2004 YAMAHA XVS250 Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3 below and have a Yamaha dealer re-
pair it if it does not function proper-
ly.
EAU15311
Ignition circuit cut-off system The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.


It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.


It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the sid-
estand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.WARNING
EWA10250
If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system be-fore riding.
5KRE2.book Page 11 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is turned on.
3. Turn the key on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.
This check is most reliable if performed with
a warmed-up engine.The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NONOTE:
5KRE2.book Page 12 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
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 shorttime; 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 operatingthe vehicle.
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
EAU15601
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-7
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-8
Front brakeCheck 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.6-16, 6-19, 6-19
Rear brakeCheck operation.
Check pedal free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-17, 6-19
ClutchCheck operation.
Lubricate cable if necessary.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.6-15
Throttle gripMake 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, 6-23
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate if necessary.6-23
5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-21, 6-22
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-13, 6-15
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-24
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-24
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-24
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switchCheck operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-10 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
5KRE2.book Page 3 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
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 lossof control.
EAU16400
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 3-11.


Never ride with the sidestanddown.
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
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-cuit.
4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-9.)
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 oneattempt.CAUTION:
ECA11370
The engine trouble warning light
should come on when the key is
turned to “ON”, and then go off after
a few seconds. If the engine trouble
warning light comes on or flashes
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5 after starting, immediately stop the
engine, and have a Yamaha dealer
check the self-diagnosis system.
6. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine iscold!
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 itstravel, and then slightly raise it.1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
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 theshock of forced shifting.
EAU32810
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 (22 mi/h) whenshifting 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 (14 mi/h)
2nd → 3rd: 36 km/h (22 mi/h)
3rd → 4th: 50 km/h (31 mi/h)
4th → 5th: 60 km/h (37 mi/h)
5KRE2.book Page 3 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM