Segment:
Muscle Cruiser / Power Cruiser
Positioning:
The Yamaha VMAX VMX1700 is a legendary hyper-naked motorcycle renowned for its immense power, distinctive styling, and performance capabilities. It occupies a niche as a premium, high-performance cruiser designed for riders who demand thrilling acceleration and a commanding presence.
Key Competitors:
While direct competitors are few due to its unique nature, it competes conceptually with other high-performance, large-displacement cruisers and power motorcycles from brands like Harley-Davidson (V-Rod series), Ducati (Diavel), and potentially some American V-twin custom builders.
Defining Attributes:
Massive V4 engine, sophisticated electronic rider aids (e.g., YCC-T, D-Mode), aggressive styling, high-quality components, powerful braking system, advanced chassis dynamics for its class.
Value Proposition:
This manual empowers owners and technicians to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs efficiently, saving significant costs associated with dealer servicing and ensuring the VMAX remains in peak condition.
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system, cooling system, clutch, transmission, final drive.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering, wheels, tires, braking system (hydraulic, ABS components if applicable), swingarm.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring harnesses, ECU, sensors, ignition coils, fuel injection control.
Bodywork And Accessories:
Body panels, seating, fuel tank, fairings, handlebars, levers, footpegs, exhaust headers, mufflers, minor accessories.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement), inspections, lubrication points.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic error codes (DTCs) with explanations, electrical system diagnostics, component testing.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and replacement. Includes internal engine procedures, transmission rebuilds, suspension overhauls, brake caliper servicing.
Technical Data And Specifications:
Torque values, clearance specifications, alignment procedures, electrical resistance values, fluid types and capacities, engine timing, performance data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Full professional quality, in-depth. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures for the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely includes searchable text for easy navigation and information retrieval.
Print Readability:
Designed for clear viewing on digital devices and suitable for printing, with high-resolution diagrams and text.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 65-degree V4, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
1679 cc (102.4 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 113.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower Peak:
Approximately 200 PS (197.2 hp / 147.1 kW) at 9,000 rpm (crankshaft)
Torque Peak:
Approximately 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm (crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection with Mikuni 43 mm throttle bodies, dual injectors per cylinder (throttle body and sub-throttle body).
Ignition:
TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent API SG, JASO MA)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.1 Liters (4.3 US qt.) without filter change, 4.5 Liters (4.8 US qt.) with filter change.
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type:
Permanent Antifreeze/Coolant, high quality ethylene glycol based with water. Yamaha recommends Yamalube Coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple-disc
Gear Ratios:
(Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, e.g., 1st Gear: 2.375, 2nd Gear: 1.750, 3rd Gear: 1.333, 4th Gear: 1.091, 5th Gear: 0.917)
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube Gear Oil (or equivalent SAE 80 API GL-4)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.40 Liters (0.42 US qt.)
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet all applicable road safety regulations for motorcycles in target markets.
Braking System:
Dual 320 mm front discs with radial-mount 4-piston calipers, Single 298 mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models/trims.
Suspension Damping:
Adjustable front forks (compression, rebound, spring preload) and rear shock absorber (spring preload, rebound damping) for optimized handling and stability.
Frame Design:
Lightweight aluminum frame providing rigidity and balanced weight distribution for stable handling.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillights, turn signals for good visibility.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, multi-function LCD display showing fuel level, clock, trip meters, gear position indicator, YCC-T status, and diagnostic codes.
Throttle Control:
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) for precise throttle response and engine management.
Riding Modes:
D-Mode (Drive Mode) selector, allowing riders to choose between 'Standard' and 'S' (Sport) modes, altering throttle response and engine output characteristics.
Traction Control:
Not standard on all models within this range, but ABS was available. The manual will cover ABS operation and diagnostics if equipped.
ECU Communication:
On-board ECU for managing engine, fuel injection, ignition, and rider aids. Diagnostic port for connection to service tools.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement Interval:
Replace oil filter every oil change.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
At 18,000 km (11,000 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
At 36,000 km (22,000 miles).
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on ambient temperature), API SG or higher, JASO MA certified.
Coolant:
Yamalube Coolant (50% solution of ethylene glycol-based permanent type coolant and de-mineralized water)
Common Wear Items:
Tires, brake pads, clutch plates (depending on riding style), drive shaft spline lubrication.
Potential Electrical Issues:
While generally robust, potential for battery terminal corrosion or stator issues can arise in older units if not properly maintained. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.
Engine Performance Notes:
The VMAX's potent engine requires precise fuel and ignition mapping. The manual will cover calibration and troubleshooting for the YCC-T system.
Yamaha Legacy:
Yamaha Motor Company is a globally recognized manufacturer with a rich history in motorsport and performance motorcycles, known for innovation and reliability.
Vmax Lineage:
The VMAX VMX1700 is the successor to the iconic first-generation VMAX (1985-2007), which redefined the muscle cruiser segment. The second generation, introduced in 2009, featured a completely new chassis, a larger V4 engine, and modern electronics while retaining the aggressive styling and brute force of its predecessor.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Years Covered:
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Model Accolades:
The second-generation VMAX has been lauded by motorcycle media for its engineering, performance, and dramatic styling since its introduction, solidifying its status as an icon.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction, particularly for performance and aesthetic appeal, though its unique nature means maintenance can be specialized.
Manual Quality Certification:
Professional quality, in-depth.