New vmax 540 owner, advice requested!

flatsix · Post by **flatsix** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 2:12 am

Hello!

I just picked up a 1983 vmax540 over the weekend, and my plan is to make it into an everyday trail rider. Looking for any advice on what to look for as I go over the sled in preparation for this winter.

Also wondering where to get parts, and interested in any suggested mods for "updating" and/or increasing reliability/drivability.

Also, are there any service manuals available for these? Wiring diagrams?

Thanks,

Tom
Allentown, PA

Post by **Vmax540** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:14 am

Tom welcome to the Vintage Vmax world. Have you read the Articles section ? Also, try looking thru the garage threads. This may help answer some of the questions. I have most any part Thanks Chuck S. 814 354-2687 (N W. Pa.)

agfirecat · Post by **agfirecat** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:14 am

igot a manual for mine itfrom my local dealer was a little pricey but i needed it 45.00 bucks well worth it though.

Post by **Vmax540** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:39 am

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-V ... enameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/YAMAHA-S ... enameZWD1V

flatsix · Post by **flatsix** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:44 am

Thanks for the welcome, guys. I have read through the articles--good stuff. I have also read most of the garage posts, and found a lot of good info there. As for a manual, Chuck do you have those available? Or is it an Ebay type item?

I suppose I just need to get busy checking this thing out--it appears to be fairly solid, but hasn't been used much over the last 2-3 years. The guy I bought it from didn't really know much about it, just used it for a field runner. He did say that the original owner used to dragrace it, and did a bit of work to it including clutch work and oversize (?) carbs.

Not being familiar with these sleds, I am just going to do basic maintenance stuff to start with, and make sure everything is working. I already gave it a quick paint job since I couldn't stand looking at the hideous red paint that someone had put on it!

I have a new windshield on order, along with drive belt, some bushings/collars from Yamaha to rebuild the struts (lotsa play in the left one!), tunnel braces, new fuel lines, etc.

At least it runs--although I haven't had an opportunity to really test it out yet. Previous owner said it was "too snappy and fast" for trail riding..... I can't wait!

Here's a pic of how it currently looks:

I'm sort of going for the "stealth fighter" look!

Tom

flatsix · Post by **flatsix** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:48 am

By the way, it has a Comet 108 clutch, with a dark green primary spring and a black spring in the secondary--anyone have any ideas on what kind of setup this is?

Thanks,

Tom

flatsix · Post by **flatsix** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:49 am

oops, just saw chuck's post--checking out ebay right now!

Post by **Vmax540** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 8:26 am

Not sure if the dark green spring is a Comet spring ? Check out this site.
http://www.hoffcocomet.com/comet/spring-engagements.asp

The 540 works very well for trail ridding if you have the engagement at ~4200-4500Rpm.