YAMAHA VMAX 2009 Workshop Manual

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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EAU17241
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, depending on the
weather, terrain, geographical location,
and individual use, the maintenance in-
tervals may need to be shortened.
WARNING

EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING

EWA15121
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.

A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.

Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-1 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.
EAU17341
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located behind
panel A. (See page 6-6.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
TIP

If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
1. Owner’s tool kit
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU1770A
Periodic maintenance and lubrication chart
TIP


The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.

From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).

Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)
1*
Fuel line

Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.
√√√√√
2*
Spark plugs

Check condition.

Clean.
√√

Replace.
√√
3*
Valves

Check valve clearance.

Adjust.Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
4*
Air filter element

Replace.
√
5*
Clutch

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√
6*
Front brake

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
7*
Rear brake

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
8*
Brake hoses

Check for cracks or damage.
√√√√√

Replace. Every 4 years

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9*
Wheels

Check runout and for damage.
√√√√
10

*
Tires

Check tread depth and for dam-
age.

Replace if necessary.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.
√√√√√
11

*
Wheel bearings

Check bearing for looseness or
damage.
√√√√
12

*
Swingarm

Check operation and for exces-
sive play.
√√√√

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
13

*
Steering bearings

Check bearing play and steering
for roughness.
√√√√√

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
14

Brake lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
15

Brake pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
16

Clutch lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
17

Shift pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lith-
ium-soap-based grease.
√√√√√
18

Sidestand

Check operation.

Lubricate.
√√√√√
19

*
Sidestand switch

Check operation.
√√√√√√
20

*
Front fork

Check operation and for oil leak-
age.
√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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21

*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
22

*
Rear suspension
relay arm and con-
necting arm pivoting
points

Check operation.
√√√√
23

*
Fuel injection sys-
tem

Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√
24

Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
25

Engine oil filter car-
tridge

Replace.
√√√
26

*
Cooling system

Check coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.
√√√√√

Change. Every 3 years
27

Final gear oil

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√ √

Change.
√√√
28

*
Front and rear brake
switches

Check operation.
√√√√√√
29

Moving parts and
cables

Lubricate.
√√√√√
30

*
Throttle grip hous-
ing and cable

Check operation and free play.

Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.

Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.
√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU36771
TIP


Air filter

This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.

The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.

Hydraulic brake and clutch service

Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid and clutch fluid levels.

Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers as well as clutch master
and release cylinders, and change the brake and clutch fluids.

Replace the brake and clutch hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
31

*
Air induction system

Check the air cut-off valve, reed
valve, and hose for damage.

Replace any damaged parts if
necessary.
√√√√√
32

*
Mufflers and exhaust
pipes

Check the screw clamps for
looseness.
√

√

√

√

√

√


33

*
EXUP system

Check operation, cable free play
and pulley position.
√√√
34

*
Lights, signals and
switches

Check operation.

Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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EAU18722
Removing and installing the
cowling and panels
The cowling and panels shown need to
be removed to perform some of the
maintenance jobs described in this
chapter. Refer to this section each time
the cowling or a panel needs to be re-
moved and installed.
EAU46430
Cowling A
To remove the cowling
1. Remove the rider seat. (See page
3-22.)
2. Remove panel C. (See page 6-7.)
3. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the cowling off.To install the cowling
1. Place the cowling in the original
position, and then install the bolts.
2. Install the panel.
3. Install the rider seat.

1. Cowling A
2. Panel A
1
2

1. Panel B
2. Panel C
1
2
1. Bolt
11 1
1

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EAU46471
Panel A
To remove the panel
1. Insert the key into the lock, and
then turn it 1/4 turn clockwise.
2. Pull the panel outward.
To install the panel1. Place the panel in the original po-
sition.2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, and then re-
move it.
Panel B
To remove the panel
1. Remove the bolt.2. Pull the panel outward.
To install the panel
Place the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

1. Unlock.
2. Panel A
2
1

1. Bolt
2. Panel B
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9Panel C
To remove the panel
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Pull the panel upward.
To install the panelPlace the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

EAU46680
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and replaced if
out of specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
1. Panel C
2. Bolt
1 2

Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9EIA
DENSO/IU27D
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1

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TIP

If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
NOTICE

ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
EAU19907
Engine oil and oil filter
cartridge
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.
TIP

The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
12.5 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9 ft·lbf)
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
2
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4. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolt to drain the oil from
the crankcase.
TIP

Skip steps 5–7 if the oil filter cartridge is
not being replaced.
5. Remove the oil filter cartridge with
an oil filter wrench.
TIP

An oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.
6. Apply a thin coat of clean engine
oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.
TIP

Make sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.
7. Install the new oil filter cartridge
with an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Engine oil drain bolt
1
1

1. Oil filter wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
1
2

1. O-ring