maintenance YAMAHA VMAX 2011 Owner's Guide

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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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-26
6
EAU22751
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the TIP after the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart. In
addition, have the oil seals of the brake
and clutch master cylinders and cali-
pers as well as the brake and clutch
hoses replaced at the intervals listed
below or whenever they are damaged
or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.


Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
EAU23095
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711]EAU23114
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
The throttle cable is equipped with a
rubber cover. Make sure that the cover
is securely installed. Even though the
cover is installed correctly, it does not
completely protect the cable from water
entry. Therefore, use care not to pour
water directly onto the cover or cable
when washing the vehicle. If the cable
or cover becomes dirty, wipe clean with
a moist cloth.
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6
EAU44272
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals Brake pedal
Shift pedal
The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
EAU43600
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers Brake lever
Clutch lever
The operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
6
EAU23202
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING
EWA10731
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it. Otherwise,
the sidestand could contact the
ground and distract the operator, re-
sulting in a possible loss of control.
EAUM1651
Lubricating the swingarm piv-
ots The swingarm pivots must be lubricat-
ed by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Silicone grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-29
6
EAU23272
Checking the front fork The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23283
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-39 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoid injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no danger
of it falling over.
[EWA10751]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-30
6
EAU23291
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU46555
Battery The battery is located under cowling A.
(See page 6-8.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING
EWA10760


Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes or clothing and al-
ways shield your eyes when
working near batteries. In case
of contact, administer the fol-
lowing FIRST AID.
EXTERNAL: Flush with plenty
of water.
INTERNAL: Drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and im-
mediately call a physician.
EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
medical attention.


Batteries produce explosive hy-
drogen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, cigarettes, etc.,
away from the battery and pro-
vide sufficient ventilation when
charging it in an enclosed
space.


KEEP THIS AND ALL BATTER-
IES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.
To remove the battery
1. Remove cowling A. (See page
6-8.)
2. Disconnect the negative battery
lead first, then the positive battery
lead by removing their bolt.
NOTICE: When removing the
battery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then discon-
nect the negative lead before
disconnecting the positive lead.
[ECA16302]
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-31
6 3. Remove the battery cover bolts, lift
the battery cover (together with the
ECU), then move the cover to the
side.4. Remove the main fuse (together
with the holding band) from its
holder.
5. Disconnect coupler A.
6. Remove the rubber damper.7. Unfold the heat insulator as
shown.
8. Pull the battery out of its compart-
ment.
To charge the battery
Have a Yamaha dealer charge the bat-
tery as soon as possible if it seems to
have discharged. Keep in mind that the
battery tends to discharge more quickly
if the vehicle is equipped with optional
electrical accessories.
1. Negative battery lead (black)
2. Positive battery lead (red)
1. Battery cover bolt
2. Battery cover2
1
1
2
1. Main fuse
2. Holding band
3. Coupler A
1. Rubber damper2
1
3
1
1. Heat insulator
2. Battery1
2
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6
NOTICE
ECA16521
To charge a VRLA (Valve Regulated
Lead Acid) battery, a special (con-
stant-voltage) battery charger is re-
quired. Using a conventional battery
charger will damage the battery.To store the battery
1. If the vehicle will not be used for
more than one month, remove the
battery, fully charge it, and then
place it in a cool, dry place.
NOTICE: When removing the
battery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then discon-
nect the negative lead before
disconnecting the positive lead.
[ECA16302]
2. If the battery will be stored for more
than two months, check it at least
once a month and fully charge it if
necessary.
To install the batteryTIPBe sure the battery is fully charged.
1. Place the battery in its compart-
ment.
2. Fold the heat insulator back to its
original position. NOTICE: Make
sure that the heat insulator is in
its original position and it is
properly folded.
[ECA16550]
3. Install the rubber damper.
4. Connect coupler A.
5. Install the main fuse (together with
the holding band) on its holder.
6. Place the battery cover (together
with the ECU) in the original posi-
tion, and then install the bolts.
7. Connect the positive battery lead
first, then connect the negative
battery lead by installing their bolt.
NOTICE: When installing thebattery, be sure the key is
turned to “OFF”, then connect
the positive lead before con-
necting the negative lead.
[ECA16840]
8. Install the cowling.NOTICE
ECA16530
Always keep the battery charged.
Storing a discharged battery can
cause permanent battery damage.
1. Heat insulator1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-33
6
EAU46453
Replacing the fuses The main fuse and the ABS motor fuse
are located behind cowling A. (See
page 6-8.) Fuse box 1 is located under
the rider seat. (See page 3-25.)Fuse box 1
Fuse box 2 is located behind panel B.
(See page 6-8.)Fuse box 2
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows.
1. Turn the key to “OFF” and turn off
the electrical circuit in question.
2. Remove the blown fuse, and then
install a new fuse of the specified
amperage. WARNING! Do not
use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than recommended to1. Main fuse
2. ABS motor fuse
3. ABS motor spare fuse
1
3
2
1. ABS solenoid fuse
2. Fuel injection system fuse
3. Spare fuse
123
1. Ignition fuse
2. ABS control unit fuse
3. Headlight fuse
4. Backup fuse (for clock and immobilizer sys-
tem)
5. Electronic throttle valve fuse
6. Radiator fan fuse
7. Spare fuse
8. Signaling system fuse
9. Parking lighting fuse
10.Sub radiator fan fuse
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 107
9
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-34
6avoid causing extensive dam-
age to the electrical system and
possibly a fire.
[EWA15131]
3. Turn the key to “ON” and turn on
the electrical circuit in question to
check if the device operates.
4. If the fuse immediately blows
again, have a Yamaha dealer
check the electrical system.
EAU46462
Replacing the headlight bulb This model is equipped with a halogen
bulb headlight. If the headlight bulb
burns out, replace it as follows.NOTICE
ECA10650
Take care not to damage the follow-
ing parts:

Headlight bulb
Do not touch the glass part of
the headlight bulb to keep it free
from oil, otherwise the transpar-
ency of the glass, the luminosity
of the bulb, and the bulb life will
be adversely affected. Thor-
oughly clean off any dirt and fin-
gerprints on the headlight bulb
using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.


Headlight lens
Do not affix any type of tinted
film or stickers to the headlight
lens.
Do not use a headlight bulb of a
wattage higher than specified.
Specified fuses:
Main fuse:
50.0 A
Ignition fuse:
20.0 A
Parking lighting fuse:
7.5 A
Signaling system fuse:
7.5 A
Headlight fuse:
15.0 A
Radiator fan fuse:
20.0 A
Sub radiator fan fuse:
7.5 A
Fuel injection system fuse:
15.0 A
ABS control unit fuse:
7.5 A
ABS motor fuse:
30.0 A
ABS solenoid fuse:
15.0 A
Backup fuse:
7.5 A
Electronic throttle valve fuse:
7.5 A
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