MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE7-17EAU41351CareWhile the open design of a motorcyclereveals the attractiveness of the tech-nology, it also makes it more vulnera-ble. Rust and corrosion can developeven if high-quality components areused. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-noticed on a car, however, it detractsfrom the overall appearance of a motor-cycle. Frequent and proper care doesnot only comply with the terms of thewarranty, but it will also keep yourmotorcycle looking good, extend its lifeand optimize its performance.Before cleaning1. Cover the muffler outlet with aplastic bag after the engine hascooled down.2. Make sure that all caps and coversas well as all electrical couplersand connectors, including thespark plug cap, are tightly in-stalled.3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,like oil burnt onto the crankcase,with a degreasing agent and abrush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-ets, the drive chain and wheelaxles. Always rinse the dirt and de-greaser off with water.CleaningCAUTION:ECA10770 Avoid using strong acidic wheelcleaners, especially on spokedwheels. If such products areused on hard-to-remove dirt, donot leave the cleaner on the af-fected area any longer than in-structed. Also, thoroughly rinsethe area off with water, immedi-ately dry it, and then apply a cor-rosion protection spray. Improper cleaning can damagewindshields, cowlings, panelsand other plastic parts. Use onlya soft, clean cloth or spongewith mild detergent and water toclean plastic. Do not use any harsh chemicalproducts on plastic parts. Besure to avoid using cloths orsponges which have been incontact with strong or abrasivecleaning products, solvent orthinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-movers or inhibitors, brake flu-id, antifreeze or electrolyte. Do not use high-pressure wash-ers or steam-jet cleaners sincethey cause water seepage anddeterioration in the following ar-eas: seals (of wheel and swing-arm bearings, fork and brakes),electric components (couplers,connectors, instruments,switches and lights), breatherhoses and vents. For motorcycles equipped witha windshield: Do not use strongcleaners or hard sponges asthey will cause dulling orscratching. Some cleaning com-pounds for plastic may leavescratches on the windshield.Test the product on a small hid-den part of the windshield tomake sure that it does not leaveany marks. If the windshield isscratched, use a quality plasticpolishing compound afterwashing.