2009 YAMAHA XVS950 brake light

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

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
2
3
45
6
7
8
9

Rear brake

Check operation.

If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.

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, 6-17
Clutch

Check operation.

Lubricate cable if necessary.

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.6-14
Throttle grip

Make 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, 6-20
Control cables

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate if necessary.6-20
Wheels and tires

Check for damage.

Check tire condition and tread depth.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.6-12, 6-14
Brake and shift pedals

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-21
Brake and clutch levers

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-21
Sidestand

Make sure that operation is smooth.

Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-22
Chassis fasteners

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

Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches

Check operation.

Correct if necessary.—
ITEM CHECKS PAGE

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU18680
TIP


Air filter

This model’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.

The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.

Hydraulic brake service

Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.

Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.

Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
23

Engine oil filter
cartridge

Replace.
√√√
24

*
Front and rear brake
switches

Check operation.
√√√√√√
25

Moving parts and
cables

Lubricate.
√√√√√
26

*
Throttle grip hous-
ing and cable

Check operation and free play.

Adjust the throttle cable free play
if necessary.

Lubricate the throttle grip housing
and cable.
√√√√√
27

*
Lights, signals and
switches

Check operation.

Adjust headlight beam.
√√√√√√
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)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-16
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
tion (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.
WARNING

EWA10630

After adjusting the brake lever
free play, check the free play
and make sure that the brake is
working properly.

A soft or spongy feeling in the
brake lever can indicate the
presence of air in the hydraulic
system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha
dealer bleed the system before
operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will dimin-
ish the braking performance,
which may result in loss of con-
trol and an accident.
EAU22272
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch
The rear brake light, which is activated
by the brake pedal, should come on just
before braking takes effect. If neces-
sary, adjust the rear brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing nut while holding the rear brake light
switch in place. To make the brake light
come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut
in direction (a). To make the brake light
come on later, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
EAU22390
Checking the front and rear
brake pads
The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU22430
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with
wear indicator grooves, which allow
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator grooves. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1
2
(a)
(b)

1. Wear indicator groove
11

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
3. Unhook the headlight bulb holder,
and then remove the burnt-out
bulb.
4. Place a new headlight bulb into po-
sition, and then secure it with thebulb holder.
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.

EAU24133
Replacing the tail/brake light
bulb
1. Remove the tail/brake light lens by
removing the screws.
2. Remove the burnt-out bulb by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.
1. Headlight coupler
2. Bulb cover
1. Headlight bulb holder
1
2
1

1. Screw
1

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-29
2
3
4
5
67
8
9
3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the
screws.
NOTICE:
Do not over-
tighten the screws, otherwise
the lens may break.

[ECA10681]

EAU24212
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb
1. Remove the turn signal lens by re-
moving the screws.
2. Remove the burnt-out bulb by
pushing it in and turning it counter-
clockwise.3. Insert a new bulb into the socket,
push it in, and then turn it clock-
wise until it stops.
4. Install the lens by installing the
screws.
NOTICE:
Do not over-
tighten the screws, otherwise
the lens may break.
[ECA10681]

1. Tail/brake light bulb
1

1. Screw
1. Turn signal light lens
2. Turn signal light bulb
2
1

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-

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
4. Use spray oil as a universal clean-
er to remove any remaining dirt.
5. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
6. Wax all painted and chrome-plat-
ed surfaces. Avoid combination
cleaner waxes, many of which
contain abrasives that may mar
the paint or protective finish.
7. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
WARNING

EWA11131
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.

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 riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle’s
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
NOTICE

ECA10950

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

Never apply oil or wax to the
drive belt.

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 wear
away the paint.
TIP


Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.

Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
EAU26281
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
NOTICE

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. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the