brake YAMAHA VMAX 2011 User Guide

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brakeCheck 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.6-24, 6-25
ClutchCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-23
Throttle gripMake sure that operation is smooth.
Check throttle grip free play.
If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-19, 6-26
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-26
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-20, 6-22
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-27
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-27
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-28
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.— ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17243
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 charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals 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.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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*Air filter elementReplace.√
2*ClutchCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√
3*Front brakeCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4*Rear brakeCheck operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.√√√√√√
Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5*Brake hosesCheck for cracks or damage.
Check for correct routing and
clamping.√√√√√
Replace. Every 4 years
6*WheelsCheck runout and for damage.√√√√
7*TiresCheck tread depth and for dam-
age.
Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.√√√√√
8*Wheel bearingsCheck bearing for looseness or
damage.√√√√
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
6
9*SwingarmCheck operation and for exces-
sive play.√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
10*Steering bearingsCheck bearing play and steering
for roughness.√√√√√
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
11*Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.√√√√√
12Brake lever pivot
shaftLubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
13Brake pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
14Clutch lever pivot
shaftLubricate with silicone grease.√√√√√
15Shift pedal pivot
shaftLubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
16 SidestandCheck operation.
Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.√√√√√
17*Sidestand switchCheck operation.√√√√√√
18*Front forkCheck operation and for oil leak-
age.√√√√
19*Shock absorber as-
semblyCheck operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√ 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)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-6
6
20*Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting pointsCheck operation.√√√√
21 Engine oilChange.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.√√√√√√
22Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√
23*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.√√√√√
Change. Every 3 years
24*EXUP systemCheck operation, cable free play
and pulley position.√√√
25 Final gear oilCheck oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.√√ √
Change.√√√
26*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
27Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
28*Throttle gripCheck operation.
Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
Lubricate cable and grip housing.√√√√√
29*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck 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)U2S3E2E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-7
6
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.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6 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.
TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10471


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 to do so.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
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.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum 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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
6
EAU42850
Clutch lever Since this model is equipped with a hy-
draulic clutch, adjusting the clutch lever
free play is not needed. However, it is
necessary to check the hydraulic sys-
tem for leakage before each ride. If the
clutch lever free play does become ex-
cessive, and shifting becomes rough or
clutch slippage occurs, causing poor
acceleration, there may be air in the
clutch system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha dealer
bleed the system before operating the
motorcycle.
EAU37913
Checking the brake lever free
play There should be no free play at the
brake lever end. If there is free play,
have a Yamaha dealer inspect the
brake system.
WARNING
EWA14211
A soft or spongy feeling in the brake
lever can indicate the presence of air
in the hydraulic system. If there is air
in the hydraulic system, have a
Yamaha dealer bleed the system be-
fore operating the vehicle. Air in the
hydraulic system will diminish thebraking performance, which may re-
sult in loss of control and an acci-
dent.1. No brake lever free play
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-24
6
EAU36503
Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by
the brake pedal and brake lever, should
come on just before braking takes ef-
fect. If necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust the brake light switches.
EAU22392
Checking the front and rear
brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU43062
Front brake pads
The front brake calipers are equipped
with two sets of brake pads.
Each front brake pad is provided with
one or two wear indicator grooves,
which allow you to check the brake pad
wear without having to disassemble the
brake. To check the brake pad wear,
check the wear indicator grooves. If a
brake pad has worn to the point that awear indicator groove almost appears,
have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
EAU22470
Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator groove, which allows
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator groove. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear
indicator groove has almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1
1
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove
1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 24 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-25
6
EAU46540
Checking the brake fluid level Front brake
Rear brake
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.
TIPThe rear brake fluid reservoir is located
under the passenger seat. (See page
3-25.)Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is level.


Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.


Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.


Be careful that water or dust does
not enter the brake fluid reservoir
when refilling. Water will signifi-
cantly lower the boiling point of the
fluid and may result in vapor lock,
and dirt may clog the ABS hydrau-
lic unit valves.


Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.


As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
1
1
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
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