YAMAHA XVS950 2012 Owner's Guide

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-16
3
EAU48381
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly This shock absorber assembly is
equipped with a spring preload adjust-
ing ring, allowing the spring preload to
be adjusted to suit the rider’s prefer-
ence.
When making this adjustment, use the
special wrench and extension bar in-
cluded in the additional tool kit, which
was handed out separately at the pur-
chase of the vehicle.
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 6-8.)
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).TIPAlign 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.
1. Panel A
2. Spring preload adjusting ring
1
2
1. Special wrench
2. Extension bar
3. Position indicator
Spring preload setting:Minimum (soft):
1
Standard: 4
Maximum (hard): 9123456789
1
(a) (b)2
3
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-17
3


Do not tamper with or attempt to
open 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.
EAU15305
Sidestand The sidestand is located on the left side
of the frame. Raise the sidestand or
lower it with your foot while holding the
vehicle upright.TIPThe built-in sidestand switch is part of
the ignition circuit cut-off system, which
cuts the ignition in certain situations.
(See the following section for an expla-
nation of the ignition circuit cut-off sys-
tem.)
WARNING
EWA10241
The vehicle must not be ridden with
the sidestand down, or if the side-
stand cannot be properly moved up (or does not stay up), otherwise the
sidestand could contact the ground
and distract the operator, resulting
in a possible loss of control.
Yamaha ’s ignition circuit cut-off
system has been designed to assist
the operator in fulfilling the respon-
sibility of raising the sidestand be-
fore starting off. Therefore, check this system regularly and have a
Yamaha dealer repair it if it does not function properly.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-18
3
EAU44892
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.

It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the side-
stand is up, but the clutch lever is not pulled.


It prevents starting when the trans-
mission is in gear and the clutch le-
ver is pulled, but the sidestand is
still down.


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.
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INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-19
3
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 on.
4. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.
5. Push the start switch.
Does the engine start?
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 system is OK. The motorcycle can be ridden. The neutral switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden
until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The sidestand switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
The clutch switch may not be working correctly.
The motorcycle should not be ridden until
checked by a Yamaha dealer.
YES NO YES NO YES NO
If a malfunction is noted, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system before riding.
WARNING
”.
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-1
4
EAU15596
Inspect your vehicle each time you use it to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection
and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner ’s Manual.
WARNING
EWA11151
Failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle properly increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.
Do not operate the vehicle if you find any problem. If a problem cannot be corrected by the procedures provided in
this manual, have the vehicle inspected by a Yamaha dealer.Before using this vehicle, check the following points:
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
Fuel 
Check fuel level in fuel tank.
 Refuel if necessary.
 Check fuel line for leakage.
 Check fuel tank breather/overflow hose for obstructions, cracks or damage, and
check hose connection. 3-12, 3-13
Engine oil 
Check oil level in engine.
 If necessary, add recommended oil to specified level.
 Check vehicle for oil leakage. 6-9
Front brake 
Check operation.
 If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
 Check lever free play.
 Adjust if necessary.
 Check brake pads for wear.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check fluid level in reservoir.
 If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-16, 6-17, 6-18
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-2
4
Rear brake 
Check operation.
 If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hydraulic system.
 Check brake pads for wear.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check fluid level in reservoir.
 If necessary, add specified brake fluid to specified level.
 Check hydraulic system for leakage. 6-17, 6-18
Clutch 
Check operation.
 Lubricate cable if necessary.
 Check lever free play.
 Adjust if necessary. 6-15
Throttle grip 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Check throttle grip free play.
 If necessary, have Yamaha dealer adjust throttle grip free play and lubricate cable
and grip housing. 6-13, 6-21
Control cables 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate if necessary. 6-21
Wheels and tires 
Check for damage.
 Check tire condition and tread depth.
 Check air pressure.
 Correct if necessary. 6-13, 6-15
Brake and shift pedals 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate pedal pivoting points if necessary. 6-21
Brake and clutch levers 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate lever pivoting points if necessary. 6-22
Sidestand 
Make sure that operation is smooth.
 Lubricate pivot if necessary. 6-23
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. —
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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FOR YOUR SAFETY – PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
4-3
4
Sidestand switch 
Check operation of ignition circuit cut-off system.
 If system is not working correctly, have Yamaha dealer check vehicle. 3-17
ITEM CHECKS PAGE
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-1
5
EAU15951
Read the Owner’s Manual carefully to
become familiar with all controls. If
there is a control or function you do not
understand, ask your Yamaha dealer.
WARNING
EWA10271
Failure to familiarize yourself with
the controls can lead to loss of con-
trol, which could cause an accident
or injury.
EAU47150
TIPThis model is equipped with:

a lean angle sensor to stop the en-
gine in case of a turnover. In this
case, the multi-function meter unit
indicates error code 30, but this is
not a malfunction. Turn the key to
“ OFF ” and then to “ ON” to clear the
error code. Failing to do so will pre-
vent the engine from starting even
though the engine will crank when
pushing the start switch.


an engine auto-stop system. The
engine stops automatically if left
idling for 20 minutes. In this case,
the multi-function meter unit indi-
cates error code 70, but this is not
a malfunction. Push the start
switch to clear the error code and
to restart the engine.
EAU47233
Starting the engine In order for the ignition circuit cut-off
system to enable starting, one of the
following conditions must be met:

The transmission is in the neutral
position.


The transmission is in gear with
the clutch lever pulled and the
sidestand up.
See page 3-18 for more informa-
tion.
1. Turn the key to “ ON” and make
sure that the engine stop switch is
set to “”.
The following warning lights and
indicator light should come on for a
few seconds, then go off.

Oil level warning light


Fuel level warning light


Engine trouble warning light


Immobilizer system indicator
light
NOTICE
ECA11833
If a warning or indicator light does
not come on initially when the key is
turned to “ON ”, or if a warning or in-
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
dicator light remains on, see page
3-4 for the corresponding warning
and indicator light circuit check.
2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position. The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec- trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the start switch.
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.NOTICE
ECA11042
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
EAU16671
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.TIPTo 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.
NOTICE
ECA10260


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.


Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1
2 3 4 5N1 2
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:

Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.


Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.


Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17023
0– 1000 km (0 –600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/3
throttle. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600
mi) of operation, the engine oil must
be changed, and the oil filter car-
tridge or element replaced.
[ECA11282]
1000 –1600 km (600– 1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2
throttle. 1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10270
If any engine trouble should occur
during the engine break-in period,
immediately have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
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