2011 YAMAHA XVS950 wheel

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6
WARNING
EWA10471


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability and
can lead to loss of control.


The replacement of all wheel
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience to do so.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
EAU21961
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the wheel. Do not attempt
even the smallest repair to the
wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.


The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.
EAU50270
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 5.0–10.0 mm (0.20–0.39 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Slide the rubber cover back at the
clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To1. Rubber cover
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Clutch lever free play
21
3
4
(a)
(b)
U26PE2E0.book Page 15 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-24
6
EAU23283
Checking the steering Worn or loose steering bearings may
cause danger. Therefore, the operation
of the steering must be checked as fol-
lows at the intervals specified in the pe-
riodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
1. Place a stand under the engine to
raise the front wheel off the
ground. (See page 6-31 for more
information.) WARNING! To
avoid injury, securely support
the vehicle so there is no danger
of it falling over.
[EWA10751]
2. Hold the lower ends of the front
fork legs and try to move them for-
ward and backward. If any free
play can be felt, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair the steering.
EAU23291
Checking the wheel bearings The front and rear wheel bearings must
be checked at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart. If there is play in the wheel
hub or if the wheel does not turn
smoothly, have a Yamaha dealer check
the wheel bearings.
EAU50210
Battery The battery is located under the rider
seat. (See page 3-14.)
This model is equipped with a VRLA
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery.
There is no need to check the electro-
lyte or to add distilled water. However,
the battery lead connections need to be
checked and, if necessary, tightened.
WARNING
EWA10760


Electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous since it contains sul-
furic acid, which causes severe
burns. Avoid any contact with
1. Positive battery lead (red)
2. Battery
3. Negative battery lead (black)
21
3
U26PE2E0.book Page 24 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-31
6
EAU45222
Replacing an auxiliary light
bulb If the auxiliary light bulb burns out, re-
place it as follows.
1. Remove the headlight unit. (See
page 6-27.)
2. Remove the auxiliary light socket
(together with the bulb) by pulling it
out.
3. Remove the burnt-out bulb by pull-
ing it out.4. Insert a new bulb into the socket.
5. Install the auxiliary light socket (to-
gether with the bulb) by pushing it
in.
6. Install the headlight unit.
EAU24350
Supporting the motorcycle Since this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other maintenance
requiring the motorcycle to stand up-
right. Check that the motorcycle is in a
stable and level position before starting
any maintenance. A strong wooden
box can be placed under the engine for
added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcycle
by using a motorcycle stand or, if
an additional motorcycle stand is
not available, by placing a jack un-
der the frame in front of the rear
wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the
ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing
1. Auxiliary light bulb socket
1
1. Auxiliary light bulb
1
U26PE2E0.book Page 31 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6 a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
EAU25851
Troubleshooting Although Yamaha motorcycles receive
a thorough inspection before shipment
from the factory, trouble may occur dur-
ing operation. Any problem in the fuel,
compression, or ignition systems, for
example, can cause poor starting and
loss of power.
The following troubleshooting chart
represents a quick and easy procedure
for checking these vital systems your-
self. However, should your motorcycle
require any repair, take it to a Yamaha
dealer, whose skilled technicians have
the necessary tools, experience, and
know-how to service the motorcycle
properly.
Use only genuine Yamaha replace-
ment parts. Imitation parts may look like
Yamaha parts, but they are often inferi-
or, have a shorter service life and can
lead to expensive repair bills.
WARNING
EWA15141
When checking the fuel system, do
not smoke, and make sure there are
no open flames or sparks in the ar-
ea, including pilot lights from waterheaters or furnaces. Gasoline or
gasoline vapors can ignite or ex-
plode, causing severe injury or
property damage.
U26PE2E0.book Page 32 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
7
EAU37833
Matte color caution NOTICE
ECA15192
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
advice on what products to use be-
fore cleaning the vehicle. Using a
brush, harsh chemical products or
cleaning compounds when cleaning
these parts will scratch or damage
their surface. Wax also should not
be applied to any matte colored fin-
ished parts.
EAU26074
Care While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your mo-
torcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, the drive
belt and wheel axles. Always rinse
the dirt and degreaser off with wa-
ter.
Cleaning
NOTICE
ECA10772


Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.


Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts (such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
oughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water
may be used. Be sure to rinse
U26PE2E0.book Page 1 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7off 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 leave
scratches 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 useRemove 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.
TIPSalt 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 stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally in-
duced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be re-
moved through polishing.)
U26PE2E0.book Page 2 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
72. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
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 the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/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.
TIPMake any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
U26PE2E0.book Page 4 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-1
8
Dimensions:Overall length:
2435 mm (95.9 in)
Overall width:
1000 mm (39.4 in)
Overall height:
1080 mm (42.5 in)
Seat height:
675 mm (26.6 in)
Wheelbase:
1685 mm (66.3 in)
Ground clearance:
145 mm (5.71 in)
Minimum turning radius:
3500 mm (137.8 in)Weight:With oil and fuel:
278 kg (613 lb)Engine:Engine type:
Air cooled 4-stroke, SOHC
Cylinder arrangement:
V-type 2-cylinder
Displacement:
942 cm³
Bore × stroke:
85.0 × 83.0 mm (3.35 × 3.27 in)
Compression ratio:
9.00 :1
Starting system:
Electric starter
Lubrication system:
Wet sump
Engine oil:Recommended brand:
YAMALUBE
Type:
SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40,
20W-40 or 20W-50
Recommended engine oil grade:
API service SG type or higher, JASO
standard MA
Engine oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replacement:
3.70 L (3.91 US qt, 3.26 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.00 L (4.23 US qt, 3.52 Imp.qt)Air filter:Air filter element:
Oil-coated paper elementFuel:Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity:
17.0 L (4.49 US gal, 3.74 Imp.gal)Fuel reserve amount:
3.4 L (0.90 US gal, 0.75 Imp.gal)
Fuel injection:Throttle body:
ID mark:
5S71 00Spark plug(s):Manufacturer/model:
NGK/CPR7EA-9
Spark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)Clutch:Clutch type:
Wet, multiple-discTransmission:Primary reduction system:
Spur gear
Primary reduction ratio:
72/43 (1.674)
Secondary reduction system:
Belt drive
Secondary reduction ratio:
70/30 (2.333)
Transmission type:
Constant mesh 5-speed
Operation:
Left foot operation
Gear ratio:
1st:
46/15 (3.067)
2nd:
33/16 (2.063)
3rd:
30/19 (1.579)
–20 –10 0
1020 30 40 50 C 10 30 50 70 90 110 0 130 F
SAE 10W-30
SAE 15W-40SAE 20W-40SAE 20W-50
SAE 10W-40SAE 10W-50
U26PE2E0.book Page 1 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM