2016 YAMAHA XVS950CU tires

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

Safety information
1-3
1Avoi
d Car bon Monoxi de Poisonin g
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing
carbon monoxide can cause head-
aches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea,
confusion, and eventually death.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas which may be pres-
ent even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of car-
bon monoxide can collect rapidly and
you can quickly be overcome and un-
able to save yourself. Also, deadly lev-
els of carbon monoxide can linger for
hours or days in enclosed or poorly
ventilated areas. If you experience any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poi-
soning, leave the area immediately, get
fresh air, and SEEK MEDICAL TREAT-
MENT.  Do not run engine indoors. Even if
you try to ventilate engine exhaust
with fans or open windows and
doors, carbon monoxide can rap-
idly reach dangerous levels.
 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.
Loa din g
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabil-
ity and handling if the weight distribu-
tion of the motorcycle is changed. To
avoid the possibility of an accident, use
extreme 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 overloa ded vehicle
coul d cause an acci dent. 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 dis-
tribute the weight as evenly as
possible on both sides of the mo-
torcycle to minimize imbalance or
instability.
 Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that
accessories and cargo are se-
curely attached to the motorcycle
before riding. Check accessory
mounts and cargo restraints fre-
quently.
• 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
Maximum loa d:
For ABS models 202 kg (445 lb)
For non-ABS models 206 kg (454
lb)
U2DEE1E0.book Page 3 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Safety information
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
6-14 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle. 
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 location 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 exces-
sively during transport.
U2DEE1E0.book Page 5 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

For your safety – pre-operation checks
4-2
4
Rear 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
Clutch • Check operation.
• Lubricate cable if necessary.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.
6-16
Throttle g rip • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Check throttle grip free play.
• If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate ca-
ble and grip housing. 6-13, 6-22
Control ca bles • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary. 6-21
Wheels an d tires •Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.
6-14, 6-16
Brake an d shift pe dals • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.
6-22
Brake an d clutch levers • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 6-23
Si destan d • Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary.
6-23
Chassis fasteners • Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
• Tighten if necessary.
—
Instruments, li ghts, si gnals
an d switches • Check operation.
• Correct if necessary.
—
ITEM
CHECKS PAGE
U2DEE1E0.book Page 2 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-4
6
EAU1770M
General maintenance an d lu brication chartNO. 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 Air filter element •Replace. √
2Clutch • Check operation.
•Adjust.
√√√√√
3 *Front brake • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
• Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake • Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
• Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses • Check for cracks or damage.
• Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
• Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Brake fluid • Change. Every 2 years
7 *Wheels • Check runout and for damage. √√√√
8 *Tires • Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
• Replace if necessary.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary. √√√√√
9 *Wheel bearin gs • Check bearings for looseness or
damage. √√√√
U2DEE1E0.book Page 4 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-14
6
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.
EAU64240
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 b e
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 b e
a d juste d in accor dance with the
ri din g speed and with the total wei
ght of ri der, passen ger, car-
g o, an d accessories approve d
for this mo del.
WARNING
EWA10512
Never overloa d your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloa ded vehicle coul d
cause an acci dent.
Tire air pressure (measure d on col d
tires): Up to 90 kg (198 lb) loa d:
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
90 k g (198 l b) to maximum load :
Front: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm², 36 psi)
Rear: 280 kPa (2.80 kgf/cm², 41 psi)
Maximum loa d*:
For ABS models 202 kg (445 lb)
For non-ABS models 206 kg (454
lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
U2DEE1E0.book Page 14 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Periodic maintenance an d a djustment
6-15
6 Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each
ride. If the center tread depth reaches
the specified limit, if the tire has a nail
or glass fragments in it, or if the side-
wall is cracked, have a Yamaha dealer
replace the tire immediately.
TIPThe tire tread depth limit may differ
from country to country. Always com-
ply with the local regulations.
WARNING
EWA10472

Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besi des
b ein g ille gal, operatin g the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
d ecreases ri din g sta bility an d
can lead to loss of control.
 The replacement of all wheel
and b rake-relate d parts, inclu d-
in g the tires, shoul d b e left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
e dge an d experience to d o so.
 Ride at mo derate speed s after
chan gin g a tire since the tire
surface must first be “ broken
in” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless
tires and tire air valves.
Tires age, even if they have not been
used or have only been used occasion-
ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall
rubber, sometimes accompanied by
carcass deformation, is an evidence of ageing. Old and aged tires shall be
checked by tire specialists to ascertain
their suitability for further use.
WARNING
EWA10462
The front an
d rear tires shoul d b e of
the same make an d d esi gn, other-
wise the han dlin g characteristics of
the vehicle may b e different, which
coul d lea d to an acci dent.After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depthMinimum tire trea d d epth (front an d
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
Front tire:Size:100/90-19M/C 57H
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G721F
Rear tire:
Size:150/80B16M/C 71H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G722F
U2DEE1E0.book Page 15 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM

Motorcycle care and stora ge
7-3
7 3. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal,
including chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed, surfaces.
4. Use spray oil as a universal clean- er to remove any remaining dirt.
5. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.
6. Wax all painted and chrome-plat- ed surfaces. Avoid combination
cleaner waxes, many of which
contain abrasives that may mar
the paint or protective finish.
7. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.
WARNING
EWA11132
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.  Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
 If necessary, clean the brake
d iscs an d b rake linin gs with a
re gular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, an d wash the tires with
warm water an d a mil d d eter-
g ent. Before ri din g at hi gher speed
s, test the motorcycle’s
b rakin g performance an d cor-
nerin g b ehavior.
NOTICE
ECA10951
 Apply spray oil an d wax spar-
in gly an d make sure to wipe off
any excess.
 Never apply oil or wax to the
drive belt.
 Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber an d plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitab le care
prod uct.
 Avoi d usin g a brasive polishin g
compoun ds as they will wear
away the paint.TIP Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
 Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from the
lens.
EAU26283
Stora geShort-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the mo-
torcycle.NOTICE
ECA10811
 Storin g the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilate d room or cover-
in g it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water an d humi d-
ity to seep in and cause rust.
 To prevent corrosion, avoi d
d amp cellars, sta bles (b ecause
of the presence of ammonia)
an d areas where stron g chemi-
cals are store d.Lon g-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months: 1. Follow all the instructions in the “Care” section of this chapter.
U2DEE1E0.book Page 3 Friday, September 4, 2015 4:52 PM