EAU26000
Care
While 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 appearan-
ce of a motorcycle. Frequent and pro-
per 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
covers as well as all electrical
couplers and connectors, inclu-
ding 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 pro-ducts onto seals, gaskets, sproc-
kets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and
degreaser off with water.
Cleaning
ECA10770
CAUTION
Avoid using strong acidic whe-
el cleaners, especially on spo-
ked wheels. If such products
are used on hard-to-remove
dirt, do not leave the cleaner on
the affected area any longer
than instructed. Also, tho-
roughly rinse the area off with
water, immediately dry it, and
then apply a corrosion protec-
tion spray.
Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use
only a soft, clean cloth or spon-
ge with mild detergent and
water to clean plastic.
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 abrasivecleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust
removers or inhibitors, brake
fluid, antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use high-pressure was-
hers or steam-jet cleaners sin-
ce they cause water seepage
and deterioration in the follo-
wing areas: seals (of wheel and
swingarm bearings, fork and
brakes), electric components
(couplers, connectors, instru-
ments, switches and lights),
breather hoses and vents.
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or scrat-
ching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not lea-
ve any marks. If the windshield
is scratched, use a quality
plastic polishing compound
after washing.
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Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
NOTE:
Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice
on what products to use.
EAU26150
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a
cool, dry place and, if necessary, pro-
tect it against dust with a porous
cover.
ECA10810
CAUTION
Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cove-
ring it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humi-
dity to seep in and cause rust.
To 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 drai-
ned 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.
EWA10950
s s
WARNING
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turning
the engine over.
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, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alter-
natively, turn the wheels a little
every month in order to prevent
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