The VMAX1200—Yamaha really nails the design level on this one.
The inspection is already complete, so we move on to maintenance.
Checking bearing movement is standard, but what really matters is the distance collar position and condition. Too tight or too loose both feel wrong.
I won’t say we always do it, but polishing and coating rusty bolts and nuts just makes everything feel better.
There’s a lot owners won’t notice unless you point it out. It’s subtle, but it really tightens up the look.
We wash the calipers. Since it hasn’t been ridden since last time, it’s still clean.
If we used a toothbrush, we’d be here until tomorrow. We hit the outside with a big brush all at once.
When cleaning the inside too, a brush shaped like this really speeds things up.
When you think about how to save time and finish clean, you create room to add extra touches to other areas.
If piston action is sluggish, working it back and forth helps a little, but it gets bad again quickly.
Spending a lot of time on it can be wasted effort, so taking it apart actually saves time.
For example—it’s like a stiff neck. Rubbing it feels good for the moment, but you have to keep rubbing it. You need to replace the hardened seal and remove the gunk built up in the grooves to get back to true spec. I explain this often.
Over-polishing the piston plating makes it rust easier, and a buffed, shiny finish can actually make piston action stiffer. That’s something to watch out for.
