brake YAMAHA XVS950 2012 Owners Manual

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
Immobilizer system .........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-2
Indicator lights and warning lights ............................................3-4
Multi-function meter unit .................3-5
Handlebar switches ........................3-8
Clutch lever ...................................3-10
Shift pedal .....................................3-10
Brake lever ...................................3-11
Brake pedal ..................................3-11
Fuel tank cap ................................3-11
Fuel ...............................................3-12
Fuel tank breather/overflow hose ..........................................3-13
Catalytic converter ........................3-14
Rider seat .....................................3-14
Helmet holder ...............................3-15
Adjusting the shock absorber assembly ...................................3-16
Sidestand ......................................3-17
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........3-18 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 ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system ............. 6-3
General maintenance and lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing the
panel ........................................... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............... 6-8
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ..... 6-9
Replacing the air filter element ..... 6-12
Checking the throttle grip free play ........................................... 6-13
Valve clearance ............................ 6-13
Tires ............................................. 6-13
Cast wheels .................................. 6-15
Adjusting the clutch lever free play ........................................... 6-15 Adjusting the brake lever free
play ........................................... 6-16
Brake light switches ..................... 6-17
Checking the front and rear brake pads .......................................... 6-17
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-18
Changing the brake fluid .............. 6-19
Drive belt slack ............................ 6-20
Checking and lubricating the cables ....................................... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the
throttle grip and cable ............... 6-21
Checking and lubricating the brake and shift pedals .............. 6-21
Checking and lubricating the brake and clutch levers ............ 6-22
Checking and lubricating the
sidestand .................................. 6-23
Lubricating the swingarm pivots ........................................ 6-23
Lubricating the rear suspension ... 6-23
Checking the front fork ................. 6-24
Checking the steering .................. 6-24
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-25
Battery ......................................... 6-25
Replacing the fuses ..................... 6-26
Replacing the headlight bulb ....... 6-28
Replacing the tail/brake light bulb ........................................... 6-29
Replacing a turn signal light bulb ........................................... 6-30U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
EAU10420
Right view
34
56
2
1
7
8
10
9
1. License plate light (page 6-30)
2. Tail/brake light (page 6-29)
3. Battery (page 6-25)
4. Seat lock (page 3-14)
5. Air filter element (page 6-12)
6. Fuel tank cap (page 3-11)
7. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-18)
8. Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-9)9. Rear brake light switch (page 6-17)
10.Brake pedal (page 3-11)U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
EAU10430
Controls and instruments
12 3 468
5
7
1. Clutch lever (page 3-10)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-8)
3. Multi-function meter unit (page 3-5)
4. Main switch/steering lock (page 3-2)
5. Front brake fluid reservoir (page 6-18)
6. Right handlebar switches (page 3-8)
7. Brake lever (page 3-11)
8. Throttle grip (page 6-13)
U26PE3E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-11
3
EAU12890
Brake lever The brake lever is located at the right
handlebar grip. To apply the front
brake, pull the lever toward the handle-
bar grip.
EAU12941
Brake pedal The brake pedal is on the right side of
the motorcycle. To apply the rear
brake, press down on the brake pedal.
EAU13122
Fuel tank cap To remove the fuel tank cap
Slide the fuel tank cap lock cover open,
insert the key into the lock, and then
turn it 1/4 turn clockwise. The lock will
be released and the fuel tank cap can
be removed.
To install the fuel tank cap1. Insert the fuel tank cap into the tank opening with the key inserted
in the lock and with the “” mark
facing forward.
1. Brake lever
1
1. Brake pedal
1
1. Fuel tank cap lock cover
2. “” mark
3. Lock.
4. Unlock.
1 2
3
4
U26PE3E0.book Page 11 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

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
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

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
U26PE3E0.book Page 2 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-1
6
EAU17244
Periodic inspection, adjustment, and lu-
brication will keep your vehicle in the
safest and most efficient condition pos-
sible. Safety is an obligation of the vehi-
cle owner/operator. The most important
points of vehicle inspection, adjust-
ment, and lubrication are explained on
the following pages.
The intervals given in the periodic
maintenance charts should be simply
considered as a general guide under
normal riding conditions. However, de-
pending on the weather, terrain, geo-
graphical location, and individual use,
the maintenance intervals may need to
be shortened.
WARNING
EWA10321
Failure to properly maintain the ve-
hicle or performing maintenance ac-
tivities incorrectly may increase
your risk of injury or death during
service or while using the vehicle. If
you are not familiar with vehicle ser-
vice, have a Yamaha dealer perform
service.
WARNING
EWA15122
Turn off the engine when performing
maintenance unless otherwise
specified.

A running engine has moving
parts that can catch on body
parts or clothing and electrical
parts that can cause shocks or
fires.


Running the engine while ser-
vicing can lead to eye injury,
burns, fire, or carbon monoxide
poisoning – possibly leading to
death. See page 1-2 for more in-
formation about carbon monox-
ide.WARNING
EWA15460
Brake discs, calipers, drums, and
linings can become very hot during
use. To avoid possible burns, let
brake components cool before
touching them.
EAU17302
Emission controls not only function to
ensure cleaner air, but are also vital to
proper engine operation and maximum
performance. In the following periodic
maintenance charts, the services relat-
ed to emissions control are grouped
separately. These services require
specialized data, knowledge, and
equipment. Maintenance, replacement,
or repair of the emission control devic-
es and systems may be performed by
any repair establishment or individual
that is certified (if applicable). Yamaha
dealers are trained and equipped to
perform these particular services.
U26PE3E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-4
6
EAU1770C
General maintenance and lubrication chart 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)
1 Air filter element Replace. √
2Clutch 
Check operation.
 Adjust. √√√√√
3 *Front brake 
Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage.
 Adjust brake lever free play. √√√√√√
 Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
4 *Rear brake 
Check operation, fluid level and
vehicle for fluid leakage. √√√√√√
 Replace brake pads. Whenever worn to the limit
5 *Brake hoses 
Check for cracks or damage.
 Check for correct routing and
clamping. √√√√√
 Replace. Every 4 years
6 *Wheels Check runout and for damage. √√√√
7 *Tires 
Check tread depth and for dam-
age.
 Replace if necessary.
 Check air pressure.
 Correct if necessary. √√√√√
8 *Wheel bearings 
Check bearing for looseness or
damage. √√√√
U26PE3E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-5
6
9*Swingarm 
Check operation and for exces-
sive play. √√√√
 Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. Every 50000 km (30000 mi)
10 *Drive belt 
Check belt condition.
 Replace if damaged.
 Check belt tension.
 Make sure that the rear wheel is
properly aligned. Every 4000 km (2500 mi)
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 with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√√√√
18 *Sidestand switch Check operation. √√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
U26PE3E0.book Page 5 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-6
6
19*Front fork 
Check operation and for oil leak-
age. √√√√
20 *Shock absorber as-
sembly 
Check operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage. √√√√
21 *Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting points 
Check operation. √√√√
 Lubricate with lithium-soap-based
grease. √√
22 Engine oil 
Change.
 Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage. √√√√√√
23 Engine oil filter car-
tridge

Replace. √√√
24 *Front and rear brake
switches 
Check operation. √√√√√√
25 Moving parts and
cables 
Lubricate. √√√√√
26 *Throttle grip 
Check operation.
 Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
 Lubricate cable and grip housing. √√√√√
27 *Lights, signals and
switches 
Check operation.
 Adjust headlight beam. √√√√√√
NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOB
ODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK
1000 km
(600 mi) 10000 km
(6000 mi) 20000 km
(12000 mi) 30000 km
(18000 mi) 40000 km
(24000 mi)
U26PE3E0.book Page 6 Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:19 PM