suspension YAMAHA XVS950 2009 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY 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 .............3-3
Multi-function meter unit ..................3-4
Handlebar switches .........................3-7
Clutch lever ......................................3-9
Shift pedal ........................................3-9
Brake lever ....................................3-10
Brake pedal ...................................3-10
Fuel tank cap .................................3-10
Fuel ................................................3-11
Catalytic converter .........................3-12
Rider seat ......................................3-13
Helmet holder ................................3-14
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ....................................3-14
Sidestand .......................................3-16
Ignition circuit cut-off system .........3-16
FOR 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 ............................................ 6-6
Checking the spark plugs ................ 6-6
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ...... 6-7
Replacing the air filter element ...... 6-11
Checking the engine idling
speed ......................................... 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
Adjusting the rear brake light
switch ......................................... 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 ........................................ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ................ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the
brake and shift pedals ............... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
brake and clutch levers .............. 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand ................................... 6-22
Lubricating the rear suspension .... 6-22
Checking the front fork .................. 6-23
Checking the steering ................... 6-23
Checking the wheel bearings ........ 6-24
Battery ........................................... 6-24
Replacing the fuses ...................... 6-26
Replacing the headlight bulb ........ 6-27
Replacing the tail/brake light
bulb ............................................ 6-28
Replacing a turn signal light
bulb ............................................ 6-29

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-3
1
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. These
items, 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.
Aftermarket Parts, Accessories,
and Modifications
While you may find aftermarket prod-

Maximum load:
210 kg (463 lb)

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accessories
or modifications are not suitable be-
cause of potential safety hazards to you
or others. Installing aftermarket prod-
ucts or having other modifications per-
formed to your vehicle that change any
of the vehicle’s design or operation
characteristics can put you and others
at greater risk of serious injury or death.
You are responsible for injuries related
to changes in the vehicle.
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 cancreate instability due to improper
weight distribution or aerody-
namic changes. If accessories
are 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 themotorcycle’s electrical system, an
electric failure could result, which
could cause a dangerous loss of
lights or engine power.
Aftermarket Tires and Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match the
performance capabilities and to provide
the best combination of handling, brak-
ing, and comfort. Other tires, rims, siz-
es, and combinations may not be
appropriate. Refer to page 6-12 for tire
specifications and more information on
replacing your tires.

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-15
2
34
5
6
7
8
9
NOTICE

ECA10101
To avoid damaging the mechanism,
do not attempt to turn beyond the
maximum or minimum settings.
Adjust the spring preload as follows.
1. Remove panel A. (See page 6-6.)
2. To increase the spring preload and
thereby harden the suspension,
turn the adjusting ring in direction
(a). To decrease the spring pre-
load and thereby soften the sus-
pension, turn the adjusting ring in
direction (b).
TIP

Align the appropriate notch in the ad-
justing ring with the position indicator
on the shock absorber.
3. Install the panel.
WARNING

EWA10221
This shock absorber assembly con-
tains highly pressurized nitrogen
gas. Read and understand the fol-
lowing information before handling
the shock absorber assembly.

Do not tamper with or attempt toopen the cylinder assembly.

Do not subject the shock ab-
sorber assembly to an open
flame or other high heat source.
This may cause the unit to ex-
plode due to excessive gas
pressure.

Do not deform or damage the
cylinder in any way. Cylinder
damage will result in poor
damping performance.

Do not dispose of a damaged or
worn-out shock absorber as-
sembly yourself. Take the shock
absorber assembly to a Yamaha
dealer for any service.
1. Special wrench
2. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:
Minimum (soft):
1
Standard:
4
Maximum (hard):
9
1
2
(a)
(b)
123456789

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

11

*
Steering bearings

Check bearing play and steering
for roughness.
√√√√√

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.
Every 20000 km (12000 mi)

12

*
Chassis fasteners

Make sure that all nuts, bolts and
screws are properly tightened.
√√√√√
13

Brake lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with silicone grease.
√√√√√
14

Brake pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√√√√
15

Clutch lever pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√√√√
16

Shift pedal pivot
shaft

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√√√√
17

Sidestand

Check operation.

Lubricate.
√√√√√
18

*
Sidestand switch

Check operation.
√√√√√√
19

*
Front fork

Check operation and for oil l
eakage.
√√√√
20

*
Shock absorber
assembly

Check operation and shock
absorber for oil leakage.
√√√√
21

*
Rear suspension
relay arm and
connecting arm
pivoting points

Check operation.
√√√√

Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease.

√√
22

Engine oil

Change.

Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.
√√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-22
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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

SPECIFICATIONS
8-2
2
3
4
5
6
7
89

2nd:
33/16 (2.063)
3rd:
30/19 (1.579)
4th:
34/27 (1.259)
5th:
25/24 (1.042)
Chassis:
Frame type:
Double cradle
Caster angle:
32.10 °
Trail:
145.0 mm (5.71 in)
Front tire:
Type:
Tubeless
Size:
130/70-18M/C 63H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G721 J
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/D404F
Rear tire:
Type:
Tubeless
Size:
170/70B16M/C 75H
Manufacturer/model:
BRIDGESTONE/EXEDRA G722 J
Manufacturer/model:
DUNLOP/K555
Loading:
Maximum load:
210 kg (463 lb)
* (Total weight of rider, passenger, cargo
and accessories)

Tire air pressure (measured on cold
tires):
Loading condition:
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)
Loading condition:
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)
Front wheel:
Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
18M/C x MT3.50
Rear wheel:
Wheel type:
Cast wheel
Rim size:
16M/C x MT4.50
Front brake:
Type:
Single disc brakeOperation:
Right hand operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Rear brake:
Type:
Single disc brake
Operation:
Right foot operation
Recommended fluid:
DOT 4
Front suspension:
Type:
Telescopic fork
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/oil damper
Wheel travel:
135.0 mm (5.31 in)
Rear suspension:
Type:
Swingarm
Spring/shock absorber type:
Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Wheel travel:
110.0 mm (4.33 in)
Electrical system:
Ignition system:
TCI (digital)
Charging system:
AC magneto
Battery:
Model:
YTZ14S

INDEX
A
Air filter element, replacing ...................... 6-11
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................... 6-31
B
Battery ..................................................... 6-24
Brake and clutch levers, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-21
Brake and shift pedals, checking and
lubricating .............................................. 6-21
Brake fluid, changing ............................... 6-18
Brake fluid level, checking ....................... 6-17
Brake lever .............................................. 3-10
Brake lever free play, adjusting ............... 6-15
Brake pedal ............................................. 3-10
C
Cables, checking and lubricating ............. 6-20
Care ........................................................... 7-1
Catalytic converter ................................... 3-12
Clutch lever................................................ 3-9
Clutch lever free play, adjusting .............. 6-14
D
Dimmer switch ........................................... 3-8
Drive belt slack ........................................ 6-18
E
Engine break-in ......................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking ................. 6-11
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ................ 6-7
Engine stop switch..................................... 3-8
Engine trouble warning light ...................... 3-4
F
Front and rear brake pads, checking ....... 6-16
Front fork, checking ................................. 6-23
Fuel.......................................................... 3-11
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........... 5-3Fuel level warning light .............................. 3-4
Fuel tank cap ........................................... 3-10
Fuses, replacing ...................................... 6-26
H
Handlebar switches ................................... 3-7
Hazard switch ............................................ 3-8
Headlight bulb, replacing ......................... 6-27
Helmet holder .......................................... 3-14
High beam indicator light ........................... 3-3
Horn switch................................................ 3-8
I
Identification numbers ............................... 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................... 3-16
Immobilizer system.................................... 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light ............. 3-4
Indicator and warning lights....................... 3-3
K
Key identification number .......................... 9-1
L
License plate light bulb, replacing ........... 6-30
M
Main switch/steering lock .......................... 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic ....... 6-3
Maintenance, emission control system ..... 6-2
Matte color, caution ................................... 7-1
Model label ................................................ 9-2
Multi-function meter unit ............................ 3-4
N
Neutral indicator light................................. 3-3
O
Oil level warning light ................................ 3-3
P
Panel, removing and installing .................. 6-6Parking ...................................................... 5-4
Part locations ............................................ 2-1
Pass switch ............................................... 3-8
R
Rear brake light switch, adjusting ........... 6-16
Rear suspension, lubricating................... 6-22
RESET switch ........................................... 3-9
Rider seat................................................ 3-13
S
Safety information ..................................... 1-1
SELECT switch ......................................... 3-8
Shifting ...................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ................................................. 3-9
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting ...... 3-14
Sidestand ................................................ 3-16
Sidestand, checking and lubricating ....... 6-22
Spark plugs, checking ............................... 6-6
Specifications ............................................ 8-1
Starting the engine .................................... 5-1
Start switch ............................................... 3-8
Steering, checking .................................. 6-23
Storage ..................................................... 7-3
Supporting the motorcycle ...................... 6-31
T
Tail/brake light bulb, replacing ................ 6-28
Throttle cable free play, checking ........... 6-12
Throttle grip and cable, checking and
lubricating ............................................. 6-20
Tires ........................................................ 6-12
Tool kit ...................................................... 6-1
Troubleshooting ...................................... 6-32
Troubleshooting chart ............................. 6-33
Turn signal indicator light .......................... 3-3
Turn signal light bulb, replacing .............. 6-29