2012 YAMAHA XVS950 engine oil

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-9
6Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4
–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.
EAU47112
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level 1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set- tles.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap, wipe the engine oil dipstick clean,
insert it back into the oil filler hole
(without screwing it in), and then
remove it again to check the oil lev-
el.
1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:0.8 –0.9 mm (0.031 –0.035 in)
Tightening torque: Spark plug:13 Nm (1.3 m ·kgf, 9.4 ft· lbf)
U26PE3E0.book Page 9 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-10
6
TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the engine oil is at or below theminimum level mark, add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.
6. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler hole, and then tighten the oil filler
cap.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment) 1. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
2. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap, the engine oil drain bolt and its
gasket to drain the oil from the
crankcase.
TIPSkip steps 4 –6 if the oil filter cartridge is
not being replaced.4. Remove the oil filter cartridge with an oil filter wrench.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
1
3
2
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
1. Oil filter wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
1
2
1
2
U26PE3E0.book Page 10 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.5. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.6. Install the new oil filter cartridgewith an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench. 7. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
8. Refill with the specified amount of the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11620


In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “ CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ ENERGY CONSERVING II ” or
higher.


Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
1. O-ring
1. Torque wrench
2. Oil filter cartridgeTightening torque: Oil filter cartridge:17 Nm (1.7 m ·kgf, 12 ft· lbf)
Tightening torque: Engine oil drain bolt:43 Nm (4.3 m ·kgf, 31 ft· lbf)
1
2
Recommended engine oil: See page 8-1.
Oil quantity: Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment: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)
U26PE3E0.book Page 11 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
6
9. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.10. Turn the engine off, wait a few min- utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU47080
Replacing the air filter element The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
To replace the air filter element1. Remove the air filter case cover by removing the bolts.
2. Pull the air filter element out. 3. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case. NOTICE: Make
sure that the air filter element is
properly seated in the air filter
case. The engine should never
be operated without the air filter
element installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.
[ECA10481]
4. Install the air filter case cover by in- stalling the bolts.
1. Bolt
2. Air filter case cover1 2
1
1. Air filter element
1
U26PE3E0.book Page 12 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6
EAU23095
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711] EAU49920
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci- fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
EAU44272
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals Brake pedal
Shift pedal
The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant: Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
U26PE3E0.book Page 21 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-24
6
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 operation1. 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.
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 6-32 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.
U26PE3E0.book Page 24 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 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 cleaning1. 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
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-3
73. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
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.
EAU26282
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the motor-
cycle.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.
U26PE3E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM