
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-14
3
EAU01869
Storage compartment The storage compartment is located on
the left side of the motorcycle.To open the storage compartment
1. Slide the lock cover open, insert
the key into the lock, and then turn
it clockwise.2. Pull the storage compartment cov-
er out as shown.1. Storage compartment cover
2. Storage compartment lock
1. Storage compartment lock cover
1. Storage compartment cover
E_5pb.book  Page 14  Thursday, October 5, 2000  10:10 AM 

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-15
3
To close the storage compartment
1. Place the storage compartment
cover in its original position as
shown. 
2. Turn the key counterclockwise, re-
move it, and then close the lock
cover.
EAU03194
Adjusting the shock absorber 
assembly The shock absorber assembly is locat-
ed under the rider seat and is equipped
with a spring preload adjusting ring.
EC000015
CAUTION:@ Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum
or minimum settings. @Adjust the spring preload as follows.
1. Remove the rider seat. (See
page 3-11 [XVS1100] or 3-13
[XVS1100A] for rider seat removal
and installation procedures.)2. Remove each quick fastener from
the ignitor unit panel by pushing
the center in with a screwdriver,
then pulling the fastener out.
1. Storage compartment cover
1. Quick fastener (´ 3)
E_5pb.book  Page 15  Thursday, October 5, 2000  10:10 AM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6
EAU00692
Adjusting the clutch lever free 
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 5–10 mm as shown. Periodically
check the clutch lever free play and, if
necessary, adjust it as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch le-
ver.
2. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection 
a. To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction 
b.
3. Tighten the locknut.
NOTE:@ If the specified free play cannot be ob-
tained as described above or if the
clutch does not operate correctly, have
a Yamaha dealer check the internal
clutch mechanism. @
EAU00696
Adjusting the brake lever free 
play The brake lever free play should mea-
sure 5–8 mm as shown. Periodically
check the brake lever free play and, if
necessary, adjust it as follows.
1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
c. Clutch lever free play
a. Brake lever free play
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6 1. Loosen the locknut at the brake le-
ver.
2. To increase the brake lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection 
a. To decrease the brake
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction 
b.
3. Tighten the locknut.
EW000099
WARNING
@ l
After adjusting the brake lever
free play, check the free play
and make sure that the brake is
working properly.
l
A soft or spongy feeling in the
brake lever can indicate the
presence of air in the hydraulic
system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha
dealer bleed the system before
operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will dimin-
ish the braking performance,
which may result in loss of con-
trol and an accident. 
@
1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting bolt
E_5pb.book  Page 18  Thursday, October 5, 2000  10:10 AM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
6
EAU03776
Checking the brake fluid level Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake flu-
id level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake level is low, be sure to check the
brake pads for wear and the brake sys-
tem for leakage.Observe these precautions:
l
When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is level.
l
Use only the recommended quali-
ty brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.
l
Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.
l
Be careful that water does not en-
ter the brake fluid reservoir when
refilling. Water will significantly
lower the boiling point of the fluid
and may result in vapor lock.
l
Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.
l
As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to
gradually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Minimum level markFront
1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Minimum level mark
Recommended brake fluid: DOT 4Rear
E_5pb.book  Page 21  Thursday, October 5, 2000  10:10 AM 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-30
6
EAU03003
Replacing the headlight bulb This motorcycle is equipped with a
quartz bulb headlight. If the headlight
bulb burns out, replace it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit by re-
moving the screws.
2. Disconnect the headlight coupler,
and then remove the headlight unit
and bulb cover.3. Remove the headlight bulb holder
by turning it counterclockwise, and
then remove the defective bulb.
EW000119
WARNING
@ Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooled
down. @4. Place a new bulb into position, and
then secure it with the bulb holder.
1. Screw (´ 2)
1. Headlight bulb holder
1. Do not touch this area.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-31
6
EC000105
CAUTION:@ Do not touch the glass part of the
headlight bulb to keep it free from
oil, otherwise the transparency of
the glass, the luminosity of the bulb,
and the bulb life will be adversely af-
fected. Thoroughly clean off any dirt
and fingerprints on the headlight
bulb using a cloth moistened with
alcohol or thinner. @5. Install the bulb cover, and then
connect the coupler.
6. Install the headlight unit by install-
ing the screws.
7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
EAU00855
Replacing a turn signal light 
bulb or the tail/brake light 
bulb 1. Remove the lens by removing the
screws.
2. Remove the defective bulb by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the
screws.1. Screw (´ 2)
1. Screw (´ 2)XVS1100
E_5pb.book  Page 31  Thursday, October 5, 2000  10:10 AM 

10-INDEXAAir filter element, cleaning ...................... 6-11
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .........................3-4BBattery ................................................... 6-26
Brake and clutch levers, checking 
and lubricating ..................................... 6-23
Brake and shift pedals, checking 
and lubricating ..................................... 6-23
Brake fluid, changing ............................. 6-22
Brake fluid level, checking...................... 6-21
Brake lever...............................................3-6
Brake lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-17
Brake light switch, adjusting ................... 6-19
Brake pads, checking............................. 6-20
Brake pedal..............................................3-7
Brake pedal position, adjusting .............. 6-19CCables, checking and lubricating............ 6-22
Carburetors, adjusting............................ 6-12
Care.........................................................7-1
Clutch lever ..............................................3-5
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ............. 6-17
Conversion table ......................................8-6DDimmer switch .........................................3-4EEngine break-in........................................5-5
Engine oil and oil filter element.................6-7
Engine, starting a warm ...........................5-3
Engine stop switch ...................................3-5
Engine trouble warning light .................... 3-3FFinal gear oil ............................................ 6-9
Front fork, checking ............................... 6-24
Fuel ......................................................... 3-8
Fuel cock ................................................. 3-9
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ......... 5-4
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-7
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-28HHandlebar switches ................................. 3-4
Headlight bulb, replacing ....................... 6-30
Helmet holder ........................................ 3-13
High beam indicator light ......................... 3-3
Horn switch ............................................. 3-4IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Idling speed, adjusting ........................... 6-12
Ignition circuit cut-off system.................. 3-19
Indicator and warning lights ..................... 3-2KKey identification number ........................ 9-1LLight switch.............................................. 3-5
Luggage strap holders ........................... 3-18MMain switch/steering lock ......................... 3-1
Model label .............................................. 9-2
NNeutral indicator light ...............................3-2OOil level warning light ...............................3-2PPart locations............................................. 2-1
Panel, removing and installing..................6-5
Parking.....................................................5-5
Pass switch ..............................................3-4
Periodic maintenance and 
lubrication chart .....................................6-2
Pre-operation check list ............................4-1SSafety information ..................................... 1-1
Seats (XVS1100) ...................................3-11
Passenger seat.................................3-11
Rider seat .........................................3-11
Seats (XVS1100A) .................................3-12
Passenger seat.................................3-12
Rider seat .........................................3-13
Shifting .....................................................5-3
Shift pedal (XVS1100)..............................3-6
Shift pedal (XVS1100A) ...........................3-6
Shift points (for Switzerland only) .............5-4
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ......3-15
Sidestand ...............................................3-18
Sidestand, checking and lubricating .......6-24
Spark plugs, checking ..............................6-6
Specifications ...........................................8-1
Speedometer unit.....................................3-3
Starter (choke) lever...............................3-10
E_5pb.book  Page 1  Thursday, October 5, 2000  10:10 AM