Reverse system YAMAHA VXR 2012 Owners Manual

Table of contents
General and important labels ........... 1
Identification numbers .................... 1
Primary Identification (PRI-ID)
number ........................................... 1
Craft Identification Number (CIN) ...... 1
Engine serial number ........................ 1
Manufactured date label .................... 2
Model information ........................... 2
Builder’s plate .................................... 2
Important labels .............................. 4
Warning labels ................................... 5
Other labels ....................................... 8
Safety information ........................... 10
Limitations on who may operate
the watercraft ............................ 10
Cruising limitations ....................... 11
Operation requirements ............... 12
Recommended equipment ........... 14
Hazard information ....................... 15
Watercraft characteristics ............. 15
Water-skiing ................................. 17
Safe boating rules ........................ 18
Enjoy your watercraft
responsibly ................................ 19
Description....................................... 20
Watercraft glossary ...................... 20
Location of main components ...... 21
Control function operation ............. 25
Watercraft control functions ......... 25
Remote control transmitter .............. 25
Yamaha Security System ................ 26
Engine stop switch .......................... 27
Engine shut-off switch ..................... 27
Start switch ...................................... 27
Throttle lever ................................... 28
Steering system ............................... 28
Cooling water pilot outlet ................. 29
Water separator ............................... 29
Watercraft operation ....................... 30
Watercraft operation functions ..... 30
Reverse system ............................... 30
Watercraft operation modes ......... 31
Low RPM Mode ............................... 31
Instrument operation ...................... 33
Multifunction information center ... 33
Information display .......................... 33
Equipment operation ...................... 38
Equipment .................................... 38
Seat ................................................. 38
Handgrip .......................................... 39
Reboarding step (VXR) ................... 39
Bow eye ........................................... 39
Stern eyes ....................................... 40
Cleat ................................................ 40
Storage compartments .................... 40
Fire extinguisher holder and
cover ............................................ 42
Operation and handling
requirements ................................... 44
Fuel requirements ........................ 44
Fuel ................................................. 44
Engine oil requirements ............... 45
Engine oil ......................................... 45
Draining the bilge water ............... 47
Draining the bilge water on land ...... 47
Draining the bilge water on water .... 47
Transporting on a trailer ............... 48
First-time operation ........................ 49
Engine break-in ............................ 49
Pre-operation checks ..................... 50
Pre-operation checklist .................... 50
Pre-operation check points .......... 52
Pre-launch checks ........................... 52
Post-launch checks ......................... 58
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Safety information
15
EJU36850
Hazard information

Never start the engine or let it run for any
length of time in an enclosed area. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide, a color-
less, odorless gas that may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a short
time. Always operate the watercraft in an
open area.

Do not touch the hot muffler or engine dur-
ing or immediately after engine operation;
they can cause serious burns.
EJU30920
Watercraft characteristics

Jet thrust turns the watercraft. 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.
This model is equipped with the Yamaha
Engine Management System (YEMS) that
includes an off-throttle steering (OTS) sys-
tem. It will activate at planing speeds should
you attempt to steer the watercraft after re-
leasing the throttle lever. The OTS system
assists in turning by continuing to supply
some thrust while the watercraft is deceler-
ating, but you can turn more sharply if you
apply throttle while turning the handlebars.
The OTS system does not function below
planing speeds or when the engine is off.
Once the engine slows down, the watercraft
will no longer turn in response to handlebar
input until you apply throttle again or you
reach trolling speed.
Practice turning in an open area without ob-
stacles until you have a good feel for this
maneuver.

This watercraft is water-jet propelled. The
jet pump is directly connected to the engine.
This means that jet thrust will produce some
movement whenever the engine is running.
There is no “neutral” position. You are in ei-
ther “forward” or “reverse”, depending upon
the shift lever position.

Do not use the reverse function to slow
down or stop the watercraft as it could
cause you to lose control, be ejected, or im-
pact the handlebars.
This could increase the risk of back/spinal
injury (paralysis), facial injuries, and broken
legs, ankles, and other bones. You could
also damage the shift mechanism.
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Watercraft operation
30
EJU40011
Watercraft operation functions
EJU40520Reverse system
WARNING
EWJ01230

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.

Make sure that there are no obstacles or
people behind you before shifting into
reverse.

Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
When the shift lever is moved to the reverse
position, the reverse gate lowers and deflects
the water jet being discharged from the jet
thrust nozzle. This allows the watercraft to
move in reverse.
To shift into reverse:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Pull the shift lever rearward until it stops
in the reverse position. The reverse gatewill lower and the watercraft will start
moving in reverse at trolling speed.
To shift into forward:
(1) Release the throttle lever and let the en-
gine speed return to idle.
(2) Push the shift lever forward until it stops
in the forward position. The reverse gate
will rise and the watercraft will start mov-
ing forward at trolling speed.
1Shift lever
2Reverse position
3Forward position
1Reverse gate
2Forward position
3Reverse position
1
23
13
2
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Pre-operation checks
50
EJU31981
WARNING
EWJ00411
Failure to inspect or maintain the watercraft properly increases the possibility of an ac-
cident or damage to the watercraft. Do not operate the watercraft if you find any prob-
lem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in this manual, have
the watercraft inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
EJU41232Pre-operation checklist
Before using this watercraft, be sure to perform the checks in the following checklist.
ITEM ROUTINE PAGE
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKS
Engine compartmentVentilate the engine compartment.
Check inside the engine compartment for damage.52
Fuel systemCheck the fuel system for leakage.
Check the fuel level in the fuel tank.52
Water separatorCheck the water separator for water. 52
Engine unitCheck the exterior of the engine unit for damage. 52
Engine oil levelCheck the engine oil level. 52
Bilge waterCheck the engine compartment for bilge water. 53
BatteryCheck the battery connections and electrolyte level. 53
Steering systemCheck the steering system for proper operation. 53
Reverse systemCheck the reverse system for proper operation. 54
Throttle leverCheck the throttle lever for proper operation.
Check the throttle lever free play.55
Remote control transmitterCheck the remote control transmitter for proper op-
eration.55
Engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard)Check the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) for dam-
age.55
SwitchesCheck the start switch, engine stop switch, and en-
gine shut-off switch for proper operation.56
Storage compartmentsCheck the storage compartments for damage and
water.56
Fire extinguisher holder,
cover, and bandCheck the fire extinguisher holder, cover, and band
for damage.56
Fire extinguisherCheck the condition of the fire extinguisher. 57
Safety equipmentCheck that safety equipment meeting the applicable
regulations is on board.57
Hull and deckCheck the hull and deck for damage. 57
Jet intakeCheck the jet intake for damage and clogging. 57
Stern drain plugsCheck the stern drain plugs for damage and foreign
material and check that they are securely installed.57
HoodCheck that the hood is securely closed. 58
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Pre-operation checks
54
whole range, and that the free play is not ex-
cessive.
Turn the handlebars as far as possible to the
right and left to make sure that the jet thrust
nozzle moves as the handlebars are turned,
and that there is no difference between theright and left fully turned positions of the jet
thrust nozzle.
EJU32634Reverse system checks
WARNING
EWJ00031
Do not touch the reverse gate while the
shift lever is being operated, otherwise
you could be pinched.
Difference between fully turned positions
of jet thrust nozzle (distances A and B):
Maximum 5 mm (0.20 in)
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Pre-operation checks
55
Operate the shift lever several times to make
sure that operation is smooth throughout the
whole range. Also, make sure that the reverse
gate moves up and down according to the op-
eration of the shift lever and that the gate
makes contact with the stoppers. (See page
30 for reverse system operation.)
EJU32594Throttle lever checks
Operate the throttle lever several times to
make sure that operation is smooth through-
out the whole range. Also, make sure that thethrottle lever returns automatically to its fully
closed (idle) position when released.
Make sure that there is the proper amount of
throttle lever free play when the throttle lever
is in the fully closed (idle) position.EJU40112Remote control transmitter check
Make sure that the remote control transmitter
operates properly. (See page 26 for Yamaha
Security System setting procedures and page
31 for Low RPM Mode activation procedures.)
EJU32663Engine shut-off cord (lanyard) check
Make sure that the engine shut-off cord (lan-
yard) is not damaged. If the cord is damaged,
replace it. WARNING! Never try to repair
the engine shut-off cord (lanyard) or tie it
together. The engine shut-off cord (lan-
1Stopper
1
1Throttle lever free play
Throttle lever free play:
4.0–7.0 mm (0.16–0.28 in)
1
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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)
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Trouble recovery
86
(2) Remove any weeds or debris from
around the jet intake, drive shaft, impel-
ler, jet pump housing, and jet thrust noz-
zle.
If debris is difficult to remove, consult a
Yamaha dealer.
EJU34641Jumping the battery
If the watercraft battery has run down, the en-
gine can be started using a 12-volt booster
battery and jumper cables.
EJU34663Connecting the jumper cables
WARNING
EWJ01250
To avoid battery explosion and serious
damage to the electrical system:

Do not reverse the polarity of the jumper
cables when connecting to the batteries.

Do not connect the negative (–) jumper
cable to the negative (–) terminal of the
watercraft battery.

Do not touch the positive (+) jumper ca-
ble to the negative (–) jumper cable.
(1) Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to
the positive (+) battery terminals of both
batteries.
(2) Connect one end of the negative (–)
jumper cable to the negative (–) battery
terminal of the booster battery.(3) Connect the other end of the negative (–)
jumper cable to an engine hanger.
(4) Start the engine, and then disconnect the
jumper cables by reversing the steps
above. (See page 27 for information on
starting the engine.)
EJU41880Replacing the fuses
If a fuse is blown, replace it with the proper
fuse.
To replace a fuse:
(1) Remove the seat. (See page 38 for seat
removal and installation procedures.)
1Negative (–) jumper cable
2Booster battery
3Positive (+) jumper cable
4Engine hanger
1Good fuse
2Blown fuse
12
4
3
2 1
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Trouble recovery
87
(2) Remove the electrical box cover.
(3) Loosen the cap on the electrical box and
remove it.
(4) Replace the blown fuse with the spare
fuse of the correct amperage by using the
fuse puller on the reverse side of the cap.
WARNING! Do not use fuses of a dif-
ferent amperage than recommended.
Substitution with a fuse that has an
improper rating can cause extensiveelectrical system damage and possi-
ble fire.
[EWJ00802]
(5) Securely install the cap by tightening it
until it stops.
(6) Securely install the electrical box cover in
its original position.
1Electrical box cover
1
1Electrical box
2Spare fuse
3Fuse
4Cap
1Fuse puller
Fuse amperage:
Battery fuse:
30 A
Main relay drive fuse:
10 A
Electronic throttle valve fuse:
10 A
Security system fuse:
3 A
Main fuse:
20 A
1
2
4 3
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Index
M
Main components, location of .................. 21
Maintenance............................................. 77
Manufactured date label............................. 2
Model information....................................... 2
Multifunction information center ............... 33
Multifunction information center check ..... 58
O
Oil pressure warning ................................ 36
Operating in weeded areas ...................... 69
Operating the watercraft........................... 61
Operating the watercraft in reverse .......... 64
Operating your watercraft......................... 59
Operation requirements ........................... 12
P
Periodic maintenance chart...................... 79
Post-launch checks .................................. 58
Post-operation care .................................. 71
Pre-launch checks.................................... 52
Pre-operation check points ...................... 52
Pre-operation checklist............................. 50
Primary Identification (PRI-ID) number ...... 1
R
Reboarding step (VXR) ............................ 39
Recommended equipment ....................... 14
Remote control transmitter ....................... 25
Remote control transmitter check ............ 55
Reverse system ....................................... 30
Reverse system checks ........................... 54
Riding position.......................................... 60
Rustproofing ............................................. 76
S
Safe boating rules .................................... 18
Safety equipment check ........................... 57
Seat .......................................................... 38
Speedometer............................................ 33
Start switch............................................... 27
Starting off ................................................ 67
Starting off from a trailer........................... 68
Starting the engine on water .................... 60
Steering system ....................................... 28
Steering system checks ........................... 53
Stern drain plug checks............................ 57
Stern eyes ................................................ 40
Stopping the engine ................................. 61Stopping the watercraft ............................ 63
Storage compartment checks .................. 56
Storage compartments ............................. 40
Submerged watercraft .............................. 88
Switch checks .......................................... 56
T
Tachometer .............................................. 34
Throttle lever ............................................ 28
Throttle lever checks ................................ 55
Tool kit...................................................... 77
Towing the watercraft ............................... 88
Transporting on a trailer ........................... 48
Troubleshooting ....................................... 82
Troubleshooting chart .............................. 82
Turning the watercraft .............................. 62
W
Water separator ....................................... 29
Water separator check ............................. 52
Watercraft characteristics ......................... 15
Watercraft control functions ..................... 25
Watercraft operation functions ................. 30
Watercraft operation modes ..................... 31
Water-skiing ............................................. 17
Y
Yamaha Security System ......................... 26
Yamaha Security System settings ........... 26
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