warning YAMAHA XVS250 2004 User Guide

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15591
The condition of a vehicle is the owner’s responsibility. Vital components can start to deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly,
even if the vehicle remains unused (for example, as a result of exposure to the elements). Any damage, fluid leakage or loss
of tire air pressure could have serious consequences. Therefore, it is very important, in addition to a thorough visual inspec-
tion, to check the following points before each ride.NOTE:Pre-operation checks should be made each time the vehicle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very shorttime; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved.
WARNING
EWA11150
If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operatingthe vehicle.
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15950
WARNING
EWA10270


Become thoroughly familiar
with all operating controls and
their functions before riding.
Consult a Yamaha dealer re-
garding any control or function
that you do not thoroughly un-
derstand.


Never start the engine or oper-
ate it in a closed area for any
length of time. Exhaust fumes
are poisonous, and inhaling
them can cause loss of con-
sciousness and death within a
short time. Always make sure
that there is adequate ventila-
tion.


Before starting out, make sure
that the sidestand is up. If the
sidestand is not raised com-
pletely, it could contact the
ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible lossof control.
EAU16400
Starting a cold engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the sid-
estand up.WARNING
EWA10290


Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-11.


Never ride with the sidestanddown.
1. Turn the fuel cock lever to “ON”.
2. Turn the key to “ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
3. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position.
NOTE:When the transmission is in the neutral
position, the neutral indicator light
should be on, otherwise have a
Yamaha dealer check the electrical cir-cuit.
4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-9.)
5. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.NOTE:If the engine fails to start, release the
start switch, wait a few seconds, and
then try again. Each starting attempt
should be as short as possible to pre-
serve the battery. Do not crank the en-
gine more than 10 seconds on any oneattempt.CAUTION:
ECA11370
The engine trouble warning light
should come on when the key is
turned to “ON”, and then go off after
a few seconds. If the engine trouble
warning light comes on or flashes
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17021
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/3
throttle.
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2
throttle.
CAUTION:
ECA11281
After 1000 km (600 mi) of operation,
the engine oil must be changed, and
the oil filter cartridge or element re-placed.
1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.CAUTION:
ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealercheck the vehicle.
EAU17200
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10310


Since the engine and exhaust
system can become very hot,
park in a place where pedestri-
ans or children are not likely to
touch them.


Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehiclemay overturn.
5KRE2.book Page 4 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-1
6
EAU17240
Safety is an obligation of the owner. Pe-
riodic inspection, adjustment and lubri-
cation will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. The most important points of in-
spection, adjustment, and lubrication
are explained on the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart
should be simply considered as a gen-
eral guide under normal riding condi-
tions. However, DEPENDING ON THE
WEATHER, TERRAIN, GEOGRAPHI-
CAL LOCATION, AND INDIVIDUAL
USE, THE MAINTENANCE INTER-
VALS MAY NEED TO BE SHORT-
ENED.
WARNING
EWA10320
If you are not familiar with mainte-
nance work, have a Yamaha dealerdo it for you.
EAU17340
Owner’s tool kit The owner’s tool kit is located behind
panel A. (See page 6-5.)
The service information included in this
manual and the tools provided in the
owner’s tool kit are intended to assist
you in the performance of preventive
maintenance and minor repairs. How-
ever, additional tools such as a torque
wrench may be necessary to perform
certain maintenance work correctly.NOTE:If you do not have the tools or experi-
ence required for a particular job, havea Yamaha dealer perform it for you.
WARNING
EWA10350
Modifications not approved by
Yamaha may cause loss of perfor-
mance and render the vehicle un-
safe for use. Consult a Yamaha
dealer before attempting any chang-es.
1. Owner’s tool kit
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-13
6
EAU21400
Adjusting the valve clearance The 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.
EAU21540
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified tires.
Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked
and, if necessary, adjusted before each
ride.
WARNING
EWA10500


The tire air pressure must be
checked and adjusted on cold
tires (i.e., when the temperature
of the tires equals the ambient
temperature).


The tire air pressure must be ad-
justed in accordance with the
riding speed and with the total
weight of rider, passenger, car-
go, and accessories approvedfor this model.
WARNING
EWA11020
Because loading has an enormous
impact on the handling, braking,
performance and safety characteris-
tics of your motorcycle, you should
keep the following precautions in
mind.

NEVER OVERLOAD THE
MOTORCYCLE! Operation of an
overloaded motorcycle may re-
sult in tire damage, loss of con-
trol, or severe injury. Make sure
that the total weight of rider,Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
0–90 kg (0–198 lb):
Front:
175 kPa (25 psi) (1.75 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
200 kPa (29 psi) (2.00 kgf/cm²)
90–180 kg (198–397 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm²)
Rear:
225 kPa (33 psi) (2.25 kgf/cm²)
Maximum load*:
180 kg (397 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car-
go and accessories
5KRE2.book Page 13 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-14
6 passenger, cargo, and accesso-
ries does not exceed the speci-
fied maximum load for the
vehicle.


Do not carry along loosely
packed items, which can shift
during a ride.


Securely pack the heaviest
items close to the center of the
motorcycle and distribute the
weight evenly on both sides.


Adjust the suspension and tire
air pressure with regard to the
load.


Check the tire condition and airpressure before each ride.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 sidewall is
cracked, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place the tire immediately.
NOTE:The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always complywith the local regulations.Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube
tires.
WARNING
EWA10460


The front and rear tires should
be of the same make and de-
sign, otherwise the handling
characteristics of the vehicle
cannot be guaranteed.


After extensive tests, only the
tires listed below have been ap-
proved for this model byYamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear):
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
Front tire:
Size:
80/100-18M/C 47P
Manufacturer/model:
CHENG SHIN/C-916
IRC/MARBELLA NF27
Rear tire:
Size:
130/90-15M/C 66P
Manufacturer/model:
CHENG SHIN/C-915
IRC/MARBELLA NR31
5KRE2.book Page 14 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-15
6
WARNING
EWA10570


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the
motorcycle with excessively
worn tires decreases riding sta-
bility and can lead to loss of
control.


The replacement of all wheel-
and brake-related parts, includ-
ing the tires, should be left to a
Yamaha dealer, who has the
necessary professional knowl-
edge and experience.


It is not recommended to patch
a punctured tube. If unavoid-
able, however, patch the tube
very carefully and replace it as
soon as possible with a high-quality product.
EAU21940
Spoke wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motor-
cycle, note the following points
regarding the specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends or warpage, and
the spokes for looseness or dam-
age before each ride. If any dam-
age is found, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the wheel. Do not
attempt even the smallest repair to
the wheel. A deformed or cracked
wheel must be replaced.


The wheel should be balanced
whenever either the tire or wheel
has been changed or replaced. An
unbalanced wheel can result in
poor performance, adverse han-
dling characteristics, and a short-
ened tire life.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU22040
Adjusting the clutch lever free
play The clutch lever free play should mea-
sure 5.0–10.0 mm (0.20–0.39 in) as
shown. Periodically check the clutch le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the clutch le-
ver.
2. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the clutch
lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction (b).1. Locknut
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Clutch lever free play
5KRE2.book Page 15 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-17
6
WARNING
EWA10630


After adjusting the brake lever
free play, check the free play
and make sure that the brake is
working properly.


A soft or spongy feeling in the
brake lever can indicate the
presence of air in the hydraulic
system. If there is air in the hy-
draulic system, have a Yamaha
dealer bleed the system before
operating the motorcycle. Air in
the hydraulic system will dimin-
ish the braking performance,
which may result in loss of con-trol and an accident.
EAU22201
Adjusting the brake pedal
position and free play
WARNING
EWA10670
It is advisable to have a Yamahadealer make these adjustments.
Brake pedal position
The top of the brake pedal should be
positioned approximately 76.6 mm
(3.02 in) above the top of the footrest as
shown. Periodically check the brake
pedal position and, if necessary, adjust
it as follows.1. Loosen the locknut at the brake
pedal.
2. To raise the brake pedal, turn the
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To
lower the brake pedal, turn the ad-
justing bolt in direction (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.
WARNING
EWA11230
After adjusting the brake pedal posi-
tion, the brake pedal free play mustbe adjusted.
1. Footrest
2. Distance between brake pedal and footrest
3. Brake pedal free play
1. Brake pedal position adjusting bolt
2. Locknut
5KRE2.book Page 17 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-18
6 Brake pedal free play
The brake pedal free play should mea-
sure 20.0–30.0 mm (0.79–1.18 in) at
the brake pedal end. Periodically check
the brake pedal free play and, if neces-
sary, adjust it as follows.
To increase the brake pedal free play,
turn the adjusting nut at the brake rod in
direction (a). To decrease the brake
pedal free play, turn the adjusting nut in
direction (b).
WARNING
EWA10680


After adjusting the drive chain
slack or removing and installing
the rear wheel, always check the
brake pedal free play.


If proper adjustment cannot be
obtained as described, have a
Yamaha dealer make this ad-
justment.


After adjusting the brake pedal
free play, check the operation ofthe brake light.
EAU22270
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch The rear brake light switch, which is ac-
tivated by the brake pedal, is properly
adjusted when the brake light comes
on just before braking takes effect. If
necessary, adjust the brake light switch
as follows.
Turn the adjusting nut while holding the
rear brake light switch in place. To
make the brake light come on earlier,
turn the adjusting nut in direction (a). To
make the brake light come on later, turn
the adjusting nut in direction (b).
1. Brake pedal free play adjusting nut
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
5KRE2.book Page 18 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-22
6
CAUTION:
ECA10570
Improper drive chain slack will over-
load the engine as well as other vital
parts of the motorcycle and can lead
to chain slippage or breakage. To
prevent this from occurring, keep
the drive chain slack within thespecified limits.
3. Tighten both locknuts and the axle
nut to the specified torques.4. Adjust the brake pedal free play.
(See page 6-17.)
WARNING
EWA10660
After adjusting the brake pedal free
play, check the operation of thebrake light.
EAU23020
Lubricating the drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.CAUTION:
ECA10580
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle orriding in the rain.
1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.CAUTION:
ECA11120
To prevent damaging the O-rings, do
not clean the drive chain with steam
cleaners, high-pressure washers orinappropriate solvents.
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant.
1. Alignment marks
2. Drive chain slack adjusting nut
3. Locknut
Tightening torques:
Locknut:
16 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 12 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
104 Nm (10.4 m·kgf, 75 ft·lbf)
5KRE2.book Page 22 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM