YAMAHA VMAX 2011 User Guide

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1 Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
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 can
create 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 the
motorcycle’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 6-20 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
Transporting the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.


Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1


Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.


Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.


Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).


Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.


The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
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DESCRIPTION
2-1
2
EAU10410
Left view
1
4
56
7
8
11
9
10
12
13
14
15
2316
1. Headlight (page 6-34)
2. Front fork spring preload adjusting bolt (page 3-26)
3. Front fork rebound damping force adjusting knob (page 3-26)
4. Battery (page 6-30)
5. Owner’s tool kit (page 6-2)
6. Fuel tank cap (page 3-21)
7. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting knob (page 3-28)
8. Luggage strap holder (page 3-30)9. Final gear oil check bolt (page 6-14)
10.Final gear oil drain bolt (page 6-14)
11.Shock absorber assembly rebound damping force adjusting knob
(page 3-28)
12.Sidestand (page 3-31)
13.Shift pedal (page 3-19)
14.Engine oil drain bolt (page 6-11)
15.Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-11)
16.Front fork compression damping force adjusting screw (page 3-26)
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DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
EAU10420
Right view
12 4 6
7 5
3
9 11
8
10
1. Passenger seat (page 3-25)
2. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-25)
3. Luggage strap holder (page 3-30)
4. Rider seat (page 3-25)
5. Fuse box 1 (page 6-33)
6. Radiator cap (page 6-16)
7. Coolant reservoir (page 6-16)
8. Engine oil level check window (page 6-11)9. Brake pedal (page 3-20)
10.Fuse box 2 (page 6-33)
11.Shock absorber assembly compression damping force adjusting knob
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DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
EAU10430
Controls and instruments
123 4 67 8
9 10 11
5
1. Clutch lever (page 3-18)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-17)
3. Clutch fluid reservoir (page 6-25)
4. Speedometer unit (page 3-7)
5. Shift timing indicator light (page 3-6)
6. Front brake fluid reservoir (page 6-25)
7. Right handlebar switches (page 3-17)
8. Brake lever (page 3-19)9. Throttle grip (page 6-19)
10.Multi-function display (page 3-8)
11.Main switch/steering lock (page 3-2)
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10977
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


an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-6.)
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! CONTACT
YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY
IF IT IS LOST! If the code re-reg-
istering key is lost, registering
new codes in the standard 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 entire immobi-
lizer system must be replaced.
Therefore, it is highly recom-mended to use either standard
key and keep the code re-regis-
tering 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.
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)212
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3


Keep other immobilizer system
keys away from the main switch
as they may cause signal inter-
ference.
EAU10472
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.TIPBe sure to use the standard key (black
bow) for regular use of the vehicle. To
minimize the risk of losing the code re-
registering key (red bow), keep it in a
safe place and only use it for code re-
registering.
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.TIPThe 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.
ON
OFF
LOCK
P
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
EAU10683
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
To lock the steering1. 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.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.
1. Push.
2. Turn.12
1. Push.
2. Turn.12
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU49391
Indicator lights 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.
EAU46565
Oil level warning light“”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low.
To check the electrical 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
for a few seconds 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
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 6-11.) 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”.
1. Shift timing indicator light
2. Fuel level warning light“”
3. Right turn signal indicator light“”
4. Coolant temperature warning light“”
5. Neutral indicator light“”
6. High beam indicator light“”
7. Engine trouble warning light“”
8. Left turn signal indicator light“”
9. Immobilizer system indicator light
10.Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
light“”
11.Oil level warning light“”11
102
1
9
3
4
5
8
7
6
ABS
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3


This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If a problem
is detected in the oil level detection
circuit, the following cycle will be
repeated until the malfunction is
corrected: The oil level warning
light will flash ten times, then go off
for 2.5 seconds. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU48700
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”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIPThis model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the fuel level de-
tection circuit. If a problem is detected
in the fuel level detection circuit, the fol-
lowing cycle will be repeated until the
malfunction is corrected: The fuel level
warning light, the fuel meter and the
fuel level warning indicator will flash
eight times, and then go off for 3.0 sec-
onds. If this occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the vehicle.
EAU11444
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”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
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 to
the coolant temperature in the ra-
diator.


If the engine overheats, see page
6-41 for further instructions.
EAU42774
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 3-16 for
an explanation of the self-diagnosis de-
vice.)
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. The warning light should come
on for a few seconds, and then go off.
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