2009 YAMAHA XVS950 spark plugs

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

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

EAU18751
Removing and installing the
panel
The panel shown needs to be removed
to perform some of the maintenance
jobs described in this chapter. Refer to
this section each time the panel needs
to be removed and installed.
EAU19151
Panel A
To remove the panel
Remove the bolt, and then pull the pan-
el off as shown.To install the panel
Place the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.

EAU19642
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they 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.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.
1. Panel A
1

1. Bolt
1

Specified spark plug:
NGK/CPR7EA-9

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-33
2
3
4
5
67
8
9

EAU42601
Troubleshooting chart
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and charge the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam-
age or injury from sparking,
make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while
turning the engine
over.

[EWA10951]

e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and thepivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the sidestand/
centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30°F) or more than 30
°C (90°F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-24.
TIP

Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.

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