PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR
6-27
6
EC000099
CAUTION:@ When inspecting the battery, be
sure the breather hose is routed cor-
rectly. If the breather hose is posi-
tioned in such a way as to cause
battery electrolyte or gas to exit
onto the frame, structural and cos-
metic damage to the motorcycle can
occur. @
EW000116
WARNING
@ Battery electrolyte is poisonous and
dangerous, causing severe burns,
etc. It contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
ANTIDOTE:l
EXTERNAL: Flush with water.
l
INTERNAL: Drink large quanti-
ties of water or milk. Follow with
milk of magnesia, beaten egg,
or vegetable oil. Call a physi-
cian immediately.
l
EYES: Flush with water for
15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention.
Batteries produce explosive gases.
Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes etc.,
away. Ventilate when charging or
using in an enclosed space. Always
shield your eyes when working near
batteries.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHIL-
DREN.
@
Replenishing the battery fluid
A poorly maintained battery will cor-
rode and discharge quickly. The bat-
tery fluid should be checked at least
once a month. The level should be be-
tween the minimum level and maxi-
mum level marks. Use only distilled
water if refilling is necessary.
EC000100
CAUTION:@ Normal tap water contains minerals
which are harmful to a battery;
therefore, refill only with distilled
water. @
EW000117
WARNING
@ Take care not to spill battery fluid on
the chain. Battery fluid may weaken
the chain causing shorter chain life
and possibly result in an accident. @
E_3mw.book Page 27 Monday, February 5, 2001 9:54 AM
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-5
7 a. Remove the spark plug cap and
spark plug.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into the spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug cap onto the
spark plug and place the spark
plug on the cylinder head so that
the electrodes are grounded. (This
will limit sparking during the next
step.)
d. Turn the engine over several times
with the starter. (This will coat the
cylinder wall with oil.)
e. Remove the spark plug cap from
the spark plug, install the spark
plug and then the spark plug cap.
EWA00003
WARNING
@ When turning the engine over, be
sure to ground the spark plug elec-
trodes to prevent damage or injury
from sparking. @
6. Lubricate all control cables and
the pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the sidestand/
centerstand.
7. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, then raise the
motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
8. Cover up the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering.9. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and recharge it once a
month. Do not store the battery in
an excessively cold or warm place
(less than 0 °C or more than
30 °C). For more information, see
“Battery storage” in the chapter
“PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
MINOR REPAIRS”.
NOTE:@ Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle. @
E_3mw.book Page 5 Monday, February 5, 2001 9:54 AM
