2012 YAMAHA XVS950 suspension

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

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1


Do not run engine in poorly venti-
lated or partially enclosed areas
such as barns, garages, or car-
ports.


Do not run engine outdoors where
engine exhaust can be drawn into
a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme caution when adding cargo or
accessories to your motorcycle. Use
extra care when riding a motorcycle
that has added cargo or accessories.
Here, along with the information about
accessories below, are some general
guidelines to follow if loading cargo to
your motorcycle:
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit.
Operation of an overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident. When loading within this weight limit,
keep the following in mind:


Cargo and accessory weight
should be kept as low and close to
the motorcycle as possible. Se-
curely pack your heaviest items as
close to the center of the vehicle as
possible and make sure to distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.
 Properly adjust the suspension
for your load (suspension-ad-
justable models only), and
check the condition and pres-
sure of your tires.
 Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front
fork, or front fender. These items, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.


This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail- able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces- sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Maximum load: 210 kg (463 lb)
U26PE3E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle
’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing ” when mounting accessories.


Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance, limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.
 Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
 Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
 Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera- tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.


Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle
’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-13 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.
Transporting the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.


Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle.
U26PE3E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1


Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.


Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.


Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).


Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or parts
that could break). Choose the lo-
cation for the straps carefully so
the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.


The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce excessive-
ly during transport.
U26PE3E0.book Page 5 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

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

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