2011 YAMAHA XVS950 ECU

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1


Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.


Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.
Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. Theseitems, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.


This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Maximum load:
210 kg (463 lb)
U26PE2E0.book Page 3 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1


Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.


Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.


Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).


Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.


The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
U26PE2E0.book Page 5 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10977
Immobilizer system This vehicle is equipped with an immo-
bilizer system to help prevent theft by
re-registering codes in the standard
keys. This system consists of the fol-
lowing:

a code re-registering key (with a
red bow)


two standard keys (with a black
bow) that can be re-registered with
new codes


a transponder (which is installed in
the code re-registering key)


an immobilizer unit


an ECU


an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-5.)
The key with the red bow is used to reg-
ister codes in each standard key. Since
re-registering is a difficult process, take
the vehicle along with all three keys to
a Yamaha dealer to have them re-reg-
istered. Do not use the key with the red
bow for driving. It should only be used
for re-registering the standard keys. Al-
ways use a standard key for driving.
NOTICE
ECA11821


DO NOT LOSE THE CODE RE-
REGISTERING KEY! CONTACT
YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY
IF IT IS LOST! If the code re-reg-
istering key is lost, registering
new codes in the standard keys
is impossible. The standard
keys can still be used to start
the vehicle, however if code re-
registering is required (i.e., if a
new standard key is made or all
keys are lost) the entire immobi-
lizer system must be replaced.
Therefore, it is highly recom-mended to use either standard
key and keep the code re-regis-
tering key in a safe place.


Do not submerse any key in wa-
ter.


Do not expose any key to exces-
sively high temperatures.


Do not place any key close to
magnets (this includes, but not
limited to, products such as
speakers, etc.).


Do not place items that transmit
electrical signals close to any
key.


Do not place heavy items on any
key.


Do not grind any key or alter its
shape.


Do not disassemble the plastic
part of any key.


Do not put two keys of any im-
mobilizer system on the same
key ring.


Keep the standard keys as well
as keys of other immobilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s code re-registering key.
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)U26PE2E0.book Page 1 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
3 2. Turn the key counterclockwise to
the original position, remove it, and
then close the lock cover.
TIPThe fuel tank cap cannot be installed
unless the key is in the lock. In addition,
the key cannot be removed if the cap is
not properly installed and locked.
WARNING
EWA10131
Make sure that the fuel tank cap is
properly installed before riding.
Leaking fuel is a fire hazard.
EAU13221
Fuel Make sure there is sufficient gasoline in
the tank.
WARNING
EWA10881
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are
extremely flammable. To avoid fires
and explosions and to reduce the
risk of injury when refueling, follow
these instructions.1. Before refueling, turn off the en-
gine and be sure that no one is sit-
ting on the vehicle. Never refuel
while smoking, or while in the vi-
cinity of sparks, open flames, or
other sources of ignition such as
the pilot lights of water heaters and
clothes dryers.
2. Do not overfill the fuel tank. When
refueling, be sure to insert the
pump nozzle into the fuel tank filler
hole. Stop filling when the fuel
reaches the bottom of the filler
tube. Because fuel expands when
it heats up, heat from the engine or
the sun can cause fuel to spill out
of the fuel tank.3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-
ately. NOTICE: Immediately wipe
off spilled fuel with a clean, dry,
soft cloth, since fuel may deteri-
orate painted surfaces or plastic
parts.
[ECA10071]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel
tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15151
Gasoline is poisonous and can
cause injury or death. Handle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gaso-
line by mouth. If you should swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of gas-
oline vapor, or get some gasoline in
your eyes, see your doctor immedi-1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Maximum fuel level
1 2
U26PE2E0.book Page 12 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-15
3
2. Push the front of the seat down to
lock it in place.
3. Remove the key.
TIPMake sure that the seat is properly se-
cured before riding.
EAU14322
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
3-14.)
2. Hook the helmet onto 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.
1. Projection
2. Seat holder
1
2
1. Helmet holder
1
U26PE2E0.book Page 15 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-23
6
EAU23251
Lubricating the rear suspen-
sion The pivoting points of the rear suspen-
sion must be lubricated by a Yamaha
dealer at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
EAU23272
Checking the front fork The condition and operation of the front
fork must be checked as follows at the
intervals specified in the periodic main-
tenance and lubrication chart.
To check the condition
Check the inner tubes for scratches,
damage and excessive oil leakage.
To check the operation
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. WARNING! To avoid injury,
securely support the vehicle so
there is no danger of it falling
over.
[EWA10751]
2. While applying the front brake,
push down hard on the handlebars
several times to check if the front
fork compresses and rebounds
smoothly.
NOTICE
ECA10590
If any damage is found or the front
fork does not operate smoothly,
have a Yamaha dealer check or re-
pair it.
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
U26PE2E0.book Page 23 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
6-28
6 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 the
bulb holder.5. Install the headlight bulb cover,
and then connect the coupler.
TIPWhen installing the headlight bulb cov-
er, make sure the “TOP” mark faces up-
wards.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. Headlight bulb cover
1. Headlight bulb holder
1
2
1
1.“TOP” mark
TOP
1
1. Screw
1
U26PE2E0.book Page 28 Thursday, May 13, 2010 5:38 PM