2002 YAMAHA XT600E Owners Manual

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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
Care .................................................................................................. 7-1
Storage ............................................................................................. 7-4
7
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7-1
EAU03521
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
CareCareWhile the open design of a motorcy-
cle reveals the attractiveness of the
technology, it also makes it more vul-
nerable. Rust and corrosion can
develop even if high-quality compo-
nents are used. A rusty exhaust pipe
may go unnoticed on a car, however,
it detracts from the overall appear-
ance of a motorcycle. Frequent and
proper care does not only comply
with the terms of the warranty, but it
will also keep your motorcycle looking
good, extend its life and optimize its
performance.Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and cov-
ers as well as all electrical cou-
plers and connectors, including
the spark plug cap, are tightly
installed.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such
products onto seals, gaskets,
sprockets, the drive chain and
wheel axles. Always rinse the dirt
and degreaser off with water.Cleaning
ECA00010
cC8
8
Avoid using strong acidic
wheel cleaners, especially on
spoked wheels. If such prod-
ucts are used on hard-to-
remove dirt, do not leave the
cleaner on the affected area
any longer than instructed.
Also, thoroughly rinse the area
off with water, immediately dry
it, and then apply a corrosion
protection spray.
8 8
Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or
sponge with mild detergent
and water to clean plastic.
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7-2
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7 8 8
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abra-
sive cleaning products, sol-
vent or thinner, fuel (gasoline),
rust removers or inhibitors,
brake fluid, antifreeze or elec-
trolyte.
8 8
Do not use high-pressure
washers or steam-jet cleaners
since they cause water seep-
age and deterioration in the
following areas: seals (of
wheel and swingarm bearings,
fork and brakes), electric com-
ponents (couplers, connec-
tors, instruments, switches
and lights), breather hoses
and vents.8 8
For motorcycles equipped
with a windshield: Do not use
strong cleaners or hard
sponges as they will cause
dulling or scratching. Some
cleaning compounds for plas-
tic may leave scratches on the
windshield. Test the product
on a small hidden part of the
windshield to make sure that it
does not leave any marks. If
the windshield is scratched,
use a quality plastic polishing
compound after washing.
After normal useRemove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge,
and then rinse thoroughly with clean
water. Use a toothbrush or bottle-
brush for hard-to-reach areas.
Stubborn dirt and insects will come
off more easily if the area is covered
with a wet cloth for a few minutes
before cleaning.After riding in the rain, near the sea
or on salt-sprayed roadsSince sea salt or salt sprayed on
roads during winter are extremely
corrosive in combination with water,
carry out the following steps after
each ride in the rain, near the sea or
on salt-sprayed roads.NOTE:
Salt sprayed on roads in the winter
may remain well into spring.1. Clean the motorcycle with cold
water and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
ECA00012
cCDo not use warm water since it
increases the corrosive action of
the salt.2. Apply a corrosion protection
spray on all metal, including
chrome- and nickel-plated, sur-
faces to prevent corrosion.
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7-3
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a
chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain
and lubricate it to prevent it from
rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stainless-
steel parts, including the exhaust
system. (Even the thermally
induced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be
removed through polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recom-
mended to apply a corrosion pro-
tection spray on all metal, includ-
ing chrome- and nickel-plated,
surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal
cleaner to remove any remaining
dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.8. Let the motorcycle dry complete-
ly before storing or covering it.
EWA00001
w8Make sure that there is no oil
or wax on the brakes or tires.
If necessary, clean the brake
discs and brake linings with a
regular brake disc cleaner or
acetone, and wash the tires
with warm water and a mild
detergent.
8Before operating the motorcy-
cle test its braking perfor-
mance and cornering behav-
ior.
ECA00013
cC8Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and make sure to wipe
off any excess.
8Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
8Avoid using abrasive polish-
ing compounds as they will
wear away the paint.NOTE:
Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice
on what products to use.
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7-4
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
StorageStorageShort-term
Always store your motorcycle in a
cool, dry place and, if necessary, pro-
tect it against dust with a porous
cover.
ECA00014
cC8Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cov-
ering it with a tarp, while it is
still wet, will allow water and
humidity to seep in and cause
rust.
8To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for
several months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.
2. For motorcycles equipped with a
fuel cock that has an “OFF” posi-
tion: Turn the fuel cock lever to
“OFF”.
3. Drain the carburetor float cham-
ber by loosening the drain bolt;
this will prevent fuel deposits
from building up. Pour the
drained fuel into the fuel tank.
4. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
5. Perform the following steps to
protect the cylinder, piston rings,
etc. from corrosion.
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 then 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, and then
install the spark plug and the
spark plug cap.
EWA00003
wTo prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turn-
ing the engine over.
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7-5
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
76. 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, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground.
Alternatively, turn the wheels a
little every month in order to pre-
vent the tires from becoming
degraded in one spot.
8. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag to prevent moisture
from entering it.9. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge 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 informa-
tion on storing the battery, see
page 6-32.
NOTE:
Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications ................................................................................... 8-1
Conversion table ............................................................................... 8-5
8
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