light YAMAHA XVS250 2004 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-1
Indicator and warning lights ............3-2
Speedometer unit ...........................3-3
Self-diagnosis device ......................3-3
Anti-theft alarm (optional) ...............3-3
Handlebar switches ........................3-4
Clutch lever .....................................3-5
Shift pedal .......................................3-5
Brake lever .....................................3-6
Brake pedal ....................................3-6
Fuel tank cap ..................................3-6
Fuel .................................................3-7
Fuel cock ........................................3-8
Starter (choke) lever .......................3-9
Helmet holder .................................3-9
Adjusting the shock absorber
assemblies ................................3-10
Sidestand ......................................3-10
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........3-11
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS..............4-1
Pre-operation check list ..................4-2OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................. 5-1
Starting a cold engine .................... 5-1
Starting a warm engine .................. 5-2
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-4
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIR................................. 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-2
Removing and installing panels ..... 6-5
Checking the spark plugs ............... 6-6
Engine oil and oil filter element ...... 6-8
Cleaning the air filter element ...... 6-10
Adjusting the carburetor ............... 6-11
Adjusting the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-12
Adjusting the throttle cable
free play .................................... 6-12
Adjusting the valve clearance ...... 6-13
Tires ............................................. 6-13
Spoke wheels ............................... 6-15
Adjusting the clutch lever
free play .................................... 6-15
Adjusting the brake lever
free play .................................... 6-16Adjusting the brake pedal
position and free play ............... 6-17
Adjusting the rear brake
light switch ................................ 6-18
Checking the front brake pads
and rear brake shoes ............... 6-19
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-19
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-20
Drive chain slack .......................... 6-21
Lubricating the drive chain ........... 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
cables ....................................... 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-23
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals .............. 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers ............ 6-24
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-24
Checking the front fork ................. 6-25
Checking the steering .................. 6-25
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-26
Battery ......................................... 6-26
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-28
Replacing the headlight bulb ....... 6-28
Replacing the tail/brake
light bulb ................................... 6-30
Replacing a turn signal
light bulb ................................... 6-30
Supporting the motorcycle ........... 6-315KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1Loading
The total weight of the operator, pas-
senger, accessories and cargo must
not exceed the maximum load limit of
180 kg (397 lb). 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. Make
sure to distribute the weight as
evenly as possible on both sides of
the motorcycle to minimize imbal-
ance or instability.


Shifting weights can create a sud-
den imbalance. Make sure that ac-
cessories and cargo are securely
attached to the motorcycle before
riding. Check accessory mounts
and cargo restraints frequently.


Never attach any large or heavy
items to the handlebar, front fork,
or front fender. These items, in-
cluding such cargo as sleeping
bags, duffel bags, or tents, can
create unstable handling or slow
steering response.Accessories
Genuine Yamaha accessories have
been specifically designed for use on
this motorcycle. Since Yamaha cannot
test all other accessories that may be
available, you must personally be re-
sponsible for the proper selection, in-
stallation and use of non-Yamaha
accessories. Use extreme caution
when selecting and installing any ac-
cessories.
Keep the following guidelines in mind,
as well as those provided under “Load-
ing” when mounting accessories.

Never install accessories or carry
cargo that would impair the perfor-
mance of your motorcycle. Care-
fully inspect the accessory before
using it to make sure that it does
not in any way reduce ground
clearance or cornering clearance,
limit suspension travel, steering
travel or control operation, or ob-
scure lights or reflectors.
Accessories fitted to the handle-
bar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessoriesare added to the handlebar or
front fork area, they must be as
lightweight as possible and
should be kept to a minimum.
Bulky or large accessories may
seriously affect the stability of
the motorcycle due to aerody-
namic effects. Wind may at-
tempt to lift the motorcycle, or
the motorcycle may become un-
stable in cross winds. These ac-
cessories may also cause
instability when passing or being
passed by large vehicles.
Certain accessories can dis-
place the operator from his or
her normal riding position. This
improper position limits the free-
dom of movement of the opera-
tor and may limit control ability,
therefore, such accessories are
not recommended.


Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical acces-
sories exceed the capacity of the
motorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
5KRE2.book Page 3 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-1
2
EAU10410
Left view1. Headlight (page 6-28)
2. Fuel cock (page 3-8)
3. Fuses (page 6-28)
4. Helmet holder (page 3-9)
5. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring (page 3-10)
6. Shift pedal (page 3-5)5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10460
Main switch/steering lock The main switch/steering lock controls
the ignition and lighting systems, and is
used to lock the steering. The various
positions are described below.
EAU10630
ON
All electrical systems are supplied with
power, and the engine can be started.
The key cannot be removed.
EAU10660
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
EAU10680
LOCK
The steering is locked, and all electrical
systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
To lock the steering1. Turn the handlebars all the way to
the left.
2. Push the key in from the “OFF” po-
sition, and then turn it to “LOCK”
while still pushing it.
3. Remove the key.To unlock the steering
Push the key in, and then turn it to
“OFF” while still pushing it.
WARNING
EWA10060
Never turn the key to “OFF” or
“LOCK” while the vehicle is moving,
otherwise the electrical systems will
be switched off, which may result in
loss of control or an accident. Make
sure that the vehicle is stopped be-
fore turning the key to “OFF” or“LOCK”.
1. Push.
2. Turn.
1. Push.
2. Turn.
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3
EAU10880
(Parking)
The steering is locked, and the taillight
and auxiliary light are on, but all other
electrical systems are off. The key can
be removed.
The steering must be locked before the
key can be turned to “”.
CAUTION:
ECA11020
Do not use the parking position for
an extended length of time, other-wise the battery may discharge.
EAU11001
Indicator and warning lights
EAU11020
Turn signal indicator light “”
This indicator light flashes when the
t u r n s i g n a l s w i t c h i s p u s h e d t o t h e l e f t o r
right.
EAU11060
Neutral indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11080
High beam indicator light “”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11500
Engine trouble warning light “”
This warning light comes on or flashes
when an electrical circuit monitoring the
engine is defective. When this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the self-
diagnosis system.
The electrical circuit of the warning light
can be checked by turning the key to
“ON”. If the warning light does not come
on for a few seconds, then go off, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
1. High beam indicator light “”
2. Turn signal indicator light “”
3. Neutral indicator light “”
4. Engine trouble warning light “”
5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
EAU11630
Speedometer unit The speedometer unit is equipped with
a speedometer, an odometer and a
tripmeter. The speedometer shows
riding speed. The odometer shows the
total distance traveled. The tripmeter
shows the distance traveled since it
was last set to zero with the reset knob.
The tripmeter can be used to estimate
the distance that can be traveled with a
full tank of fuel. This information will en-
able you to plan future fuel stops.
EAU12090
Self-diagnosis device This model is equipped with a self-diag-
nosis device for various electrical cir-
cuits.
If any of those circuits are defective, the
engine trouble warning light will come
on or flash. If this occurs, have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.CAUTION:
ECA11170
To prevent engine damage, be sure
to consult a Yamaha dealer as soonas possible if this occurs.
EAU12330
Anti-theft alarm (optional) This model can be equipped with an
optional anti-theft alarm by a Yamaha
dealer. Contact a Yamaha dealer for
more information.
1. Speedometer
2. Odometer
3. Tripmeter
4. Tripmeter reset knob
5KRE2.book Page 3 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU12342
Handlebar switches LeftRight
EAU12350
Pass switch “”
Press this switch to flash the headlight.
EAU12400
Dimmer switch “/”
Set this switch to “” for the high
beam and to “” for the low beam.
EAU12460
Turn signal switch “/”
To signal a right-hand turn, push this
switch to “”. To signal a left-hand
turn, push this switch to “”. When re-
leased, the switch returns to the centerposition. To cancel the turn signal
lights, push the switch in after it has re-
turned to the center position.
EAU12500
Horn switch “”
Press this switch to sound the horn.
EAU12590
Light switch “//”
Set this switch to “” to turn on the
auxiliary light, meter lighting and tail-
light. Set the switch to “” to turn on
the headlight also. Set the switch to “”
to turn off all the lights.
EAU12660
Engine stop switch “/”
Set this switch to “” before starting
the engine. Set this switch to “” to
stop the engine in case of an emergen-
cy, such as when the vehicle overturns
or when the throttle cable is stuck.
EAU12710
Start switch “”
Push this switch to crank the engine
with the starter.
1. Pass switch “”
2. Dimmer switch “/”
3. Turn signal switch “/”
4. Horn switch “”
1. Engine stop switch “/”
2. Light switch “//”
3. Start switch “”
5KRE2.book Page 4 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Drive chainCheck chain slack.
Adjust if necessary.
Check chain condition.
Lubricate if necessary.6-21, 6-22
Wheels and tiresCheck for damage.
Check tire condition and tread depth.
Check air pressure.
Correct if necessary.6-13, 6-15
Brake and shift pedalsMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-24
Brake and clutch leversMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-24
SidestandMake sure that operation is smooth.
Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-24
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switchesCheck operation.
Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switchCheck operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-10 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
5KRE2.book Page 3 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
5-2
5 after starting, immediately stop the
engine, and have a Yamaha dealer
check the self-diagnosis system.
6. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) back halfway.CAUTION:
ECA11040
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine iscold!
7. When the engine is warm, turn the
starter (choke) off.NOTE:The engine is warm when it responds
normally to the throttle with the starter(choke) turned off.
EAU16640
Starting a warm engine Follow the same procedure as for start-
ing a cold engine with the exception
that the starter (choke) is not required
when the engine is warm.
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.NOTE:To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel, and then slightly raise it.1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM