EAU26001
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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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 bottle-
brush for hard-to-reach areas. Stub-
born 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 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.
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.
ECA10790
CAUTION:
Do 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, surfa-
ces to prevent corrosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a cha-
mois 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 indu-
ced 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, inclu-
ding chrome- and nickel-plated,
surfaces.5. Use spray oil as a universal clea-
ner 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 comple-
tely before storing or covering it.
EWA11130
s s
WARNING
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 hig-
her speeds, test the motorcy-
cle’s braking performance and
cornering behavior.
ECA10800
CAUTION:
Apply spray oil and wax spa-
ringly and make sure to wipe
off any excess.
Never apply oil or wax to any
rubber and plastic parts, but
treat them with a suitable care
product.
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