2015 YAMAHA XVS950 engine

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-9
6
Before installing a spark plug, the
spark plug gap should be measured
with a wire thickness gauge and, if
necessary, adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and
then wipe off any grime from the spark
plug threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available
when installing a spark plug, a good
estimate of the correct torque is 1/4–
1/2 turn past finger tight. However, the
spark plug should be tightened to the
specified torque as soon as possible.
EAU47114
En
gine oil an d oil filter car-
tri dgeThe engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the en gine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur- face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set- tles.
4. Remove the engine oil filler cap, wipe the engine oil dipstick clean,
insert it back into the oil filler hole
(without screwing it in), and then
remove it again to check the oil
level.
Specifie d spark plu g:
NGK/CPR7EA-91. Spark plug gapSpark plu g g ap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Spark plug: 13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
UB33E0E0.book Page 9 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-10
6
TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
5. If the engine oil is at or below theminimum level mark, add suffi-
cient oil of the recommended type
to raise it to the correct level.
6. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler hole, and then tighten the oil filler
cap.
To chan ge the en gine oil (with or
without oil filter cartri dge replace-
ment) 1. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it
off.
2. Place an oil pan under the engine to collect the used oil.
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap, the engine oil drain bolt and its
gasket to drain the oil from the
crankcase.
TIPSkip steps 4–6 if the oil filter cartridge
is not being replaced.4. Remove the oil filter cartridge withan oil filter wrench.
1. Engine oil filler cap
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
1
32
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
1. Oil filter wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
2
1
1
2
UB33E0E0.book Page 10 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
TIPAn oil filter wrench is available at a
Yamaha dealer.5. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the O-ring of the new oil filter
cartridge.TIPMake sure that the O-ring is properly
seated.6. Install the new oil filter cartridgewith an oil filter wrench, and then
tighten it to the specified torque
with a torque wrench. 7. Install the engine oil drain bolt and
its new gasket, and then tighten
the bolt to the specified torque.
8. Refill with the specified amount of the recommended engine oil, and
then install and tighten the oil filler
cap.
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11621
In or der to prevent clutch slip-
pa ge (since the en gine oil also
lu bricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a hi gh-
er quality than specifie d. In
a dd ition, do not use oils la bele d
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
hi gher.
 Make sure that no forei gn mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
1. O-ring
1. Torque wrench
2. Oil filter cartridge
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Oil filter cartridge: 17 Nm (1.7 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Ti ghtenin g torque:
Engine oil drain bolt: 43 Nm (4.3 m·kgf, 31 ft·lbf)
1
2
Recommen ded en gine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity: Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment: 3.70 L (3.91 US qt, 3.26 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
4.00 L (4.23 US qt, 3.52 Imp.qt)
UB33E0E0.book Page 11 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
69. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking,
immediately turn the engine off
and check for the cause.
TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if
the oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10402
If the oil level warnin g lig ht flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, imme diately turn the en gine
off an d have a Yamaha d ealer check
the vehicle.10. Turn the engine off, wait a few minutes until the oil settles, and
then check the oil level and cor-
rect it if necessary.
EAU47081
Replacin g the air filter ele-
mentThe air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
To replace the air filter element
1. Remove the air filter case cover by removing the bolts.
2. Pull the air filter element out. 3. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case. NOTICE: Make
sure that the air filter element is
properly seate d in the air filter
case. The en gine shoul d never
b e operated without the air filter
element installe d, otherwise the
piston(s) an d/or cylin der(s) may
b ecome excessively worn.
[ECA10482]
4. Install the air filter case cover by
installing the bolts.
1. Bolt
2. Air filter case cover
2
1
1
1. Air filter element
1
UB33E0E0.book Page 12 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6
EAU21385
Checking the throttle grip free
playThe throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 4.0–6.0 mm (0.16–0.24 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21402
Valve clearanceThe valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
EAU61710
TiresTires are the only contact between the
vehicle and the road. Safety in all con-
ditions of riding depends on a relatively
small area of road contact. Therefore, it
is essential to maintain the tires in good
condition at all times and replace them
at the appropriate time with the speci-
fied tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be
checked and, if necessary, adjusted
before each ride.
WARNING
EWA10504
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or d eath from loss of
control.  The tire air pressure must be
checked and a djuste d on col d
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the am bient
temperature).
 The tire air pressure must be
a d juste d in accor dance with the
ri din g spee d an d with the total
1. Throttle grip free play
1
UB33E0E0.book Page 13 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-30
6
EAU24331
License plate lightIf the license plate light does not come
on, have a Yamaha dealer check the
electrical circuit or replace the bulb.
EAU24351
Supportin g the motorcycleSince this model is not equipped with a
centerstand, follow these precautions
when removing the front and rear
wheel or performing other mainte-
nance requiring the motorcycle to
stand upright. Check that the motorcy-
cle is in a stable and level position be-
fore starting any maintenance. A
strong wooden box can be placed un-
der the engine for added stability.
To service the front wheel
1. Stabilize the rear of the motorcy- cle by using a motorcycle stand
or, if an additional motorcycle
stand is not available, by placing a
jack under the frame in front of the
rear wheel.
2. Raise the front wheel off the ground by using a motorcycle
stand.
To service the rear wheel
Raise the rear wheel off the ground by
using a motorcycle stand or, if a motor-
cycle stand is not available, by placing a jack either under each side of the
frame in front of the rear wheel or under
each side of the swingarm.
UB33E0E0.book Page 30 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-32
6
EAU42604
Troubleshootin g chart
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the battery.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
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.
Operate the electric starter.4. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The engine does not start.
Check the ignition.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
UB33E0E0.book Page 32 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-1
7
EAU37834
Matte color cautionNOTICE
ECA15193
Some models are equipped with
matte colored finished parts. Be
sure to consult a Yamaha dealer for
a d vice on what prod ucts to use be-
fore cleanin g the vehicle. Usin g a
b rush, harsh chemical pro ducts or
cleanin g compoun ds when cleanin g
these parts will scratch or damag e
their surface. Wax also shoul d not
b e applie d to any matte colored fin-
ishe d parts.
EAU26075
CareWhile the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. Frequent and proper care
does not only comply with the terms of
the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its
life and optimize its performance.
Before cleanin g
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov- ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod- ucts onto seals, gaskets, the drive
belt and wheel axles. Always rinse
the dirt and degreaser off with wa-
ter.
Cleanin g
NOTICE
ECA10773
Avoi d usin g stron g aci dic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such pro ducts are
use d on har d-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any lon ger than in-
structed . Also, thorou ghly rinse
the area off with water, immed i-
ately dry it, an d then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
 Improper cleanin g can d amage
plastic parts (such as cowlin gs,
panels, win dshiel ds, hea dlig ht
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) an d
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or spon ge with wa-
ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be thor-
ou ghly cleaned with water, di-
lute d mil d d eter gent with water
may be used . Be sure to rinse
UB33E0E0.book Page 1 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM