2004 YAMAHA XVS125 checking oil

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION ............. 1-1
DESCRIPTION ............................. 2-1
Left view ..................................... 2-1
Right view................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ........... 2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS ................................ 3-1
Main switch/steering lock .......... 3-1
Indicator and warning lights ...... 3-2
Speedometer unit ...................... 3-2
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .......... 3-3
Handlebar switches ................... 3-3
Clutch lever ............................... 3-4
Shift pedal ................................. 3-5
Brake lever ................................ 3-5
Brake pedal ............................... 3-5
Fuel tank cap ............................. 3-6
Fuel ........................................... 3-6
Fuel cock ................................... 3-7
Starter (choke) lever “
1
” .......... 3-8
Helmet holder ............................ 3-9
Adjusting the shock absorber
assemblies .............................. 3-9
Sidestand ................................ 3-10
Ignition circuit cut-off system ... 3-10PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ........ 4-1
Pre-operation check list ............. 4-2
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS .......................... 5-1
Starting a cold engine ............... 5-1
Starting a warm engine ............. 5-2
Shifting ...................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................ 5-3
Engine break-in ......................... 5-4
Parking ...................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR ........................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ......................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart ....................... 6-2
Removing and installing
panels ..................................... 6-5
Checking the spark plugs .......... 6-6
Engine oil and oil filter
element ................................... 6-8
Cleaning the air filter
element ................................. 6-10
Adjusting the carburetor .......... 6-11
Adjusting the engine idling
speed .................................... 6-12Adjusting the throttle cable free
play ....................................... 6-12
Adjusting the valve
clearance .............................. 6-13
Tires ........................................ 6-13
Spoke wheels .......................... 6-15
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ....................................... 6-16
Adjusting the brake lever free
play ....................................... 6-17
Adjusting the brake pedal
position and free play ............ 6-17
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch .................................... 6-19
Checking the front brake pads
and rear brake shoes ............ 6-19
Checking the brake fluid
level ....................................... 6-20
Changing the brake fluid ......... 6-21
Drive chain slack ..................... 6-21
Lubricating the drive chain ...... 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
cables .................................... 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ........... 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals ........... 6-24

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-8
1
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4
5
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7
8
9

EAU19751
Engine oil and oil filter
element
The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter ele-
ment replaced at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
NOTE:

Make sure that the vehicle is positioned
straight up when checking the oil level.
A slight tilt to the side can result in a
false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.
NOTE:

The engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is below the mini-
mum level mark, add sufficient oil
of the recommended type to raise
it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter element replace-
ment)
1. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
2. Place an oil pan under the engineto collect the used oil.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and drain bolt to drain the oil from
the crankcase.
NOTE:

Skip steps 4–6 if the oil filter element is
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
2
1
3

1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Engine oil drain bolt
11

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-10
1
2
3
4
5
6
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8
9
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
10. Turn the engine off, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.

EAU32401
Cleaning the air filter element
The air filter element should be cleaned
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Clean the air filter element more fre-
quently if you are riding in unusually
wet or dusty areas.
1. Remove the air filter case by re-
moving the bolts and loosening the
clamp screw.
2. Remove the air filter case cover by
removing the screws.3. Remove the air filter element by
removing the screws.
4. Lightly tap the air filter element to
remove most of the dust and dirt,
and then blow the remaining dirt
1. Bolt
2. Clamp screw
1
2

1. Screw
1. Air filter element
2. Screw
1
1
1
2(×2)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-20
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9

EAU32341
Checking the brake fluid level
Front brake
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 fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.
Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the mas-ter cylinder is level by turning the
handlebars.

Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.

Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.

Be careful that water does not en-
ter the master cylinder when refill-
ing. Water will significantly lower
the boiling point of the fluid and
may result in vapor lock.

Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.

As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if thebrake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
1. Minimum level mark
1

Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-21
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67
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EAU22720
Changing the brake fluid
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the NOTE after the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
have the oil seals of the brake master
cylinder and caliper as well as the
brake hose replaced at the intervals
listed below or whenever they are dam-
aged or leaking.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.

Brake hose: Replace every four
years.
EAU22760
Drive chain slack
The drive chain slack should be
checked before each ride and adjusted
if necessary.
EAU22770
To check the drive chain slack
1. Place the motorcycle on a level
surface and hold it in an upright po-
sition.
NOTE:

When checking and adjusting the drive
chain slack, the motorcycle should be
positioned straight up and there should
be no weight on it.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
3. Move the rear wheel by pushing
the motorcycle to locate the tight-
est portion of the drive chain, and
then measure the drive chain slack
as shown.4. If the drive chain slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU22821
To adjust the drive chain slack
1. Loosen the brake pedal free play
adjusting nut, axle nut, and locknut
at each end of the swingarm.
Drive chain slack:
30.0–40.0 mm (1.18–1.57 in)
1. Drive chain slack
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-23
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67
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EAU23020
Lubricating the drive chain
The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.
CAUTION:

ECA10580
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle or
riding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
CAUTION:

ECA11120
To prevent damaging the O-rings, do
not clean the drive chain with steam
cleaners, high-pressure washers or
inappropriate solvents.
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
CAUTION:

ECA11110
Do not use engine oil or any other lu-
bricants for the drive chain, as they
may contain substances that could
damage the O-rings.
EAU23100
Checking and lubricating the
cables
The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING

EWA10720
Damage to the outer sheath may in-
terfere with proper cable operation
and will cause the inner cable to
rust. Replace a damaged cable as
soon as possible to prevent unsafe
conditions.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
2
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67
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9

EAU23200
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand
The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING

EWA10730
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it.
EAU23271
Checking the front fork
The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
WARNING

EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so that
there is no danger of it falling over.
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
CAUTION:

ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
(all-purpose grease)