tires YAMAHA VMAX 2009 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Immobilizer system ..........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock .................3-2
Indicator and warning lights .............3-3
Speedometer unit ............................3-5
Multi-function display .......................3-6
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ..............3-14
Handlebar switches .......................3-15
Clutch lever ....................................3-16
Shift pedal ......................................3-17
Brake lever ....................................3-17
Brake pedal ...................................3-18
ABS ...............................................3-18
Fuel tank cap .................................3-19
Fuel ................................................3-20
Catalytic converters .......................3-22
Seats .............................................3-22
Adjusting the front fork ...................3-24
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ....................................3-26
Luggage strap holders ...................3-28
EXUP system ................................3-28
Sidestand .......................................3-29Ignition circuit cut-off system ......... 3-29
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
.............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-3
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT
.................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................... 6-2
Removing and installing the
cowling and panels ...................... 6-6
Checking the spark plugs ................ 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ...... 6-9
Final gear oil .................................. 6-12
Coolant .......................................... 6-14
Air filter element ............................ 6-17
Checking the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-17
Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-17
Valve clearance ............................. 6-18
Tires .............................................. 6-18
Cast wheels ................................... 6-20Clutch lever ................................... 6-21
Checking the front brake lever
free play ..................................... 6-21
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ......................................... 6-22
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 6-22
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-23
Changing the brake and clutch
fluids .......................................... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ................ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers .............. 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
brake pedal ................................ 6-25
Checking and lubricating the
shift pedal .................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-26
Checking the front fork .................. 6-26
Checking the steering ................... 6-27
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-28
Battery ........................................... 6-28
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-31
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-32
Tail/brake light ............................... 6-34
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ............................................ 6-34

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.
When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.

Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.

Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.

Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These
items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-sponse.

This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-

Maximum load:
190 kg (419 lb)

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1
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.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-13
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
in the following order:
(TRIP-F)
→
TRIP-1
→
TRIP-2
→
ODO
→
(TRIP-F)
Push “RESET” to reset a tripmeter.
TIP


For the U.K. only: Push “SELECT”
for at least two seconds to switch
between miles and kilometers.

Pushing “RESET” displays the
Normal mode for five seconds.
Pushing “SELECT” and “RESET”
for at least three seconds, chang-
es the display to the Normal mode.

To perform further multi-function
display settings, enter the Select
mode again by pushing and hold-
ing “SELECT” and “RESET” for at
least three seconds.
Resetting the maintenance counters
This function allows you to reset the
maintenance counters for the tires, theengine oil, and an item of your choice.
1. Push “SELECT” to highlight “Main-
tenance”, then push “RESET”.
2. Push “SELECT” to highlight the
item to reset.
3. Push “RESET” to reset the item.
TIP

The bottom area was left blank for an-
other item the rider cares to check the
distance of since it has been changed,
replaced or checked (i.e., air filter ele-
ment, engine parts, etc.).
4. Push “SELECT” to scroll to “”.
5. Push “RESET” to return to the pre-vious menu.
Self-diagnosis device
This model is equipped with a self-diag-
nosis device for various electrical cir-
cuits.
If a problem is detected in any of those
circuits, the engine trouble warning light
comes on and the display indicates a
two-digit error code.
NOTICE

ECA11590
If the display indicates an error
code, the vehicle should be checked
as soon as possible in order to avoid
engine damage.
The self-diagnosis device also detects
problems in the immobilizer system cir-
cuits.
If a problem is detected in any of the im-
1. Error code display
1

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Rear brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-22, 6-23
Clutch

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-21
Throttle grip

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Check cable free play.

If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-17, 6-24
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate if necessary.6-24
Wheels and tires

Check for damage.

Check tire condition and tread depth.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.6-18, 6-20
Brake and shift pedals

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary. 6-25, 6-26
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-25
Sidestand

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-26
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.

Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches

Check operation.

Correct if necessary.—
ITEM CHECKS PAGE

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-3
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

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
6-18
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU21401
Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU21772
Tires
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, note the following points regarding
the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING

EWA10501
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).

The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approved
for this model.
WARNING

EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
90–190 kg (198–419 lb):
Front:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
High-speed riding:
Front:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
Rear:
290 kPa (2.90 kgf/cm
2

, 42 psi)
Maximum load*:
190 kg (419 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-19
2
3
4
5
67
8
9 Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
TIP

The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
WARNING

EWA10470

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.

The replacement of all wheel
and brake related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires with valves.
WARNING

EWA10481

The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.

Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installed to
prevent air pressure leakage.

Use only the tire valves and
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-20
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9valve cores listed below to
avoid tire deflation during a

high-speed ride.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
WARNING

EWA10600
This motorcycle is fitted with su-
per-high-speed tires. Note the fol-
lowing points in order to make the
most efficient use of these tires.

Use only the specified replace-
ment tires. Other tires may runthe danger of bursting at super
high speeds.

Brand-new tires can have a rela-
tively poor grip on certain road
surfaces until they have been
“broken in”. Therefore, it is ad-
visable before doing any
high-speed riding to ride con-
servatively for approximately
100 km (60 mi) after installing a
new tire.

The tires must be warmed up
before a high-speed run.

Always adjust the tire air pres-
sure according to the operating
conditions.
EAU21960
Cast wheels
To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.

The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.

Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
Front tire:
Size:
120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028F
Rear tire:
Size:
200/50R18M/C 76V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028R
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core:
#9100 (original)

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
the finish on the outer surface of
the mufflers.


Even the smallest amounts of oil,
such as from oily towels or finger-
prints, will leave stains on the tita-
nium mufflers, which can be
removed with a mild detergent.

Note that the thermally induced
discoloring of the portion of the ex-
haust pipe leading into the titanium
mufflers is normal and cannot be
removed.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stain-
less-steel parts.
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING

EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.

Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.

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.
NOTICE

ECA10800

Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.

Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, buttreat them with a suitable care
product.

Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
TIP


Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.

Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.