2012 YAMAHA XVS950 maintenance

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

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-13
3ately. If gasoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap and water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothing, change
your clothes.
EAU33502
NOTICE
ECA11400
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause severe
damage to internal engine parts,
such as the valves and piston rings,
as well as to the exhaust system.Your Yamaha engine has been de-
signed to use regular unleaded gaso-
line with a research octane number of
91 or higher. If knocking (or pinging) oc-
curs, use a gasoline of a different brand or premium unleaded fuel. Use of un-
leaded fuel will extend spark plug life
and reduce maintenance costs.
EAU39451
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose Before operating the motorcycle:

Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose connection.


Check the fuel tank breather/over-
flow hose for cracks or damage,
and replace it if damaged.


Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather/overflow hose is not
blocked, and clean it if necessary.
Recommended fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline only
Fuel tank capacity: 17.0 L (4.49 US gal, 3.74 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warning light comes on): 3.4 L (0.90 US gal, 0.75 Imp.gal)
1. Fuel tank breather/overflow hose
1
U26PE3E0.book Page 13 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-14
3
EAU13433
Catalytic converter This model is equipped with a catalytic
converter in the exhaust system.
WARNING
EWA10862
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazard or
burns:

Do not park the vehicle near
possible fire hazards such as
grass or other materials that
easily burn.


Park the vehicle in a place
where pedestrians or children
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.


Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has cooled down before do-
ing any maintenance work.


Do not allow the engine to idle
more than a few minutes. Long
idling can cause a build-up of
heat.
NOTICE
ECA10701
Use only unleaded gasoline. The use
of leaded gasoline will cause unre-
pairable damage to the catalytic
converter.
EAU42751
Rider seat To remove the rider seat1. Insert the key into the seat lock, and then turn it counterclockwise.
2. Lift the front of the rider seat up, and then pull the rider seat off.
To install the rider seat 1. Insert the projection on the rear of the rider seat into the rider seat
holder as shown.1. Seat lock
2. Unlock.
2
1
U26PE3E0.book Page 14 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

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17244
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15122
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.

A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.


Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-2 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-2
6
EAU17361
Owner’s tool kit The owner ’s tool kit is located under the
rider seat. (See page 3-14.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner ’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.TIPIf you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, have
a Yamaha dealer perform it for you.1. Owner ’s tool kit
1
U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-3
6
EAU46861
TIP

The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.


From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).


Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
EAU46910
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system 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 *Fuel line 
Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage. √√√√√
2 *Spark plugs 
Check condition.
 Clean and regap. √√
 Replace. √√
3 *Valves 
Check valve clearance.
 Adjust. √√
4 *Fuel injection sys-
tem 
Adjust synchronization. √√√√√
5 *Muffler and exhaust
pipe 
Check the screw clamp(s) for
looseness. √√√√√
U26PE3E0.book Page 3 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