2012 YAMAHA XVS950 ABS

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY 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 lights and warning lights ............................................3-4
Multi-function meter unit .................3-5
Handlebar switches ........................3-8
Clutch lever ...................................3-10
Shift pedal .....................................3-10
Brake lever ...................................3-11
Brake pedal ..................................3-11
Fuel tank cap ................................3-11
Fuel ...............................................3-12
Fuel tank breather/overflow hose ..........................................3-13
Catalytic converter ........................3-14
Rider seat .....................................3-14
Helmet holder ...............................3-15
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ...................................3-16
Sidestand ......................................3-17
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........3-18 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 ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system ............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing the
panel ........................................... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............... 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ..... 6-9
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-12
Checking the throttle grip free play ........................................... 6-13
Valve clearance ............................ 6-13
Tires ............................................. 6-13
Cast wheels .................................. 6-15
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ........................................... 6-15 Adjusting the brake lever free
play ........................................... 6-16
Brake light switches ..................... 6-17
Checking the front and rear brake pads .......................................... 6-17
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-18
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-19
Drive belt slack ............................ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the cables ....................................... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals .............. 6-21
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............ 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-23
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ........................................ 6-23
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-23
Checking the front fork ................. 6-24
Checking the steering .................. 6-24
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-25
Battery ......................................... 6-25
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-26
Replacing the headlight bulb ....... 6-28
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ........................................... 6-29
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ........................................... 6-30U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-1
2
EAU10410
Left view
1
2,3,4
5
7
910
6
8
1. Headlight (page 6-28)
2. Main fuse (page 6-26)
3. Fuse box (page 6-26)
4. Fuel injection system fuse (page 6-26)
5. Owner ’s tool kit (page 6-2)
6. Helmet holder (page 3-15)
7. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring (page 3-16)
8. Engine oil drain bolt (page 6-9) 9. Shift pedal (page 3-10)
10.Engine oil filler cap (page 6-9)
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-16
3
EAU48381
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring, allowing the spring preload to
be adjusted to suit the rider’s prefer-
ence.
When making this adjustment, use the
special wrench and extension bar in-
cluded in the additional tool kit, which
was handed out separately at the pur-
chase of the vehicle.
NOTICE
ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.Adjust the spring preload as follows. 1. Remove panel A. (See page 6-8.)
2. To increase the spring preload and thereby harden the suspension,
turn the adjusting ring in direction
(a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the sus-
pension, turn the adjusting ring in
direction (b).TIPAlign the appropriate notch in the ad-
justing ring with the position indicator
on the shock absorber.
3. Install the panel.
WARNING
EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.
1. Panel A
2. Spring preload adjusting ring
1
2
1. Special wrench
2. Extension bar
3. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:Minimum (soft):
1
Standard: 4
Maximum (hard): 9123456789
1
(a) (b)2
3
U26PE3E0.book Page 16 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-17
3


Do not tamper with or attempt to
open the cylinder assembly.


Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.


Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.


Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
EAU15305
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.TIPThe built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See the following section for an expla-
nation of the ignition circuit cut-off sys-
tem.)
WARNING
EWA10241
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up (or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha ’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check this system regularly and have a
Yamaha dealer repair it if it does not function properly.
U26PE3E0.book Page 17 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-6
6
19*Front fork 
Check operation and for oil leak-
age. √√√√
20 *Shock absorber as-
sembly 
Check operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage. √√√√
21 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting points 
Check operation. √√√√
 Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√
22 Engine oil 
Change.
 Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage. √√√√√√
23 Engine oil filter car-
tridge

Replace. √√√
24 *Front and rear brake
switches 
Check operation. √√√√√√
25 Moving parts and
cables 
Lubricate. √√√√√
26 *Throttle grip 
Check operation.
 Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
 Lubricate cable and grip housing. √√√√√
27 *Lights, signals and
switches 
Check operation.
 Adjust headlight beam. √√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
U26PE3E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-2
7
off 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.)
U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
8
5th:1.042 (25/24)
Chassis:Frame type:
Double cradle
Caster angle: 32.16 °
Trail: 145 mm (5.7 in)Front tire:Type:Tubeless
Size: 130/70-18M/C 63H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G721 J
Manufacturer/model: DUNLOP/D404FRear tire:Type:
Tubeless
Size: 170/70B16M/C 75H
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G722 J
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/K555Loading:Maximum load: 210 kg (463 lb)
(Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo and
accessories)
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):Loading condition:
0–90 kg (0 –198 lb)
Front: 225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm ², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm ², 36 psi)
Loading condition:
90– 210 kg (198 –463 lb)
Front: 225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm ², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm ², 36 psi)Front wheel:Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size: 18M/C x MT3.50Rear wheel:Wheel type:Cast wheel
Rim size: 16M/C x MT4.50Front brake:Type:Single disc brake
Operation: Right hand operation
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4Rear brake:Type:Single disc brake Operation:
Right foot operation
Specified brake fluid: DOT 4
Front suspension:Type:Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type: Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
135.0 mm (5.31 in)Rear suspension:Type:Swingarm (link suspension)
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel: 110.0 mm (4.33 in)Electrical system:Ignition system:
TCI
Charging system: AC magnetoBattery:Model:
YTZ14S
Voltage, capacity: 12 V, 11.2 AhHeadlight:Bulb type:
Halogen bulbBulb voltage, wattage × quantity:Headlight:
12 V, 60 W/55 W × 1
U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

INDEXAAir filter element, replacing ................... 6-12
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................ 6-31BBattery................................................... 6-25
Brake and clutch levers, checking and lubricating ........................................... 6-22
Brake and shift pedals, checking and lubricating ........................................... 6-21
Brake fluid, changing ............................ 6-19
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-18
Brake lever ............................................ 3-11
Brake lever free play, adjusting............. 6-16
Brake light switches .............................. 6-17
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-11CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-21
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converter ................................ 3-14
Clutch lever ........................................... 3-10
Clutch lever free play, adjusting ............ 6-15DDimmer switch ........................................ 3-9
Drive belt slack...................................... 6-20EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-3
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge .............. 6-9
Engine stop switch .................................. 3-9
Engine trouble warning light.................... 3-5FFront and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-17
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-24
Fuel ....................................................... 3-12
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing ........ 5-3 Fuel level warning light ........................... 3-4
Fuel tank breather/overflow hose ......... 3-13
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-26
HHandlebar switches ................................ 3-8
Hazard switch ......................................... 3-9
Headlight bulb, replacing ...................... 6-28
Helmet holder ....................................... 3-15
High beam indicator light ........................ 3-4
Horn switch ............................................. 3-9IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................ 3-18
Immobilizer system ................................. 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light........... 3-5
Indicator lights and warning lights .......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ........ 6-30MMain switch/steering lock........................ 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic .... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control system... 6-3
Matte color, caution ................................ 7-1
Model label ............................................. 9-1
Multi-function meter unit ......................... 3-5NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light.............................. 3-4PPanel, removing and installing................ 6-8
Parking ................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1Pass switch ............................................. 3-9
RRear suspension, lubricating ................. 6-23
RESET switch ....................................... 3-10
Rider seat .............................................. 3-14SSafety information ................................... 1-1
SELECT switch ....................................... 3-9
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-10
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-16
Sidestand .............................................. 3-17
Sidestand, checking and lubricating...... 6-23
Spark plugs, checking ............................. 6-8
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Starting the engine .................................. 5-1
Start switch.............................................. 3-9
Steering, checking................................. 6-24
Storage.................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-32
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-23TTail/brake light bulb, replacing .............. 6-29
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ........................................... 6-21
Throttle grip free play, checking ............ 6-13
Tires ...................................................... 6-13
Tool kit..................................................... 6-2
Troubleshooting .................................... 6-33
Troubleshooting chart ........................... 6-34
Turn signal indicator light ........................ 3-4
Turn signal light bulb, replacing ............ 6-30
Turn signal switch ................................... 3-9
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM