86
b
c
d
a
13.1 cleaning and caring for the Bicycle.
Dried sweat, dirt and salt from riding during the winter months can harm
your bicycle. You should therefore make it a habit of cleaning all its com-
ponents at regular intervals.
Avoid cleaning your bicycle with a pressure water washer. The high-
pressure water ejected in a narrowly focused jet may pass through
seals and penetrate bearings. This leads to the dilution of lubricants and
consequently to greater friction. This destroys and impairs the function-
ing of the bearing races in the long term. Pressurized water also tends to
abrade frame stickers.
A much more gentle way of cleaning your bicycle is with a low pressure
water jet or a bucket of water and a sponge
(a)
or large brush. Cleaning
your bicycle by hand has another positive side-effect: you may discover
defects in the paint
(b)
or worn or defective components at an early
stage.
Do not clean your bicycle with a high-pressure water or steam
jet and if you do, be sure to keep it at a distance.
While cleaning, watch out for cracks, scratches, dents as well
as bent or discoloured material. Have defective components
replaced immediately and touch up paint defects. If you are in
doubt or if you have any questions, please contact your BMW
partner!
Inspect the chain after you have finished cleaning and oil it, if neces
-
sary
(c)
(see chapter
“chain”
). Apply a coat of standard hard wax
(d)
on painted and metal surfaces (except from brake sufaces). Polish the
waxed surfaces after drying to give them a nice shine.
Keep cleaning agents and chain oil clear of the brake pads,
rotors and rim sides (braking surfaces). This could impair the
functioning of the brake (see chapter
”Brake System“
)!
Only use petroleum based solvents for cleaning tough oil
or grease stains from paint surfaces. Never use degreasing
agents containing acetone, methyl chloride etc., or solvent-
containing, non-neutral or chemical cleaning agents that could
attack the surface!
