2009 YAMAHA XVS950 maintenance

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

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9your eyes, see your doctor immedi-
ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change

your clothes.
EAU33500
NOTICE

ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.
Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use regular unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
91 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brandor premium unleaded fuel. Use of un-
leaded fuel will extend spark plug life
and reduce maintenance costs.
EAU13433
Catalytic converter
This model is equipped with a catalytic
converter in the exhaust system.
WARNING

EWA10862
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazard or
burns:

Do not park the vehicle near
possible fire hazards such as
grass or other materials that
easily burn.

Park the vehicle in a place
where pedestrians or children
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.

Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has cooled down before do-
ing any maintenance work.

Do not allow the engine to idle
more than a few minutes. Long
idling can cause a build-up of
heat.
NOTICE

ECA10701
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause unre-
Recommended fuel:
REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE
ONLY
Fuel tank capacity:
17.0 L (4.49 US gal, 3.74 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning symbol comes on):
3.0 L (0.79 US gal, 0.66 Imp.gal)

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

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.
Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel

Check fuel level in fuel tank.

Refuel if necessary.

Check fuel line for leakage.3-11
Engine oil

Check oil level in engine.

If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.

Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-7
Front brake

Check operation.

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

Check lever free play.

Adjust if necessary.

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.6-15, 6-16, 6-17

6-1
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
EAU17241
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, depending on the
weather, terrain, geographical location,
and individual use, the maintenance in-
tervals may need to be shortened.
WARNING

EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING

EWA15121
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.

A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.

Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-1 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.
EAU17361
Owner’s tool kit
The owner’s tool kit is located under the
rider seat. (See page 3-13.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.
TIP

If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
1. Owner’s tool kit
1

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

EAU46860
TIP


The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.

From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).

Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
EAU46910
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system
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)
1*
Fuel line

Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.
√√√√√
2*
Spark plugs

Check condition.

Clean and regap.
√√

Replace.
√√
3*
Valves

Check valve clearance.

Adjust.
√√
4*
Fuel injection
system

Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√
5*
Muffler and
exhaust pipe

Check the screw clamp(s) for
looseness.
√√√√√

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

EAU1770B
General maintenance and lubrication chart
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)
1
Air filter element

Replace.
√
2
Clutch

Check operation.

Adjust.
√√√√√
3*
Front brake

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.

Adjust brake lever free play.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4*
Rear brake

Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
√√√√√√

Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5*
Brake hoses

Check for cracks or damage.
√√√√√

Replace. Every 4 years
6*
Wheels

Check runout and for damage.
√√√√
7*
Tires

Check tread depth and for damage.


Replace if necessary.

Check air pressure.

Correct if necessary.
√√√√√
8*
Wheel bearings

Check bearing for looseness or
damage.
√√√√
9*
Swingarm

Check operation and for
excessive play.
√√√√
10

*
Drive belt

Check belt tension.

Make sure that the rear wheel is
properly aligned.Every 4000 km (2500 mi)

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)

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)