engine YAMAHA VMAX 2011 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-23
3
3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately. NOTICE: Immediately wipe
off spilled fuel with a clean, dry,
soft cloth, since fuel may deteri-
orate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.
[ECA10071]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel
tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15151
Gasoline is poisonous and can
cause injury or death. Handle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gaso-
line by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline in
your eyes, see your doctor immedi-ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU13391
NOTICE
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a differentbrand. Use of unleaded fuel will extend
spark plug life and reduce maintenance
costs.
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Maximum fuel level
12
Recommended fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity:
15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on):
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)
U2S3E2E0.book Page 23 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-24
3
EAU39451
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose Before operating the motorcycle:

Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose connection.


Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose for cracks or damage,
and replace it if damaged.


Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather/overflow hose is not
blocked, and clean it if necessary.
EAU13445
Catalytic converters This vehicle is equipped with catalytic
converters in the exhaust system.
WARNING
EWA10862
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazard or
burns:

Do not park the vehicle near
possible fire hazards such as
grass or other materials that
easily burn.


Park the vehicle in a place
where pedestrians or children
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.


Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has cooled down before do-
ing any maintenance work.


Do not allow the engine to idle
more than a few minutes. Long
idling can cause a build-up of
heat.
NOTICE
ECA10701
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause unre-
pairable damage to the catalytic
converter.
1. Fuel tank breather hose
2. Fuel tank overflow hose
12
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-30
3


Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
EAU15210
Luggage strap holders There are four luggage strap holders:
one on each passenger footrest and
two below the passenger seat.
EAU41941
EXUP system This model is equipped with Yamaha’s
EXUP (EXhaust Ultimate Power valve)
system. This system boosts engine
power by means of a valve that regu-
lates the inner diameter of the exhaust
pipe. The EXUP system valve is con-
stantly adjusted in accordance with the
engine speed by a computer-controlled
servomotor.NOTICE
ECA15610
The EXUP system has been set and
extensively tested at the Yamaha
factory. Changing these settings
without sufficient technical knowl-
edge may result in poor perfor-
mance of or damage to the engine.
1. Luggage strap holder
1
1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 30 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-31
3
EAU15304
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.TIPThe built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See page 3-31 for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10241
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, checkthis system regularly and have a
Yamaha dealer repair it if it does not
function properly.
EAU44892
Ignition circuit cut-off system The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.


It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.


It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the
sidestand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 31 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-32
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 32 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.
Check fuel tank breather/overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and
check hose connection.3-22, 3-24
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-11
Final gear oilCheck vehicle for oil leakage. 6-14
CoolantCheck coolant level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended coolant to specified level.
Check cooling system for leakage.6-16
Front 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
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU48710
TIPThis model is equipped with:

a lean angle sensor to stop the en-
gine in case of a turnover. In this
case, the multi-function display in-
dicates error code 30, but this is
not a malfunction. Turn the key to
“OFF” and then to “ON” to clear the
error code. Failing to do so will pre-
vent the engine from starting even
though the engine will crank when
pushing the start switch.


an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. If the engine
stops, simply push the start switch
to restart the engine.
EAU46533
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
See page 3-31 for more informa-
tion.
1. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to“”.
The following warning lights and
indicator lights should come on for
a few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light


Fuel level warning light


Coolant temperature warning
light


Engine trouble warning light


ABS warning light


Shift timing indicator light


Immobilizer system indicator
light
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA11833
If a warning or indicator light does
not come on initially when the key is
turned to “ON”, or if a warning or in-
dicator light remains on, see page
3-4 for the corresponding warning
and indicator 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.
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.NOTICE
ECA11042
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
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.TIPTo 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 in
the 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
1
2
2 3
4 5N1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:

Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.


Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.


Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17123
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 4800
r/min. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600
mi) of operation, the engine oil and
final gear oil must be changed, and
the oil filter cartridge or element re-
placed.
[ECA10332]
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 5700
r/min.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.NOTICE
ECA10310


Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.


If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU17213
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10311


Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them and be burned.


Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.


Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.
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