YAMAHA XVS950 2015 User Guide

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-4
1
tents, can create unstable han-
dling or a slow steering re-
sponse.
 This vehicle is not desi gne d to
pull a trailer or to be attached to
a si decar.
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 ac-
cessories 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, an
d
Mo difications
While you may find aftermarket prod-
ucts similar in design and quality to
genuine Yamaha accessories, recog-
nize that some aftermarket accesso-
ries or modifications are not suitable
because of potential safety hazards to
you or others. Installing aftermarket
products or having other modifications
performed 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 per-
formance of your motorcycle.
Carefully 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 opera-
tion, or obscure lights or reflec-
tors.
• Accessories fitted to the han- dlebar or the front fork area can
create instability due to improp-
er 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
unstable in cross winds. These
accessories may also cause in-
stability 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
freedom of movement of the
UB33E0E0.book Page 4 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

SAFETY INFORMATION
1-5
1operator and may limit control
ability, therefore, such accesso-
ries are not recommended.
 Use caution when adding electri-
cal accessories. If electrical ac-
cessories exceed the capacity of
the motorcycle’s electrical sys-
tem, an electric failure could re-
sult, which could cause a
dangerous loss of lights or engine
power.
Aftermarket Tires an d Rims
The tires and rims that came with your
motorcycle were designed to match
the performance capabilities and to
provide the best combination of han-
dling, braking, and comfort. Other
tires, rims, sizes, and combinations
may not be appropriate. Refer to page
6-13 for tire specifications and more in-
formation on replacing your tires.
Transportin g the Motorcycle
Be sure to observe following instruc-
tions before transporting the motorcy-
cle in another vehicle.  Remove all loose items from the
motorcycle. 
Check that the fuel cock (if
equipped) is in the “OFF” position
and that there are no fuel leaks.
 Point the front wheel straight
ahead on the trailer or in the truck
bed, and choke it in a rail to pre-
vent movement.
 Shift the transmission in gear (for
models with a manual transmis-
sion).
 Secure the motorcycle with tie-
downs or suitable straps that are
attached to solid parts of the mo-
torcycle, such as the frame or up-
per front fork triple clamp (and not,
for example, to rubber-mounted
handlebars or turn signals, or
parts that could break). Choose
the location for the straps carefully
so the straps will not rub against
painted surfaces during transport.
 The suspension should be com-
pressed somewhat by the tie-
downs, if possible, so that the mo-
torcycle will not bounce exces-
sively during transport.
UB33E0E0.book Page 5 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-1
2
EAU10411
Left view
1
2
3
4,5,6
7
8
9
10
1. Headlight (page 6-27)
2. Owner’s tool kit (page 6-2)
3. Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring (page 3-16)
4. Main fuse (page 6-25)
5. Fuse box (page 6-25)
6. ABS motor fuse (page 6-25)
7. Engine oil drain bolt (page 6-9)
8. Shift pedal (page 3-10)9. Engine oil filter cartridge (page 6-9)
10.Engine oil filler cap (page 6-9)
UB33E0E0.book Page 1 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-2
2
EAU10421
Right view
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1. License plate light (page 6-30)
2. Tail/brake light (page 6-29)
3. Battery (page 6-24)
4. Rear brake fluid reservoir (page 6-18)
5. Air filter element (page 6-12)
6. Fuel tank cap (page 3-12)
7. Main switch (page 3-2)
8. Steering lock (page 3-15) 9. Brake pedal (page 3-10)
10.Shock absorber assembly spring preload adjusting ring (page 3-16)UB33E0E0.book Page 2 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

DESCRIPTION
2-3
2
EAU10431
Controls and instruments
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1. Clutch lever (page 3-9)
2. Left handlebar switches (page 3-8)
3. Multi-function meter unit (page 3-5)
4. Front brake fluid reservoir (page 6-18)
5. Right handlebar switches (page 3-8)
6. Brake lever (page 3-10)
7. Throttle grip (page 6-13)
UB33E0E0.book Page 3 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-1
3
EAU10978
Immobilizer systemThis vehicle is equipped with an immo-
bilizer system to help prevent theft by
re-registering codes in the standard
keys. This system consists of the fol-
lowing:
 a code re-registering key (with a
red bow)
 two standard keys (with a black
bow) that can be re-registered
with new codes
 a transponder (which is installed in
the code re-registering key)
 an immobilizer unit
 an ECU 
an immobilizer system indicator
light (See page 3-5.)
The key with the red bow is used to
register codes in each standard key.
Since re-registering is a difficult pro-
cess, take the vehicle along with all
three keys to a Yamaha dealer to have
them re-registered. Do not use the key
with the red bow for driving. It should
only be used for re-registering the
standard keys. Always use a standard
key for driving.
NOTICE
ECA11822
 DO NOT LOSE THE CODE RE-
REGISTERING KEY! CONTACT
YOUR DEALER IMMEDIATELY
IF IT IS LOST! If the co de re-re g-
isterin g key is lost, reg istering
new co des in the stan dar d keys
is impossib le. The stan dar d
keys can still be used to start
the vehicle, however if cod e re-
re gisterin g is require d (i.e., if a
new stan dar d key is mad e or all
keys are lost) the entire immo bi-
lizer system must be replaced .
Therefore, it is hi ghly recom- men
ded to use either stan dar d
key an d keep the co de re-reg is-
tering key in a safe place.
 Do not su bmerse any key in wa-
ter.
 Do not expose any key to exces-
sively hi gh temperatures.
 Do not place any key close to
ma gnets (this inclu des, but not
limite d to, pro ducts such as
speakers, etc.).
 Do n

ot place items that transmit
electrical si gnals close to any
key.
 Do not place heavy items on any
key.
 Do not grin d any key or alter its
shape.
 Do not d isassemble the plastic
part of any key.
 Do not put two keys of any im-
mo bilizer system on the same
key rin g.
 Keep the stan dar d keys as well
as keys of other immo bilizer
systems away from this vehi-
cle’s co de re-reg istering key.
1. Code re-registering key (red bow)
2. Standard keys (black bow)UB33E0E0.book Page 1 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-2
3

Keep other immo bilizer system
keys away from the main switch
as they may cause si gnal inter-
ference.
EAU57670
Main switchThe main switch controls the ignition
and lighting systems. The various main
switch positions are described below.NOTICE
ECA17961
Do not use metal key chains or keep
more than one key on the same key
rin g. While the vehicle is in motion, a
metal key chain, metallic key rin gs,
or a dditional keys coul d contact sur-
roun din g components an d scratch
them. Therefore, it is recommen ded
to use a cloth or leather key chain.
TIPBe sure to use the standard key (black
bow) for regular use of the vehicle. To
minimize the risk of losing the code re-
registering key (red bow), keep it in a
safe place and only use it for code re-
registering.
EAU38531
ON
All electrical circuits are supplied with
power; the meter lighting, taillight, li-
cense plate light and auxiliary light
come on, and the engine can be start-
ed. The key cannot be removed.TIPThe headlight comes on automatically
when the engine is started and stays
on until the key is turned to “OFF”,
even if the engine stalls.
EAU45752
OFF
All electrical systems are off. The key
can be removed.
P
ON
OFF
UB33E0E0.book Page 2 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-3
3
WARNING
EWA10073
Never turn the key to “OFF” while
the vehicle is moving, otherwise the
electrical systems will be switched
off, which may result in loss of con-
trol or an acci dent.
EAU62271
(Parkin g)
The hazard lights and turn signal lights
can be turned on, but all other electri-
cal systems are off. The key can be re-
moved.
The key must be pushed in from the
“OFF” position to be turned to “ ”.
NOTICE
ECA20760
Usin g the hazar d or turn si gnal li ghts
for an exten ded len gth of time may
cause the battery to d ischarge.
EAU49398
In dicator li ghts an d warnin g
li g hts
EAU11022
Turn si gnal in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light flashes when a turn
signal light is flashing.
EAU11061
Neutral in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
transmission is in the neutral position.
EAU11081
Hi gh beam in dicator li ght “ ”
This indicator light comes on when the
high beam of the headlight is switched
on.
EAU11255
Oil level warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on if the en-
gine oil level is low.
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
1. Oil level warning light “ ”
2. Immobilizer system indicator light “ ”
3. Turn signal indicator light “ ”
4. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light “ ”
5. Fuel level warning light “ ”
6. Engine trouble warning light “ ”
7. Neutral indicator light “ ”
8. High beam indicator light “ ”
1
35 42
8
7
6
ABS
UB33E0E0.book Page 3 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-4
3
TIPEven if the oil level is sufficient, the
warning light may flicker when rid-
ing on a slope or during sudden
acceleration or deceleration, but
this is not a malfunction.
 This model is also equipped with a
self-diagnosis device for the oil
level detection circuit. If a problem
is detected in the oil level detec-
tion circuit, the following cycle will
be repeated until the malfunction
is corrected: The oil level warning
light will flash ten times, then go
off for 2.5 seconds. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the
vehicle.
EAU11367
Fuel level warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on when the
fuel level drops below approximately
2.8 L (0.74 US gal, 0.62 Imp.gal). When
this occurs, refuel as soon as possible.
The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off. If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIPThis model is also equipped with a self-
diagnosis device for the fuel level de-
tection circuit. If a problem is detected
in the fuel level detection circuit, the
following cycle will be repeated until
the malfunction is corrected: The fuel
level warning light will flash eight times,
and then go off for 3.0 seconds. If this
occurs, have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.
EAU46443
En
gine trou ble warnin g li ght “ ”
This warning light comes on if a prob-
lem is detected in the electrical circuit
monitoring the engine. If this occurs,
have a Yamaha dealer check the self-
diagnosis system. (See page 3-7 for an
explanation of the self-diagnosis de-
vice.) The electrical circuit of the warning
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The warning light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the warning light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the warning light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
TIPThis warning light will come on when
the key is turned to “ON” and the start
switch is pushed, but this does not in-
dicate a malfunction.
EAU51662
ABS warnin
g lig ht “ ”
In normal operation, the ABS warning
light comes on when the key is turned
to “ON”, and goes off after traveling at
a speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or higher.
If the ABS warning light:  does not come on when the key is
turned to “ON”
 comes on or flashes while riding
 does not go off after traveling at a
speed of 10 km/h (6 mi/h) or high-
er
ABS
UB33E0E0.book Page 4 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM

INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3-5
3The ABS may not work correctly. If any
of the above occurs, have a Yamaha
dealer check the system as soon as
possible. (See page 3-11 for an expla-
nation of the ABS.)
WARNING
EWA16041
If the ABS warnin
g li ght does not go
off after travelin g at a speed of 10
km/h (6 mi/h) or hi gher, or if the
warnin g li ght comes on or flashes
while ri din g, the b rake system re-
verts to conventional brakin g. If ei-
ther of the ab ove occurs, or if the
warnin g li ght does not come on at
all, use extra caution to avoi d possi-
b le wheel lock during emer gency
b rakin g. Have a Yamaha d ealer
check the brake system an d electri-
cal circuits as soon as possi ble.TIPIf the start switch is pushed while the
engine is running, the ABS warning
light will come on, but this is not a mal-
function.
EAU54682
Immo bilizer system in dicator
li g ht “ ”
When the key is turned to “OFF” and
30 seconds have passed, the indicator
light will start flashing indicating the im-
mobilizer system is enabled. After 24
hours have passed, the indicator light
will stop flashing, however the immobi-
lizer system is still enabled.
The electrical circuit of the indicator
light can be checked by turning the key
to “ON”. The indicator light should
come on for a few seconds, and then
go off.
If the indicator light does not come on
initially when the key is turned to “ON”,
or if the indicator light remains on, have
a Yamaha dealer check the electrical
circuit.
The self-diagnosis device also detects
problems in the immobilizer system
circuits. (See page 3-7 for an explana-
tion of the self-diagnosis device.)
EAU66640
Multi-function meter unit
WARNING
EWA12423
Be sure to stop the vehicle before
makin g any settin g chan ges to the
multi-function meter unit. Chan gin g
settin gs while ri din g can distract the
operator an d increase the risk of an
acci dent.The multi-function meter unit is
equipped with the following:
 a speedometer
 an odometer1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/tripmeter/fuel reserve tripme-
ter/clock
21
UB33E0E0.book Page 5 Monday, December 1, 2014 4:49 PM