lights YAMAHA VMAX 2012 User Guide

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
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.
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]
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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.
29 *Lights, signals and
switches Check operation.
Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)U2S3E3E0.book Page 7 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-40
6
a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25871
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting charts
represent quick and easy procedures
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from water heaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
gasoline vapors can ignite or ex-
plode, causing severe injury or
property damage.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 40 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7
off any detergent residue using
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.
●
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
●
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
●
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield. Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after
washing.
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.
TIPSalt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces (except the tita-
nium mufflers) to prevent
corrosion.
Cleaning the titanium mufflersThis model is equipped with titanium
mufflers, which require the following
special care.●
Use only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent and
water to clean the titanium muf-
flers. However, if the mufflers can-
not be thoroughly cleaned with
mild detergent, alkaline products
and a soft brush may be used.
U2S3E3E0.book Page 2 Monday, September 19, 2011 8:42 AM

INDEX
AABS ...................................................... 3-21
ABS warning light ................................... 3-6
Air filter element.................................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ..................... 3-17
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................ 6-39BBattery .................................................. 6-31
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ......... 6-26
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ..................... 6-28
Brake and shift pedals,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-25
Brake lever ........................................... 3-20
Brake lever free play, checking ............ 6-23
Brake light switches .............................. 6-24
Brake pedal .......................................... 3-21CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-27
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converters .............................. 3-25
Clutch lever.................................. 3-19, 6-23
Coolant ................................................. 6-16
Coolant temperature warning light.......... 3-5
Cowling and panels,
removing and installing......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-18EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking .............. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ........... 6-11
Engine stop switch................................ 3-18 Engine trouble warning light .................... 3-5
EXUP system ........................................ 3-31
FFinal gear oil.......................................... 6-14
Front and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-24
Front fork, adjusting .............................. 3-27
Front fork, checking...............................6-29
Fuel ....................................................... 3-23
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ........ 5-3
Fuel level warning light............................ 3-5
Fuel tank breather hose and
overflow hose ...................................... 3-24
Fuel tank cap......................................... 3-22
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-33HHandlebar switches ............................... 3-18
Hazard switch........................................ 3-19
Headlight bulb, replacing....................... 6-35
High beam indicator light......................... 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-18IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................. 3-32
Immobilizer system .................................3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ........... 3-6
Indicator lights and warning lights ........... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ......... 6-37
Luggage strap holders .......................... 3-31MMain switch/steering lock ........................ 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic..... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control system ... 6-3
Matte color, caution .................................7-1 Model label ............................................. 9-1
Multi-function display .............................. 3-8
NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light .............................. 3-4PParking.................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ........................................... 3-18SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seats..................................................... 3-25
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-20
Shift timing indicator light ........................ 3-6
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-29
Sidestand .............................................. 3-31
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ..... 6-29
Spark plugs, checking........................... 6-10
Specifications.......................................... 8-1
Speedometer unit ................................... 3-7
Starting the engine.................................. 5-1
Start switch ........................................... 3-18
Steering, checking ................................ 6-30
Storage ................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-39
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-29TTail/brake light ...................................... 6-36
Throttle grip and cable,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Throttle grip free play, checking............ 6-20
Tires ...................................................... 6-20
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INDEXTool kit .................................................... 6-2
Troubleshooting .................................... 6-40
Troubleshooting charts ......................... 6-41
Turn signal indicator lights ...................... 3-4
Turn signal light bulb, replacing ............ 6-37
Turn signal switch ................................. 3-18VValve clearance .................................... 6-20
Vehicle identification number .................. 9-1WWheel bearings, checking ..................... 6-30
Wheels .................................................. 6-23
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