🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

VMX12

Nickname:

Venture Royale / Max

Model Codes:

VMX1200

First Generation Years:

1985

Last Generation Years:

2007

👋 Introduction

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.

📋 Manual Details

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

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

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 Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, V-four

Displacement:

1198 cc

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)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Type:

Wet, multi-disc

Fluid Type:

Yamaha Motorcycle Gear Oil (or equivalent 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

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)

🛡️ Safety Features

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.

💡 Technology Features

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)

🔧 Maintenance

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.

📚 Vehicle History

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)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

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.