2012 YAMAHA XVS950 brake fluid

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
2-2
2
EAU10420
Right view
34
56
2
1
7
8
10
9
1. License plate light (page 6-30)
2. Tail/brake light (page 6-29)
3. Battery (page 6-25)
4. Seat lock (page 3-14)
5. Air filter element (page 6-12)
6. Fuel tank cap (page 3-11)
7. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-18)
8. Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-9)9. Rear brake light switch (page 6-17)
10.Brake pedal (page 3-11)U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
EAU10430
Controls and instruments
12 3 468
5
7
1. Clutch lever (page 3-10)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-8)
3. Multi-function meter unit (page 3-5)
4. Main switch/steering lock (page 3-2)
5. Front brake fluid reservoir (page 6-18)
6. Right handlebar switches (page 3-8)
7. Brake lever (page 3-11)
8. Throttle grip (page 6-13)
U26PE3E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner ’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel 
Check fuel level in fuel tank.
 Refuel if necessary.
 Check fuel line for leakage.
 Check fuel tank breather/overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and
check hose connection. 3-12, 3-13
Engine oil 
Check oil level in engine.
 If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
 Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-9
Front brake 
Check operation.
 If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
 Check lever free play.
 Adjust if necessary.
 Check brake pads for wear.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check fluid level in reservoir.
 If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-16, 6-17, 6-18
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brake 
Check operation.
 If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check fluid level in reservoir.
 If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-17, 6-18
Clutch 
Check operation.
 Lubricate cable if necessary.
 Check lever free play.
 Adjust if necessary. 6-15
Throttle grip 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Check throttle grip free play.
 If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing. 6-13, 6-21
Control cables 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate if necessary. 6-21
Wheels and tires 
Check for damage.
 Check tire condition and tread depth.
 Check air pressure.
 Correct if necessary. 6-13, 6-15
Brake and shift pedals 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary. 6-21
Brake and clutch levers 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 6-22
Sidestand 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate pivot if necessary. 6-23
Chassis fasteners 
Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
 Tighten if necessary. —
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches 
Check operation.
 Correct if necessary. —
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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 Air filter element Replace. √
2Clutch 
Check operation.
 Adjust. √√√√√
3 *Front brake 
Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
 Adjust brake lever free play. √√√√√√
 Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake 
Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
 Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses 
Check for cracks or damage.
 Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
 Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Wheels Check runout and for damage. √√√√
7 *Tires 
Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check air pressure.
 Correct if necessary. √√√√√
8 *Wheel bearings 
Check bearing for looseness or
damage. √√√√
U26PE3E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-7
6
EAU18680
TIP

Air filter This model ’s air filter is equipped with a disposable oil-coated paper element, which must not be cleaned with com-
pressed air to avoid damaging it.
 The air filter element needs to be replaced more frequently when riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.


Hydraulic brake service
 Regularly check and, if necessary, correct the brake fluid level.
 Every two years replace the internal components of the brake master cylinders and calipers, and change the brake
fluid.
 Replace the brake hoses every four years and if cracked or damaged.
U26PE3E0.book Page 7 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
EAU22500
Rear brake pads
Check each rear brake pad for damage
and measure the lining thickness. If a
brake pad is damaged or if the lining
thickness is less than 0.8 mm (0.03 in),
have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
EAU22581
Checking the brake fluid level Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark.
Check the brake fluid level with the top
of the reservoir level. Replenish the
brake fluid if necessary.
Front brake
Rear brake
WARNING
EWA15990
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability. Observe
these precautions:

Insufficient brake fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, reducing braking
performance.


Clean the filler cap before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
1. Lining thickness
1
1. Minimum level mark
1
1. Minimum level mark
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
1
U26PE3E0.book Page 18 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM