warning YAMAHA VXR 2012 Owner's Manual

Operation
62
is in the fully closed (idle) position. (See page
30 for information on operating the shift lever.)
EJU33254Turning the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00771

Do not release the throttle lever when
trying to steer away from objects—you
need throttle to steer. A collision could
result in severe injury or death.

When operating at higher speeds, make
gradual turns or slow down before turn-
ing. Sharp high-speed turns may cause
the watercraft to slide sideways or spin,
throwing the operator and passenger(s)
overboard, which could cause an injury.
Steering control depends on the combination
of handlebar position and the amount of throt-
tle.Water sucked in through the intake grate is
pressurized by the impeller in the jet pump. As
the pressurized water is expelled from the
pump through the jet thrust nozzle, it creates
thrust to move and steer the watercraft. The
higher the engine speed, the more thrust pro-
duced.
The amount of jet thrust, in addition to the po-
sition of the handlebars, determines how
sharply you turn.
A. More throttle produces higher thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more sharply.
B. Less throttle produces lower thrust, so
the watercraft will turn more gradually.
C. Releasing the throttle lever completely
produces only minimum thrust. If you are
traveling at speeds above trolling, you will
have rapidly decreasing ability to steer
without throttle. You may still have some
turning ability immediately after releasing
the throttle lever, but once the engine
1Shift lever
2Forward position
1
2
UF2M71E0.book Page 62 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Operation
63
slows down, the watercraft will no longer
respond to handlebar input until you ap-
ply throttle again or you reach trolling
speed.
At trolling speed, the watercraft can be
turned gradually by handlebar position
alone using just the amount of thrust
available at idle.
D. If the engine is stopped while riding, there
is no thrust. The watercraft will go straight
even though the handlebars are turned.
You need throttle to steer.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha En-
gine Management System (YEMS) that in-
cludes an off-throttle steering (OTS) system.
It will activate at planing speeds should you
attempt to steer the watercraft after releasing
the throttle lever (see condition C above).
The OTS system assists in turning by continu-
ing to supply some thrust while the watercraft
is decelerating, but you can turn more sharplyif you apply throttle while turning the handle-
bars. The OTS system does not function be-
low planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar in-
put until you apply throttle again or you reach
trolling speed.
EJU41980Stopping the watercraft
The watercraft is not equipped with a sepa-
rate braking system. It is stopped by water re-
sistance when the throttle lever is released.
From full speed, the watercraft comes to a
complete stop in approximately 120 m (390 ft)
after the throttle lever is released or the en-
gine is stopped, although this distance will
vary depending on many factors, including
gross weight, water surface conditions, and
wind direction. The watercraft slows down as
soon as the throttle lever is released, but will
coast for a distance before fully stopping. If
you are not sure you can stop in time before
hitting an obstacle, apply throttle and turn in
another direction.
WARNING
EWJ00744

Allow adequate stopping distance.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
UF2M71E0.book Page 63 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Operation
64
objects, and other watercraft to give you
time to stop.

Do not shut the engine off when slowing
down in case you need engine power to
steer away from a boat or other obstacle
that comes into your path.

Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or
impact the handlebars.
EJU41580Operating the watercraft in reverse
Pull the shift lever rearward to the reverse po-
sition. The watercraft will move in reverse.
(See page 30 for information on the reverse
system.)
Make sure that there are no obstacles or peo-
ple behind you before shifting into reverse.
EJU36086Boarding the watercraft
WARNING
EWJ01111
Be sure the operator and any passengers
have practiced boarding from the water
while still close to shore before riding. A
person who has made many unsuccessful
attempts to get back on the watercraft may
become fatigued and suffer from expo-
sure, increasing the risk of injury and
drowning.
Board the watercraft in water free from weeds
and debris and at least 60 cm (2 ft) deep from
the bottom of the watercraft. NOTICE: Never
run the engine in water that is less than 60
cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom of the wa-
tercraft, otherwise pebbles or sand could
be sucked into the jet intake, causing im-
peller damage and engine overheating.
[ECJ00472]
TIP:
VXR: This watercraft is equipped with a re-
boarding step, which can be lowered and
used to assist in reboarding. (See page 39 for
information on operating the reboarding step.)
EJU36353Boarding alone
(1) From the rear of the watercraft, place
both hands on the boarding platform, pull
1Shift lever
2Reverse position
1
2
60 cm (2 ft)
UF2M71E0.book Page 64 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Operation
65
yourself up, and then grasp the handgrip
with one hand.
(2) Pull yourself up to a kneeling position on
the boarding platform, and then move to
the seat and sit astride.
(3) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.
(4) Grip the handlebars with both hands and
place both feet on the floor of the footwell.(5) Look in all directions, start the engine,
and then start off slowly.
EJU33169Boarding with passenger(s)
WARNING
EWJ00660
Severe internal injuries can occur if water
is forced into body cavities as a result of
being near the jet thrust nozzle. Do not ap-
ply throttle until the passengers are seated
with their feet on the floor of the footwell
and are securely holding on to the person
in front of them or to the handgrip provid-
ed.
The heavier the total weight of the operator
and passenger(s), the more difficult it will be
to balance the watercraft. Do not operate the
watercraft when the total weight exceeds 240
kg (530 lb) including any cargo.
To board at a standstill:
(1) Board as noted in the previous section
“Boarding alone”.
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.
(3) Grip the handlebars with both hands and
place both feet on the floor of the footwell.
UF2M71E0.book Page 65 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Operation
67
(4) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.
(5) Look in all directions, and then start the
engine and operate at trolling speed.
(6) Have the second passenger pull them-
selves up onto the boarding platform into
a kneeling position and balance there.
Look in all directions, and then gradually
accelerate. Then, have the second pas-
senger crawl onto the seat while main-
taining their balance.
(7) Have the second passenger sit astride
the seat, place their feet on the floor of
the footwell, securely hold on to the per-
son in front of them or to the handgrip
provided, and balance there.
(8) Make sure that the passenger(s) have
their feet on the floor of the footwell and
are securely holding on to the person in
front of them or to the handgrip provided,and then gradually increase the speed to
balance the watercraft.
EJU33082Starting off
WARNING
EWJ00711
To avoid collisions:

Scan constantly for people, objects, and
other watercraft. Be alert for conditions
that limit your visibility or block your vi-
sion of others.

Operate defensively at safe speeds and
keep a safe distance away from people,
objects, and other watercraft.

Do not follow directly behind watercraft
or other boats. Do not go near others to
spray or splash them with water. Avoid
sharp turns or other maneuvers that
make it hard for others to avoid you or
understand where you are going. Avoid
areas with submerged objects or shal-
low water.

Take early action to avoid collisions. Re-
member, watercraft and other boats do
not have brakes. Do not release the
throttle lever when trying to steer away
from objects—you need throttle to steer.
NOTICE
ECJ01340
Never run the engine in water that is less
than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the bottom of
UF2M71E0.book Page 67 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Operation
68
the watercraft, otherwise pebbles or sand
could be sucked into the jet intake, caus-
ing impeller damage and engine overheat-
ing.
EJU40232Starting off from a trailer
(1) Launch the watercraft and move the shift
lever to the reverse position. (See page
30 for information on the reverse sys-
tem.)
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.
(3) Look in all directions, start the engine,
and then start off slowly.
EJU33113Boarding and starting off from a dock
(1) Board the watercraft from the side.
(2) Attach the engine shut-off cord (lanyard)
to your left wrist, and then attach the clip
to the engine shut-off switch.(3) Push the watercraft away from the dock,
grip the handlebars with both hands, and
place both feet on the floor of the footwell.
(4) Look in all directions, start the engine,
and then start off slowly.
EJU33235Capsized watercraft
WARNING
EWJ00671
Improper uprighting can cause injury.

Be sure to shut the engine off by pulling
on the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to
remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.

Do not put your hands in the intake
grate.
If the watercraft capsizes, turn it over immedi-
ately.
To upright the watercraft:
(1) Remove the clip from the engine shut-off
switch.
(2) Swim to the rear of the watercraft. Turn
the watercraft over clockwise by pulling
on the ride plate with your left hand while
pushing down on the gunwale with your
right hand or foot.
If the port (left) side of the capsized wa-
tercraft is tilting up, push down on the
gunwale so that the port (left) side is
down before turning the watercraft clock-
wise. NOTICE: Do not turn the water-
UF2M71E0.book Page 68 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Operation
69
craft over counterclockwise,
otherwise water can enter the engine,
which can result in severe damage.
[ECJ00541]
(3) Start the engine and operate the water-
craft at planing speed to drain the bilge
water from the engine compartment.
(See page 47 for information on draining
the bilge water. If the engine does not
start, see “Towing the watercraft” on
page 88 or “Submerged watercraft” on
page 88.) NOTICE: Do not run the en-
gine at full throttle for at least 1 minute
after the engine has been restarted.
Bilge water in the engine compart-
ment can splash into the engine,
which can result in severe damage.
[ECJ00553]EJU41990
Beaching and docking the watercraft
To beach the watercraft:
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the beach.
(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 120 m (390 ft) before you
reach the intended beaching area.
(3) Slowly approach the beach and stop the
engine just before reaching land.
WARNING! You need throttle to steer.
Shutting the engine off can cause you
to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in se-
vere injury or death.
[EWJ00601] NOTICE:
Never run the engine in water that is
less than 60 cm (2 ft) deep from the
bottom of the watercraft, otherwise
pebbles or sand could be sucked into
the jet intake, causing impeller dam-
age and engine overheating.
[ECJ00472]
(4) Get off the watercraft and pull it up on the
beach.
To dock the watercraft:
(1) Make sure that there are no boats, swim-
mers, or obstacles near the dock.
(2) Release the throttle lever to reduce
speed about 120 m (390 ft) away from the
dock.
(3) Slowly approach the dock and stop the
engine just before coming alongside it.
WARNING! You need throttle to steer.
Shutting the engine off can cause you
to hit an obstacle you are attempting
to avoid. A collision could result in se-
vere injury or death.
[EWJ00601]
(4) Come alongside the dock and get off the
watercraft.
EJU37193Operating in weeded areas
Always avoid using your watercraft in areas
where weed growth is thick. If operating in
UF2M71E0.book Page 69 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Care and storage
71
EJU37145
Post-operation care
WARNING
EWJ00330
Always place the watercraft upright in a
horizontal position when storing it, other-
wise fuel could leak out into the engine or
engine compartment, which could create a
fire hazard.
After using the watercraft, always take it out of
the water, clean it, and store it. Leaving the
watercraft in the water for extended periods
will accelerate the rate of normal deterioration
of the jet pump and hull. Marine organisms
and corrosion are some of the conditions that
can shorten the life of many watercraft com-
ponents.
EJU33547Flushing the cooling water passages
NOTICE
ECJ01310
Do not run the engine over 4000 r/min on
land. Also, do not run the engine for more
than 15 seconds without supplying water,
otherwise the engine could overheat.
Flush the cooling water passages to prevent
them from clogging with salt, sand, or dirt.
(1) Place the watercraft in a horizontal posi-
tion.
(2) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)(3) Connect the garden hose adapter to a
garden hose.
(4) Loosen the flushing hose connector cap
and remove it. Insert the garden hose
adapter into the flushing hose connector
and turn it until it is securely connected.
(5) Connect the garden hose to a water tap.
(6) Make sure that the area around the wa-
tercraft is clear, and then start the engine.
Immediately after the engine starts, fully
turn the water supply on so that water
1Garden hose adapter
1Garden hose adapter
2Flushing hose connector
3Flushing hose connector cap
3
2
1
UF2M71E0.book Page 71 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Care and storage
72
flows out continually from the jet thrust
nozzle.
(7) Run the engine at idling speed for about
3 minutes watching the engine condition.
If the engine stops while flushing, turn the
water supply off immediately and perform
the procedure again from step 6.
NOTICE: Do not supply water to the
cooling water passages when the en-
gine is not running. The water could
flow back through the muffler into the
engine, causing severe engine dam-
age.
[ECJ00122]
(8) Turn the water supply off.
(9) Discharge the remaining water out of the
cooling water passages by alternately
squeezing and releasing the throttle lever
quickly for 10 to 15 seconds.
(10) Stop the engine.
(11) Remove the garden hose adapter, and
then securely install the flushing hose
connector cap by tightening it until it
stops.
(12) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU40612Cleaning the watercraft
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
(2) Rinse the engine and engine compart-
ment with a small amount of water.
NOTICE: Do not use high-pressurewater when rinsing the engine or en-
gine compartment as severe engine
damage could result.
[ECJ00571]
(3) Drain the water from the engine compart-
ment. (See page 47 for information on
draining the bilge water.)
(4) Wipe the engine and engine compart-
ment with a dry cloth.
(5) Wash down the hull, deck, and jet pump
with fresh water.
(6) Wipe the hull, deck, and jet pump with a
dry cloth.
(7) Wipe all vinyl and rubber components,
such as the seat and engine compart-
ment seals, with a vinyl protectant.
(8) To minimize corrosion, spray metallic
parts of the hull, deck, and engine with a
rust inhibitor.
(9) Allow the engine compartment to air dry
completely before installing the seat.
(10) Securely install the seat in its original po-
sition.
EJU33686Battery care
If the watercraft will not be used for more than
a month, remove the battery from the water-
craft, check it, and then store it in a cool, dry
place.
WARNING
EWJ00791
Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dan-
gerous, causing severe burns, etc. Elec-
trolyte contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Antidotes
External: Flush with water.
Internal: Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
egg, or vegetable oil. Call a physician im-
mediately.
Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention.
UF2M71E0.book Page 72 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM

Care and storage
74
(2) If the battery terminals are dirty or corrod-
ed, clean them using a wire brush.
(3) Apply Yamaha Marine Grease or
Yamaha Grease A to the battery termi-
nals.
(4) Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
NOTICE: Storing the battery in an un-
charged condition can cause perma-
nent battery damage. Check the
battery periodically.
[ECJ00102]
To install the battery:
(1) Place the battery in the battery compart-
ment and hook the battery bands onto the
holders.
(2) Connect the positive (+) battery lead (red)
to the positive (+) battery terminal.
NOTICE: Reversal of the battery leads
will damage the electrical parts.
[ECJ00261]
(3) Connect the negative (–) battery lead
(black) to the negative (–) battery termi-
nal.
(4) Connect the breather hose to the battery.
WARNING! Fire or explosion could re-
sult if the breather hose is damaged,
obstructed, or not connected proper-
ly.
[EWJ00451]
(5) Make sure that the battery is securely
held in place.
1Battery terminal
Recommended water-resistant grease:
Yamaha Marine Grease/Yamaha
Grease A
UF2M71E0.book Page 74 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 9:27 AM