2004 YAMAHA XVS125 Owners Manual

4-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15591
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.
NOTE:

Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very short
time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING

EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the vehicle.

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
2
3
45
6
7
8
9

EAU15601
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-6
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-8
Front brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.

Check brake pads for wear.

Replace if necessary.

Check fluid level in reservoir.

If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.

Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-19, 6-20
Rear brake

Check operation.

Check pedal free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-17
Clutch

Check operation.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-16
Throttle grip

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Check cable free play.

If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust cable free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing.6-12, 6-24
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate if necessary.6-23

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Drive chain

Check chain slack.

Adjust if necessary.

Check chain condition.

Lubricate if necessary.6-21, 6-23
Wheels and tires

Check for damage.

Check tire condition and tread depth.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.6-13, 6-15
Brake and shift pedals

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-24
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-24
Sidestand

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-25
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.

Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches

Check operation.

Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switch

Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.

If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-10
ITEM CHECKS PAGE

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9

EAU15950
WARNING

EWA10270

Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.

Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.

Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss
of control.
EAU16060
Starting a cold engine
In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.

The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.
WARNING

EWA10290

Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-10.

Never ride with the sidestand
down.
1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “ ”.
3. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
NOTE:

When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a Yama-
ha dealer check the electrical circuit.
4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-8.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
NOTE:

If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any one
attempt.
6. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.
CAUTION:

ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.
NOTE:

The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter
(choke) turned off.
EAU16640
Starting a warm engine
Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EAU16671
Shifting
Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.
NOTE:

To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
1 N2 3 4 5
2

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
CAUTION:

ECA10260

Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.

Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
EAU16730
Recommended shift points (for
Switzerland only)
The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.
NOTE:

When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 4th to 2nd gear).
EAU16800
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption
Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:

Turn the starter (choke) off as
soon as possible.

Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.

Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.

Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
Shift up points:
1st
→
2nd: 23 km/h
2nd
→
3rd: 36 km/h
3rd
→
4th: 50 km/h
4th
→
5th: 60 km/h

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU16830
Engine break-in
There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1,000 km (600 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1,000 km (600 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17010
0–500 km (0–300 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/3
throttle.
500–1,000 km (300–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2
throttle.
CAUTION:

ECA11150
After 1,000 km (600 mi) of operation,
the engine oil must be changed, and
the oil filter element replaced.
1,000 km (600 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
CAUTION:

ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
EAU17200
Parking
When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING

EWA10310

Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.

Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING

EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealer
do it for you.
EAU17340
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located behind
panel B. (See page 6-5.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
NOTE:

If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING

EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-
es.
1. Owner’s tool kit
1