2004 YAMAHA XVS250 Owners Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-32
6
EAU24360
Front wheel
EAU24660
To remove the front wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Disconnect the speedometer ca-
ble from the front wheel.
2. Loosen the front wheel axle pinch
bolt.
3. Remove the rubber cap, and then
loosen the wheel axle.4. Lift the front wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-31.
5. Pull the wheel axle out, and then
remove the wheel.
CAUTION:
ECA11070
Do not apply the brake after the
wheel has been removed together
with the brake disc, otherwise thebrake pads will be forced shut.
EAU24921
To install the front wheel
1. Install the speedometer gear unit
into the wheel hub so that the pro-
jections mesh with the slots.
2. Lift the wheel up between the fork
legs.NOTE:
Make sure that there is enough space
between the brake pads before insert-
ing the brake disc and that the slot in
the speedometer gear unit fits over theretainer on the fork leg.
1. Speedometer cable
1. Front wheel axle pinch bolt
2. Rubber cap
3. Wheel axle
1. Speedometer gear unit
5KRE2.book Page 32 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-33
63. Insert the wheel axle.
4. Lower the front wheel so that it is
on the ground.
5. Tighten the wheel axle and front
wheel axle pinch bolt to the speci-
fied torques, and then install the
rubber cap.
6. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.7. Connect the speedometer cable.
EAU25080
Rear wheel
EAU25430
To remove the rear wheel
WARNING
EWA10820


It is advisable to have a Yamaha
dealer service the wheel.


Securely support the motor-
cycle so that there is no dangerof it falling over.
1. Loosen the axle nut and the brake
torque rod nut at the brake shoe
plate.
1. Speedometer gear unit retainerTightening torques:
Wheel axle:
59 Nm (5.9 m·kgf, 43 ft·lbf)
Front wheel axle pinch bolt:
20 Nm (2.0 m·kgf, 14 ft·lbf)
1. Axle nut
2. Brake torque rod
3. Brake torque rod nut and bolt
4. Brake rod
5. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
5KRE2.book Page 33 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-34
6 2. Lift the rear wheel off the ground
according to the procedure on
page 6-31.
3. Disconnect the brake torque rod
from the brake shoe plate by re-
moving the nut and the bolt.
4. Remove the brake pedal free play
adjusting nut, and then disconnect
the brake rod at the brake cam-
shaft lever.
5. Loosen the locknut and the drive
chain adjusting nut on both ends of
the swingarm.
6. Remove the axle nut, and then pull
the wheel axle out.7. Push the wheel forward, and then
remove the drive chain from the
rear sprocket.
NOTE:The drive chain does not need to be
disassembled in order to remove andinstall the wheel.
8. Remove the wheel.
EAU25780
To install the rear wheel
1. Insert the wheel axle from the left-
hand side, and then install the axle
nut.
2. Install the drive chain onto the rear
sprocket, and then adjust the drive
chain slack. (See page 6-21.)
3. Lower the rear wheel so that it is
on the ground.
4. Install the brake rod onto the brake
camshaft lever, and then install the
brake pedal free play adjusting nut
onto the brake rod.
5. Connect the brake torque rod to
the brake shoe plate by installing
the bolt and the nut, and then tight-
en the nut to the specified torque.6. Tighten the axle nut to the speci-
fied torque.
7. Adjust the brake pedal position
and free play. (See page 6-17.)
WARNING
EWA10660
After adjusting the brake pedal free
play, check the operation of thebrake light.
1. Wheel axle
2. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
3. Locknut
Tightening torque:
Brake torque rod nut:
23 Nm (2.3 m·kgf, 17 ft·lbf)
Tightening torque:
Axle nut:
104 Nm (10.4 m·kgf, 75 ft·lbf)
5KRE2.book Page 34 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-35
6
EAU25850
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting chart
represents a quick and easy procedure
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.5KRE2.book Page 35 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-36
6
EAU25891
Troubleshooting chart
WARNING
EWA10840
Keep away open flames and do not smoke while checking or working on the fuel system.
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Open the throttle halfway and operate
the electric starter.
5KRE2.book Page 36 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
7
EAU26040
Care While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlets with plas-
tic bags after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:
ECA10770


Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.


Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use only
a soft, clean cloth or sponge
with mild detergent and water to
clean plastic.


Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasivecleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.


Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.


For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound afterwashing.
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7 After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush
for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt
and insects will come off more easily if
the area is covered with a wet cloth for
a few minutes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea oron salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed
roads.NOTE:Salt sprayed on roads in the winter mayremain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
CAUTION:
ECA10790
Do not use warm water since it in-
creases the corrosive action of thesalt.
2. After drying the motorcycle, apply
a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nick-
el-plated, surfaces to prevent cor-
rosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois
or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA10930


Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires. If
necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or ac-
etone, and wash the tires with
warm water and a mild deter-
gent.


Before operating the motor-
cycle test its braking perfor-mance and cornering behavior.
5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
7
CAUTION:
ECA10800


Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe off
any excess.


Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.


Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wearaway the paint.
NOTE:Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice onwhat products to use.
EAU26211
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.CAUTION:
ECA10810


Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.


To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.3. Drain the carburetor float cham-
bers by loosening the drain bolts;
this will prevent fuel deposits from
building up. Pour the drained fuel
into the fuel tank.
4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
5. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
5KRE2.book Page 3 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM