YAMAHA XVS250 2001 Owner's Manual

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-9
3
EAU02976
Starter (choke) lever Starting a cold engine requires a richer
air-fuel mixture, which is supplied by
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction
a to turn on
the starter (choke).
Move the lever in direction
b to turn off
the starter (choke).
EAU00260
Helmet holder To open the helmet holder, insert the
key into the lock, and then turn the key
as shown.
To lock the helmet holder, place it in
the original position, and then remove
the key.
EW000030
WARNING
_ Never ride with a helmet attached to
the helmet holder, since the helmet
may hit objects, causing loss of
control and possibly an accident. _
1. Starter (choke) lever
1. Helmet holder
2. Unlock.
E_5kr.book Page 9 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-10
3
EAU00300
Adjusting the shock absorber
assemblies Each shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring.
EC000015
CAUTION:_ Never attempt to turn an adjusting
mechanism beyond the maximum
or minimum settings. _
EW000040
WARNING
_ Always adjust both shock absorber
assemblies equally, otherwise poor
handling and loss of stability may
result. _
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension, turn
the adjusting ring on each shock ab-
sorber assembly in direction
a. To de-
crease the spring preload and thereby
soften the suspension, turn the adjust-
ing ring on each shock absorber as-
sembly in direction
b.NOTE:_ Align the appropriate notch in the ad-
justing ring with the position indicator
on the shock absorber. _
CI-10E
1. Spring preload adjusting ring
2. Position indicator
Setting
Minimum (soft) 1
Standard 2
Maximum (hard) 5
E_5kr.book Page 10 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
EAU00330
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
motorcycle upright.NOTE:_ The built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See further down for an explanation of
the ignition circuit cut-off system.) _
EW000044
WARNING
_ The motorcycle must not be ridden
with the sidestand down, or if the
sidestand cannot be properly
moved up (or does not stay up), oth-
erwise the sidestand could contact
the ground and distract the opera-
tor, resulting in a possible loss of
control. Yamaha’s ignition circuit
cut-off system has been designed to
assist the operator in fulfilling the
responsibility of raising the side-
stand before starting off. Therefore,
check this system regularly as de-
scribed below and have a Yamaha
dealer repair it if it does not function
properly. _
EAU03720
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.l
It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is
not pulled.
l
It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch
lever is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.
l
It cuts the running engine when
the transmission is in gear and the
sidestand is moved down.
Periodically check the operation of the
ignition circuit cut-off system according
to the following procedure.
EW000045
WARNING
_ If a malfunction is noted, have a
Yamaha dealer check the system
before riding. _
E_5kr.book Page 11 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-12
3
CD-01E
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 to “ON”.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
The neutral switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
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 sidestand switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.The clutch switch may be defective.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
NO
NOTE:This check is most reliable if performed with
a warmed-up engine.
YESYES NO
The system is OK.
The motorcycle can be ridden.
YES NO
E_5kr.book Page 12 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

4-1
4
EAU01114
4-PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
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.
EAU03439
Pre-operation check list
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel• Check fuel level in fuel tank.
• Refuel if necessary.
• Check fuel line for leakage.3-7
Engine oil• Check oil level in engine.
• If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
• Check vehicle for oil leakage.6-10
Front brake• Check operation.
• If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check fluid level in reservoir.
• If necessary, add recommended brake fluid to specified level.
• Check hydraulic system for leakage.6-20, 6-22–6-24
Rear brake• Check operation.
• Check pedal free play.
• Adjust if necessary.6-20–6-24
Clutch• Check operation.
• Lubricate cable if necessary.
• Check lever free play.
• Adjust if necessary.6-19
Throttle grip• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate throttle grip, housing and cables if necessary.
• Check free play.
• If necessary, have Yamaha dealer make adjustment.6-15
E_5kr.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Control cables• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-27
Drive chain• Check chain slack.
• Adjust if necessary.
• Check chain condition.
• Lubricate if necessary.6-24–6-25
Wheels and tires• Check for damage.
• Check tire condition and tread depth.
• Check air pressure.
• Correct if necessary.6-16–6-19
Brake and shift pedals• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary.6-27
Brake and clutch levers• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary.6-28
Sidestand• Make sure that operation is smooth.
• Lubricate pivot if necessary.6-28
Chassis fasteners• Make sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened.
• Tighten if necessary.—
Instruments, lights, signals
and switches• Check operation.
• Correct if necessary.—
Sidestand switch• Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
• If system is defective, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle.3-11 ITEM CHECKS PAGE
E_5kr.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
NOTE:_ Pre-operation checks should be made each time the motorcycle is used. Such an inspection can be accomplished in a very
short time; and the added safety it assures is more than worth the time involved. _
EWA00033
WARNING
_ If any item in the Pre-operation check list is not working properly, have it inspected and repaired before operating
the motorcycle. _E_5kr.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

5-1
5
EAU00372
5-OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
EAU00373
WARNING
_ l
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
understand.
l
Never start the engine or operate
it in a closed area for any length
of time. Exhaust fumes are poi-
sonous, and inhaling them can
cause loss of consciousness
and death within a short time. Al-
ways make sure that there is ad-
equate ventilation.
l
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 loss
of control.
_
EAU03515*
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:l
The transmission is in the neutral
position.
l
The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
EW000054
WARNING
_ l
Before starting the engine,
check the function of the igni-
tion circuit cut-off system ac-
cording to the procedure
described on page 3-12.
l
Never ride with the sidestand
down.
_
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
circuit. _1. Arrow mark positioned over “ON”
E_5kr.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5 4. Turn the starter (choke) on and
completely close the throttle. (See
page 3-9 for starter (choke)
operation.)
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 one
attempt. _6. After starting the engine, move the
starter (choke) lever back halfway.
ECA00055
CAUTION:_ For maximum engine life, always
warm the engine up before starting
off. Never accelerate hard when the
engine is cold! _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. _
EAU01258
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.
E_5kr.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 12, 2000 4:46 PM

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU00423
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 its
travel, and then slightly raise it. _
EC000048
CAUTION:_ l
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.
l
Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid dam-
aging the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
_
EAU02941
Recommended shift points
(for Switzerland only) The recommended shift points during
acceleration are shown in the table be-
low.CF-01ENOTE:_ When shifting down two gears at a
time, reduce the speed accordingly
(e.g., down to 35 km/h when shifting
from 4th to 2nd gear). _
1. Shift pedal
N. Neutral position
Shift point
(km/h)
1st®2nd
2nd®3rd
3rd®4th
4th®5th23
36
50
60
E_5kr_Operation.fm Page 3 Wednesday, September 13, 2000 1:18 PM