YAMAHA XVS950 2009 Workshop Manual

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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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.
TIP

The tire tread depth limits may differ
from country to country. Always comply
with the local regulations.
Tire information
This motorcycle is equipped with cast
wheels and tubeless tires.
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)

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WARNING

EWA10470

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.
EAU21960
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 or warpage be-
fore each ride. If any damage is
found, have a Yamaha dealer re-
place 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.

Ride at moderate speeds after
changing a tire since the tire sur-
face must first be “broken in” for it
to develop its optimal characteris-
tics.
EAU22043
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 adjusting bolt in di-
rection (a). To decrease the clutch
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
1. Rubber cover
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Clutch lever free play
21
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(a)
(b)

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lever free play, turn the adjusting
bolt in direction (b).
TIP

If the specified clutch lever free play
could be obtained as described above,
skip steps 4–7.
4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt at the
clutch lever in direction (a) to loos-
en the clutch cable.
5. Loosen the locknut at the crank-
case.
6. To increase the clutch lever free
play, turn the adjusting nut in direc-
tion (a). To decrease the clutch le-
ver free play, turn the adjusting nutin direction (b).
7. Tighten the locknut at the crank-
case.
8. Tighten the locknut at the clutch le-
ver and then slide the rubber cover
to its original position.
EAU22093
Adjusting the brake lever free
play
The brake lever free play should mea-
sure 10.0–15.0 mm (0.39–0.59 in) as
shown. Periodically check the brake le-
ver free play and, if necessary, adjust it
as follows.
1. Loosen the locknut at the brake le-
ver.
2. To increase the brake lever free
play, turn the brake lever free play
adjusting screw in direction (a). To
decrease the brake lever free play,
turn the adjusting screw in direc-
1. Clutch lever free play adjusting nut
(crankcase)
2. Locknut (crankcase)
1
2(a)
(b)

1. Locknut
2. Brake lever free play adjusting screw
3. Brake lever free play
(a)
3
1
2
(b)

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tion (b).
3. 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.
EAU22272
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch
The rear brake light, which is activated
by the brake pedal, should come on just
before braking takes effect. If neces-
sary, adjust the rear brake light switch
as follows.
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).
EAU22390
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. Wear indicator groove
11

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indicator grooves have almost disap-
peared, have a Yamaha dealer replace
the brake pads as a set.

EAU22460
Rear brake pads
Each rear brake pad is provided with a
wear indicator, which allows you to
check the brake pad wear without hav-
ing to disassemble the brake. To check
the brake pad wear, check the position
of the wear indicator while applying the
brake. If a brake pad has worn to the
point that the wear indicator almost
touches the brake disc, have a Yamaha
dealer replace the brake pads as a set.
EAU22580
Checking the brake fluid level
Front brake
Rear brake
Insufficient brake fluid may allow air to
enter the brake system, possibly caus-
ing it to become ineffective.
Before riding, check that the brake fluid
is above the minimum level mark and
replenish if necessary. A low brake fluid
level may indicate worn brake pads
and/or brake system leakage. If the
brake fluid level is low, be sure to check
the brake pads for wear and the brake
system for leakage.
Observe these precautions:

When checking the fluid level,
make sure that the top of the brake
fluid reservoir is level.

Use only the recommended quality
brake fluid, otherwise the rubber
seals may deteriorate, causing
leakage and poor braking perfor-
mance.

Refill with the same type of brake
fluid. Mixing fluids may result in a
harmful chemical reaction and
lead to poor braking performance.

Be careful that water does not en-
1. Wear indicator
1 1

1. Minimum level mark
1. Minimum level mark
1
1

Recommended brake fluid:
DOT 4

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ter the brake fluid reservoir when
refilling. Water will significantly
lower the boiling point of the fluid
and may result in vapor lock.


Brake fluid may deteriorate paint-
ed surfaces or plastic parts. Al-
ways clean up spilled fluid
immediately.

As the brake pads wear, it is nor-
mal for the brake fluid level to grad-
ually go down. However, if the
brake fluid level goes down sud-
denly, have a Yamaha dealer
check the cause.
EAU22731
Changing the brake fluid
Have a Yamaha dealer change the
brake fluid at the intervals specified in
the TIP after the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart. In addition, have
the oil seals of the master cylinders and
calipers as well as the brake hoses re-
placed at the intervals listed below or
whenever they are damaged or leak-
ing.

Oil seals: Replace every two
years.

Brake hoses: Replace every four
years.
EAU23040
Drive belt slack
The drive belt slack should be checked
and adjusted at the intervals specified
in the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart.
EAU23062
To check the drive belt slack
1. Place the vehicle on the sidestand.
2. Note the current position of the
drive belt using the marks near the
drive belt check hole.
TIP

The marks near the drive belt check
hole are 5 mm (0.2 in) apart.

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3. Note the position of the drive belt
with a force of 45 N (4.5 kgf, 10 lbf)
applied to the belt with a belt ten-
sion gauge as shown.
TIP

A belt tension gauge is available at a
Yamaha dealer.4. Calculate the drive belt slack by
subtracting the measurement not-
ed in step 2 from the measurement
noted in step 3.
5. If the drive belt slack is incorrect,
adjust it as follows.
EAU47091
To adjust the drive belt slack
1. Loosen the axle nut.2. Loosen the locknut on each side of
the swingarm.
3. To tighten the drive belt, turn the
adjusting nut on each side of the
swingarm in direction (a). To loos-
en the drive belt, turn the adjusting
nut on each side of the swingarm
in direction (b), and then push the
rear wheel forward.
NOTICE:
Im-
proper drive belt slack will over-
load the engine. Keep the drive
belt slack within the specified
range.

[ECA10881]

1. Drive belt
2. Marks
3. Drive belt slack
1 2
3

1. Belt tension gauge
Drive belt slack:
3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in)
1

1. Alignment marks
2. Axle nut
3. Adjusting nut
4. Locknut
1
2
(a) (b)
43

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TIP

Using the alignment marks on each
side of the swingarm, make sure that
both belt pullers are in the same posi-
tion for proper wheel alignment.
4. Tighten the locknuts and the axle
nut to their specified torques.
EAU23101
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
sheath may interfere with proper ca-
ble operation and will cause the in-
ner cable to rust. Replace a
damaged cable as soon as possible
to prevent unsafe conditions.
[EWA10721]

EAU23111
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 at
the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance chart.
Tightening torques:
Locknut:
15.5 Nm (1.6 m·kgf, 11 ft·lbf)
Axle nut:
150 Nm (15.0 m·kgf, 108 ft·lbf)
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil

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EAU44271
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals
The operation of the brake and shift
pedals should be checked before each
ride, and the pedal pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.
EAU23142
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers
Brake lever
Clutch lever
The operation of the brake and clutch
levers should be checked before each
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease

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ride, and the lever pivots should be lu-
bricated if necessary.

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.
EAU23250
Lubricating the rear
suspension
The pivoting points of the rear suspen-
sion must be lubricated at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
Recommended lubricants:
Brake lever:
Silicone grease
Clutch lever:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease
Recommended lubricant:
Lithium-soap-based grease