Yamaha V Star 950 / Drag Star 950 (XVS950) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha V Star 950, also known as an XVS950 or the DragStar 950 in Europe.

This applies to the V Star 950 / Drag Star 950 of all model years, from 2009 to the point when it was discontinued (which varies per market, but ended finally in 2017)

The Yamaha V Star 950 has always been powered by a four-stroke 60-degree V-twin with a single overhead cam and 4 valve-per-cylinder design. The engine is fuel injected and air-cooled.

The V Star 950’s engine is 942cc in capacity. It makes a sedate but very capable peak torque of 58 ft-lb (79 Nm) at a low 3500 rpm, with peak power of 36 kW (50 hp) coming at 5600 rpm.

The same engine powers the Yamaha Bolt series of motorcycles. The maintenance for them is very similar.

Note that in later model years, a few more things were added to the maintenance schedules. For example, in early manuals, it wasn’t recommended to change brake fluid every two years, or to repack the swingarm pivot bearings every 32000 mi or 50000 km. Because these things equally can apply to earlier models, we’ve added them in (it’s not like an older bike wouldn’t need those things).

Originally published July 31, 2020, but significantly revised since then.

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Yamaha V Star 950 /DragStar 950 Service Intervals

The Yamaha V Star 950 has different service intervals depending on the market.

  • US Maintenance Schedule V Star 950 — intervals of 4000 miles / 6000 km or 6 months
  • European/Asian maintenance schedule for the Drag Star 950 — service intervals of 10000 km (6000 miles) or 12 months

Some other items have similar intervals, but they’re not quite the same. See here for more information about how the metric and US maintenance schedules for Yamaha motorcycles differ.

Regardless, at every service interval, change the oil and oil filter, and do a series of checks on the engine, looking for leaks, worn components, and parts in need of lubrication.

The major valve clearance service interval comes at either 16000 miles in the US or 20000 km in Europe or elsewhere.

Since the V Star 950 / DragStar 950 has an air-cooled engine, there’s no coolant to change. And the belt does require inspection tension but is relatively low-maintenance compared to a chain.

What you need to service the Yamaha V Star 950

If you’re servicing the V Star 950, you at least need motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on.

For the V Star 950 engine, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.

PartYamaha V Star 950 / DragStar 950 spec
OilYamaha recommends Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50 for high ambient heat ranges (up to 120F/50C). You need 4 L (about a US gallon). Don’t over-torque the bolt (spec is 43 Nm/31 lb-ft for the oil drain bolt per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough.
Oil filterNeeds to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock one (part 5GH-13440-50-00, used for many Yamaha products) or the Hiflofiltro HF204RC. Torque for the oil filter is 17 Nm/12 lb-ft.
Engine coolantYamaha recommends Yamacool, but use any coolant that’s a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix. You can either use pre-mix or concentrate (for which you’d need demineralised water).
Spark PlugsNGK CPR7EA-9. This is what the manual and mechanics suggest. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.8-0.9mm (get a gapping tool) and torqued to 13 Nm / 10 lb-ft.
Air filterYamaha part number for the OEM air filter is 3D8-14451-00-00. You can also get the K&N equivalent, YA-1307.
Brake padsOEM brake pads are 5S7-W0045-00 for the front and 3D8-25806-00-00 for the rear. You can also use EBC HH pads for extra life and better brake feel. For front use EBC FA179HH and for rear use EBC FA319/2HH.
Cable managementLubricate control cables with Protect All Cable Life
Belt tensionCheck the belt tension with a belt tension tool
General greaseGrease external pivot points with either silicone grease or lithium soap-based grease
Oil, filters, coolant, plugs, and brake pads for the V Star 950

Yamaha V Star 950 / DragStar 950 Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha V Star 950. There are two maintenance schedules, one for the US and the one for Europe/Australia/Asia/New Zealand etc.

We’ve separated out the maintenance schedule for the V Star 950 into two parts:

  1. The recurring service schedule of major items, like oil, spark plugs, and valves, and
  2. The standard “inspection checklist” to do at every service.

Notes:

  • For higher mileage, continue this maintenance schedule in the pattern indicated.
  • Don’t clean the air filter with compressed air, to avoid damaging it.
  • Since the V Star 950 is no longer sold new, the break-in schedule is omitted.

Yamaha V Star 950 — US Service Schedule

Below is the US maintenance schedule for the Yamaha V Star 950 with 4000 mile / 6000 km or 6-month service intervals.

See further below for the Europe schedule in kilometres.

mi x 100048121620
km x 1000713192531
Months612182430Every
Perform standard service checklist (see below)
[Dealers] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes.
Change engine oil while engine warm (Yamalube 10W-40)
Replace oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean. Replace
Replace the spark plug (CPR7EA-9)
Check and adjust valve clearances✓*16000 mi / 25000 km
*No time interval
Replace air filter (YA-1307)24000 mi / 37000 km, or more often if riding in dust/rain
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder and calipers.2 years
Replace brake hoses4 years
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable.
Check wheels for damage.
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation.
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease.12000 mi / 19000 km
Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play.
Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease.32000 mi / 50000 km
Check evap control system for damage (if fitted). Replace if necessary.
Yamaha V Star — US Service Schedule

Yamaha V Star 950 a.k.a. DragStar 950 — Europe maintenance schedule (kilometres)

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha V Star motorcycles from Europe.

Note that the maintenance intervals are every 10000 km or 6000 miles, or annual.

km x 100010203040
mi x 10006121824Every
Perform standard service checklist (see below)Year
[Dealers] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes.Year
Change engine oil while engine warm (Yamalube 10W-40)Year
Replace oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace the spark plug (CPR7EA-9)
Check and adjust valve clearance.
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder and calipers.2 years
Replace air filter (YA-1307)More often if riding in dust/rain
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable.
Check wheels for damage. Replace if necessary.
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation. Replace if necessary.
Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play.
Lubricate swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease.50000 km
Check steering bearing assemblies for roughness and looseness.
Lubricate steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease.
Check evap control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Yamaha DragStar 950 Service Schedule

Standard maintenance checklist

Below is the checklist of items to check on the V Star 950 at every service (per the schedules above).

Standard service checklist
Check and adjust fuel injection synchronization.
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping.
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (FA179HH)
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (FA319/2HH).
Check side stand switch operation.
Check operation of front and rear brake switches.
Lubricate control cables with cable lubricant thoroughly.
Check lights, signals, and switch operation. Adjust headlight beam.
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten and/or replace gaskets as necessary.
Check throttle grip operation and free play, and adjust if necessary. Lubricate cable and grip housing.
Throttle free play: 4-6 mm
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage.
Check tire tread depth and for damage. Check pressure and adjust.
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners for tightness.
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft with silicone grease lightly.
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal with lithium soap-based grease lightly.
Check side stand operation for smooth operation. Apply lithium soap-based grease lightly.
Check front fork operation and for rust, damage, or oil leakage.
Check rear shock absorber operation and for rust, damage, or oil leakage.
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Yamaha V Star 950 standard service checklist

Drive belt maintenance

Since the V Star 950 has a belt final drive, you have to maintain the belt! This is easier than maintaining a chain but still requires work.

Yamaha recommends that every 2500 miles / 4000 km you service the belt by doing the following things.

  • Check belt condition and replace if it’s damaged.
  • Check belt tension / slack and adjust as necessary.
  • Make sure the rear wheel is aligned (using the alignment markings).

To check belt condition, you check the belt for cracks, missing teeth, or other signs of wear. A visual inspection is sufficient.

To check the drive belt slack / tension, you need a belt tension tool. Follow these steps.

  1. Put the motorcycle on its side stand and in neutral on a level surface.
  2. Look through the belt check hole on the side of the belt, and note the current position relative to the notch marks. The notch marks are 5mm apart.
  3. Apply 45 N / 10 lb of force with a belt tension tool upwards and note the new position in the belt check hole.
  4. Calculate the drive belt slack by comparing the two positions.

Target belt deflection with 10 lb / 45 N of force: 6.0-8.0 mm (about 1.2 to 1.6 notches in the belt check hole)

If the belt tension is out, you need to adjust the belt tension.

To tighten the belt tension, you follow a similar procedure to adjusting drive chain tension on chain-driven motorcycles.

  1. Loosen the belt tension adjuster locknuts on either side of the swingarm at the rear.
  2. Loosen the rear axle bolt (no need to remove the axle).
  3. Adjust belt tension using the belt tension adjuster bolts. You only need to make small adjustments. Make sure you tighten them by the same amount on both sides, to keep belt alignment.
  4. Tighten the rear axle bolt (108 lb-ft / 146 Nm)
  5. Tighten the belt tension adjuster bolts.

If you feel unsure of that procedure, or think the alignment might be out, see a mechanic.

Yamaha V Star 950 Tire sizes and pressures

These are the tire sizes and specs for the Yamaha V Star 950.

SpecFrontRear
Size130/70-18M/C 63 H170/70B16 M/C 75H
Pressure225 kPa (33 psi)250 kPa (36 psi)
Tire specs for the Yamaha V Star 950

About the Yamaha V Star 950

2015 Yamaha V Star 950 Dragstar 950 Tourer

The Yamaha V Star 950 is a middleweight cruiser or touring motorcycle from Yamaha that has many fans. It hits a sweet spot of everyday power and torque while still being very capable on the highway — as long as you have the option with a bit of wind protection (unless you want the full noise experience!)

The Yamaha V Star 950 is based on a a 942cc air/oil-cooled 60-degree V-twin engine. It has a single overhead cam and 4-valves per cylinder. It’s tuned for mid-range torque, with peak torque of 57 ft-lb (77 Nm) reached at only 3500 rpm. The engine is the same fundamental block used in other 950-class motorcycles like the Yamaha SCR950 for example, and still sold new in the Yamaha Bolt.

The V Star 950 is neither powerful nor lightweight, but it never feels slow. The V-twin pulls strongly all the way through to 5000 rpm — though you’ll only get there if you’re really hammering it for some reason.

The V Star 950 is designed to compete with other entry-level cruisers like the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. But it is both more powerful and more reliable, making it a compelling alternative… unless you’re swayed by the dealer network and the brand (and the design) of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

In Yamaha’s line-up, the Yamaha V Star 950 sits between the even more entry-level V Star 650 and the middleweight V Star 1300. These are all air/oil-cooled twins. But the V Star 950 hits a sweet spot in its torque and power that make it good for longer highway runs while not being too cumbersome for around town.

Despite being an air-cooled engine, the relatively modern design of the V Star 950 means that it has relatively wide (for an air-cooled engine) valve service intervals of 16000 miles or 20000 km (depending on whether you look at the US or Europe manuals). And there are no fairings to take off, just a tank — so service is relatively low cost or easy.

Final drive is via a wet clutch, 5-speed transmission, and a belt drive. You do have to check the belt tension periodically (see the guide above) and replace it if it gets worn, but otherwise it’s a fairly low-maintenance bike.

Where the V Star 950 is simpler than many motorcycles is in the ride gear. The front brake is a single disc with a two-piston caliper. Front and rear suspension is non-adjustable other than for preload on the rear monoshock.

Of course, you probably aren’t going to push the V Star 950 to the point where you’ll complain about dive or braking!

The great thing about the V Star 950 and other motorcycles with the same engine is that it’s dead reliable. It has a low compression ratio of 9.0:1, meaning it’ll take any grade of fuel in a pinch, and isn’t cursed with oil leaks like some of its older competitors.

The only strike against the V Star 950 is that it’s quite heavy, with a 297 kg (655 lb) wet weight.

Manual for the Yamaha V Star 950

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the Yamaha V Star 950. The later model years were slightly more conservative and had a few extra line items (e.g. suggesting repacking steering head bearings). But these are good for all years.

You can see in the screenshots below the different schedules for US and Europe versions of the V Star 950, with the different service intervals for different regions.

You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.

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