2016 Yamaha V STAR 950 Owner’s Manual

The 2016 Yamaha Bolt C-Spec was a unique addition to Yamaha’s cruiser range. It took the classic Bolt platform and gave it a cafe racer-style twist. With its higher foot pegs and lower handlebars, the C-Spec had a more active and sporty riding position. It was a unique mix of modern style and retro charm. It had the same reliable 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine as the regular Bolt. The ride was fun and responsive, making it a good choice for riders who want a cruiser with a cafe racer look and a quick ride.

Periodic maintenance and adjustment

Replacing the air filter element
The air filter element should be replaced at the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart. Replace the air filter element more frequently if you are riding in unusually wet or dusty areas.
To replace the air filter element

1. Remove the air filter case cover by removing the bolts.
2. Pull the air filter element out.
3. Insert a new air filter element into the air filter case.
   NOTICE: Make sure that the air filter element is properly seated in the air filter case. The engine should never be operated without the air filter element installed, otherwise, the piston(s) and/or cylinder(s) may become excessively worn.
4. Install the air filter case cover by installing the bolts.

Checking the throttle grip free play
The throttle grip free play should measure 4.0–6.0 mm (0.16–0.24 in) at the inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodically check the throttle grip free play and, if necessary, have a Yamaha dealer adjust it.

Valve clearance
The valve clearance changes with use, resulting in improper air-fuel mixture and/or engine noise. To prevent this from occurring, the valve clearance must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer at the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.

Tires
Tires are the only contact between the vehicle and the road. Safety in all conditions of riding depends on a relatively small area of road contact. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the tires in good condition at all times and replace them at the appropriate time with the specified tires.

Tire air pressure
The tire air pressure should be checked and, if necessary, adjusted before each ride.
WARNING: Operation of this vehicle with improper tire pressure may cause severe injury or death from loss of control.

• The tire air pressure must be checked and adjusted on cold tires (i.e., when the temperature of the tires equals the ambient temperature).
• The tire air pressure must be adjusted in accordance with the riding speed and with the total weight of the rider, passenger, cargo, and accessories approved for this model.
• Never overload your vehicle. The operation of an overloaded vehicle could cause an accident.

Tire inspection
The tires must be checked before each ride. If a tire tread shows crosswise lines (minimum tread depth), if the tire has a nail or glass fragments in it, or if the sidewall is cracked, contact a Yamaha dealer immediately and have the tire replaced.
WARNING

• It is dangerous to ride with a worn-out tire. When a tire tread begins to show crosswise lines, have a Yamaha dealer replace the tire immediately. Brakes, tires, and related wheel parts re-placement should also be left to a Yamaha dealer.
• Ride at moderate speeds after changing a tire since the tire surface must first be “broken in” for it to develop its optimal characteristics.

Tire information
This model is equipped with tubeless tires and tire air valves. Tires age, even if they have not been used or have only been used occasion-ally. Cracking of the tread and sidewall rubber, sometimes accompanied by carcass deformation, is evidence of aging. Old and aged tires shall be checked by tire specialists to ascertain their suitability for further use.
WARNING: The front and rear tires should be of the same make and design, otherwise the handling characteristics of the vehicle may be different, which could lead to an accident.

After extensive tests, only the tires listed below have been approved for this model by Yamaha.

Cast wheels
To maximize the performance, durability, and safe operation of your vehicle, note the following points regarding the specified wheels.

• The wheel rims should be checked for cracks, bends, warpages, or other damage before each ride. If any damage is found, have a Yamaha dealer replace the wheel. Do not attempt even the smallest repair to the wheel. A deformed or cracked wheel must be replaced.
• The wheel should be balanced whenever either the tire or wheel has been changed or replaced. An unbalanced wheel can result in poor performance, adverse handling characteristics, and a shortened tire life.

Adjusting the clutch lever free play

1. Rubber cover
2. Clutch lever free play adjusting bolt
3. Locknut
4. Clutch lever free play

The clutch lever free play should measure 5.0–10.0 mm (0.20–0.39 in) as shown. Periodically check the clutch lever free play and, if necessary, adjust it as follows.

1. Slide the rubber cover back at the clutch lever.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. To increase the clutch lever free play, turn the clutch lever free play adjusting the bolt in direction (a). To decrease the clutch lever free play, turn the adjusting bolt in direction (b).
   TIP: If the specified clutch lever free play could be obtained as described above, skip steps 4–7.
4. Fully turn the adjusting bolt in direction (a) to loosen the clutch cable.
5. Slide the rubber covers apart, and then loosen the locknut. decrease the clutch lever free play, and turn the adjusting nut in the direction (b).
6. Tighten the locknut at the clutch cable, and then slide the rubber covers to their original positions.
7. Tighten the locknut at the clutch lever, and then slide the rubber cover to its original position.

Adjusting the brake lever free-play
Periodically check the brake lever free play and, if necessary, adjust it as follows.

1. Loosen the locknut at the brake lever.
2. To increase the brake lever free play, turn the brake lever free play adjusting the screw in direction (a). To decrease the brake lever free play, turn the adjusting screw in direction (b).
3. Tighten the locknut.

WARNING

• After adjusting the brake lever free play, check the free play and make sure that the brake is working properly.
• A soft or spongy feeling in the brake lever can indicate the presence of air in the hydraulic system. If there is air in the hydraulic system, have a Yamaha dealer bleed the system before operating the motorcycle. Air in the hydraulic system will diminish the braking performance, which may result in loss of control and an accident.

Brake light switches
The brake light, which is activated by the brake pedal and brake lever, should come on just before braking takes effect. If necessary, adjust the rear brake light switch as follows, but the front brake light switch should be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer. Turn the rear brake light switch adjust-ing nut while holding the rear brake light switch in place. To make the brake light come on earlier, turn the adjusting nut in direction (a). To make the brake light come on later, turn the adjusting nut in the direction (b).

Checking the front and rear brake pads
The front and rear brake pads must be checked for wear at the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance and lubrication chart.

Front brake pads 
Each front brake pad is provided with wear indicator grooves, which allow you to check the brake pad wear without having to disassemble the brake. To check the brake pad wear, check the wear indicator grooves. If a brake pad has worn to the point that the wear indicator grooves have almost disappeared, have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake pads as a set.

Rear brake pads
Check each rear brake pad for damage and measure the lining thickness. If a brake pad is damaged or if the lining thickness is less than 0.8 mm (0.03 in), have a Yamaha dealer replace the brake pads as a set.

Checking the brake fluid level
Before riding, check that the brake fluid is above the minimum level mark. Check the brake fluid level with the top of the reservoir level. Replenish the brake fluid if necessary.
WARNING: Improper maintenance can result in loss of braking ability.

• Insufficient brake fluid may al-low air to enter the brake system, reducing braking performance.
• Clean the filler cap before re-moving. Use only DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container.
• Use only the specified brake flu-id; otherwise, the rubber seals may deteriorate, causing leak-age.
• Refill with the same type of brake fluid. Adding a brake fluid other than DOT 4 may result in a harmful chemical reaction.
• Be careful that water does not enter the brake fluid reservoir when refilling. Water will significantly lower the boiling point of the fluid and may result in a vapor lock.

NOTICE: Brake fluid may damage painted surfaces or plastic parts. Always clean up spilled fluid immediately.

As the brake pads wear, it is normal for the brake fluid level to gradually go down. A low brake fluid level may indicate worn brake pads and/or brake system leakage; therefore, be sure to check the brake pads for wear and the brake system for leakage. If the brake fluid level goes down suddenly, have a Yamaha dealer check the cause before further riding.

FAQ’s