warning YAMAHA XVS950 2012 Owner's Manual

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-4
5
EAU17213
Parking When parking, stop the engine, and
then remove the key from the main
switch.
WARNING
EWA10311


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 and be burned.


Do not park on a slope or on soft
ground, otherwise the vehicle
may overturn, increasing the
risk of a fuel leak and fire.


Do not park near grass or other
flammable materials which
might catch fire.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17244
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15122
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.

A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.


Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-2 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
6
9. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.
TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.10. Turn the engine off, wait a few min- utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
EAU47080
Replacing the air filter element The air filter element should be re-
placed at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart. Replace the air filter element
more frequently if you are riding in un-
usually wet or dusty areas.
To replace the air filter element1. Remove the air filter case cover by removing the bolts.
2. Pull the air filter element out. 3. Insert a new air filter element into
the air filter case. NOTICE: Make
sure that the air filter element is
properly seated in the air filter
case. The engine should never
be operated without the air filter
element installed, otherwise the
piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may
become excessively worn.
[ECA10481]
4. Install the air filter case cover by in- stalling the bolts.
1. Bolt
2. Air filter case cover1 2
1
1. Air filter element
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-13
6
EAU21384
Checking the throttle grip free
play The throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 4.0–6.0 mm (0.16 –0.24 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21401
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.
EAU21565
Tires To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your motorcy-
cle, 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
EWA10503
Operation of this vehicle with im-
proper tire pressure may cause se-
vere injury or death from loss of
control.

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 approved
for this model.
1. Throttle grip free play
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6
WARNING
EWA10511
Never overload your vehicle. Opera-
tion of an overloaded vehicle could
cause an accident.
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.TIPThe tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with tube-
less tires, tire air valves and cast
wheels.
WARNING
EWA10461
The front and rear tires should be of
the same make and design, other-
wise the handling characteristics of
the vehicle may be different, which
could lead to an accident.After extensive tests, only the tires list-
ed below have been approved for this
model by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):0–90 kg (0– 198 lb):
Front:
225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm ², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm ², 36 psi)
90– 210 kg (198– 463 lb):
Front: 225 kPa (2.25 kgf/cm ², 33 psi)
Rear: 250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm ², 36 psi)
Maximum load*:
210 kg (463 lb)
* Total weight of rider, passenger, car- go and accessories
1. Tire sidewall
2. Tire tread depth
Minimum tire tread depth (front and
rear): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)
Front tire:Size: 130/70-18M/C 63H
Manufacturer/model: BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G721
J
DUNLOP/D404F
Rear tire:
Size: 170/70B16M/C 75H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G722
J
DUNLOP/K555
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6
WARNING
EWA10471


Have a Yamaha dealer replace
excessively worn tires. Besides
being illegal, operating the vehi-
cle with excessively worn tires
decreases riding stability 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 to do so.


Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire
surface must first be “broken
in ” for it to develop its optimal
characteristics.
EAU21962
Cast wheels To maximize the performance, durabil-
ity, and safe operation of your vehicle,
note the following points regarding the
specified wheels.

The wheel rims should be checked
for cracks, bends, warpage or oth-
er damage before each ride. If any
damage 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.
EAU50270
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. Slide the rubber cover back at the clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play
adjusting bolt in direction (a). To1. Rubber cover
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Clutch lever free play
2 1
3
4
(a)
(b)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
63. Tighten the locknut.
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.
EAU22273
Brake light switches The brake light, which is activated by
the brake pedal and brake lever, should
come on just before braking takes ef-
fect. If necessary, adjust the rear brake
light switch as follows, but the front
brake light switch should be adjusted
by a Yamaha dealer.
Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-
ing 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).
EAU22392
Checking the front and rear
brake pads The front and rear brake pads must be
checked for wear at the intervals spec-
ified in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
EAU22430
Front brake pads
Each front brake pad is provided with
wear indicator grooves, which allow
you to check the brake pad wear with-
out having to disassemble the brake.
To check the brake pad wear, check
the wear indicator grooves. If a brake
pad has worn to the point that the wear
1. Rear brake light switch
2. Rear brake light switch adjusting nut
1
2
(a)
(b)
1. Brake pad wear indicator groove11
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.
EAU22500
Rear brake pads
Check each rear brake pad for damage
and measure the lining thickness. If a
brake pad is damaged or if the lining
thickness is less than 0.8 mm (0.03 in),
have a Yamaha dealer replace the
brake pads as a set.
EAU22581
Checking the brake fluid level Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark.
Check the brake fluid level with the top
of the reservoir level. Replenish the
brake fluid if necessary.
Front brake
Rear brake
WARNING
EWA15990
Improper maintenance can result in
loss of braking ability. Observe
these precautions:

Insufficient brake fluid may al-
low air to enter the brake sys-
tem, reducing braking
performance.


Clean the filler cap before re-
moving. Use only DOT 4 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
1. Lining thickness
1
1. Minimum level mark
1
1. Minimum level mark
Specified brake fluid:
DOT 4
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-21
6
EAU23095
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711] EAU49920
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable The operation of the throttle grip should
be checked before each ride. In addi-
tion, the cable should be lubricated by a
Yamaha dealer at the intervals speci- fied in the periodic maintenance chart.
EAU44272
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals Brake pedal
Shift pedal
The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
Recommended lubricant: Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or
engine oil
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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6
EAU23202
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand The operation of the sidestand should
be checked before each ride, and the
sidestand pivot and metal-to-metal
contact surfaces should be lubricated if
necessary.
WARNING
EWA10731
If the sidestand does not move up
and down smoothly, have a Yamaha
dealer check or repair it. Otherwise,
the sidestand could contact the
ground and distract the operator, re-
sulting in a possible loss of control.
EAUM1652
Lubricating the swingarm piv-
ots The swingarm pivots must be lubricat-
ed by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU23251
Lubricating the rear suspen-
sion The pivoting points of the rear suspen-
sion must be lubricated by a Yamaha
dealer at the intervals specified in the
periodic maintenance and lubrication
chart.
Recommended lubricant:Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:Lithium-soap-based grease
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