MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
8-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
EAU26004
Care
While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a mo-
torcycle. 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 in-
stalled.3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-
ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprockets,
the drive chain and wheel axles. Al-
ways rinse the dirt and degreaser
off with water.
Cleaning
ECA10772
NOTICE
●Avoid using strong acidic
wheel cleaners, especially on
spoked wheels. If such prod-
ucts are used on hard-to-re-
move dirt, do not leave the
cleaner on the affected area
any longer than instructed. Al-
so, thoroughly rinse the area
off with water, immediately dry
it, and then apply a corrosion
protection spray.
●Improper cleaning can damage
plastic parts (such as cowlings,
panels, windshields, headlight
lenses, meter lenses, etc.) and
the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with wa-ter to clean plastic. However, if
the plastic parts cannot be
thoroughly cleaned with water,
diluted mild detergent with wa-
ter may be used. Be sure to
rinse off any detergent residue
using plenty of water, as it is
harmful to plastic parts.
●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 re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
●Do not use high-pressure
washers or steam-jet cleaners
since they cause water seep-
age and deterioration in the fol-
lowing areas: seals (of wheel
and swingarm bearings, fork
and brakes), electric compo-
nents (couplers, connectors,
instruments, switches and
lights), breather hoses and
vents.
XT660Z 08-10 ING-AUS:MY03 07-10 ING 11-05-2009 10:10 Pagina 2
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
8-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely
before storing or covering it.
EWA11131
WARNING0
Contaminants on the brakes or
tires can cause loss of control.
●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 de-
tergent. Before riding at higher
speeds, test the motorcycle's
braking performance and cor-
nering behavior.
ECA10800
NOTICE
●Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly 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.
●Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they will wear
away the paint.
TIP
●Consult a Yamaha dealer for ad-
vice on what products to use.
●Washing, rainy weather or humid
climates can cause the headlight
lens to fog. Turning the headlight
on for a short period of time will
help remove the moisture from
the lens.
EAUM1901
Storage
Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
ECA10810
NOTICE
●Storing 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.
●To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
XT660Z 08-10 ING-AUS:MY03 07-10 ING 11-05-2009 10:10 Pagina 4
