2016 Yamaha VMAX 1700 Owner’s Manual

The 2016 Yamaha VMAX 1700 was a legendary power cruiser known for its fast acceleration and iconic, muscular appearance. It had a powerful 1,679cc V4 engine that made it one of the fastest production bikes. The VMAX had a unique look with powerful lines, a stance that leaned forward, and a strong presence on the road. With a strong frame, advanced suspension, and cutting-edge technology like ride-by-wire throttle control and adjustable engine mapping, the 2016 VMAX was known as a real muscle bike that perfectly combined power and poise.

Motorcycle care and storage

Matte color caution
NOTICE: Some models are equipped with matte-colored finished parts. Be sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on what products to use before cleaning the vehicle. Using a brush, harsh chemical products, or cleaning compounds when cleaning these parts will scratch or damage their surface. Wax also should not be applied to any matte-colored finished parts.

Care
While the open design of a motorcycle reveals the attractiveness of the technology, it also makes it more vulnerable. Rust and corrosion can develop even if high-quality components are used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go unnoticed on a car, however, it detracts from the overall appearance of a motorcycle. Frequent and proper care does not only comply with the terms of the warranty, but it will also keep your motorcycle looking good, extend its life, and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning

1. Cover the muffler outlets with a plastic bag after the engine has cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers as well as all electrical couplers and connectors, including the spark plug caps, are tightly installed.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase, with a degreasing agent and a brush, but never apply such products onto seals, gaskets, and wheel axles. Always rinse the dirt and degreaser off with water.

Cleaning
NOTICE

• Avoid using strong acidic wheel cleaners, especially on spoked wheels. If such products are used on hard-to-remove dirt, do not leave the cleaner on the affected area any longer than instructed. Also, thoroughly rinse the area off with water, immediately dry it, and then apply a corrosion protection spray.
• Improper cleaning can damage plastic parts (such as cowlings, panels, windshields, headlight lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and the mufflers. Use only a soft, clean cloth or sponge with water to clean plastic. However, if the plastic parts cannot be thoroughly cleaned with water, diluted mild detergent with water may be used. Be sure to rinse 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 that have been in contact with strong or abrasive cleaning products, solvent or thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust removers or inhibitors, brake fluid, antifreeze, or electrolyte.
• Do not use high-pressure washers or steam-jet cleaners since they cause water seepage and deterioration in the following areas: 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 compounds for plastic may leave scratches on the windshield. Test the product on a small hidden 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 use
Remove 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, or on salt-sprayed roads
Since sea salt or salt sprayed on roads during winter is 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.
TIP: Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may remain well into spring.

1. Clean the motorcycle with cold water 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.
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome- and nickel-plated, surfaces (except the titanium mufflers) to prevent corrosion.

Cleaning the titanium mufflers
This 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 mufflers. However, if the mufflers cannot be thoroughly cleaned with mild detergent, alkaline products, and a soft brush may be used.
• Never use compounds or other special treatments to clean the titanium mufflers, as they will remove the finish on the outer surface of the mufflers.
• Even the smallest amounts of oil, such as from oily towels or fingerprints, will leave stains on the titanium mufflers, which can be removed with a mild detergent.
• Note that the thermally induced discoloring of the portion of the exhaust pipe leading into the titanium mufflers is normal and cannot be removed.

After cleaning 

1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum, and stainless-steel parts.
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recommended to apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome- and nickel-plated, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal cleaner to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.

WARNING: Contaminants on the brakes or tires can cause loss of control.

• Make sure that there is no oil or wax on the brakes or tires.
• If necessary, clean the brake discs and brake linings with a regular brake disc cleaner or acetone, and wash the tires with warm water and a mild detergent. Before riding at higher speeds, test the motorcycle’s braking performance and cornering behavior.

NOTICE

• Apply spray oil and wax sparingly and make sure to wipe off any excess.
• Never apply oil or wax to any rubber and plastic parts, but treat them with a suitable care product.
• Avoid using abrasive polishing compounds as they will wear away the paint.

TIP

• Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-vice on what products to use.
• Washing, rainy weather, or humid climates can cause the headlight lens to fog. Turning the headlight on for a short period of time will help remove the moisture from the lens.

Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool, dry place and, if necessary, protect it against dust with a porous cover. Be sure the engine and the exhaust system are cool before covering the motorcycle.

NOTICE

Storing the motorcycle in a poorly ventilated room or covering it with a tarp, while it is still wet, will allow water and humidity to seep in and cause rust. To prevent corrosion, avoid damp cellars, stables (because of the presence of ammonia), and areas where strong chemicals are stored.

Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for several months:

1. Follow all the instructions in the “Care” section of this chapter.
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer (if available) to prevent the fuel tank from rusting and the fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to protect the cylinders, piston rings, etc. from corrosion.
   • Remove the spark plug caps and spark plugs.
   • Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into each spark plug bore.
   • Install the spark plug caps onto the spark plugs, and then place the spark plugs on the cylinder head so that the electrodes are grounded. (This will limit sparking during the next step.)
   • Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will coat the cylinder walls with oil.) WARNING! To prevent damage or injury from sparking, make sure to ground the spark plug electrodes while turning the engine over.
   • Remove the spark plug caps from the spark plugs, and then install the spark plugs and the spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting points of all levers and pedals as well as of the sidestand/center stand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air pressure, and then lift the motorcycle so that both of its wheels are off the ground. Alternatively, turn the wheels a little every month in order to prevent the tires from becoming degraded in one spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plastic bags to prevent moisture from entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fully charge it. Store it in a cool, dry place and charge it once a month. Do not store the battery in an excessively cold or warm place [less than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30 °C (90 °F)].
   TIP: Make any necessary repairs before storing the motorcycle.

FAQ’s