Yamaha WR450FB 2012, Owner'S Service Manual

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MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
1-34
EAS1DX3063
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STOR-
AGE
EAS1DX3064
CARE
While the open design of a motorcycle reveals
the attractiveness of the technology, it also
makes it more vulnerable. Rust and corrosion
can develop even if high-quality components
are used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go unno-
ticed on a car, however, it detracts from the
overall appearance of a motorcycle. Frequent
and proper care does not only comply with the
terms of the warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its life and op-
timize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag af-
ter the engine has cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers as well
as all electrical couplers and connectors, in-
cluding the spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil
burnt onto the crankcase, with a degreasing
agent and a brush, but never apply such
products onto seals, gaskets, sprockets, the
drive chain and wheel axles. Always rinse
the dirt and degreaser off with water.
Cleaning
ECA1DX1010
NOTICE
• Avoid using strong acidic wheel cleaners,
especially on spoked wheels. If such prod-
ucts are used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the affected area
any longer than instructed. Also, thor-
oughly rinse the area off with water, imme-
diately dry it, and then apply a corrosion
protection spray.
• Improper cleaning can damage plastic
parts (such as cowlings, panels, wind-
shields, headlight lenses, meter lenses,
etc.) and the mufflers. Use only a soft,
clean cloth or sponge with water to clean
plastic. However, if the plastic parts can-
not be thoroughly cleaned with water, di-
luted mild detergent with water may be
used. Be sure to rinse off any detergent
residue using plenty of water, as it is
harmful to plastic parts.
• Do not use any harsh chemical products
on plastic parts. Be sure to avoid using
cloths or sponges which have been in con-
tact with strong or abrasive cleaning prod-
ucts, solvent or thinner, fuel (gasoline),
rust removers or inhibitors, brake fluid,
antifreeze or electrolyte.
• Do not use high-pressure washers or
steam-jet cleaners since they cause water
seepage and deterioration in the following
areas: seals (of wheel and swingarm bear-
ings, fork and brakes), electric compo-
nents (couplers, connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather hoses and
vents.
• For motorcycles equipped with a wind-
shield: Do not use strong cleaners or hard
sponges as they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning compounds for
plastic may leave scratches on the wind-
shield. Test the product on a small hidden
part of the windshield to make sure that it
does not leave any marks. If the wind-
shield is scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound after washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild detergent,
and a soft, clean sponge, and then rinse thor-
oughly with clean water. Use a toothbrush or
bottlebrush for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn
dirt and insects will come off more easily if the
area is covered with a wet cloth for a few min-
utes before cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea or on salt-
sprayed roads
Since sea salt or salt sprayed on roads during
winter are extremely corrosive in combination
with water, carry out the following steps after
each ride in the rain, near the sea or on salt-
sprayed roads.
TIP
Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may remain
well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold water and a
mild detergent, after the engine has cooled
down.
NOTICE: Do not use warm water since it
increases the corrosive action of the salt.