CLEANING AND STORAGE
52
Cleaning
Note
Before cleaning the motorcycle, prepare the machine so that
water does not penetrate certain areas of the bike.
Exhaust: Once this is cold, cover it with a plastic bag attached with
rubber.
Clutch and brake levers, handgrips, engine stop button: cover with a
plastic bag.
Air filter intake: Cover the opening with tape or stuff a cloth in it.
Where to be most careful
Avoid applying high-pressure water to:
Brake pump cylinder and callipers and under the petrol tank: If water
enters the electric coil or the spark plug hood then the engine will
not start and the affected parts must be dried.
Front and rear wheel hubs.
Steering pivots (steering tube).
Rear suspension system.
Swing arm pivots.
After washing
- Remove the plastic bags and clean the air filter intake.
- Lubricate the locations listed in the lubrication section.
- Start the engine and let it heat for 5 minutes.
- Check the brakes before driving the bike.
WARNING
Never wax or lubricate the brake disk, this could lead to brake
failure and could provoke an accident. Clean the disc using
trichloroethylene or acetone.
Storage
When the motorcycle is to be stored for any length of time, it should
be prepared for storage as follows:
- Clean the entire vehicle thoroughly.
- Start the engine, and allowed to run for five minutes to teach the
transmission oil then drain as indicated in the section about
oil
changes
.
- Put in fresh transmission oil.
- Empty the fuel tank. If fuel is left for a long time it will deteriorate.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Lubricate the drive chain and all the cables.
- Spray oil on all unpainted metal surfaces to prevent rusting. Avoid
getting oil on rubber parts or in the brakes.
- Set the motorcycle on a box or stand so that both wheels are raised
off the ground. (If this cannot be done, put boards under the front
and rear wheels to keep dampness away from the tire rubber).
- Tie a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe to prevent moisture from
entering.
- Put a cover over the motorcycle to keep dust and dirt from collecting
on it.
Starting after storage
- Remove plastic bag from exhaust.
- Tighten spark plug.
- Fill the fuel tank with fuel.
- Check all the points listed in the Daily Pre-ride Inspection Section.
- General lubrication
- Connect the battery.
