YAMAHA XVS250 2004 Owners Manual

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
PRINTED IN JAPAN
2003.07-0.3×1 CR
(E)5KR-28199-E2
XVS250
OWNER’S MANUAL

5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

INTRODUCTION
EAU10100
Welcome to the Yamaha world of motorcycling!
As the owner of the XVS250, you are benefiting from Yamaha’s vast experience and newest technology
regarding the design and manufacture of high-quality products, which have earned Yamaha a reputation
for dependability.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly, so as to enjoy all advantages of your XVS250. The
owner’s manual does not only instruct you in how to operate, inspect and maintain your motorcycle, but
also in how to safeguard yourself and others from trouble and injury.
In addition, the many tips given in this manual will help keep your motorcycle in the best possible con-
dition. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact your Yamaha dealer.
The Yamaha team wishes you many safe and pleasant rides. So, remember to put safety first!
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10150
Particularly important information is distinguished in this manual by the following notations:NOTE:

This manual should be considered a permanent part of this motorcycle and should remain with it even if the motorcycle
is subsequently sold.


Yamaha continually seeks advancements in product design and quality. Therefore, while this manual contains the most
current product information available at the time of printing, there may be minor discrepancies between your motorcycleand this manual. If you have any questions concerning this manual, please consult your Yamaha dealer.WARNING
EWA10030
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY BEFORE OPERATING THIS MOTORCYCLE.The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
Failure to follow WARNING instructions could result in severe injury or death
to the motor-
cycle operator, a bystander, or a person inspecting or repairing the motorcycle.
A CAUTION indicates special precautions that must be taken to avoid damage to the motor-
cycle.
A NOTE provides key information to make procedures easier or clearer.
WARNING
CAUTION:
NOTE:
5KRE2.book Page 1 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

IMPORTANT MANUAL INFORMATION
EAU10200
XVS250
OWN ER’S MANUAL
©2003 by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
1st edition, May 2003
All rights reserved.
Any reprinting or unauthorized use
without the written permission of
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
is expressly prohibited.
Printed in Japan.
5KRE2.book Page 2 Monday, June 23, 2003 3:32 PM

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front wheel ................................... 6-32
Rear wheel ................................... 6-33
Troubleshooting ............................ 6-35
Troubleshooting chart ................... 6-36
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND
STORAGE.......................................... 7-1
Care ................................................ 7-1
Storage ...........................................7-3
SPECIFICATIONS ............................. 8-1
CONSUMER INFORMATION............. 9-1
Identification numbers .................... 9-1
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1-1
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
EAU10250
MOTORCYCLES ARE SINGLE
TRACK VEHICLES. THEIR SAFE USE
AND OPERATION ARE DEPENDENT
UPON THE USE OF PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS THE EX-
PERTISE OF THE OPERATOR. EV-
ERY OPERATOR SHOULD KNOW
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS
BEFORE RIDING THIS MOTOR-
CYCLE.
HE OR SHE SHOULD:

OBTAIN THOROUGH INSTRUC-
TIONS FROM A COMPETENT
SOURCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF
MOTORCYCLE OPERATION.


OBSERVE THE WARNINGS AND
MAINTENANCE REQUIRE-
MENTS IN THE OWNER’S MAN-
UAL.


OBTAIN QUALIFIED TRAINING
IN SAFE AND PROPER RIDING
TECHNIQUES.


OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TECH-
NICAL SERVICE AS INDICATED
BY THE OWNER’S MANUALAND/OR WHEN MADE NECES-
SARY BY MECHANICAL CONDI-
TIONS.
Safe riding


Always make pre-operation
checks. Careful checks may help
prevent an accident.


This motorcycle is designed to car-
ry the operator and a passenger.


The failure of motorists to detect
and recognize motorcycles in traf-
fic is the predominating cause of
automobile/motorcycle accidents.
Many accidents have been caused
by an automobile driver who did
not see the motorcycle. Making
yourself conspicuous appears to
be very effective in reducing the
chance of this type of accident.
Therefore:
Wear a brightly colored jacket.
Use extra caution when ap-
proaching and passing through
intersections, since intersec-
tions are the most likely places
for motorcycle accidents to oc-
cur.Ride where other motorists can
see you. Avoid riding in another
motorist’s blind spot.


Many motorcycle accidents in-
volve inexperienced operators. In
fact, many operators who have
been involved in accidents do not
even have a current motorcycle li-
cense.
Make sure that you are qualified
and that you only lend your
motorcycle to other qualified op-
erators.
Know your skills and limits.
Staying within your limits may
help you to avoid an accident.
We recommend that you prac-
tice riding your motorcycle
where there is no traffic until you
have become thoroughly famil-
iar with the motorcycle and all of
its controls.


Many motorcycle accidents have
been caused by error of the motor-
cycle operator. A typical error
made by the operator is veering
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SAFETY INFORMATION
1-2
1 wide on a turn due to EXCESSIVE
SPEED or undercornering (insuffi-
cient lean angle for the speed).
Always obey the speed limit and
never travel faster than warrant-
ed by road and traffic conditions.
Always signal before turning or
changing lanes. Make sure that
other motorists can see you.


The posture of the operator and
passenger is important for proper
control.
The operator should keep both
hands on the handlebar and
both feet on the operator foot-
rests during operation to main-
tain control of the motorcycle.
The passenger should always
hold onto the operator, seat
strap, or grab bar, if equipped,
with both hands and keep both
feet on the passenger footrests.
Never carry a passenger unless
he or she can firmly place both
feet on the passenger footrests.


Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.


This motorcycle is designed for on-
road use only, therefore, it is not
suitable for off-road use.
Protective apparel
The majority of fatalities from motor-
cycle accidents are the result of head
injuries. The use of a safety helmet is
the single most critical factor in the pre-
vention or reduction of head injuries.


Always wear an approved helmet.


Wear a face shield or goggles.
Wind in your unprotected eyes
could contribute to an impairment
of vision which could delay seeing
a hazard.


The use of a jacket, heavy boots,
trousers, gloves, etc., is effective in
preventing or reducing abrasions
or lacerations.


Never wear loose-fitting clothes,
otherwise they could catch on the
control levers, footrests, or wheels
and cause injury or an accident.


Never touch the engine or exhaust
system during or after operation.
They become very hot and cancause burns. Always wear protec-
tive clothing that covers your legs,
ankles, and feet.


Passengers should also observe
the precautions mentioned above.
Modifications
Modifications made to this motorcycle
not approved by Yamaha, or the re-
moval of original equipment, may ren-
der the motorcycle unsafe for use and
may cause severe personal injury.
Modifications may also make your
motorcycle illegal to use.
Loading and accessories
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 are some general guidelines to
follow if loading cargo or adding acces-
sories to your motorcycle:
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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