warning YAMAHA VXR 2012 User Guide

Operation and handling requirements
44
EJU31822
Fuel requirements EJU37165Fuel
WARNING
EWJ00282

Gasoline and gasoline vapors are ex-
tremely flammable. To avoid fires and
explosions and to reduce the risk of in-
jury when refueling, follow these in-
structions.

Gasoline is poisonous and can cause in-
jury or death. Handle gasoline with care.
Never siphon gasoline by mouth. If you
should swallow some gasoline, inhale a
lot of gasoline vapor, or get some gaso-
line in your eyes, see your doctor imme-
diately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gasoline
spills on your clothing, change your
clothes.
NOTICE
ECJ00321

Do not use leaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline can seriously damage the engine.

Avoid getting water and contaminants in
the fuel tank. Contaminated fuel can
cause poor performance and engine
damage. Use only fresh gasoline that
has been stored in clean containers.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gasohol con-
taining ethanol and that containing methanol.
Gasohol containing ethanol can be used if
ethanol content does not exceed 10% and thefuel meets the minimum octane ratings. E-85
is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and
therefore must not be used in this watercraft.
All ethanol blends containing more than 10%
ethanol can cause fuel system damage or en-
gine performance problems.
Yamaha does not recommend gasohol con-
taining methanol because it can cause fuel
system damage and engine performance
problems.
To fill the fuel tank:
(1) Before refueling, stop the engine. Do not
stand or sit on the watercraft. Never refu-
el while smoking, or while in the vicinity of
sparks, open flames, or other sources of
ignition.
(2) Place the watercraft in a well-ventilated
area and in a horizontal position.
(3) Remove the seat, and then check the fuel
level. (See page 38 for seat removal and
installation procedures.)
(4) Loosen the fuel filler cap and remove it.
(5) Slowly add fuel to the fuel tank. Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating of
86
(Pump octane number) = (R + M)/2
90 (Research octane number)
1Fuel filler cap
1
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Operation and handling requirements
45
(6) Stop filling when the fuel level reaches
approximately 50 mm (2 in) from the top
of the fuel tank. Do not overfill the fuel
tank. Because fuel expands when it heats
up, heat from the engine or the sun can
cause fuel to spill out of the fuel tank. Do
not leave the watercraft with a full tank in
direct sunlight.
(7) Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately with
a dry cloth.
(8) Securely install the fuel filler cap by tight-
ening it until it clicks.
(9) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU40290
Engine oil requirements EJU41870Engine oil
NOTICE
ECJ00281
Use only 4-stroke engine oil. Usage of 2-
stroke engine oil could result in severe en-
gine damage.
Checking the engine oil level
WARNING
EWJ00340
Engine oil is extremely hot immediately af-
ter the engine is turned off. Coming in con-
tact with or getting any engine oil on your
clothes could result in burns.
NOTICE
ECJ01001
Make sure that debris and water do not en-
ter the oil filler hole. Debris and water in
the engine oil can cause serious engine
damage.
To check the engine oil level:
(1) Place the watercraft in a precisely level
position on land with the engine stopped.
If the engine was running, allow the en-
gine oil to settle by waiting 5 minutes or
more before checking the oil level.
(2) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.) Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp.gal)
1Approximately 50 mm (2 in) from top of the
fuel tank
1
Recommended engine oil type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-
50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API SE,SF,SG,SH,SJ,SL
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Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31981
WARNING
EWJ00411
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
EJU41232Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.52
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.52
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 52
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 52
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse systemCheck the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitterCheck the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.55
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.55
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.56
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.56
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.57
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.57
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 58
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Pre-operation checks
52
EJU32281
Pre-operation check points EJU40545Pre-launch checks
Perform the pre-launch checks in the pre-op-
eration checklist while the watercraft is on
land.
To perform the pre-launch checks:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Perform the checks and make sure that
there are no malfunctioning items or oth-
er problems.
(3) After completing these checks, securely
install the seat in its original position.
EJU32333Engine compartment check
WARNING
EWJ00461
Failure to ventilate the engine compart-
ment could result in a fire or explosion. Do
not start the engine if there is a fuel leak.
Ventilate the engine compartment. Leave the
engine compartment open for a few minutes
to allow any fuel vapors to escape.
Make sure that there is no damage inside the
engine compartment.
EJU34214Fuel system checks
WARNING
EWJ00381
Leaking fuel can result in fire or explosion.

Check for fuel leakage regularly.

If any fuel leakage is found, the fuel sys-
tem must be repaired by a qualified me-
chanic. Improper repairs can make the
watercraft unsafe to operate.
Make sure that there is no damage, leakage,
or other problem in the fuel system.
Check:

Fuel filler cap and seal for damage

Fuel tank for damage and leakage

Fuel hoses and joints for damage and leak-
age

Fuel tank breather hose for damage and
leakage
EJU36874Fuel level check
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.
Add fuel if necessary. (See page 44 for infor-
mation on filling the fuel tank.)
EJU32423Water separator check
Make sure that no water has collected in the
water separator. If water has collected in the
water separator, drain it. (See page 29 for in-
formation on draining the water separator.)
EJU40181Engine unit check
Check the exterior of the engine unit for dam-
age or other problem.
EJU36885Engine oil level check
Make sure that the engine oil level is between
the minimum and maximum level marks on
1Water separator
1
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Pre-operation checks
53
the dipstick. (See page 45 for information on
checking the engine oil level.)
EJU32455Bilge 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 47 for information on draining the
bilge water.)
EJU32484Battery checks
Make sure that the battery terminals and
breather hose are not damaged and that the
battery leads and breather hose are connect-
ed properly. WARNING! Fire or explosion
could result if the breather hose is dam-aged, obstructed, or not connected prop-
erly.
[EWJ00451]
Make sure that the electrolyte level is be-
tween the minimum and maximum level
marks. WARNING! Never operate the wa-
tercraft if the battery does not have suffi-
cient power to start the engine or if it
shows any other signs of decreased pow-
er. Loss of battery power may leave you
stranded.
[EWJ01240]
Make sure that the battery is securely held in
place.
EJU32613Steering system checks
Turn the handlebars to the right and left sev-
eral times to make sure that operation is
smooth and unrestricted throughout the
1Dipstick
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
1
21
1Negative (–) battery terminal: Black lead
2Positive (+) battery terminal: Red lead
3Breather hose
1Maximum level mark
2Minimum level mark
12
3
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Pre-operation checks
54
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
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 theright and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU32634Reverse system checks
WARNING
EWJ00031
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
Difference between fully turned positions
of jet thrust nozzle (distances A and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
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Pre-operation checks
55
Operate the shift lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the reverse
gate moves up and down according to the op-
eration of the shift lever and that the gate
makes contact with the stoppers. (See page
30 for reverse system operation.)
EJU32594Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that thethrottle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.
Make sure that there is the proper amount of
throttle lever free play when the throttle lever
is in the fully closed (idle) position.EJU40112Remote control transmitter check
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and page
31 for Low RPM Mode activation procedures.)
EJU32663Engine 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-
1Stopper
1
1Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
1
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Operation
59
EJU32902
Operating your watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00510
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.
EJU32963Getting 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 opera-
tion.
Remember: This watercraft is designed to
carry the operator and up to 2 passengers.
Never exceed the maximum load limit or allow
more than 3 persons (or 2 persons if a water-
skier is being pulled) to ride the watercraft at
any time.
EJU33005Learning to operate your watercraft
Before operating the watercraft, always per-
form the pre-operation checks listed on page
50. The short time spent checking the water-
craft will reward you with added safety and re-
liability.
Check local laws before operating your water-
craft.
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, oper-
ator, and passengers.
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Operation
60
EJU40210Riding 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 water-skier.)
EJU32802Launching 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.
EJU36345Starting the engine on water
WARNING
EWJ01530
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 inju-
ry.
To start the engine:
(1) If the lock mode is selected for the
Yamaha Security System setting, select
the unlock mode. (See page 26 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 bot-
tom 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 in-
take, causing impeller damage and en-
gine overheating.
[ECJ00472]
(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
27 for information on operating the en-
gine shut-off switch.) WARNING! Check
that the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
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Operation
61
is attached correctly. If the engine
shut-off cord (lanyard) is not attached
correctly, it may not pull free when the
operator falls off, allowing the water-
craft to continue to run and cause an
accident.
[EWJ00581]
(4) With the throttle lever released, push the
start switch (green button) to start the en-
gine. (See page 27 for information on op-
erating the start switch.)
EJU32862Stopping the engine
Release the throttle lever, and then push the
engine stop switch (red button) to stop the en-
gine. WARNING! You need throttle to steer.
Shutting the engine off can cause you to
hit an obstacle you are attempting toavoid. A collision could result in severe in-
jury or death.
[EWJ00601]
EJU32872
Leaving the watercraft
If leaving the watercraft, remove the clip from
the engine shut-off switch to prevent acciden-
tal starting or unauthorized operation by chil-
dren or others.
EJU40221Operating the watercraft
When the shift lever is in the forward position
and the engine is running, the watercraft will
move forward. The watercraft will move for-
ward at trolling speed even if the throttle lever
1Clip
2Engine shut-off switch
3Engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
12
3
START
STOP
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