2009 YAMAHA XVS950 ABS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
...................1-1
DESCRIPTION
...................................2-1
Left view ...........................................2-1
Right view .........................................2-2
Controls and instruments..................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
........................................3-1
Immobilizer system ..........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock .................3-2
Indicator and warning lights .............3-3
Multi-function meter unit ..................3-4
Handlebar switches .........................3-7
Clutch lever ......................................3-9
Shift pedal ........................................3-9
Brake lever ....................................3-10
Brake pedal ...................................3-10
Fuel tank cap .................................3-10
Fuel ................................................3-11
Catalytic converter .........................3-12
Rider seat ......................................3-13
Helmet holder ................................3-14
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ....................................3-14
Sidestand .......................................3-16
Ignition circuit cut-off system .........3-16
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
...............4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS
.................................. 5-1
Starting the engine .......................... 5-1
Shifting ............................................ 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ................................ 5-3
Engine break-in ............................... 5-3
Parking ............................................ 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT
.................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ................................ 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the
emission control system .............. 6-2
General maintenance and
lubrication chart ........................... 6-3
Removing and installing the
panel ............................................ 6-6
Checking the spark plugs ................ 6-6
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ...... 6-7
Replacing the air filter element ...... 6-11
Checking the engine idling
speed ......................................... 6-11
Checking the throttle cable free
play ............................................ 6-12
Valve clearance ............................. 6-12
Tires .............................................. 6-12
Cast wheels ................................... 6-14
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play ............................................ 6-14Adjusting the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-15
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ......................................... 6-16
Checking the front and rear brake
pads ........................................... 6-16
Checking the brake fluid level ....... 6-17
Changing the brake fluid ............... 6-18
Drive belt slack .............................. 6-18
Checking and lubricating the
cables ........................................ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ................ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals ............... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers .............. 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-22
Lubricating the rear suspension .... 6-22
Checking the front fork .................. 6-23
Checking the steering ................... 6-23
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-24
Battery ........................................... 6-24
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-26
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-27
Replacing the tail/brake light
bulb ............................................ 6-28
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ............................................ 6-29

2-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

DESCRIPTION
EAU10410
Left view
1
2
3
5 7 8
4
6

1. Headlight (page 6-27)
2. Fuses (page 6-26)
3. Owner’s tool kit (page 6-1)
4. Battery (page 6-24)
5. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring (page 3-14)
6. Sidestand (page 3-16)
7. Shift pedal (page 3-9)
8. Engine oil filler cap (page 6-7)

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

EAU14321
Helmet holder
The helmet holder is located under the
rider seat.
To secure a helmet to the helmet
holder
1. Remove the rider seat. (See
page 3-13.)
2. Attach the helmet to the helmet
holder, and then securely install
the seat.
WARNING! Never ride
with a helmet attached to the
helmet holder, since the helmet
may hit objects, causing loss of
control and possibly an acci-
dent.

[EWA10161]

To release the helmet from the hel-
met holder
Remove the rider seat, remove the hel-
met from the helmet holder, and then
install the seat.
EAU47160
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly
This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring, allowing the spring preload to
be adjusted to suit the rider’s prefer-
ence.
It is recommended to have a Yamaha
dealer adjust the spring preload.

Should you choose to make the
adjustment, use the special
wrench included in the additional
tool kit, which was handed out sep-
arately at the purchase of the vehi-
cle.
1. Helmet holder
1

1. Spring preload adjusting ring
1

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-15
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
NOTICE

ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 6-6.)
2. To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension,
turn the adjusting ring in direction
(a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the sus-
pension, turn the adjusting ring in
direction (b).
TIP

Align the appropriate notch in the ad-
justing ring with the position indicator
on the shock absorber.
3. Install the panel.
WARNING

EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.

Do not tamper with or attempt toopen the cylinder assembly.

Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.

Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.

Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
1. Special wrench
2. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
4
Maximum (hard):
9
1
2
(a)
(b)
123456789

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

11

*
Steering bearings

Check bearing play and steering
for roughness.
√√√√√

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.
Every 20000 km (12000 mi)

12

*
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.
√√√√√
13

Brake lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
14

Brake pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√√√√
15

Clutch lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√√√√
16

Shift pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√√√√
17

Sidestand

Check operation.

Lubricate.
√√√√√
18

*
Sidestand switch

Check operation.
√√√√√√
19

*
Front fork

Check operation and for oil l
eakage.
√√√√
20

*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
21

*
Rear suspension
relay arm and
connecting arm
pivoting points

Check operation.
√√√√

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√
22

Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
2
3
4
5
6
78
9 off any detergent residue using
plenty of water, as it is harmful
to plastic parts.


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 abrasive
cleaning 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 leavescratches 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 after
washing.
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.
TIP

Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold wa-
ter and a mild detergent, after the
engine has cooled down.
NOTICE:
Do not use warm water
since it increases the corrosive
action of the salt.
[ECA10791]

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. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stain-
less-steel parts, including the ex-
haust system. (Even the thermally
induced discoloring of stain-
less-steel exhaust systems can be
removed through polishing.)
3. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
2
3
4
5
6
7
89

2nd:
33/16 (2.063)
3rd:
30/19 (1.579)
4th:
34/27 (1.259)
5th:
25/24 (1.042)
Chassis:
Frame type:
Double cradle
Caster angle:
32.10 °
Trail:
145.0 mm (5.71 in)
Front tire:
Type:
Tubeless
Size:
130/70-18M/C 63H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G721 J
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D404F
Rear tire:
Type:
Tubeless
Size:
170/70B16M/C 75H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G722 J
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/K555
Loading:
Maximum load:
210 kg (463 lb)
* (Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo
and accessories)

Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
Loading condition:
0–90 kg (0–198 lb)
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2

, 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Loading condition:
90–210 kg (198–463 lb)
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm
2

, 33 psi)
Rear:
250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm
2

, 36 psi)
Front wheel:
Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
18M/C x MT3.50
Rear wheel:
Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
16M/C x MT4.50
Front brake:
Type:
Single disc brakeOperation:
Right hand operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Rear brake:
Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Front suspension:
Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
135.0 mm (5.31 in)
Rear suspension:
Type:
Swingarm
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
110.0 mm (4.33 in)
Electrical system:
Ignition system:
TCI (digital)
Charging system:
AC magneto
Battery:
Model:
YTZ14S

INDEX
A
Air filter element, replacing ...................... 6-11
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................... 6-31
B
Battery ..................................................... 6-24
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-21
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-21
Brake fluid, changing ............................... 6-18
Brake fluid level, checking ....................... 6-17
Brake lever .............................................. 3-10
Brake lever free play, adjusting ............... 6-15
Brake pedal ............................................. 3-10
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ............. 6-20
Care ........................................................... 7-1
Catalytic converter ................................... 3-12
Clutch lever................................................ 3-9
Clutch lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-14
D
Dimmer switch ........................................... 3-8
Drive belt slack ........................................ 6-18
E
Engine break-in ......................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking ................. 6-11
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................ 6-7
Engine stop switch..................................... 3-8
Engine trouble warning light ...................... 3-4
F
Front and rear brake pads, checking ....... 6-16
Front fork, checking ................................. 6-23
Fuel.......................................................... 3-11
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........... 5-3Fuel level warning light .............................. 3-4
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-10
Fuses, replacing ...................................... 6-26
H
Handlebar switches ................................... 3-7
Hazard switch ............................................ 3-8
Headlight bulb, replacing ......................... 6-27
Helmet holder .......................................... 3-14
High beam indicator light ........................... 3-3
Horn switch................................................ 3-8
I
Identification numbers ............................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................... 3-16
Immobilizer system.................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ............. 3-4
Indicator and warning lights....................... 3-3
K
Key identification number .......................... 9-1
L
License plate light bulb, replacing ........... 6-30
M
Main switch/steering lock .......................... 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic ....... 6-3
Maintenance, emission control system ..... 6-2
Matte color, caution ................................... 7-1
Model label ................................................ 9-2
Multi-function meter unit ............................ 3-4
N
Neutral indicator light................................. 3-3
O
Oil level warning light ................................ 3-3
P
Panel, removing and installing .................. 6-6Parking ...................................................... 5-4
Part locations ............................................ 2-1
Pass switch ............................................... 3-8
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting ........... 6-16
Rear suspension, lubricating................... 6-22
RESET switch ........................................... 3-9
Rider seat................................................ 3-13
S
Safety information ..................................... 1-1
SELECT switch ......................................... 3-8
Shifting ...................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ................................................. 3-9
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ...... 3-14
Sidestand ................................................ 3-16
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ....... 6-22
Spark plugs, checking ............................... 6-6
Specifications ............................................ 8-1
Starting the engine .................................... 5-1
Start switch ............................................... 3-8
Steering, checking .................................. 6-23
Storage ..................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle ...................... 6-31
T
Tail/brake light bulb, replacing ................ 6-28
Throttle cable free play, checking ........... 6-12
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-20
Tires ........................................................ 6-12
Tool kit ...................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting ...................................... 6-32
Troubleshooting chart ............................. 6-33
Turn signal indicator light .......................... 3-3
Turn signal light bulb, replacing .............. 6-29