Chapter 11
(Maintenance of Motorcycle)
Care of Motorcycle Paint
When washing the motorcycle, use a weak stream of cold or
slightly heated water. Do not remove dust and mud by rubbing the
surface with a dry cloth as sand particles will degrade the surface
and the paint will rapidly lose its brilliance. While washing, do not
use soda solution, kerosene, citric acids or mineral oils. If the
surface is stained with mineral oil, degrease by wiping with a rag.
If after removal of mud and dust with a jet of water, some dirt is left
on the surface, remove it with the help of a sponge, a soft hair
brush or a flannel and water, but not allowing separate water
drops to dry out on the surface. Finally, polish the painted surfaces
with a dry soft flannel.
To repair painted areas, each motorcycle is furnished with a bottle
of matching touch up paint.
For patching proceed as follows: clean the surface with turpentine
rub the damaged spot with a waterproof abrasive cloth and water
rub thoroughly thin the enamel with turpentine or acetone paint
using a soft brush or a spray gun.
After patching let the surface dry in air for 15 min, then proceed
with drying at 212°F-248°F/100°C-120°C with the aid of heat
reflector or an electric lamp until the coat is perfectly dry.
Bear in mind that enamels are inflammable.
Nitroenamels may be used for patching jobs. They dry out readily
when exposed to air of ambient temperature and may also be
dissolved with acetone.
The painted surfaces of the motorcycle feature natural gloss. In
case some dull spots appear, remedy them by polishing as
follows. Take a solution of wax polishing compound and having
washed the dull spots thoroughly, smear a thin film of the
compound with a soft wad (cotton, cotton gauze of flannel) over
the surface. Rub the polishing compound making circular motions
with the wad. In 3 - 5 min. of drying, wipe the surface with a clean
dry piece of cloth or flannel until luster appears.
