APRILIA RXV 450 UPGRADE BOOK, Use And Maintenance Book

Page: 71 / 198

USE
2 - 44
SXV / RXV 450 - 550
2.6.11. CLEANING
Clean the vehicle frequently if it is used in particular
areas or conditions, such as:
-
Polluted areas (cities and industrial areas).
- Areas characterized by a high percentage of salinity and
humidity (coastlines, hot and humid climates).
- Special conditions (use of salt and deicing chemical
products on the roads during the winter).
- Avoid leaving deposits of industrial and polluting
powders, tar spots, dead insects, bird droppings, etc. on
the body.
- Avoid parking the vehicle under trees, since in some
seasons residues, resins, fruits or leaves fall down,
which contain substances that may damage the paint.
WARNING
Before washing the vehicle, block off the
engine air scoops and mufflers.
DANGER
After the vehicle has been washed, its braking
functions
could be temporarily impaired
because of water on the braking surfaces.
Calculate long braking distances to avoid
accidents.
Brake repeatedly to restore normal conditions.
Perform the pre-ride checks, see (PRE-RIDE
CHECKS CHART).
To remove dirt and mud from the painted surfaces use a low-
pressure water jet, carefully wet the dirty parts, remove mud
and filth with a soft car sponge impregnated with a lot of
water and shampoo (2 4% parts of shampoo in water).
Then rinse with plenty of water and dry with chamois leather.
To clean the outer parts of the engine use a degreaser,
brushes and wipers.
Any parts in anodized aluminum or any painted parts such
as forks, rims, frame, footpegs, etc. shall be washed only
with water and mild soap. Too much aggressive detergents
can damage the surface treatment of these components.
Too much aggressive detergents can damage the surface
treatment of these components.
WARNING
To clean the lights, use a sponge soaked with
water and a mild detergent. Rub surfaces
delicately and rinse frequently with plenty of
water.
Polish with silicone wax only after the car has
been carefully washed.
Never attempt to polish matte-finished surfaces
with lapping compounds.
Do not wash the vehicle under the sun,
especially during the summer, when the body is
still warm: if the shampoo dries before being
rinsed off, it can damage the paint.