Honda CRF450R 2020, Owner'S Manual & Competition Handbook

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Appearance Care
136
Servicing Your Honda
Appearance Care
Refer to Important Safety Precautions on page 23.
Frequent cleaning and polishing will keep your
CRF looking newer longer. Frequent cleaning also
identifies you as an owner who values his
motorcycle. A clean CRF is also easier to inspect
and service.
While you’re cleaning, be sure to look for damage,
wear, and gasoline or oil leaks.
• To clean your CRF you may use:
– water
– Hondabrite
– a mild, neutral detergent and water
– a mild spray and wipe cleaner/polisher
– a mild spray and rinse cleaner/degreaser and
water
• Avoid products that contain harsh detergents
or chemical solvents that could damage the
metal, paint, and plastic on your CRF or
discolor the seat and decals.
• If your CRF is still warm from recent
operation, give the engine and exhaust system
time to cool off.
• We recommend the use of a low pressure
garden hose to wash your CRF. High pressure
washers (like those at coin-operated car
washes) can damage certain parts of your CRF.
The force of water under extreme pressure can
penetrate the dust seals of the suspension pivot
points and steering head bearings-driving dirt
inside and needed lubrication out.
If you use a high pressure washer, avoid spraying
the following areas:
brake master cylinders
drive chain
electrical circuit
engine stop button
muffler outlet
steering head bearings (1)
suspension pivot points (2)
throttle body
under fuel tank
under seat
High pressure water (or air) can damage certain
parts of your CRF.
You may use Pro Honda Hondabrite, a multi-
surface cleaner/degreaser, to remove both dirt and
petroleum-based grime from paint, alloy, plastic,
and rubber surfaces. Wet any heavy deposits with
water first. Then spray on Pro Honda Hondabrite
and rinse with a low pressure garden hose at full
pressure. Stubborn deposits may require a quick
wipe with a sponge.
Allow the engine, muffler, brakes, and other high-
temperature parts to cool before washing.
1. Rinse your CRF thoroughly using a low
pressure garden hose to remove loose dirt.
2. Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix in a mild,
neutral detergent, such as dish washing liquid
or a product made especially for washing
motorcycles or automobiles.
3. Wash your CRF with a sponge or a soft towel.
As you wash, check for heavy grime. If
necessary, use a mild cleaner/degreaser to
remove the grime.
Do not use steel wool to clean the frame as it could
damage or discolor the frame surface.
Muffler stain remover (Scotch Brite Hand Pad
#7447-maroon) is for removing stains on the non-
coated aluminum frame only.
4. After washing, rinse your CRF thoroughly
with plenty of clean water to remove any
residue.
Detergent residue can corrode alloy parts.
5. Dry your CRF with a chamois or a soft towel.
Leaving water on the surface to air dry can
cause dulling and water spots. As you dry,
inspect for chips and scratches.
6. Lubricate the drive chain to prevent rusting.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for several
minutes. The engine heat will help dry moist
areas.
8. As a precaution, ride at a slow speed and apply
the brakes several times. This will help dry the
brakes and restore normal braking
performance.
General Recommendations
(1) steering head bearings
(2) suspension pivot points
(1)
(2)
Washing Your Motorcycle with a Mild
Detergent