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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
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After riding in the rain, near the
sea or on salt-sprayed roads
Since sea salt or salt sprayed on
the roads in the winter are
extremely corrosive in combina-
tion with water, carry out the fol-
lowing steps after each ride in the
rain, near the sea or on salt-
sprayed roads. (Salt sprayed in the
winter may remain on the roads
well into spring.)
1. Clean your motorcycle with
cold water and soap after the
engine has cooled down.
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Do not use warm water since it
increases the corrosive action of
the salt.
2. Be sure to apply a corrosion
protection spray on all (even
chrome- and nickel-plated)
metal surfaces to prevent cor-
rosion.
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a
chamois or an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive
chain and lubricate it to pre-
vent it from rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine
chrome, aluminum and stain-
less-steel parts, including the
exhaust system. (Even the
thermally induced discoloring
of stainless-steel exhaust sys-
tems can be removed through
polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is rec-
ommended to apply a corro-
sion protection spray on all
(even chrome- and nickel-plat-
ed) metal surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal
cleaner to remove any remain-
ing dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage
caused by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry com-
pletely before storing it or cov-
ering it.
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Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes and tires. If nec-
essary, clean the brake discs and
linings with a regular brake disc
cleaner or acetone, and wash the
tires with warm water and mild
soap. Then, carefully test the
motorcycle for its braking perfor-
mance and cornering behavior.
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Apply spray oil and wax spar-
ingly and wipe off any excess.
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Never apply oil or wax on rub-
ber and plastic parts, but treat
them with a suitable care
product.
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Avoid using abrasive polishing
compounds as they wear
away the paint.
3GX-9-33 (E) 12/10/07 11:17 AM Page 74
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