2004 YAMAHA XVS250 tow

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3
CAUTION:
ECA10050
See page 5-1 for starting instruc-tions prior to starting the engine.
EAU12820
Clutch lever The clutch lever is located at the left
handlebar grip. To disengage the
clutch, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip. To engage the clutch, release
the lever. The lever should be pulled
rapidly and released slowly for smooth
clutch operation.
The clutch lever is equipped with a
clutch switch, which is part of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system. (See page
3-11.)
EAU12870
Shift pedal The shift pedal is located on the left
side of the engine and is used in com-
bination with the clutch lever when
shifting the gears of the 5-speed con-
stant-mesh transmission equipped on
this motorcycle.
1. Clutch lever
1. Shift pedal
5KRE2.book Page 5 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
3
EAU12890
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
EAU12941
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
EAU13000
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap
Insert the key into the lock and turn it
1/4 turn clockwise. The lock will be re-
leased and the fuel tank cap can be re-
moved.
To install the fuel tank cap
1. Push the fuel tank cap into position
with the key inserted in the lock.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, and then re-
move it.
1. Brake lever
1. Brake pedal
1. Unlock.
5KRE2.book Page 6 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