tow YAMAHA VMAX 2009 Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU12765
Hazard switch “”
With the key in the “ON” position, use
this switch to turn on the hazard lights
(simultaneous flashing of all turn signal
lights).
The hazard lights are used in case of
an emergency or to warn other drivers
when your vehicle is stopped where it
might be a traffic hazard.
NOTICE

ECA10061
Do not use the hazard lights for an
extended length of time with the en-
gine not running, otherwise the bat-
tery may discharge.
EAU12830
Clutch lever
The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch lever position adjusting dial. To
adjust the distance between the clutch
lever and the handlebar grip, turn the
adjusting dial while holding the leverpushed away from the handlebar grip.
Make sure that the appropriate setting
on the adjusting dial is aligned with the
arrow mark on the clutch lever.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See
page 3-29.)
1. Clutch lever
2. Clutch lever position adjusting dial
3. Arrow mark
4. Distance between clutch lever and
handlebar grip
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
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EAU12870
Shift pedal
The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
EAU33851
Brake lever
The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
The brake lever is equipped with a
brake lever position adjusting knob. To
adjust the distance between the brake
lever and the handlebar grip, turn the
adjusting knob while holding the lever
pushed away from the handlebar grip.
When the desired position is obtained,be sure to set it by aligning a groove on
the adjusting knob with the “” mark
on the brake lever.
1. Shift pedal
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1. Brake lever
2. Brake lever position adjusting knob
3. “” mark
4. Distance between brake lever and
handlebar grip
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
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light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTICE:
For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!

[ECA11041]

If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
EAU16671
Shifting
Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.
TIP

To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE

ECA10260

Even with the transmission inthe neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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9 Engine overheating
WARNING

EWAT1040

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.

Place a thick rag, like a towel, over the radiator cap, and then slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise to the de-
tent to allow any residual pressure to escape. When the hissing sound has stopped, press down on the cap
while turning it counterclockwise, and then remove the cap.
TIP

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 TIP.)
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.

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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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.