🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

VMAX

Model Code:

VMX12

Year Coverage:

1995 onwards

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Hyperbike, Muscle Bike, Performance Cruiser

Key Competitors:

Early Kawasaki ZZR1100/ZZR1200, Suzuki GSX-R1100/GSX1300R Hayabusa, Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird.

Defining Characteristics:

Massive V-twin engine, distinctive V-boost intake system, powerful acceleration, iconic styling, shaft drive.

Intended User:

Owners and mechanics seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance, repair, and restoration of the Yamaha VMAX VMX12.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers users to perform all necessary tasks from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of a specialized motorcycle.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided in product info)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, component testing, fuel injection system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch system, transmission (gearbox) overhaul and repair, final drive (shaft drive) maintenance and inspection.

Chassis Systems:

Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber) adjustment and rebuild, steering system maintenance, wheel and tire service, braking system (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, lines) overhaul and bleeding.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator, rectifier/regulator), lighting system, instrumentation, battery maintenance, fault diagnosis for electrical components.

Bodywork And Trim:

Panel removal and installation, cosmetic repairs, seat maintenance, fuel tank service, fairing components.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/shaft drive adjustments, brake pad replacement, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, air filter service.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds (top-end and bottom-end), transmission repairs, suspension fork seal replacement, brake caliper rebuild, carburetor synchronisation (if applicable to earlier models under 'onwards'), fuel injection component replacement, electrical fault finding.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for overhauling major components such as the engine, transmission, and suspension.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including component testing, sensor readings, and wiring harness checks for both mechanical and electrical systems.

Rebuild Level:

Comprehensive rebuild instructions, suitable for full engine tear-downs, transmission overhauls, and complete chassis component refurbishment.

Specification Detail:

Detailed torque specifications, clearance measurements, alignment procedures, and fluid capacities for all major components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick location of specific topics.

Print Quality Recommendation:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual for workshop use.

Binding Type For Printed:

Not applicable for PDF, but implies a professionally bound manual if printed.

Paper Type For Printed:

Not applicable for PDF, but a printed version would typically use durable, workshop-resistant paper.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V-four, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Displacement:

1198 cc (73.1 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

81.0 mm x 58.0 mm (3.19 in x 2.28 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower Estimated:

145 PS (143 bhp; 107 kW) @ 9,000 rpm (approximate, varies by year and market)

Torque Estimated:

12.7 kg⋅m (125 N⋅m; 92 lb⋅ft) @ 6,000 rpm (approximate, varies by year and market)

Fuel Delivery System:

Fuel Injection (from 1996 onwards, earlier models used carburetors)

V Boost System:

Variable intake manifold system that opens additional butterfly valves at higher RPMs for increased power.

Oil Type Recommendation:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SG or higher.

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approximately 4.3 Liters (4.5 US qt).

Coolant Type Recommendation:

Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives (e.g., Yamaha's recommended coolant).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 2.2 Liters (2.3 US qt).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Clutch Type:

Wet, multiple-disc

Transmission Oil Type Recommendation:

Yamalube Gear Oil (or equivalent) SAE 80 API GL-4.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approximately 0.7 Liters (0.74 US qt).

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 2,300 mm (90.6 in)

Overall Width:

Approx. 795 mm (31.3 in)

Overall Height:

Approx. 1,160 mm (45.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,590 mm (62.6 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 254 kg (560 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 275 kg (606 lbs) (fully fueled)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

15 Liters (3.96 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable to motorcycles in the same way as cars (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP).

Braking System:

Dual 282 mm discs with four-piston calipers (front), Single 298 mm disc with two-piston caliper (rear).

Tire Size Front:

130/90-16 M/C 67V

Tire Size Rear:

150/90-15 M/C 74P

Frame Construction:

Steel, double cradle frame providing robust support.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on later models), standard turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Motorcycle)

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (Motorcycle)

Connectivity Features:

N/A (Motorcycle)

Engine Management System:

EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) on models from 1996 onwards, with ECU control for fuel delivery and ignition timing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Cleaning Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, replace if damaged.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Replacement Interval:

Every 2 years or 20,000 km (12,000 miles), or as needed based on fluid condition.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Valve Clearance Check Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

Yamalube 4 (or equivalent) SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SG or higher.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol based, permanent type coolant (e.g., Yamaha's specific coolant).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, brake pads, fork seals, stator windings (on some older models), starter motor brushes.

Potential Electrical Issues:

Rectifier/regulator failures, wiring harness degradation over time.

Engine Performance Notes:

V-Boost system sensitivity to proper operation, potential for carburetor issues (on pre-FI models) if not maintained.

📚 Vehicle History

Yamaha Motor Corporation:

A Japanese manufacturer renowned for its expertise in musical instruments and a vast range of motorized products, including motorcycles, ATVs, and marine engines.

Original Vmax Introduction:

The VMAX concept was first shown in 1983 (Venture XVZ12), with the production VMAX VMX12 launching in 1985.

Vmx12 Vmx1200:

The VMX1200 model was produced for over two decades with relatively minor changes until the introduction of fuel injection and other updates for the 1996 model year, covered by this manual.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Production Era Covered:

Focuses on the 1995 onwards generation, which includes significant updates like fuel injection.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The VMAX has consistently been recognized as a benchmark in the 'muscle bike' category, often praised for its raw power and iconic design.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently rated highly by motorcycle journalists and owners for its acceleration and presence.

Certification Standards:

Compliant with relevant emissions and safety standards for its respective production years and markets.