2004 YAMAHA XVS250 ECU

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit of
180 kg (397 lb). When loading within
this weight limit, keep the following in
mind:

Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Make
sure to distribute the weight as
evenly as possible on both sides of
the motorcycle to minimize imbal-
ance or instability.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.


Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. These items, in-
cluding such cargo as sleeping
bags, duffel bags, or tents, can
create unstable handling or slow
steering response.Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re-
sponsible for the proper selection, in-
stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac-
cessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.

Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessoriesare added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.


Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
5KRE2.book Page 3 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-5
6
EAU18770
Removing and installing
panels
The panels shown above need to be re-
moved to perform some of the mainte-
nance jobs described in this chapter.
Refer to this section each time a panel
needs to be removed and installed.
EAU19521
Panel A
To remove the panel1. Slide the panel lock cover open, in-
sert the key into the lock, and then
turn it 1/4 turn clockwise.
2. Pull the rear of the panel out with
the key inserted in the lock, and
then slide the panel forward to re-
lease it in the front.To install the panel
1. Secure the front of the panel, and
then push the rear of the panel in
with the key inserted in the lock.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, remove it, and
then close the panel lock cover.
1. Panel A
1. Panel B
1. Panel lock cover
2. Unlock.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-6
6
EAU19161
Panel B
To remove the panel1. Remove the bolt.
2. Pull the rear of the panel out, and
then slide the panel forward to re-
lease it in the front.To install the panel
1. Secure the front of the panel, and
then push the rear of the panel in.
2. Install the bolt.
EAU19543
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which are easy to check.
Since heat and deposits will cause any
spark plug to slowly erode, the spark
plugs should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
To remove a spark plug
1. Remove the spark plug cap.
2. Remove the spark plug as shown,
with the spark plug wrench includ-
ed in the owner’s tool kit.
1. Bolt
1. Spark plug cap
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6 passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum load for the
vehicle.


Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.


Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.


Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.


Check the tire condition and airpressure before each ride.Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail or
glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always complywith the local regulations.Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube
tires.
WARNING
EWA10460


The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the vehicle
cannot be guaranteed.


After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model byYamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
Front tire:
Size:
80/100-18M/C 47P
Manufacturer/model:
CHENG SHIN/C-916
IRC/MARBELLA NF27
Rear tire:
Size:
130/90-15M/C 66P
Manufacturer/model:
CHENG SHIN/C-915
IRC/MARBELLA NR31
5KRE2.book Page 14 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.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-29
6
3. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the defective
bulb.
WARNING
EWA10790
Headlight bulbs get very hot. There-
fore, keep flammable products away
from a lit headlight bulb, and do not
touch the bulb until it has cooleddown.
4. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with the
bulb holder.CAUTION:
ECA10660
Do not touch the glass part of the
headlight bulb to keep it free from
oil, otherwise the transparency of
the glass, the luminosity of the bulb,
and the bulb life will be adversely af-fected. Thoroughly clean off any dirt
and fingerprints on the headlight
bulb using a cloth moistened with al-
cohol or thinner.
5. Install the headlight bulb cover,
and then connect the coupler.
6. Install the headlight unit by install-
ing the screws.
7. Have a Yamaha dealer adjust the
headlight beam if necessary.
1. Headlight coupler
1. Headlight bulb cover
1. Headlight bulb holder
1. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb.
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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
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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