2012 YAMAHA XVS950 spark plugs

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

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
6-8
6
EAU18751
Removing and installing the
panel The panel shown needs to be removed
to perform some of the maintenance
jobs described in this chapter. Refer to
this section each time the panel needs
to be removed and installed.
EAU19151
Panel A
To remove the panelRemove the bolt, and then pull the pan-
el off as shown.To install the panel
Place the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.
EAU19642
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.
1. Panel A
1
1. Bolt
1
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CPR7EA-9
U26PE3E0.book Page 8 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-34
6
EAU42602
Troubleshooting chart
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition. Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth and correct the
spark plug gaps, or replace the spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
U26PE3E0.book Page 34 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
7
2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro- tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.a. Remove the spark plug caps and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam- age or injury from sparking,
make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while
turning the engine over.
[EWA10951]
e. Remove the spark plug caps from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.
7. Remove the battery and fully charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 ° C (30°F) or more than 30
° C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-25.
TIPMake any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
U26PE3E0.book Page 4 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