2016 YAMAHA XVS950CU maintenance

Table of contentsSafety information ............................ 1-1
Description ....................................... 2-1
Left view ......................................... 2-1
Right view ....................................... 2-2
Controls and instruments ............... 2-3
Instrument an d 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 .................................... 3-9
Shift pedal .................................... 3-10
Brake lever.................................... 3-10
Brake pedal .................................. 3-10
ABS (for ABS models) .................. 3-11
Fuel tank cap ................................ 3-12
Fuel ............................................... 3-12
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose .......................................... 3-14
Catalytic converter ....................... 3-14
Steering lock................................. 3-15
Rider seat ..................................... 3-15
Adjusting the shock absorber assemblies ................................ 3-16
Sidestand ..................................... 3-17
Ignition circuit cut-off system ....... 3-18 For your safety – pre-operation
checks
............................................... 4-1
Operation an d important ri din g
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
Perio dic maintenance an d
a d justment ........................................ 6-1
Owner’s tool kits ............................. 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 .......................................... 6-25
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-27
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-29
Replacing the auxiliary light bulb .......................................... 6-30
Brake/tail light............................... 6-31
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ........................................... 6-31U2DEE1E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 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.U2DEE1E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-13
3
3. Wipe up any spilled fuel immedi-ately. NOTICE: Immediately
wipe off spille d fuel with a clean,
d ry, soft cloth, since fuel may
d eteriorate painted surfaces or
plastic parts.
[ECA10072]
4. Be sure to securely close the fuel tank cap.
WARNING
EWA15152
Gasoline is poisonous an d can
cause injury or death. Han dle gaso-
line with care. Never siphon gasoline
b y mouth. If you shoul d swallow
some gasoline or inhale a lot of g as-
oline vapor, or get some g asoline in
your eyes, see your doctor imme di- ately. If g
asoline spills on your skin,
wash with soap an d water. If gaso-
line spills on your clothin g, chan ge
your clothes.
EAU57691
NOTICE
ECA11401
Use only unlea ded g asoline. The use
of lea ded g asoline will cause severe
d amag e to internal en gine parts,
such as the valves an d piston rin gs,
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
95 or higher. If knocking (or pinging)
occurs, use a gasoline of a different brand or premium unleaded fuel. Use
of unleaded fuel will extend spark plug
life and reduce maintenance costs.
Gasohol
There are two types of gasohol: gaso-
hol containing ethanol and that con-
taining methanol. Gasohol containing
ethanol can be used if the ethanol con-
tent does not exceed 10% (E10). Gas-
ohol containing methanol is not
recommended by Yamaha because it
can cause damage to the fuel system
or vehicle performance problems.
1. Fuel tank filler tube
2. Maximum fuel level
2
1
Recommen
ded fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline (Gasohol
[E10] acceptable)
Fuel tank capacity:
12 L (3.2 US gal, 2.6 Imp.gal)
Fuel reserve amount (when the fuel
level warnin g lig ht comes on):
2.8 L (0.74 US gal, 0.62 Imp.gal)
U2DEE1E0.book Page 13 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Instrument and control functions
3-14
3
EAUB1302
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hoseBefore 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 necessary.
 Make sure that the end of the fuel
tank breather/overflow hose is not
blocked, and clean it if necessary.
 Make sure that the fuel tank
breather/overflow hose is routed
through the clamp.
EAU13434
Catalytic converterThis model is equipped with a catalytic
converter in the exhaust system.
WARNING
EWA10863
The exhaust system is hot after op-
eration. To prevent a fire hazar d or
b urns:
 Do not park the vehicle near
possi ble fire hazar ds such as
g rass or other materials that
easily burn.
 Park the vehicle in a place
where pe destrians or child ren
are not likely to touch the hot
exhaust system.
 Make sure that the exhaust sys-
tem has cooled down before
d oin g any maintenance work.
 Do not allow the en gine to id le
more than a few minutes. Lon g
i d lin g can cause a buil d-up of
heat.
NOTICE
ECA10702
Use only unlea ded g asoline. The use
of lea ded g asoline will cause unre-
paira ble damag e to the catalytic
converter.
1. Fuel tank brea ther/overflow hose
2. Clamp
1
2
U2DEE1E0.book Page 14 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

For your safety – pre-operation checks
4-1
4
EAU15599
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
EWA11152
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment d amage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you fin d any pro blem. If a pro blem cannot b e corrected b y the proce dures provi ded in
this manual, have the vehicle inspecte d b y 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, 3-14
En gine oil • Check oil level in engine.
• If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
• Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-10
Front brake • Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• 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. 6-18, 6-19
U2DEE1E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-1
6
EAU17246
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and
lubrication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition
possible. Safety is an obligation of the
vehicle owner/operator. The most im-
portant points of vehicle inspection,
adjustment, and lubrication are ex-
plained 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
EWA10322
Failure to properly maintain the vehi-
cle or performin g maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death durin g
service or while usin g the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha d ealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15123
Turn off the en gine when performin g
maintenance unless otherwise
specified .
 A runnin g en gine has movin g
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothin g an d electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.
 Runnin g the en gine while ser-
vicin g can lead to eye injury,
b urns, fire, or car bon monoxi de
poisonin g – possi bly lea din g to
d eath. See pag e 1-3 for more in-
formation a bout car bon monox-
i d e.
WARNING
EWA15461
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linin gs can b ecome very hot d uring
use. To avoi d possi ble burns, let
b rake components cool before
touchin g them.
EAU17303
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, replace-
ment, or repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be per-
formed by any repair establishment or
individual that is certified (if applicable).
Yamaha dealers are trained and equipped to perform these particular
services.
U2DEE1E0.book Page 1 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-2
6
EAU63380
Owner’s tool kitsThe owner’s tool kit is located inside
the owner’s tool box behind panel A.
(See page 6-8.)
Also, an additional tool kit was handed
out separately at the time of vehicle
purchase.
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
tool kits are intended to assist you in
the performance of preventive mainte-
nance and minor repairs. However,
other tools such as a torque wrench
may be necessary to perform certain
maintenance work correctly.
TIP If you do not have the tools or ex-
perience required for a particular
job, have a Yamaha dealer per-
form it for you.
 Install the owner’s tool box with
the “INSIDE” mark facing inward.
1. Owner’s tool box
2. Owner’s tool kit
1
2
1. “INSIDE” mark
1
U2DEE1E0.book Page 2 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-3
6
EAU46862
TIP The annual checks must b e performed every year, except if a kilometer- based maintenance, or for the UK, a
milea ge- 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 tech-
nical skills.
EAU46911
Perio dic maintenance chart for the emission control systemNO. 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)
1 *Fuel line • Check fuel hoses for cracks or
damage. √√√√√
2Spark plu gs • Check condition.
• Clean and regap.
√√
• Replace. √√
3 *Va l ve s • Check valve clearance.
•Adjust.
√√
4 *Fuel injection sys-
tem • Adjust synchronization.
√√√√√√
5 *Muffler an
d ex-
haust pipe • Check the screw clamp(s) for
looseness. √√√√√
U2DEE1E0.book Page 3 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM