INTRODUCTION
EAU10103
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the XVS950CU, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology regarding the
design and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your XVS950CU. The Owner’s Manual
does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but also in how to safeguard yourself
and others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition. If you have any
further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most cur- rent product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycle and
this manual. If there is any question concerning this manual, please consult a Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10032
Please rea d this manual carefully an d completely before operatin g this motorcycle.
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IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10134
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:
*Product and specifications are subject to change without notice.This is the safety alert sym
bol. It is use d to alert you to potential personal injury
hazar ds. Ob ey all safety messa ges that follow this sym bol to avoi d possi ble injury
or death.
A WARNING in dicates a hazar dous situation which, if not avoi ded , coul d result in
d eath or serious injury.
A NOTICE in dicates special precautions that must be taken to avoi d d ama ge to the
vehicle or other property.
A TIP provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
NOTICETIP
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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 .................................... 3-2
Indicator lights and warning lights............................................ 3-3
Multi-function meter unit ................ 3-5
Handlebar switches ........................ 3-8
Clutch lever .................................. 3-10
Shift pedal .................................... 3-10
Brake lever.................................... 3-10
Brake pedal .................................. 3-11
ABS (for ABS models) .................. 3-11
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-12
Fuel ............................................... 3-13
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose .......................................... 3-14
Catalytic converter ....................... 3-14
Steering lock................................. 3-15
Rider seat ..................................... 3-16
Adjusting the shock absorber assemblies ................................ 3-17
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.... 6-10
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-13
Checking the throttle grip free play ............................................ 6-13
Valve clearance ............................. 6-14
Tires .............................................. 6-14
Cast wheels................................... 6-16
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ............................................ 6-16 Checking the brake lever free
play ............................................ 6-17
Brake light switches ..................... 6-18
Checking the front and rear brake pads .......................................... 6-18
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-19
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-20
Drive belt slack ............................. 6-21
Checking and lubricating the cables ........................................ 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-22
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals............... 6-22
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............. 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand................................... 6-23
Lubricating the swingarm pivots......................................... 6-24
Checking the front fork ................. 6-24
Checking the steering................... 6-25
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-25
Battery .......................................... 6-26
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-27
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-29
Tail/brake light .............................. 6-30
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ........................................... 6-31
License plate light......................... 6-31U2DEE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, June 14, 2013 1:29 PM
1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU1028B
Be a Responsible Owner
As the vehicle’s owner, you are re-
sponsible for the safe and proper oper-
ation of your motorcycle.
Motorcycles are single-track vehicles.
Their safe use and operation are de-
pendent upon the use of proper riding
techniques as well as the expertise of
the operator. Every operator should
know the following requirements be-
fore riding this motorcycle.
He or she should: Obtain thorough instructions from
a competent source on all aspects
of motorcycle operation.
Observe the warnings and mainte-
nance requirements in this Own-
er’s Manual.
Obtain qualified training in safe
and proper riding techniques.
Obtain professional technical ser-
vice as indicated in this Owner’s
Manual and/or when made neces-
sary by mechanical conditions.
Never operate a motorcycle with-
out proper training or instruction.
Take a training course. Beginners
should receive training from a cer-
tified instructor. Contact an autho-
rized motorcycle dealer to find out
about the training courses nearest
you.
Safe Ri din g
Perform the pre-operation checks
each time you use the vehicle to make
sure it is in safe operating condition.
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehi-
cle properly increases the possibility of
an accident or equipment damage.
See page 4-1 for a list of pre-operation
checks. This motorcycle is designed to
carry the operator and a passen-
ger.
The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been
caused by an automobile driver
who did not see the motorcycle.
Making yourself conspicuous ap- pears to be very effective in reduc-
ing the chance of this type of
accident.
Therefore:
• Wear a brightly colored jacket.
• Use extra caution when you are approaching and passing
through intersections, since in-
tersections are the most likely
places for motorcycle accidents
to occur.
• Ride where other motorists can see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.
• Never maintain a motorcycle without proper knowledge.
Contact an authorized motorcy-
cle dealer to inform you on ba-
sic motorcycle maintenance.
Certain maintenance can only
be carried out by certified staff.U2DEE0E0.book Page 1 Friday, June 14, 2013 1:29 PM
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
WARNING
EWA10073
Never turn the key to “OFF” while
the vehicle is moving, otherwise the
electrical systems will be switched
off, which may result in loss of con-
trol or an acci dent.
EAU57660
(Parkin g)
The hazard lights and turn signal lights
can be turned on, but all other electri-
cal systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
EAU49394
In dicator li ghts an d warnin g
li g hts
EAU11021
Turn si gnal in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left
or right.
EAU11061
Neutral in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11081
Hi gh beam in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11255
Oil level warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
1. Oil level warning light “ ”
2. Immobilizer system indicator light “ ”
3. Turn signal indicator light “ ”
4. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light “ ” (for ABS models)
5. Fuel level warning light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Neutral indicator light “ ”
8. High beam indicator light “ ”
1
35 42
8
7
6
ABS
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
TIPEven if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when rid-
ing on a slope or during sudden
acceleration or deceleration, but
this is not a malfunction.
This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If a problem
is detected in the oil level detec-
tion circuit, the following cycle will
be repeated until the malfunction
is corrected: The oil level warning
light will flash ten times, then go
off for 2.5 seconds. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU11367
Fuel level warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
2.8 L (0.74 US gal, 0.62 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off. If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIPThis model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the fuel level de-
tection circuit. If a problem is detected
in the fuel level detection circuit, the
following cycle will be repeated until
the malfunction is corrected: The fuel
level warning light will flash eight times,
and then go off for 3.0 seconds. If this
occurs, have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.
EAU42775
Engine trouble warning light “ ”
This warning light comes on if a prob-
lem is detected in the electrical circuit
monitoring the engine. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the self-
diagnosis system. (See page 3-7 for an
explanation of the self-diagnosis de-
vice.)
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
EAU51781
ABS warning light “ ” (for ABS
models)
In normal operation, the ABS warning
light comes on when the key is turned
to “ON”, and goes off after traveling at
a speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or higher.
If the ABS warning light:
does not come on when the key is
turned to “ON”
comes on or flashes while riding
does not go off after traveling at a
speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or high-
er
ABS
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3The ABS may not work correctly. If any
of the above occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system as soon as
possible. (See page 3-11 for an expla-
nation of the ABS.)
WARNING
EWA16041
If the ABS warning light does not go
off after traveling at a speed of 10
km/h (6 mi/h) or higher, or if the
warning light comes on or flashes
while riding, the brake system re-
verts to conventional braking. If ei-
ther of the above occurs, or if the
warning light does not come on at
all, use extra caution to avoid possi-
ble wheel lock during emergency
braking. Have a Yamaha dealer
check the brake system and electri-
cal circuits as soon as possible.TIPIf the start switch is pushed while the
engine is running, the ABS warning
light will come on, but this is not a mal-
function.
EAU54681
Immobilizer system indicator
light “ ”
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The indicator light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the indicator light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the indicator light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
When the key is turned to “OFF” and
30 seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24
hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
The self-diagnosis device also detects
problems in the immobilizer system
circuits. (See page 3-7 for an explana-
tion of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU57680
Multi-function meter unit
WARNING
EWA12423
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function meter unit. Changing
settings while riding can distract the
operator and increase the risk of an
accident.The multi-function meter unit is
equipped with the following:
a speedometer
an odometer1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/tripmeter/fuel reserve tripme-
ter/clock
21
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-6
3
two tripmeters (which show the
distance traveled since they were
last set to zero)
a fuel reserve tripmeter (which
shows the distance traveled on
the fuel reserve)
a clock
a self-diagnosis device
TIPBe sure to turn the key to “ON” be-
fore using the “SELECT” and “RE-
SET” switches.
For the U.K. only: To switch the
speedometer and odometer/trip-
meter displays between kilome-
ters and miles, push the
“SELECT” switch for at least three
seconds.
Odometer, tripmeters, fuel reserve
tripmeter an d clock Push the “SELECT” switch to switch
the display between the odometer
mode “ODO”, the tripmeter modes
“TRIP 1”and “TRIP 2” and the clock
mode in the following order:
ODO
→ TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → clock →
ODO
If the fuel level warning light comes on
(see page 3-3), the odometer display
will automatically change to the fuel re-
serve tripmeter mode “TRIP F” and
start counting the distance traveled
from that point. In that case, push the
“SELECT” switch to change the dis-
play between the various tripmeter and
odometer modes in the following or-
der:
TRIP F → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → clock →
ODO → TRIP F
To reset a tripmeter, select it by push-
ing the “SELECT” switch, and then
push the “RESET” switch for at least
one second. If you do not reset the fuel
reserve tripmeter manually, it will reset
itself automatically, and the display will
return to the prior mode after refueling
and traveling 5 km (3 mi).1. “SELECT” switch
2. “RESET” switch
1. Odometer/tripmeter/fuel reserve tripme- ter/clock
1
2
1
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