Honda CRF450X 2009, Owner'S Manual & Competition Handbook

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108
Servicing Your Honda
HONDA O/M CRF450X (Eu) 3RMEY620 00X3R-MEY-6200
Appearance Care
Refer to Safety Precautions on page 25.
Frequent cleaning and polishing will keep your
Honda 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 petrol or oil leaks.
General Recommendations
• To clean your CRF you may use:
– water
– 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
discolour 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 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:
wheel hubs
muffler outlet
area under seat
engine stop button
brake master cylinders
under fuel tank
drive chain
carburetor
steering head bearings
suspension pivot points
(1) steering head bearings
(2) suspension pivot points
High pressure water (or air) can damage
certain parts of your CRF.
You may use 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 the multi-surface cleaner/degreaser and
rinse with a garden hose at full pressure.
Stubborn deposits may require a quick wipe with
a sponge.
NOTICE
Washing Your Motorcycle with a Mild
Detergent
1. Rinse your CRF thoroughly with cool water 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 discolour 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.
5. Dry your CRF with a chamois or a
soft towel.
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.
If the inside of the headlight lens appears clouded
immediately after washing, it should clear after a
few minutes of riding.
NOTICE
(1)
(2)