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 avoid ed , coul d result in
d eath or serious injury.
A NOTICE in dicates special precautions that must b e taken to avoid 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 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
3-3
3
WARNING
EWA10073
Never turn the key to “OFF” while
the vehicle is movin g, otherwise the
electrical systems will be switched
off, which may result in loss of con-
trol or an acci dent.
EAU62271
(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.
The key must be pushed in from the
“OFF” position to be turned to “ ”.
NOTICE
ECA20760
Usin g the hazar d or turn si gnal li ghts
for an exten ded len gth of time may
cause the battery to d ischarge.
EAU49398
In dicator li ghts an d warnin g
li g hts
EAU11022
Turn si gnal in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light flashes when a turn
signal light is flashing.
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.
EAU11256
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 after
confirming that the oil level is correct
(see page 6-10), have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
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
TIP Even 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 equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the oil level
detection circuit. If a problem is
detected in the oil level detection
circuit, the oil level warning light
will flash repeatedly. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU11368
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 after
refueling, have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.
TIPThis model is equipped with a self-di-
agnosis device for the fuel level detec-
tion circuit. If a problem is detected in
the fuel level detection circuit, the fuel
level warning light will flash repeatedly.
If this occurs, have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
EAU46443
En
gine trou ble warnin g li ght “ ”
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.
TIPThis warning light will come on when
the key is turned to “ON” and the start
switch is pushed, but this does not in-
dicate a malfunction.
EAU51781
ABS warnin
g lig ht “ ” (for ABS
mo dels)
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
3 The 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 warnin
g li ght does not go
off after travelin g at a speed of 10
km/h (6 mi/h) or hi gher, or if the
warnin g li ght comes on or flashes
while ri din g, the b rake system re-
verts to conventional brakin g. If ei-
ther of the ab ove occurs, or if the
warnin g li ght does not come on at
all, use extra caution to avoi d possi-
b le wheel lock during emer gency
b rakin g. Have a Yamaha d ealer
check the brake system an d electri-
cal circuits as soon as possi ble.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.
EAU54682
Immo bilizer system in dicator
li g ht “ ”
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 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.
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.)
EAU57682
Multi-function meter unit
WARNING
EWA12423
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
makin g any settin g chan ges to the
multi-function meter unit. Chan gin g
settin gs while ri din g can distract the
operator an d increase the risk of an
acci dent.The multi-function meter unit is
equipped with the following:
a speedometer
an odometer
two tripmeters
a fuel reserve tripmeter1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/tripmeter/fuel reserve tripme-
ter/clock
21
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Instrument and control functions
3-6
3
a clock
an error code display
TIPThe key must be turned to “ON”
before you can use the “SELECT”
and “RESET” 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, an d clock
The odometer shows the total distance
traveled by the vehicle.
The tripmeters show the distance trav-
eled since they were last reset.
The fuel reserve tripmeter shows the
distance traveled on the fuel reserve.
The clock displays time in 12-hour for-
mat.TIP The odometer will lock at 999999
km.
The tripmeters will reset and con-
tinue counting after 999.9 km is
reached.
In normal operation, push the “SE-
LECT” switch to change the display
between the odometer “ODO”, the
tripmeter “TRIP 1” and “TRIP 2”, and
the clock in the following order:
ODO → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → clock →
ODO
If the fuel level warning light comes on,
the display will change to the fuel re-
serve tripmeter “TRIP F” and start
counting the distance traveled from
that point. In this case, push the “SE-
LECT” switch to change the display in
the following order:
TRIP F → TRIP 1 → TRIP 2 → clock →
ODO → TRIP F
To reset a tripmeter, use the “SELECT”
switch to change the display to the de-
sired tripmeter and then push the “RE-
SET” switch for one second. The fuel
reserve tripmeter can be reset manual-
ly, or after refueling and traveling 5 km
(3 mi) it will reset automatically and dis-
appear from the display.
1. “SELECT” switch
2. “RESET” switch
1
2
1. Odometer/tripmeter/fuel reserve tripme- ter/clock
1
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