Yamaha VMAX VMX12 User manual

3LR-28199-E3
PRINTED IN JAPAN
2000·10-0.3×1 CR
(E)
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER YAMAHA MOTOR CO.,LTD.
OWNER’S MANUAL
VMX12

H_5KS_Toc0.fm Page 2 Monday, August 21, 2000 11:11 AM

EAU03338 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of VMX12, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and new-
est technology regarding the design and manufacture of high-quality products, which
have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of
your VMX12. The owner’s manual does not only instruct you in how to operate,
inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself and oth-
ers from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the
best possible condition. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact
your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put
safety first!
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EAU00005
IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!
WARNING Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death to the
motorcycle operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting or repairing the motor-
cycle.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the
motorcycle.
NOTE: A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
NOTE:
@ ●This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain
with it even if the motorcycle is subsequently sold.
●Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while
this manual contains the most current product information available at the time of printing,
there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and this manual. If you have
any questions concerning this manual, please consult your Yamaha dealer.
@
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EW000002
WARNING
@
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING
THIS MOTORCYCLE.
@
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU03337
VMX12
OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2000 by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1st Edition, April 2000
All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission of
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in Japan.
E_3lr.book Page 3 Wednesday, November 22, 2000 4:10 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY 1
2 DESCRIPTION 2
3 INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS 3
4 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS 4
5 OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS 5
6 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR 6
7 MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE 7
8 SPECIFICATIONS 8
9 CONSUMER INFORMATION 9
INDEX
EAU00009
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GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
1
GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY ................................................1-1
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1
1-1
EAU00021
1-
GIVE SAFETY THE RIGHT OF WAY
Motorcycles are fascinating vehicles, which can give you an unsurpassed feeling of power and
freedom. However, they also impose certain limits, which you must accept; even the best motorcycle
does not ignore the laws of physics.
Regular care and maintenance are essential for preserving value and operating condition of your
motorcycle. Moreover, what is true for the motorcycle is also true for the rider: good performance
depends on being in good shape. Riding under the influence of medication, drugs and alcohol is, of
course, out of the question. Motorcycle riders—more than car drivers—must always be at their mental
and physical best. Under the influence of even small amounts of alcohol, there is a tendency to take
dangerous risks.
Protective clothing is as essential for the motorcycle rider as seat belts are for car drivers and
passengers. Always wear a complete motorcycle suit (whether made of leather or tear-resistant
synthetic materials with protectors), sturdy boots, motorcycle gloves and a properly fitting helmet.
Optimum protective wear, however, should not encourage carelessness. Although full-coverage
helmets and suits, in particular, create an illusion of total safety and protection, motorcyclists will
always be vulnerable. Riders who lack critical self-control run the risk of going too fast and are apt to
take chances. This is even more dangerous in wet weather. The good motorcyclist rides safely,
predictably and defensively—avoiding all dangers, including those caused by others.
Enjoy your ride!
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DESCRIPTION
2
Left view.............................................................................................2-1
Right view...........................................................................................2-2
Controls and instruments...................................................................2-3
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2-1
2
EAU00026
2-
DESCRIPTION
Left view
1.Clutch master cylinder reservoir (page 6-27)
2.Air filter element (page 6-19)
3.Fuse box (page 6-37)
4.Main fuse box (page 6-37)
5.Owner’s tool kit (page 6-1)
6.Rear shock absorber spring preload
adjusting ring (page 3-13)
7.Rear shock absorber damping force
adjusting knob (page 3-13)
8.Helmet holder (page 3-10)
9.Shift pedal (page 3-6)
10.Starter (choke) lever (page 3-8)
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DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
Right view
11.Fuel tank cap (page 3-7)
12.Battery (page 6-33)
13.Coolant reservoir (page 6-14)
14.Front brake master cylinder reservoir (page 6-27)
15.Main switch (page 3-1)
16.Radiator cap (page 6-16)
17.Radiator (page 6-16)
18.Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-9)
19.Engine oil level check window (page 6-9)
20.Brake pedal (page 3-6)
21.Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-27)
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DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
Controls and instruments
1.Clutch lever (page 3-5)
2.Left handlebar switches (page 3-4)
3.Speedometer unit (page 3-2)
4.Right handlebar switches (page 3-4)
5.Brake lever (page 3-6)
6.Throttle grip (page 6-21)
7.Tachometer (page 3-3)
8.Coolant temperature gauge (page 3-3)
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3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Main switch ..........................................................3-1
Indicator and warning lights ................................3-1
Speedometer unit ................................................3-2
Tachometer ..........................................................3-3
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ....................................3-3
Coolant temperature gauge .................................3-3
Handlebar switches .............................................3-4
Clutch lever ..........................................................3-5
Shift pedal ............................................................3-6
Brake lever ...........................................................3-6
Brake pedal ..........................................................3-6
Fuel tank cap .......................................................3-7
Fuel ..................................................................... 3-8
Starter (choke) lever ............................................ 3-8
Steering lock ....................................................... 3-9
Rider seat ............................................................ 3-9
Helmet holder .................................................... 3-10
Adjusting the front fork ...................................... 3-11
Adjusting the shock absorber assemblies ......... 3-12
Matching the front and rear suspension
settings ............................................................ 3-15
Sidestand .......................................................... 3-16
Ignition circuit cut-off system ............................. 3-16
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3-1
3
EAU00027
3-
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
EAU00028
Main switch
The main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. The various main
switch positions are described below.
EAU00036
ON
All electrical systems are supplied with
power, and the engine can be started.
The key cannot be removed.
EAU00038
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
EAU00055
P (Parking)
The taillight and auxiliary light are on,
but all other electrical systems are off.
The key can be removed.
The key must be pushed in, and then
released before it can be turned to “P”.
ECA00043
CAUTION:
@
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-
wise the battery may discharge.
@
EAU03034
Indicator and warning lights
EAU00061
Neutral indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU00057
Turn signal indicator light “ ”
This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left
or right.
1. Push.
2. Release.
3. Turn.
1. Neutral indicator light “ ”
2. Turn signal indicator light “ ”
3. Fuel level warning light “ ”
4. High beam indicator light “ ”
5. Oil level warning light “ ”
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3
EAU00083
Fuel level warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3 L. When this occurs, set the fuel re-
serve switch to the “RES” position and
refuel as soon as possible.
EAU00063
High beam indicator light “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU03285
Oil level warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
engine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked according to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the key to “ON”.
2. If the warning light does not come
on, have a Yamaha dealer check
the electrical circuit.
NOTE:
@
Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when riding on
a slope or during sudden acceleration
or deceleration, but this is not a mal-
function.
@
EAU00095
Speedometer unit
The speedometer unit is equipped with
a speedometer, an odometer and a
tripmeter. The speedometer shows
riding speed. The odometer shows the
total distance traveled. The tripmeter
shows the distance traveled since it
was last set to zero with the reset knob.
The tripmeter can be used to estimate
the distance that can be traveled with a
full tank of fuel. This information will en-
able you to plan future fuel stops.
1. Tripmeter reset knob
2. Odometer
3. Tripmeter
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
EAU00101
Tachometer
The electric tachometer allows the rider
to monitor the engine speed and keep it
within the ideal power range. EC000003
CAUTION:
@
Do not operate the engine in the
tachometer red zone.
Red zone: 8,500 r/min and above
@
EAU00109
Anti-theft alarm (optional)
This motorcycle can be equipped with
an optional anti-theft alarm by a
Yamaha dealer. Contact a Yamaha
dealer for more information.
EAU01652
Coolant temperature gauge
With the key in the “ON” position, the
coolant temperature gauge indicates
the temperature of the coolant. The
coolant temperature varies with chang-
es in the weather and engine load. If
the needle reaches or enters the red
zone, stop the motorcycle and let the
engine cool. (See page 6-46 for further
instructions.) EC000002
CAUTION:
@
Do not operate the engine if it is
overheated.
@
1. Tachometer
2. Red zone 1. Coolant temperature gauge 2. Red zone
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU00118
Handlebar switches
EAU00119
Pass switch “ ”
Press this switch to flash the headlight.
EAU00121
Dimmer switch
Set this switch to “ ” for the high
beam and to “ ” for the low beam.
EAU00124
Turn signal switch “ ”
To signal a right-hand turn, push this
switch to the right. To signal a left-hand
turn, push this switch to the left. When
released, the switch returns to the cen-
ter position.
Since this model is equipped with a
self-canceling system, the turn signal
lights will self-cancel after the motor-
cycle has traveled both about 150 m
and for approximately 15 seconds.
However, the turn signal lights can also
be canceled manually by pushing the
switch in after it has returned to the
center position.
NOTE:
@
The self-canceling system only oper-
ates when the motorcycle is moving, so
that the turn signal lights will not self-
cancel while you are stopped at an in-
tersection.
@
EAU00129
Horn switch “ ”
Press this switch to sound the horn.
EAU00138
Engine stop switch
Set this switch to “ ” to stop the en-
gine in case of an emergency, such as
when the motorcycle overturns or
when the throttle cable is stuck.
EAU00134
Light switch
Set this switch to “ ” to turn on the
auxiliary light, meter lighting and tail-
light. Set the switch to “ ” to turn on
the headlight also.
1. Pass switch “ ”
2. Dimmer switch
3. Turn signal switch “ ”
4. Horn switch “ ”
1. Engine stop switch
2. Light switch
3. Start switch “ ”
4. Fuel reserve switch “FUEL”
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3
EAU00143
Start switch “ ”
Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter. EC000005
CAUTION:
@
See page 5-1 for starting instruc-
tions prior to starting the engine.
@
EAU01653
Fuel reserve switch “FUEL”
During normal operation, this switch
should be kept in the “ON” position. If
the fuel warning light comes on while
riding, set the switch to “RES”, refuel as
soon as possible, and then set the
switch back to “ON”.
NOTE:
@
After switching to “RES”, approximately
3 L of fuel remain in the fuel tank.
@
EAU00152
Clutch lever
The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the ignition
circuit cut-off system. (See page 3-16
for an explanation of the ignition circuit
cut-off system.)
1. Engine stop switch
2. Light switch
3. Start switch “ ”
4. Fuel reserve switch “FUEL”
1. Clutch lever
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