ECU YAMAHA VMAX 2015 Owners Manual

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
6-21 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle. 
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 location 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 exces-
sively during transport.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10978
Immobilizer systemThis 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
register codes in each standard key.
Since re-registering is a difficult pro-
cess, take the vehicle along with all
three keys to a Yamaha dealer to have
them re-registered. Do not use the key
with the red bow for driving. It should
only be used for re-registering the
standard keys. Always use a standard
key for driving.
NOTICE
ECA11822
 DO NOT LOSE THE CODE RE-
REGISTERING KEY! CONTACT
YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY
IF IT IS LOST! If the co de re-re g-
isterin g key is lost, reg istering
new co des in the stan dar d keys
is impossib le. The stan dar d
keys can still be used to start
the vehicle, however if cod e re-
re gisterin g is require d (i.e., if a
new stan dar d key is mad e or all
keys are lost) the entire immo bi-
lizer system must be replaced .
Therefore, it is hi ghly recom- men
ded to use either stan dar d
key an d keep the co de re-reg is-
tering key in a safe place.
 Do not su bmerse any key in wa-
ter.
 Do not expose any key to exces-
sively hi gh temperatures.
 Do not place any key close to
ma gnets (this inclu des, but not
limite d to, pro ducts such as
speakers, etc.).
 Do n

ot place items that transmit
electrical si gnals close to any
key.
 Do not place heavy items on any
key.
 Do not grin d any key or alter its
shape.
 Do not d isassemble the plastic
part of any key.
 Do not put two keys of any im-
mo bilizer system on the same
key rin g.
 Keep the stan dar d keys as well
as keys of other immo bilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s co de re-reg istering key.
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)21 2
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-21
3
EAU51672
ABSThe Yamaha ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System) features a dual electronic con-
trol system, which acts on the front and
rear brakes independently.
Operate the brakes with ABS as you
would conventional brakes. If the ABS
is activated, a pulsating sensation may
be felt at the brake lever or brake ped-
al. In this situation, continue to apply
the brakes and let the ABS work; do
not “pump” the brakes as this will re-
duce braking effectiveness.
WARNING
EWA16051
Always keep a sufficient distance
from the vehicle ahea d to match the
ri din g speed even with ABS.
 The ABS performs best with
lon g b rakin g d istances.
 On certain surfaces, such as
rou gh or g ravel roa ds, the b rak-
in g d istance may b e longer with
the ABS than without.The ABS is monitored by an ECU,
which will revert the system to conven-
tional braking if a malfunction occurs.
TIP The ABS performs a self-diagno-
sis test each time the vehicle first
starts off after the key is turned to
“ON” and the vehicle has traveled
at a speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or
higher. During this test, a “click-
ing” noise can be heard from un-
der the seat, and if the brake lever
or brake pedal is even slightly ap-
plied, a vibration can be felt at the
lever and pedal, but these do not
indicate a malfunction.
 This ABS has a test mode which
allows the owner to experience
the pulsation at the brake lever or
brake pedal when the ABS is op-
erating. However, special tools are
required, so please consult your
Yamaha dealer.NOTICE
ECA16121
Keep any type of mag nets (includin g
ma gnetic pick-up tools, mag netic
screwd rivers, etc.) away from the
front an d rear wheel hu bs, otherwise
the ma gnetic rotors equippe d in the wheel hu
bs may b e damag ed , re-
sultin g in improper performance of
the ABS system.
1. Front wheel hub
1. Rear wheel hub
11
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-23
3
EAU13213
FuelMake sure there is sufficient gasoline in
the tank.
WARNING
EWA10882
Gasoline and g asoline vapors are
extremely flamma ble. To avoi d fires
an d explosions an d to re duce the
risk of injury when refuelin g, follow
these instructions.1. Before refueling, turn off the en- gine and be sure that no one is sit-
ting on the vehicle. Never refuel
while smoking, or while in the vi-
cinity of sparks, open flames, or
other sources of ignition such as
the pilot lights of water heaters
and clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Stop filling when the fuel reaches the
bottom of the filler tube. Because
fuel expands when it heats up,
heat from the engine or the sun
can cause fuel to spill out of the
fuel tank. 3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately. NOTICE: Immediately
wipe off spille d fuel with a clean,
d ry, soft cloth, since fuel may
d eteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts.
[ECA10072]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15152
Gasoline is poisonous an d can
cause injury or death. Han dle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gasoline
b y mouth. If you shoul d swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or g et some gasoline in
your eyes, see your doctor imme di- ately. If g
asoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap an d water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothin g, chan ge
your clothes.
EAU54601
NOTICE
ECA11401
Use only unlea ded g asoline. The use
of lea ded g asoline will cause severe
d amag e to internal en gine parts,
such as the valves an d piston rin gs,
as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use premium unleaded gas-
oline with a research octane number of
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging)
occurs, use a gasoline of a different
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Maximum fuel level
12
Recommen ded fuel:
Premium unleaded gasoline (Gaso-
hol (E10) acceptable)
Fuel tank capacity:
15.0 L (3.96 US gal, 3.30 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warnin g lig ht comes on):
3.9 L (1.03 US gal, 0.86 Imp.gal)
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-26
3
2. Place the rider seat in the original position, and then tighten the
bolts.
TIPMake sure that the rider seat is proper-
ly secured before riding.3. Return the backrest to the originalposition.
Passen ger seat
To remove the passenger seat1. Pull the rider seat backrest release lever on the left side of the vehicle
as shown. The backrest will slide
forward. 2. Remove the bolts, and then pull
the passenger seat off.
To install the passenger seat
1. Insert the projection on the pas- senger seat into the seat holder as
shown. 2. Place the passenger seat in the
original position, and then install
the bolts.
3. Return the backrest to the original position.
TIPMake sure that the passenger seat is
properly secured before riding.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
1. Rider seat backrest release lever
1. Bolt
2. Passenger seat
12
1
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
6
WARNING
EWA10472
Have a Yamaha d ealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besid es
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases ri din g sta bility an d
can lead to loss of control.
 The replacement of all wheel
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience to do so.
 Ride at mo derate spee ds after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first be “ broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and tire air valves.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of
ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10482
 The front an d rear tires shoul d
b e of the same make an d d e-
si gn, otherwise the han dlin g characteristics of the motorcy-
cle may b
e different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.
 Always make sure that the valve
caps are securely installe d to
prevent air pressure leaka ge.
 Use only the tire valves an d
valve cores liste d below to
avoi d tire deflation durin g a
hi gh-spee d ri de.
After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha.
1. Tire air valve
2. Tire air valve core
3. Tire air valve cap with seal
Front tire:
Size: 120/70R18M/C 59V
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/BT028F G
Rear tire:
Size: 200/50R18M/C 76V
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/BT028R G
FRONT and REAR:
Tire air valve:
TR412
Valve core: #9100 (original)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6
EAU22754
Changin g the brake an d
clutch flui dsHave a Yamaha dealer change the
brake and clutch fluids at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. In addition, have
the oil seals of the brake and clutch
master cylinders and calipers as well
as the brake and clutch hoses replaced
at the intervals listed below or whenev-
er they are damaged or leaking.
 Oil seals: Replace every two
years.
 Brake and clutch hoses: Replace
every four years.
EAU23098
Checkin g an d lu bricatin g the
cab lesThe 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 lubri-
cated if necessary. If a cable is
damaged or does not move smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
place it. WARNING! Dama ge to the
outer housin g of cab les may result
in internal rustin g an d cause inter-
ference with cab le movement. Re-
place damag ed cab les as soon as
possi ble to prevent unsafe con di-
tions.
[EWA10712] EAU23115
Checkin
g an d lu bricatin g the
throttle grip an d ca bleThe operation of the throttle grip
should be checked before each ride. In
addition, the cable should be lubricat-
ed by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals
specified 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 wa-
ter 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.
Recommen ded lu bricant:
Yamaha cable lubricant or other
suitable cable lubricant
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-30
6
EAU23273
Checking the front forkThe condition and operation of the
front fork must be checked as follows
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
To check the con dition
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 avoi d injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no dan ger of it fallin g
over.
[EWA10752]
2. While applying the front brake, push down hard on the handle-
bars several times to check if the
front fork compresses and re-
bounds smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10591
If any damag e is foun d or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha d ealer check or re-
pair it.
EAU23284
Checkin g the steerin gWorn 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
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-40 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoi d injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no dan ger
of it fallin g over.
[EWA10752]
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 steer-
ing.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6
EYES: Flush with water for 15
minutes and seek prompt
me dical attention.
 Batteries pro duce explosive hy-
d ro gen gas. Therefore, keep
sparks, flames, ci garettes, etc.,
away from the b attery and pro-
vi de sufficient ventilation when
char gin g it in an enclose d
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 removin g the
b attery, be sure the key is
turne d to “OFF”, then discon-
nect the neg ative lead b efore
d isconnectin g the positive lea d.
[ECA16303]
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.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
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-33
67. Unfold the heat insulator as
shown.
8. Pull the battery out of its compart- ment.
To char ge 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 quick-
ly if the vehicle is equipped with op-
tional electrical accessories.
NOTICE
ECA16522
To char ge a VRLA (Valve Re gulate d
Lea d Aci d) battery, a special (con-
stant-volta ge) battery char ger is re-
quire d. Usin g a conventional battery
char ger will damag e the b attery.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 removin g the
b attery, be sure the key is
turne d to “OFF”, then d iscon-
nect the neg ative lead b efore
d isconnectin g the positive lea d.
[ECA16303]
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 ori ginal position and it is
properly fol ded .
[ECA16551]
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 installin g the
1. Heat insulator
2. Battery1
2
1. Heat insulator1
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