2004 YAMAHA XVS250 check oil

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-20
6


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.
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.
Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4
5KRE2.book Page 20 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-23
6
CAUTION:
ECA11110
Do not use engine oil or any other lu-
bricants for the drive chain, as they
may contain substances that coulddamage 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 unsafeconditions.
EAU23110
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated or
replaced at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance chart.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil
5KRE2.book Page 23 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-25
6
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 thatthere 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.
EAU23280
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground.
WARNING
EWA10750
Securely support the vehicle so thatthere is no danger of it falling over.
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
5KRE2.book Page 25 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INDEX
AAir filter element, cleaning .................... 6-10
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ....................... 3-3BBattery .................................................. 6-26
Brake and clutch levers, checking
and lubricating .................................... 6-24
Brake and shift pedals, checking
and lubricating .................................... 6-24
Brake fluid, changing ............................ 6-20
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-19
Brake lever ............................................. 3-6
Brake lever free play, adjusting ............ 6-16
Brake pads and shoes, checking.......... 6-19
Brake pedal ............................................ 3-6
Brake pedal position and free play,
adjusting ............................................. 6-17CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-23
Carburetor, adjusting ............................ 6-11
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Clutch lever............................................. 3-5
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ........... 6-15DDimmer switch ........................................ 3-4
Drive chain, lubricating ......................... 6-22
Drive chain slack .................................. 6-21EEngine break-in ...................................... 5-4
Engine idling speed .............................. 6-12
Engine oil and oil filter element............... 6-8
Engine, starting a warm .......................... 5-2
Engine stop switch.................................. 3-4
Engine trouble warning light ................... 3-2
FFront fork, checking...............................6-25
Fuel ......................................................... 3-7
Fuel cock ................................................. 3-8
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ........ 5-3
Fuel tank cap........................................... 3-6
Fuses, replacing .................................... 6-28HHandlebar switches ................................. 3-4
Headlight bulb, replacing....................... 6-28
Helmet holder .......................................... 3-9
High beam indicator light......................... 3-2
Horn switch ............................................. 3-4IIdentification numbers ............................. 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................. 3-11
Indicator and warning lights .................... 3-2KKey identification number ........................ 9-1LLight switch ............................................. 3-4MMain switch/steering lock ........................ 3-1
Model label .............................................. 9-2NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-2PPanels, removing and installing .............. 6-5
Parking ....................................................5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ............................................. 3-4
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.....................................6-2
Pre-operation check list........................... 4-2
RRear brake light switch, adjusting ......... 6-18SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Self-diagnosis device .............................. 3-3
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................... 3-5
Shock absorber assemblies,
adjusting ............................................. 3-10
Sidestand .............................................. 3-10
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ..... 6-24
Spark plugs, checking............................. 6-6
Specifications.......................................... 8-1
Speedometer unit ................................... 3-3
Starter (choke) lever ............................... 3-9
Starting a cold engine ............................. 5-1
Start switch ............................................. 3-4
Steering, checking ................................ 6-25
Storage ................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-31TTail/brake light bulb, replacing .............. 6-30
Throttle cable free play, adjusting ......... 6-12
Throttle grip and cable, checking
and lubricating .................................... 6-23
Tires ...................................................... 6-13
Tool kit .................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting .................................... 6-35
Troubleshooting chart ........................... 6-36
Turn signal indicator light ........................ 3-2
Turn signal light bulb, replacing ............ 6-30
Turn signal switch ................................... 3-4VValve clearance, adjusting .................... 6-13
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM