The VMX12, also known as the Venture Royale or Max, is a powerful cruiser motorcycle produced from 1985 to 2007. Renowned for its distinctive styling and muscular performance, this model features a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC V-four engine with a displacement of 1198 cc. Its engineering emphasizes a comfortable riding position, shaft drive for low maintenance, and substantial touring amenities on certain trims, positioning it as a strong competitor in the premium cruiser and touring segment alongside models from Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki. The heritage of innovation and reliability underpins the VMX12's enduring appeal.
This comprehensive workshop service manual provides detailed guidance for owners and technicians working on the VMX12 (VMX1200) from 1985 through 2007. It covers all major systems, including the engine, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. The manual details routine maintenance procedures, such as oil changes and fluid flushes, as well as in-depth repair procedures for engine overhauls, carburetor work, and electrical diagnostics. With high-resolution, searchable content, this manual serves as an essential resource for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your VMX12.
Nickname:
Venture Royale / Max
First Generation Years:
1985
Last Generation Years:
2007
Positioning:
Cruiser/Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki Voyager, Suzuki Cavalcade
Distinctive Features:
Shaft drive, V-four engine, substantial touring amenities (on certain trims), comfortable riding position.
Years Covered:
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 500-700 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Major Systems:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension (Front and Rear), Braking System (Front and Rear), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Starting, Charging), Controls, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance checks, Oil and filter changes, Air filter replacement, Spark plug inspection/replacement, Coolant checks and flushes, Brake fluid replacement, Clutch adjustment, Chain maintenance (if applicable), Valve clearance adjustment
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Carburetor overhaul, Transmission inspection and repair, Suspension component replacement, Brake system overhaul, Electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement, Frame inspection
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.
File Type:
Searchable PDF
Print Readability:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams, suitable for printing.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, V-four
Bore X Stroke:
76.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical, may vary slightly by year)
Horsepower:
Approx. 95-105 hp @ 7500 rpm (varies by year and emissions regulations)
Torque:
Approx. 95-100 Nm @ 6000 rpm (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (4 x Mikuni BS36 or similar models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Liters (with filter change)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF, or SG; JASO MA
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Fluid Type:
Yamaha Motorcycle Gear Oil (or equivalent 75W-90)
Length:
Approx. 2360 mm (92.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 890 mm (35.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1460 mm (57.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 264 kg (582 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 286 kg (631 lbs) (typical)
Tank Capacity:
19 Liters (5.0 US gal)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle, not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, Single rear disc brake (with hydraulic actuation)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not equipped (standard)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on later models), turn signals.
Audio System:
Optional on some 'Venture Royale' trims, integrated stereo system with speakers.
Cruise Control:
Available on later 'Venture Royale' models.
ABS:
Not typically equipped as standard on most VMX12 models covered.
Bluetooth:
Not equipped (standard)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles) or 6 months
Filter Change Interval:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 12 months
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months (regardless of mileage)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 API SE, SF, or SG; JASO MA
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Yamaha Motorcycle Gear Oil (or equivalent 75W-90)
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor synchronization issues, aging fuel lines, output shaft seal leaks, charging system components (stator/rectifier on some models), occasional electrical connector corrosion.
Common Maintenance Challenges:
Access to rear cylinder for spark plug changes, carburetor tuning and balancing.
Heritage:
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance and reliable motorcycles, known for innovation in engine technology and sportbike design.
Evolution Summary:
The VMX12 Venture Royale was introduced in 1983 as a premium, full-dress touring motorcycle. The VMX12 V-Max variant, launched in 1985, became a cult classic for its radical styling, powerful V-four engine, and muscular performance, focusing on a more performance-oriented cruiser segment. The V-Max was significantly updated in 2009, but this manual covers the original generation spanning 1985-2007.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Run:
1985-2007 (for the model covered by this manual)
Performance Awards:
The V-Max variant was celebrated for its 'muscle bike' status and performance, often earning accolades in performance comparisons during its era.
Design Awards:
Recognized for its aggressive and distinctive styling.