7-1MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
EAU26001
CareWhile the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the
technology, it also makes it more
vulnerable. Rust and corrosion can
develop even if high-quality components
are used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go
unnoticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance 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 cleaning1. 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, 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
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Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
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, thoroughly
rinse the area off with water,
immediately dry it, and then
apply a corrosion protection
spray.
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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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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 abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust
removers or inhibitors, brake
fluid, antifreeze or electrolyte.
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Do not use high-pressure
washers or steam-jet cleaners
since they cause water seepage
and deterioration in the
following areas: seals (of wheel
and swingarm bearings, fork
and brakes), electric
components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
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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 plastic 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.
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7-2
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild
detergent, and a soft, clean sponge, and
then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush 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 oron salt-sprayed roads
Since 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.Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.1. Clean the motorcycle with coldwater and a mild detergent, after
the engine has cooled down.
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Do not use warm water since it
increases the corrosive action of the
salt.2. Apply a corrosion protection sprayon all metal, including chrome- and
nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent
corrosion.
After 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 recommended to apply a corrosion
protection spray on all metal,
including 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 completely before storing or covering it.
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Make 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. Before riding at
higher speeds, test the
motorcycle’s braking
performance and cornering
behavior.
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Apply spray oil and wax
sparingly and make sure to wipe
off any excess.
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Never apply oil or wax to any
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