check engine YAMAHA XVS950 2010 Owners Manual
Page 6 of 84
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
Immobilizer system  .........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-2
Indicator and warning lights  ............3-4
Multi-function meter unit  .................3-5
Handlebar switches  ........................3-8
Clutch lever ...................................3-10
Shift pedal .....................................3-10
Brake lever  ...................................3-11
Brake pedal  ..................................3-11
Fuel tank cap  ................................3-11
Fuel ...............................................3-12
Catalytic converter  ........................3-13
Rider seat  .....................................3-14
Helmet holder  ...............................3-15
Adjusting the shock absorber 
assembly ...................................3-15
Sidestand ......................................3-17
Ignition circuit cut-off system  ........3-17FOR YOUR SAFETY – 
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT 
RIDING 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
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND 
ADJUSTMENT................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-1
Periodic maintenance chart for the 
emission control system  ............. 6-2
General maintenance and 
lubrication chart  .......................... 6-3
Removing and installing the 
panel ........................................... 6-7
Checking the spark plugs  ............... 6-7
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge  ..... 6-8
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-11
Checking the throttle cable free 
play ........................................... 6-12
Valve clearance ............................ 6-12
Tires ............................................. 6-12
Cast wheels .................................. 6-14
Adjusting the clutch lever free 
play ........................................... 6-14Adjusting the brake lever free 
play ........................................... 6-15
Brake light switches  ..................... 6-16
Checking the front and rear brake 
pads .......................................... 6-16
Checking the brake fluid level  ...... 6-17
Changing the brake fluid  .............. 6-18
Drive belt slack  ............................ 6-18
Checking and lubricating the 
cables ....................................... 6-19
Checking and lubricating the 
throttle grip and cable  ............... 6-19
Checking and lubricating the 
brake and shift pedals  .............. 6-20
Checking and lubricating the 
brake and clutch levers  ............ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the 
sidestand .................................. 6-21
Lubricating the swingarm 
pivots ........................................ 6-21
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-22
Checking the front fork ................. 6-22
Checking the steering  .................. 6-23
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-23
Battery ......................................... 6-23
Replacing the fuses  ..................... 6-25
Replacing the headlight bulb  ....... 6-26
Replacing the tail/brake light 
bulb ........................................... 6-27
Replacing a turn signal light 
bulb ........................................... 6-28U26PE1E0.book  Page 1  Thursday, July 16, 2009  8:21 AM 
Page 10 of 84
SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1
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.
Loading
Adding accessories or cargo to your
motorcycle can adversely affect stabili-
ty and handling if the weight distribution
of the motorcycle is changed. To avoid
the possibility of an accident, use ex-
treme 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 overloaded vehicle
could cause an accident.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 distrib-
ute the weight as evenly as possi-
ble on both sides of the motorcycle
to minimize imbalance or instabili-
ty.
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.
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. Theseitems, including such cargo as
sleeping bags, duffel bags, or
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
This vehicle is not designed to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a sidecar.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Choosing accessories for your vehicle
is an important decision. Genuine
Yamaha accessories, which are avail-
able only from a Yamaha dealer, have
been designed, tested, and approved
by Yamaha for use on your vehicle.
Many companies with no connection to
Yamaha manufacture parts and acces-
sories or offer other modifications for
Yamaha vehicles. Yamaha is not in a
position to test the products that these
aftermarket companies produce.
Therefore, Yamaha can neither en-
dorse nor recommend the use of ac-
cessories not sold by Yamaha or
modifications not specifically recom-
mended by Yamaha, even if sold and
installed by a Yamaha dealer.
Maximum load:
210 kg (463 lb)
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Page 18 of 84
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
EAU11004
Indicator and warning lights 
EAU11020
Turn signal indicator light“” 
This indicator light flashes when the
turn signal switch is pushed to the left or
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.
EAU11254
Oil level warning light“” 
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, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.TIP
Even if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when
riding on a slope or during sudden
acceleration or deceleration, but
this is not a malfunction.
This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If a problem
is detected in the oil level detectioncircuit, the following cycle will be
repeated until the malfunction is
corrected: The oil level warning
light will flash ten times, then go off
for 2.5 seconds. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU11365
Fuel level warning light“” 
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
3.4 L (0.90 US gal, 0.75 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, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.TIPThis model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the fuel level de-
tection circuit. If a problem is detected
in the fuel level detection circuit, the fol-
lowing cycle will be repeated until the
1. Neutral indicator light“”
2. Fuel level warning light“”
3. Engine trouble warning light“”
4. Immobilizer system indicator light
5. Oil level warning light“”
6. Turn signal indicator light“”
7. High beam indicator light“”
67
12
4 3
5
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Page 19 of 84
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3 malfunction is corrected: The fuel level
warning light will flash eight times, and
then go off for 3.0 seconds. If this oc-
curs, have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU11534
Engine trouble warning light“” 
This warning light comes on or flashes
if a problem is detected in the electrical
circuit monitoring the engine. If this oc-
curs, have a Yamaha dealer check the
self-diagnosis system. (See page 3-7
for an explanation of the self-diagnosis
device.)
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.
EAU38623
Immobilizer system indicator light 
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.
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.
This model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the immobilizer
system. (See page 3-7 for an explana-
tion of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU47200
Multi-function meter unit 
WARNING
EWA12422
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
making any setting changes to the
multi-function meter unit. Changing
settings while riding can distract the
operator and increase the risk of an
accident.The multi-function meter unit is
equipped with the following:
a speedometer
an odometer
1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/tripmeters/fuel reserve tripme-
ter/clock
1
2
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Page 22 of 84
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-8
33. If one or both of the standard keys
do not start the engine, take the
vehicle, the code re-registering
key and both standard keys to a
Yamaha dealer and have the stan-
dard keys re-registered.
If the odometer/tripmeter/clock display
indicates any error codes, note the
code number, and then have a Yamaha
dealer check the vehicle.
NOTICE
ECA11590
If the display indicates an error
code, the vehicle should be checked
as soon as possible in order to avoid
engine damage.Brightness control modeThis function allows you to adjust the
brightness of the multi-function meter
unit panel to suit the outside lighting
conditions.
To set the brightness
1. Turn the key to “OFF”.
2. Push and hold the “SELECT”
switch.
3. Turn the key to “ON”, and then re-
lease the “SELECT” switch after
five seconds.
4. Adjust the multi-function meter unit
panel brightness level by pushing
the “SELECT” switch.
5. Push the “RESET” switch.
The odometer/tripmeter/clock dis-
play will return to the prior mode.
EAU12348
Handlebar switches Left
1. Brightness level
1
1. Pass switch“”
2. Dimmer switch“/”
3. Turn signal switch“/”
4. Horn switch“”
3
41 2
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Page 31 of 84
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-17
3
EAU15303
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.TIPThe built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See page 3-17 for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.)
WARNING
EWA10240
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up
(or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check
this system regularly as describedbelow and have a Yamaha dealer re-
pair it if it does not function proper-
ly.
EAU44892
Ignition circuit cut-off system The ignition circuit cut-off system (com-
prising the sidestand switch, clutch
switch and neutral switch) has the fol-
lowing functions.
It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.
It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.
It cuts the running engine when the
transmission is in gear and the sid-
estand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.
U26PE1E0.book  Page 17  Thursday, July 16, 2009  8:21 AM 
Page 32 of 84
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3
With the engine turned off:
1. Move the sidestand down.
2. Make sure that the engine stop switch is set to “
3. Turn the key on. 
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
With the engine still running:
6. Move the sidestand up.
7. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
8. Shift the transmission into gear.
9. Move the sidestand down.
Does the engine stall?
After the engine has stalled:
10. Move the sidestand up.
11. Keep the clutch lever pulled.
12. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden.The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.
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Page 33 of 84
FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
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
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
FuelCheck fuel level in fuel tank.
Refuel if necessary.
Check fuel line for leakage.3-12
Engine oilCheck oil level in engine.
If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-8
Front brakeCheck operation.
If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
Check lever free play.
Adjust if necessary.
Check brake pads for wear.
Replace if necessary.
Check fluid level in reservoir.
If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-15, 6-16, 6-17
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Page 37 of 84
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA11832
If a warning or indicator light does
not come on for a few seconds, and
then go off, see page 3-4 for the cor-
responding warning and indicator
light circuit check.2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position. (See page 5-2.) The
neutral indicator light should come
on. If not, ask a Yamaha dealer to
check the electrical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch. NOTICE: For maxi-
mum engine life, never acceler-
ate hard when the engine is
cold!
 [ECA11041]
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.
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.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE
ECA10260
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2 3 4 5N12
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:
Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.
Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.
Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
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.
EAU17023
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/3
throttle. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600
mi) of operation, the engine oil must
be changed, and the oil filter car-
tridge or element replaced.
 [ECA11282]
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2
throttle.1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
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