light “”
If this warning light comes on or flashes
while riding, the ABS may not work cor-
rectly. If this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system as soon as
possible. (See page 3-18.)
WARNING

EWA10081
If the ABS warning light comes on or
flashes while riding, the brake sys-
tem reverts to conventional braking.
Therefore, be careful not to cause
the wheels to lock during emergen-
cy braking. If the warning light
comes on or flashes while riding,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
brake system as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”.
If the warning light does not come on or
remains on, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical circuit.
EAU38621
Immobilizer system indicator light
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the keyto “ON”.
If the indicator light does not come on
for a few seconds, then go off, have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-
cuit.
When the key is turned to “OFF” and 30
seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24
hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the immobiliz-
er system. (See page 3-13 for an expla-
nation of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU46622
Speedometer unit
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the riding speed.
TIP

For the U.K.
The speedometer display can be
switched between kilometers and
miles. (See page 3-6 for details.)
Tachometer
The tachometer allows the rider to
monitor the engine speed and keep it
ABS

1. Tachometer
2. Shift timing indicator light
3. Tachometer red zone
4. Speedometer
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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within the ideal power range. When the
key is turned to “ON”, the tachometer
needle will sweep once across the r/
min range and then return to zero r/min
in order to test the electrical circuit.
NOTICE

ECA10031
Do not operate the engine in the ta-
chometer red zone.
Red zone: 9500 r/min and above
Shift timing indicator light
See page 3-7 for an explanation and
settings for this indicator light.
EAU46583
Multi-function display
WARNING

EWA12312
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function display. Changing
settings while riding can distract the
operator and increase the risk of an
accident.
A “SELECT” button and a “RESET”
button are located on the handlebar
holder. These buttons allow you to con-
trol or change the settings in the
multi-function display.The multi-function display is set to the
Normal mode every time the key is
turned to “ON”.
Normal mode
The following functions are available in
the Normal mode:


an odometer (which shows the to-
tal distance traveled)

a clock

two tripmeters (which show the
distance traveled since they were
last set to zero)

a fuel reserve tripmeter (which
shows the distance traveled since
the fuel level warning indicator
1. Multi-function display1

1. “SELECT” button
2. “RESET” button
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